SUPPORTERS of a proposed £14m leisure centre said their case for the facility was strengthened during public consultation yesterday. (Saturday, June 1)

Outline plans for the Fusion 21 Active Village Complex in St Helen Auckland, near Bishop Auckland, went on display at Starbucks and residents and visitors to surrounding shops were asked to share their views.

The venue would include indoor football facilities, a swimming pool, eateries, function rooms, a dance studio and beauty salons.

Ken Houlahan, who initiated the scheme, said about 100 people attended the consultation at Starbucks, in St Helen Auckland, and all were in favour of the proposal.

He said: “There has been overwhelming, unanimous backing for the idea.

“There is clearly demand for a venue that provides high quality facilities for clubs and major events down to families who all want to enjoy their leisure time under one roof.”

Jonathan Yates, of architects Howarth Litchfield Partnership which has designed the complex, believes it is possible to attract public and private finance to realise the scheme.

Durham County Councillor for West Auckland, Coun Rob Yorke said: “This is a prime site for development with all the new and planned houses, retail and leisure facilities so sports provision follows on from that.

“People work hard, they want somewhere to spend their leisure time and we don’t want them going to Newcastle or Teesside when they can have it here.

“During the consultation I was amazed how many people said they weren’t from the area but had travelled here to shop, it is becoming a destination and we want more reasons for them to come and to spend here.”

An online survey to gather more public feedback will be launched at fusion-21.net next Monday. (Monday, June 10)