PLANS have been unveiled for a new rail station in east Durham - in a bid to boost tourist and job prospects in the area.

Durham County Council’s cabinet will be asked next week to approve further consultation and investigation into proposals for the new station at Sea View South - close to Horden and between Hartlepool and Seaham.

Cabinet member for regeneration and economic development is Councillor Neil Foster said: "It has long been an aspiration of the council to support this area with a new rail station and a great deal of good work has gone in to finding the right location.

"Sea View South is well located with the largest residential catchment for pedestrians, who would naturally play a major role in the success of a new station.

"Access is good, there is certainly local demand and it has the backing of both Network Rail and Northern Rail."

Seven sites have been looked at during initial investigations, with the Sea View South location scoring highest on all accounts.

Consultation has taken place with Network Rail, Northern Rail and the Department for Transport as well as local councillors.

If the report is approved by Cabinet further consultation will take place, supported by the council’s East Durham Area Action Partnership taking in the views of the public, parish and town councils and local businesses.

Coun Foster said: "This station would undoubtedly help local residents access better employment opportunities in an area of low car ownership and provide a welcome boost for tourism and business in the area.

"Despite the difficult economic times, we are committed to supporting this initiative and have allocated funds from our capital reserves. If all goes well, we would hope to see a new station up and running within five to six years."

It’s estimated that the local population alone could generate in excess of 90,000 trips per year to and from a new station, with numbers rising depending on the type of facility provided.

While decisions have yet to be made on what the station would offer, possibilities include an eco-station and a manned station complete with shop, café and tourist centre, offering information on the award winning Heritage Coast. The station would cost between £5m and £6m to deliver but as well as providing in-house funding the council would hope to access additional money from other agencies.