The North East mayor is trying to bring forward funding to help one of the most deprived towns in the region.

Durham County Council put Horden forward for £20m of Levelling Up funding in 2023 but the bid did not succeed. But the council has found £6.2m to start work on regenerating Third Street in the town.

Mayor of the North East Kim McGuinness has emphasised that regeneration will be one of her top priorities as part of efforts to help reduce waiting lists for social housing.

She said: "With over 60,000 people on social housing waiting lists in the North East, I've made building more social housing and regeneration a top priority.

"I'm working closely with Durham County Council to bring forward investment to Horden as soon as possible."

Residents in Horden have made it clear that they are overwhelmingly in favour of demolishing the notorious 'numbered avenues' of the town and replacing them with a school.

Chair of the Parish Council, Frank Leadbitter described feeling "left behind" in the region when compared to towns like Seaham.

Michael Kelleher, Durham County Council’s head of planning and housing, previously said: “We remain committed to seeking to deliver or support regeneration where needed across all our communities including Horden. This includes working alongside colleagues in the new North East Combined Authority to seek additional investment across our county.

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“We are also fully committed to delivery of the Horden Masterplan. Our cabinet agreed in January to invest £6m to purchase properties on Third Street with a view to either demolishing and rebuilding or refurbishing them, in order to improve standards.

“We are currently speaking with owner occupiers, landlords and tenants as we seek to negotiate to purchase properties and support people to move and relocate, but would stress that this process will take time.

“We always seek to engage local people and organisations including Horden Parish Council and value the parish’s passion for its community.”