A POTENTIAL £100m development which community leaders hoped would herald the 'rebirth' of Stanley looks to have come to nothing.

Leader of Derwentside District Council Alex Watson said the council had decided to 'take a step back' from the King's Head Fields development in the town.

At one time the council revealed that a major property developer had wanted the site, just outside the town centre, for a retail, entertainment and housing centre.

But the developer withdrew and attempts to attract smaller scale developments have failed.

The council has this week discussed a new blueprint report for the town, although it has not yet been made public.

Coun Watson revealed the council had finally decided to put its plans for the development of the King's Head site on hold, but said there were still other achievable plans for the town.

He said: "We have decided to take a step back from this development, although it is still available for potential investors. Our report is a new blueprint and is very realistic and more short term, not a ten year programme or anything.

"We are looking at the main bus station for a start and, of course, we have already secured the means for a £4.5m swimming pool.

"The new plan is realistic and is identifying potential areas of reinvestment."

Coun Watson also pointed to Durham County Council plans for a new library on Front Street and investment from Government-backed child and parent support group Sure Start, as encouraging signs for the town.

Meanwhile Stanley Action Group Enterprise has introduced a new policy of focusing on small-scale issues in order to get the town tidied up.

The group staged a protest at the semi-derelict bus station on Station Road which they want the council to tear down.

Coun Watson agreed with that smaller eyesores like the Station Road bus station should be cleaned up.

He said: "Areas of historic use that are not now used by the public, like that bus station, can become eyesores and we have to look at that."