MOVES to set up a town council in Crook are under way following a public meeting.

Residents are volunteering to join a steering group, which will start the official application process and collect more than 800 signatures of support.

Almost all the 50 people at the meeting on Thursday night, called by Crook Community Partnership, supported the new council after hearing it would improve services and strengthen community ties.

Initial proposals are for the council to cover an area similar to the present district council wards, including Roddymoor, Crook itself and Helmington Row, but not Howden-le-Wear or the hill top communities of Sunniside and Stanley Crook.

The steering group will decide on the boundaries, as well as the range of services a town council will provide.

Bishop Auckland and Willington set up their own councils this year, in anticipation of local government reform, which could abolish all County Durham's district councils

Sam Shippen, clerk to Horden Parish Council, told the audience in St Catherine's Community Centre: "It is important for local people to have a local voice.

"The one thing that town and parish councillors have in common is that they all do it for the love of the community."

Durham County Councillor for Crook, Bob Pendlebury, said: "The advantage of a town or parish council is that they have access to funding which isn't available to community organisation and other groups."

Greater Willington Town Council chairman Jim Smith said: "Working closely with the Willington partnership, we have already been able to put together a programme for the future.

"A town council is very important for the community."

Crook resident John Young said: "I want this town to be a town that has substance and clout. This is our town and we want some authority."

Comment on the new council at the partnership office, at 79 Hope Street, on weekdays from 9am to 4.30pm and Saturday from 9.30am to 12.30pm. A proposed boundary map is also available.