RESIDENTS are being asked to set the priorities of a new action team set up to improve life in their village.

The Community Action Team, set up by Durham County Council, will begin work in Easington Colliery on Monday, and spend the next eight weeks working with residents to improve the area and offer advice on health and wellbeing.

Among the areas already identified for action are improving housing standards, dealing with empty properties and removing rubbish dumped in the area.

The team will also investigate issues of noise and try to deal with problems such as underage drinking and cold callers, as well as offering advice on energy efficiency and health.

Organisers have invited residents to a meeting on Wednesday, September 10 at 6pm in Easington Social Welfare Centre when local people can have their say on what the team’s priorities should be.

The meeting is being held as part of the Police and Communities Together meeting and people will be able to raise any concerns or highlight anything important to them.

There will also be three drop-in sessions which will give residents regular updates on the progress of the team’s work as well as the chance to identify any new areas of concern.

Joanne Waller, head of environment, health and consumer protection at Durham County Council, said: “We are extremely keen to hear the views of residents on how our Community Action Team can make Easington Colliery an even better place to live.

“The residents’ meeting and drop-in sessions will give members of the community the ideal opportunity to get their voices heard and to raise any issues and we’re hoping as many people come along as possible.

“Our Community Action Team is committed to improving towns and villages across the county and bringing together residents and other organisations by identifying local priorities and making best use of resources.”

The team will operate in Easington Colliery until October 26.

Drop-in sessions will take place at Easington Social Welfare Centre between 3.30pm and 6pm on Tuesday, September 16, September 23, and September 30.