CAMPAIGNERS against a council’s £50m proposal to move its headquarters to a new five-storey building in the centre of Durham city say support for their fight is strong throughout the county.

City residents were joined by supporters from across County Durham at a demonstration against the plans, held in Durham market place on Saturday.

They urged members of Durham County Council to reject the relocation from County Hall, at Aykley Heads, to The Sands because of a raft of concerns.

One of the lead campaigners, Janet George said: “The protest isn’t just about city centre residents but about countywide concerns, we have petition signatories in all parts of the county.

“Everybody who came to talk to us was in agreement, they were all saying 'Why there? It is the most unsuitable location possible'.”

The council has proposed building a new civic centre on The Sands and Durham Sixth Form car parks, along with a multi-storey car park, and demolishing County Hall to make way for a business development.

If approved, the building would accommodate 1,000 council employees and Kier Property Developments, which has been awarded the contract for the project and submitted the planning application, argues it would bring significant benefits to the city.

Planning officers at the authority have recommended approval of the scheme by members, subject to consideration by the Secretary of State, saying it would boost the city by increasing footfall and reducing traffic as staff would be encouraged to use park and ride services.

Almost 1,000 members of the public and community groups disagree.

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Among their concerns are the cost, loss of parking– believing many staff will not opt the park and ride, inaccessibility, pollution and the impact on the World Heritage Site.

Concerns have also been raised about the proposed building’s flood risk, but the council says that the Environment Agency does not object and the plans include mitigation measures as at the new Passport and NS&I offices and the recently approved Milburngate development.

Miss George, secretary of St Nicholas Community Forum, in central Durham, added: “When we started last year we petitioned the houses in the area and gathered support, that has grown and spread to places like Bishop Auckland and Wolsingham.

“Why does it have to be in the historic city centre?

“The council could put 800 staff in its existing premises in Spennymoor, Crook, Seaham and on Claypath and keep a smaller place on Aykley Heads, why not boost those areas which need it so badly?

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“I want the city to thrive but believe the reality is that this proposal won’t help.

“I’ve spoken to traders, market and café people and many say they are appalled and think business will be hugely damaged.

“Staff won’t have time to do meaningful shopping in the city and if they buy lunch here it will mean queuing in cafes for a sandwich, putting off tourists and the customers that have visited and want to enjoy the city.

“People are frustrated at the lack of consultation, they want councillors to listen to the people and reject this proposal.”