BARCLAYS Bank's decision to close scores of rural outlets hit many communities hard earlier this year.

But one Wear Valley group is hoping to create something positive out of the loss.

The bank's former branch in Willington High Street might become a community resource centre.

Willington Community Partnership has held talks with Barclays to use the redundant building to house an information technology suite and community services, including the Citizen's Advice Bureau and Employment Agency, and to offer meeting facilities.

Partnership representatives discussed the options with Wear Valley District Council's director of planning, Bob Hope, and two officials from Barclays on Monday.

Wear Valley district councillor Brian Myers said: "The closure was regrettable, but I believe that Barclays still has a role in local communities.

"It seems appropriate for them to use this limited asset as a potential tool to demonstrate its commitment to the Willington residents."

Single Regeneration Budget money is being used to help regenerate Willington by improving the look of its streets and shop fronts.

Mr Hope pledged the council's support to the project, saying: "It is essential that all regeneration schemes are underpinned by active and involved community participation."