PROPOSALS for the redevelopment of a former factory in Ferryhill will be unveiled by Sedgefield Borough Council at a series of exhibitions.

The authority has completed the purchase of the former Praxis Taylor site and surrounding land, in the Dean Bank area of the village.

The former textiles factory closed two years ago and the building has since fallen into disrepair.

The council aims to demolish the eyesore building and replace it with a Sure Start Partnership Family Centre.

Sedgefield Borough Council's regeneration officer, Andy Couthard, said: "The area we have bought is quite sizeable because it is not only the Praxis factory, but also an area of land behind it.

"The proposals at the moment are to site a family centre there, and to have an open piece of land that would be used for the possible development of a play area.

"There is also a proposal to allocate an area of land for housing."

A draft planning brief for the site has been prepared for consultation with the community and an exhibition of the proposals has been organised.

An exhibition will be held at Dean Bank Primary School, on Wednesday, May 22, from 4pm to 7pm.

A display of the plans and site information will be available in Ferryhill Library and the Neighbourhood Watch warden's house, during regular opening hours, from Thursday, May 23, to Monday, May 27. Officers will be on hand to answer questions.

Anyone unable to attend any of the sessions, but who wishes to discuss the issue further, can contact Mr Coulthard on (01388) 816166, extension 4457.