MORE than 600 jobs could be created and a cinema built if a multi-million-pound funding bid is successful.

The South Durham Enterprise Agency (SDEA) has submitted an £11.7m request to the Government for Regional Growth Fund (RGF) cash as it attempts to kick-start developments in the area.

One of the projects seeking funding is a cinema at the Terrace Hill Development, in St Helen Auckland.

The £45m scheme, which has already seen a Sainsbury’s supermarket and a stadium for Bishop Auckland FC built, has stalled after a drop in the market saw cinema operators lose interest in the site.

More than 4,300 people have joined a group on social networking website Facebook calling for a cinema and county councillor for the area, Rob Yorke, said the funding would make their dreams a reality.

Councillor Yorke, who is the SDEA chairman, said several companies, including a cinema operator, have agreed to develop in the area if the bid for the Government cash is successful.

He said the purpose of the RGF was to “spark the ignition”

of developments which have been waylaid by the economic troubles and create opportunities for people aged between 18 and 24.

Other projects which Coun Yorke said would benefit include a training centre for the construction trade at Spennymoor, broadband provision in the Durham Dales and boosts for small businesses.

Coun Yorke said: “This type of stimulus grant could tip the balance in favour of the private sector developing here.”

SDEA board member Geoff Mowbray, from Crook, County Durham, said a successful bid would be the “final piece in the regeneration of south Durham”.

Mr Mowbray, a former member of Wear Valley District Council, where he also chaired the regeneration committee, said: “When the coal mining industry closed, the population in south Durham declined.

“As a district council we brought it back up again and now we are trying to build up prospects for jobs and for business.

“For example, there are lots of small companies in Weardale and Teesdale which, through want of better broadband, are struggling.

“This fund would enable us to improve that.”