RESIDENTS of an east Durham village are being invited to have their say on proposals which could shape the future of their community.

Durham County Council is holding a series of public consultation events ahead of preparing a masterplan for Horden, near Peterlee.

The authority says it has been working to identify solutions to housing-related issues in the area for a number of years, implementing a number of successful initiatives.

These have included an accreditation scheme for private landlords, providing grants and loans to help to fund the renovation of private properties and, most recently, a multi-agency clean-up operation focusing on environmental issues.

Councillor Kevin Shaw, cabinet member for housing and assets, said: “We have already received a lot of positive feedback in response to the work we have been doing in Horden but now we are keen to hear what residents would like to happen next.

“Their views will be important in shaping the masterplan which could provide a range of options for delivering improvements should external funding be available following many years of lack of investment by central government.”

Horden ward councillor June Clark said: “The masterplan will cover the whole of Horden but will primarily focus on the area known as the numbered streets.

“It will provide a range of potential options for delivering improvements in housing and the environment.

“However, this work will only be carried out if external funding can be obtained. The masterplan will, therefore, be used to make bids for funding from central government."

She added: “In order to maximise and target applications it makes sense to have an informed plan based on the public’s opinion, either people who have a vested interest in the village, such as employers or companies with factories in the village or residents and householders.

“This is really big opportunity for the villagers to have an input. We have worked with a consultancy to provide some basic information to guide people or prompt them to any ideas.”

People have been urged to attend a public exhibition at Horden Social Welfare Centre, Seventh Street, from 1pm to 7pm today.

Anyone who is unable to attend a consultation event can provide their feedback by visiting www.durham.gov.uk/consultation until Thursday, July 5.

They can also email the project team at hordenmasterplan@durham.gov.uk.

It will be followed by a series of drop-in sessions.

These will be held at the following venues on the following dates: One Point Family Centre, Ocean View on Tuesday June 12, 9.30am to 12.30pm; The Ark, Sunderland Road Wednesday, June 13, 10am to 12noon; Horden Salvation Army, Dene Street Wednesday, June 20, 5pm to 7pm; Horden Hub House, 54 Seventh Street Thursday June 21, 9am to 12noon; Horden Youth and Community Centre Tuesday, June 26, 9.30am to 12.30pm and Teddy bears’ picnic, Welfare Park and Sunday, 1 July, 12noon to 2pm.