A COUNCILLOR has warned that substantial progress on a failed town centre redevelopment project could take years unless action is taken now.

Councillor Terry Hogan said a masterplan to update Newton Aycliffe and refurbish the ailing town centre is expected early next year.

"Preparing the masterplan is only the first step in this process," said Coun Hogan.

"The plan will then have to be put out for consultation, meetings held, reports prepared and even if we do get an agreed master plan before the end of next year, the hard work then starts in getting the plan implemented.

"Who is going to do what, where is the money coming from? All this at the same time as the local council structure will be involved in a major reorganisation to form the new unitary council for County Durham."

Newton Aycliffe's long awaited regeneration project collapsed earlier this year when developers failed to reach an agreement with various landlords.

Coun Hogan, an independent councillor for the town's Shafto St Mary's ward, said residents might not see any progress for two or three years.

He said: "I am heartened to see that the councils and Durham County Care are looking to see how they can accommodate the library and some health centre facilities either within or close to the leisure centre.

"If the right temporary or permanent solution can be found it will allow the sub-standard current buildings to be demolished and the site used for parking, at least in the interim."