DALES communities are joining forces for the first time, spurred on by massive cash injections which could total more than £1.25m.

Traditional village rivalries are being set aside in Weardale, where moves to create a partnership get under way on Thursday.

Foot-and-mouth outbreaks have intensified the economic problems faced by people in the dale, where a recent study identified pockets of deprivation and isolation.

People attending three public meetings called by the Weardale Society produced a catalogue of concerns, including jobs, services, transport, opportunities for young people, agriculture, tourism and leisure facilities.

Once established, the partnership can bid for funding and play a key role in directing regeneration projects and co-ordinating action plans.

Stanhope has already been allocated up to £1m through a market towns initiative, while economic development packages based on population would release at least £80,000 in each of the dale's three council wards.

Wear Valley District Council's director of regeneration, Bob Hope, said the partnership would have a key role.

He said: "There are huge sums of money flowing into the district. We are the 19th most deprived local authority in the country, and on that basis are being targeted by neighbourhood renewal money.

"We are aiming to create a strategic partnership for the whole of the Wear Valley to drive forward the regeneration process, and each of our smaller partnerships would be represented."

Weardale Society chairman Sue Weston said: "If we work together as a community it gives us a great deal more clout and a great deal more say in how the money is spent.

"In the past, I don't think the dale has ever been in a position of strength like this, where we can apply for funding.

"But foot-and-mouth has united people like never before, by bringing home to those who would not ordinarily have been touched by it, how it can decimate a community."

Tomorrow's meeting, in Stanhope Church Hall, at 7pm, aims to set up a steering group, identify initial small projects and develop a partnership programme.

Anyone interested in joining can contact Maureen Thomas, at Durham Rural Community Council's office in the Durham Dales Centre, Castle Gardens, Stanhope