DERELICT buildings are being renovated in a village to create a new social enterprise hub for the community.

The Cooperative Workshops in Plasworth Road, Sacriston, are being transformed into a centre to be used by local groups as well as social enterprises and charities.

One of the social enterprises is Live Well North East, a community interest company, which provides wellbeing services to disadvantaged children, young people and adults in County Durham.

Live Well North East, along with CIC Woodsheds Workshops, is the driving force behind the restoration of the buildings.

Director Emma Pattison said: “The buildings are derelict and have been for some time, but behind all the wear and tear there is a stunning series of workshops and retail spaces waiting for an opportunity to return to their original purpose as a home in which local start-up enterprises like ours can flourish and support the local economy.

“As not-for-profit community interest companies, we need lots of help with funding, resources building materials and volunteers, and we have already had lots of fantastic support.”

The Sacriston Enterprise Workshop project is being supported Shildon-based Flooring Superstore which has donated hundreds of pounds worth of underlay.

Ms Pattison said: “We approached Flooring Superstore to see if they would be willing to help and were delighted when they donated the underlay.

“It has been put in one of the offices and classrooms, with wooden flooring then going on top, and given the age and condition of the building, it’s going to come in very useful, and warm, when we run projects in winter.”

Dan Foskett, managing director of Flooring Superstore, said “We’ve always been keen to support charities and local enterprises which do so much good in our communities. The Sacriston Enterprise Workshop project is a fantastic example of how local people can improve their surroundings and bring about positive social and economic change.”