Vision to transform Chester-le-Street after claims town is 'dying'

But what the hundreds of people who passed the store everyday didn’t realise was that it was soon converted into a cannabis farm. This went unnoticed for weeks - hiding in plain sight - until police finally swooped and cleared the site. 

Yet the fact this was able to happen in the first place is a sad indictment of high streets today, say residents. 

Chester-le-Street is one of many towns in County Durham which many feel is in dire need of investment but has not progressed in years. Local councillors have a vision and inspired ambitions to breathe new life into the area but are yet to make a breakthrough. 

The former Barclays bank on Front Street in the town centre (Image: Billy Atkinson)

On a walk down Front Street, Independent councillor Paul Sexton says there needs to be new businesses besides betting and charity shops. “The top and the bottom are not too bad, but it's in the middle where there’s so many empty shops now. We need attractions to come here. 

“HSBC and Barclays, two of the stalwart banks in the town, have gone. Now that’s not the council’s fault but why don’t they have a plan to repurpose them? We’ve just seen it turned into a cannabis farm.”

Read more: Durham Council slammed for alleged lack of Chester-le-Street funding

The former Queens Head pub is a central part of the town, but it closed in 2022 despite its historical significance and has now been labelled an eye-sore. There are various refurbishment ideas for the Grade II listed 18th century building but for now metal barriers cover the windows.

Cllr Bill Moist, also an Independent, said: “We get asked regularly: ‘what are you going to do with it?’ It’s a massive statement in the street. I know the trade is suffering, but you can’t attract visitors with that. We would love to take it over as a community hub and fill it with local enterprises like citizens advice, charities, and an addiction centre. That would be fantastic.”

A recent plan to convert one derelict building into housing failed and has now been targeted by vandals, with the police often called to disperse children on the roof. The recently published masterplan for the town is insufficient, the councillors say, and should involve local people to identify its priorities. 

Restaurants, pubs and banks are just some of the businesses to have left the town recently (Image: Billy Atkinson)

The Red Lion is another former pub in the town centre that is falling into disrepair (Image: Billy Atkinson)

“We have so many big units,” added cllr Moist. “The old Civic Centre site is an ideal location to have a business park with new startups, employment and economic opportunities. We need to get jobs back in the town and then people will come onto the high street.”

REfUSE, on Front Street, is currently thriving thanks to the work of tireless volunteers who drive around the North East and collect 13 tonnes of food a month to repurpose it in the cafe. It operates on a pay-as-you-feel basis but also acts as a community hub offering advice and support.  

Operations Manager, Bethan Hosker says its Front Street presence is key to telling people they are here to help. “We wanted to be in the community,” she said. “People know we’re here if they need us and can always pop in when they want or need something”

The cafe has been a success since it opened in the town centre (Image: The Northern Echo)

Such is the recent success of the scheme that Bethan hopes it can be replicated on high streets across the county. “It would make me really happy to see more high streets revived in this way. We see people combating loneliness and the community needs it. I just think there needs to be some big policy and structural change for that to happen.”

Cllr Sexton and Moist both say the recent regeneration of Seaham should be replicated elsewhere. The seaside town has received significant investment to encourage locals and tourists to spend more time and money in the area but they say high rent and the nearby Arnison Centre are preventing people from setting up shop. 

“We realise the council haven’t got a magic wand and can fix everything but they have got the capacity to give the biggest impetus in any regeneration project,” added Cllr Moist. 

“The town is dying. We’re not giving up but we feel it’s a forgotten place.”

Cllr Paul Sexton (left) and Cllr Bill Moist have called for investment in the town (Image: The Northern Echo)

Council Leader Amanda Hopgood said the authority is “absolutely committed” to supporting town centres across the county and has been working directly with 20 businesses in Chester-le-Street over the last two years, providing support ranging from training to advice on accessing business grants. 

Fifteen ‘Targeted Business Improvement’ grants have also been awarded to businesses in the town, to help new businesses into premises and bring empty space back into use.

Read next: 

• 'Failures' and alleged bullying exposed at hospital before deaths of three girls
• Health trust apologises to bereaved parents for relocating baby memorial garden
• 'I've suffered': Residents can't get treatment due to dental crisis

“We have arranged for a retail expert to work with people interested in starting an independent retail business, from initial concept to finding a premises in the town and supporting them as they start their journey,” Cllr Hopgood added. “As part of this, a Shop Chester-le-Street project has launched, promoting independent retailers and encouraging people to shop local.

“The most recent vacancy rates in Chester-le-Street were lower than the national average but we’re aware that a number of vacant units are in large units and prominent locations. We’re therefore in contact with owners and agents involved to encourage them to bring them back into use, and we will support that process in any way we can.

“We will continue to work with businesses in every way we possibly can to ensure our high streets have the best opportunities to prosper.”