A SURVEY of residents' views is helping council officers to develop a community action plan for Darlington's Whinfield estate.

Hundreds of responses have been received from 2,500 questionnaires asking people about their problems and priorities for the area.

It looked at issues including street cleaning, policing, road safety, jobs, hospitals, public transport and anti-social behaviour. It asked if a community centre was wanted and what sports provision residents would like.

Local councillor Chris McEwan said: "The residents' association is working with us to progress the community action plan because the views of local people will shape the way it develops.

"The survey, along with an independent feasibility study, will help us prepare the groundwork for future bids for funding."

Eileen Shepherd, chairwoman of the Whinfield Residents' Association, said: "I know from comments made that many people have welcomed this opportunity to air their views.

"We must now make sure that those views are reflected in the action plan."