COUNCIL officers have joined forces with developers to make sure a multi-million pound shopping and leisure complex goes ahead as soon as possible.

The future of the Dalton Flatts scheme, in Murton, East Durham, was thrown into doubt when London Amsterdam Developments submitted an application to vary the terms of the original planning consent.

The change amounted to a 50 per cent increase in the shopping space, which would be achieved by reducing the size of the multi-screen cinema complex.

Easington district councillors backed the scheme, but the plans were called in by the Secretary of State for the Environment, John Prescott.

They are now working closely with London Amsterdam to try and halt the need for a public inquiry.

A first public inquiry was held in May 1999 and the village had to wait nine months to hear the outcome.

Councillors are keen to avoid any further delays and believe the amendments are a reasonable variation, considering the time lapse since the original planning consent was granted, and the changes in market conditions.

Easington district council leader, Councillor Alan Napier, said: "Officers of the council and the developers are working together very hard to make sure the scheme goes ahead as soon as possible.

"We hope that work on the Dalton Flatts site can start before the end of this year."

London and Amsterdam has been involved in several prestigious redevelopment projects in recent years, including the Albert Docks, in Liverpool, and Newcastle Quayside.

The Dalton Flatts scheme could create up to 1,000 jobs.