THE creation of a new parish council for Durham city centre is set to face its final hurdle next week.

Durham County Council is due to make a final decision on whether to approve the new authority, which would cover most of the city centre.

Earlier this year people voters living in the unparished areas of the city were asked whether they wanted a new council, with two thirds of those who responded saying they did.

A formal consultation took place in July.

A total of 37 letters were sent in support of the council, as well as four objections.

Support was also given by Neville’s Cross Community Association and Sidegate Residents’ Association while Whinney Hill Community Group was against it.

Some concerns were voiced that the turnout was low, as only 24 per cent of voters responded to the consultative poll. Of the 11,700 documents sent out, 2,819 were returned.

Councillors will vote on whether to approve the proposals at a meeting on Wednesday.

The Constitution Working Group has recommended they approve the authority, which would be known as the City of Durham Parish Council and have three wards, Neville’s Cross, Elvet and Gilesgate and Durham South.

The first elections would take place next May and tax payers would be asked to pay a precept from next April.