CAMPAIGNERS have been given an early Christmas present after the final hurdle in their application for a town council was cleared.

It has been nearly 70 years since Willington had its own council, but an order has now been signed to create a parish council for Greater Willington.

The Department for Communities and Local Government's announcement was welcomed by local MP Hilary Armstrong and county councillor Brian Mayers.

Ms Armstrong, said: "I welcome the creation of Greater Willington Town Council. This is about devolving power and decision making down to neighbourhood levels, so that local people can have a greater say in how their community is run."

Elections for the council will be held at the same time as those for Wear Valley District Council, on Thursday, May 3, next year.

Coun Myers, chairman of the Willington Partnership and vice-chairman of the Greater Willington Town Council steering group, said: "This is great news. Willington has long been a victim of its close proximity to Crook and has only managed to gather the crumbs from the rich man's table. For a minimal cost, all this will change - our residents will be masters of their own destiny.

"Our vision is that by 2009 a new unitary council will be running the county, replacing the districts and county council, with local decisions being made here by a democratically-elected council.

"Our next task will be to enthuse local people to be an integral part of this process."