A PROJECT aimed at sprucing up a former mining village by covering up boarded houses and vacant shops with decorative vinyl has been launched.

The scheme in the Front Street of Wheatley Hill, spearheaded by Durham county councillors Jude Grant, Lucky Hovvels and Peter Brookes, was given stamp of approval by the shadow housing minister John Healey during a brief visit;

The £20,000 initiative has been funded by the local councillors with a top-up from the local parish council.

It will see shop rolling shutters painted a uniform colours and decorative vinyl put on empty houses. In one case a shop that has stood vacant for many years will have a vinyl covering with artwork resembling a cafe.

Street furniture is also getting a fresh lick of paint and the streets will be given a “deep-clean”.

Councillor Grant said: “The Front Streetm which was once a thriving area, has been run down for many years.

“We felt that it was such a focal point, that to see houses boarded up and the properties being left vacant was unsightly.

“Residents said they had to live alongside these properties and we decided to think outside the box and do something about it by putting up decorative vinyls.”

She added: “We understand that it is a sticking plaster. Ideally we want the property to be brought back into use. But we felt it was so important for the community that something is done.”

Cllr Lucy Hovvels added: “This scheme is a number one priority for the councillors representing the area.We are responding to the community’s needs. They have told us they want something done.

“We have engaged with the business sector, because some of the shops are being used, and they, along with local people and landlords, have bought into the scheme.”

“We would like to see more of this. We don’t think that is a vast amount of money that is making a big difference.”

She added: “Ideally we would like these houses brought back into use. I think the people who own these houses – the landlords and property owners – have a responsibility.

“What we need to do is make sure that we have them on board and help and support them in a positive way.

“When people start to see the difference it will lift their feeling of wellbeing.”