YOUTH facilities and town centre regeneration won the support of a new community forum for the Spennymoor area.

Residents and community representatives set both as priorities for the Spennymoor Area Action Partnership during its launch at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, on Wednesday night. (may 6th) The AAP is one of 14 established by Durham County Council to create a link between the new unitary authority and communities across the county.

It covers Spennymoor and surrounding settlements including Kirk Merrington, Middlestone Moor, Byers Green, Tudhoe, Croxdale, Sunderland Bridge and Hett.

Delegates at the meeting considered what the AAP should focus on and applicants were sought for a board of councillors, partner organisations and members of the public.

The board will be asked to focus on improving facilities and activities for teenagers and support the long awaited town centre regeneration, particularly around Festival Walk.

They also said they wanted the AAP to work towards improving the local environment and the health and well being of residents.