Have your say on the future of two County Durham towns
- gracebell7
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
Residents in two County Durham towns are being urged to have their say on a new vision for the future of each area.
Durham County Council has launched a consultation to develop Strategic Place Plans (SPPs) for Chester-le-Street and Crook.
The council is in the process of developing SPPs for each of the county’s towns, which will set out a positive vision for each place, which would act as guidance alongside the authority’s Economic Strategy.
The plans will guide long-term improvements across the towns and ensure investment is shaped by local priorities, with people who live and work in both areas placed at the heart of decision making.
Cllr Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for leisure, tourism and high street, said: “We really want to understand how local people feel about living and working in Chester-le-Street and Crook, to help shape a positive future for both towns."
“We are keen to understand the strengths and opportunities that exist in the areas, any areas for improvement, and what people would like the towns to become. It’s important to stress that we have no existing ideas in mind – this vision will be directly shaped by local people from the very beginning.”
Over the next eight weeks, a series of consultation and events will be carried out in both areas.
As well as speaking to people in the town centres, the council and its consultants, Urban Foresight, will be visiting schools, businesses and local organisations to understand how residents of all ages feel about Chester-le-Street and Crook and gain an insight into what people would like to see in the towns.
Drop-in events will also be held in Chester-le-Street and Crook on the following dates:
Chester-le-Street
· Bullion Hall Community Centre, Thursday 13 November, 10.30am to 2.30pm
· Chester-le-Street Library, Thursday 13 November, 3.30pm to 7.30pm
· Chester-le-Street Market Place, Saturday 29 November, 3.30pm to 7.30pm
Crook
· Crook Community Centre, Tuesday 11 November, 8am to 1pm
· Royal Corner, Wednesday 12 November, 9am to 1pm
· Royal Corner, Thursday 27 November, 1pm to 5pm
· Crook Christmas event at Crook Market Place, Saturday 6 December, time to be confirmed.
Dates and times for other drop-in sessions for both Chester-le-Street and Crook will be confirmed on the council’s online engagement platform, www.letstalkcountydurham.co.uk
Residents can also take part in the SPP consultation by visiting the platform before 5pm on Friday 19 December.
