RESIDENTS in part of a former pit village are being asked to play their part in a campaign to improve their community.

Durham County Council’s Community Action Team (CAT) will spend 10 weeks with people living in Blackhall Colliery (First Street to Eleventh Street as well as East Street and Middle Street) to address local issues and advise on health and wellbeing.

It starts on Monday (January 18) and will be the 15th CAT project in the county since the initiative launched in 2012.

The team will also tackle a number of housing, environmental and health issues.

Members of the community are urged to get involved to highlight what their priorities should be to help make improvements.

Drop-in sessions will be held from 10am on 9 February at Blackhall Community Centre, 19 February at Blackhall Library and 23 February at Blackhall Community Centre.

There will also be a residents’ meeting on 25 January at 12pm at Blackhall Resource Centre.

The events will update residents on the progress of the team’s work and provide a chance to raise any other concerns.

Joanne Waller, the council’s head of environment, health and consumer protection, said: “This is a good opportunity for people in the area we will be working in to let us know what their priorities are and to work with the team to improve their neighbourhood.”

To find out more about the CAT’s visit to Blackhall Colliery call 03000 261 016 or email communityactionteam@durham.gov.uk or visit www.durham.gov.uk/CAT