A NEW group which aims to bring about a transformation of a town has met for the first time.

The Bishop Auckland Strategic Advisory Group (SAG) comprises of various individuals and representatives of agencies involved in the town.

It will have an overview of key developments affecting Bishop Auckland and intends to ensure the wider community are engaged in the agreed programme.

The group will also ensure residents and businesses are kept up to date on the initiatives intended to drive economic growth and provide opportunities for townsfolk.

It will also provide advice and input into issues affecting the town and has been set up following feedback from the local community.

The panel’s “mission statement” is to ensure exciting regeneration takes place across the town informed by the views of local residents and businesses.

Panellists include elected members for wards in the Bishop Auckland area serving on Durham County Council and constituency MP Dehenna Davison.

It also features representatives from a wide range of existing organisations and voluntary groups serving the town, including The Auckland Project, Bishop Auckland Town Council, the Town Team, Heritage Action Zone, Let’s Clean Up Bishop Auckland, the Brighter Bishop Auckland Partnership and the Stronger Towns Board.

During the maiden meeting the board agreed to look for opportunities to expand its membership, with the aim of ensuring all groups in the town are fully represented.

Panel members also supported a new communications plan, the aims of which will be to keep residents informed about developments and projects in the town, giving local people the chance to have their say, including younger generations, to ensure a two-way discussion on issues it tackles.

Councillor Elizabeth Scott, the county council cabinet member for economy and partnerships, who chairs the new group, said: “Bishop Auckland is in a fantastic position at the moment, with access to a number of funding sources and a wide range of partners who want to do their very best to continue the transformation of the town.

“With representatives from across the community, the new board will ensure everyone has a voice and can feel involved in the many exciting projects taking place.

“We will also be making sure people know and understand what is happening in their community.

“Bishop Auckland is a great place on the cusp of some amazing changes.

“It’s vitally important that its residents and businesses feel a part of the journey and feel a real sense of pride for their area.”

MP Ms Davison said: “With record Government, county council and private investment coming into Bishop Auckland, this is a time of real change for our town.

“That’s why it is crucial that all stakeholders work together to ensure we are able to make the most of this once in a lifetime opportunity, keeping residents of the town involved every step of the way.”

She said the group will provide, “an important oversight” of everything happening in the town, adding that she was delighted at the srong turnout for the first meeting.

Brian Sutton, of Let’s Clean Up Bishop Auckland, said: “I am delighted that representatives of all of the groups that are passionate about Bishop Auckland for once met and are working together for the good of the town.”

Read more: REVEALED: How some of the £33.2m Bishop Auckland grant will be spent

The town has benefited from £19.8m investment through the Future High Street Fund, money that will be used to support a number of projects, ranging from a new bus station and multi-storey car park to public realm improvements.

Bishop Auckland was also one of only 101 places nationally to be selected to apply for Stronger Town Funding, the bid being based on agreed projects securing £33.2m.

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