RESIDENTS were given the opportunity to have their say on the future of Wear Valley at a community conference.

The event, organised by the Wear Valley Community Network, saw the official launch of the Community Plan, and attracted nearly 200 people.

Key figures from the those who took the opportunity to have a say on how the goals laid down in the Wear Valley Community Plan can be achieved.

Topics included how £8m coming to the area over the next two years should be spent.

The community plan has been put together by the Local Strategic Partnership, which is made up of a range of service providers including health services, district council, police, county council, the fire service as well as representatives from local community groups.

The conference was held on Saturday at Bishop Auckland College and speakers included Hilary Armstrong MP and Joe Buckham, chairman of the Local Strategic Partnership.

David Craggs, community network co-ordinator, said: "I am delighted at the interest the conference has generated and the number of people who felt it was of sufficient importance to give up their Saturday and get involved."

For further information on the outcomes of the conference, or to find out more about the Wear Valley Community Network, contact 2D on (01388) 762220.