MORE than 1,000 people have given their feedback on proposals for the future of Horden during a consultation focusing on the area known as the ‘numbered streets’.

Residents were asked for their views on a number of possible options which it is hoped will help regenerate the area.

The proposals are contained in a masterplan drawn up by Durham County Council and based on comments provided during an earlier public consultation.

“We asked residents what they liked about their area and what they wanted to see improved," said Cllr Kevin Shaw, Cabinet member for strategic housing and assets. "The feedback they provided has been fundamental in shaping the masterplan for the area.

“We came up with a number of possible options for the future of Horden and, in particular, the numbered streets. Residents’ comments on these proposals will now be analysed with the hope we can share feedback with them in the autumn.”

However, the options outlined in the masterplan are only possible if the council is able to secure funding from central government. A delegation – which will include Grahame Morris MP; Cllr Kevin Shaw, the authority’s Cabinet member for strategic housing and assets, and representatives from the council – is due to meet with the housing minister later this year and will use the document as part of the evidence in making its case for funding.

The masterplan follows a number of successful initiatives by the council to breathe new life into Horden, including providing grants and loans to renovate private properties, a multi-agency clean-up focusing on environmental issues, and the introduction of an accreditation scheme for private landlords which the authority now hopes can be rolled out across the county.

The ongoing regeneration of the village has also been significantly boosted in recent weeks with the start of work on a new £10.55m railway station which will link the village into the local, regional and national rail network, providing a significant economic boost to Horden and the wider east Durham area.

The facility, which will include a 139-space car park, is being funded by Durham County Council, with £4.4m from the Department for Transport’s New Stations Fund and a grant from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership LEP.

The authority is working closely with Network Rail and Northern Railway on the project, which is expected to open to passengers in spring 2020, with services running every hour both north and south.

Rail industry projections anticipate that more than 70,000 passengers could use the station on South East View each year, signalling a significant economic boost to the area.

Cllr Simon Henig, Leader of Durham County Council, said: “Horden station will bring much improved transport links for residents in the east of the county.

“It will also open up employment opportunities for local people while at the same time providing a direct connection to our coastline for visitors travelling from further afield.”

The stunning coastline on which Horden sits also looks set to benefit from investment over the coming years, with a business case being developed for £5m to deliver more than 30 projects focusing on coastal heritage, the marine environment and coastal communities from the Tyne to the Tees.

Initiatives will improve access to beaches, explore undersea habitats, tackle marine litter and create opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy the sea.

Meanwhile, in nearby Peterlee, the town’s leisure centre has recently reopened to the public following a £2m revamp which has seen the relocation of the town’s library to within the centre and improvements to the pool changing rooms and reception area.

A series of special events has also been lined up this year to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the town’s iconic Apollo Pavilion.

Completed in 1969 and named as a lasting tribute to the Apollo moon landing of the same year, the artwork was the brainchild of the Peterlee Development Corporation and was designed by artist Victor Pasmore.

Its half century has already been marked with a stunning light installation by Lumiere producers Artichoke, which was enjoyed by more than 1,500 people over two nights.

The celebrations are set to continue next month with a 50th birthday party, which will be followed by the unveiling of another art installation in September and a landscape art project for secondary and higher education projects.