PROPOSALS to create a new independent community council for a north Durham village are gathering pace with the next stage of consultation beginning.

Residents of Pelton Fell, near Chester-le-Street, will be asked whether they support plans to form the new elected body, which will have the same powers as a parish council.

Every house affected by the proposal will be getting background information and a feedback form to be returned by November 6.

The plans were initiated by the Pelton Fell Community Partnership, which runs the Brockwell Centre in Craghead Road, Pelton Fell.

Partnership secretary Colin Reynolds said: “We have a long-term lease from Durham County Council.

"The economic situation now is quite difficult and because the area does not form part of a partnership getting support for things like core costs for running a centre like ours is quite difficult.

“We feel the advantage of a community council is that a reasonable amount of money can be raised through the normal rating system and it will be the best way of maintaining local services and facilities, such as the Brockwell Centre."

Mr Reynolds said the community council would have the same powers as an ordinary parish council, including provide allotments, and acquiring and maintaining land for use as open space or recreation.

He said: “We want to make sure that public services are maintained– which for a village of this size are very good indeed."

Durham county councillor Cllr Linda Marshall, who along with Cllr Simon Henig represents the ward, said: “A parish precept is only about £50 a year and only those who can afford it pay it.

“With that we can do such a lot. Pelton Fell is a deprived area with an ageing population and we need to look after our own.

“We have a fantastic facility in the Brockwell Centre, as well as a park and other facilities.

“A community council will give us a lot more flexibility to maintain those and deliver for our young people and the elderly in the future.”

Anyone who does not get a feedback form but would like to give their views on the proposal can submit a written representation to durhamcgr@durham.gov.uk.

Draft proposals will be put together for further consultation in January 2016 with final recommendations due in May 2016.