Supporting independent businesses, regenerating the town centre and improving safety were among the top priorities for residents as part of a multi-million pound funding scheme. 

The comments came as people responded to a survey on how £20 million should be spent over the next 10 years in Spennymoor. 

The Government programme is designed to revive high streets, tackle anti-social behaviour and grow the local economy. 

Residents praised free parking and the number of independent shops compared to other nearby towns and said recent regeneration work had boosted the image of the town centre. 

However, the number of vacant shop units in High Street, Whitworth, and Cheapside was highlighted as an issue.

Earlier this year, the council began work on the demolition of the five empty buildings at Cheapside to create a new walled garden. Areas including Festival Walk and the marketplace will also be redeveloped as part of the local programme of upgrading town centres.

Empty shop units in Cheapside were demolished by the council earlier this year Empty shop units in Cheapside were demolished by the council earlier this year (Image: Sarah Caldecott)

Hosting future markets and events in the town centre was repeatedly requested by residents. 

Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour was highlighted throughout the engagement process as one of Spennymoor’s most significant challenges, particularly in the town centre. Residents suggested a stronger police presence, more CCTV around the town, and engagement with youth clubs would help tackle the issue. 

The community engagement events throughout the town in April and May were hosted by Urban Foresight on behalf of Durham County Council. 

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A statement summarising the survey’s results read: “The £20 million brings an exciting opportunity to start a new chapter for Spennymoor. Spennymoor is a town with many positives and potential strengths and so that level of money has the potential to do significant things for the town and its people.  

“The community engagement work has demonstrated that there is real love and passion for the town from many residents across all demographics. Building on this by strengthening community pride and more positively promoting the town is a real opportunity.   

“A clear vision, a strong ten-year plan and a highly functioning and collaborative town board is Spennymoor’s best defence against the ongoing economic and social uncertainty facing towns and cities across the UK.”