A VILLAGE has launched its parish plan after three years of preparation.

The West Auckland Parish Plan has been produced as a guide to what residents and parish councillors would like to see improved.

A questionnaire was sent to every village home. The results took three years to gather and write up.

Main issues covered are employment, transport and highways, services, crime and security, environment, education, leisure and recreation, and the community.

Hazel Charlton, chairwoman of West Auckland Parish Council which was responsible for the plan, said it would work with agencies on areas highlighted.

Copies will be sent to regeneration agencies to guide where money needs to be spent in the village. Wear Valley District Council and Durham County Council will also get the plan.

Mrs Charlton said: "We will use it as an agenda of what we hope will be completed.

"It will provide the handbook for what the people in the village would like to see done."

Priorities raised in the plan include encouraging new business in the town, reducing the levels of traffic and illegal parking, reducing anti-social behaviour, and improving the village's appearance.

It is hoped a £680,000 conservation grant for West Auckland, announced recently, will help - as well as the West Auckland bypass, which is expected to be completed in the summer.

Mrs Charlton said: "Some of the objectives have already been achieved since the questionnaire was sent out.

"Those that haven't will continue to be discussed at parish council meetings and we will work with and lobby appropriate bodies."

Mrs Charlton thanked the working party that helped to produce the document. She also thanked Michael Stocks, Martin Roberts and Anne Ferguson, and villagers who returned the questionnaire.

About 200 copies of the brochure have been produced.

They will go on show in public places, including the Post Office, the Village Centre and the Parish Council Community Room, in Monteith Close from today.

They can also be bought for a small amount.