IMPROVING the vitality of Chester-le-Street town centre is one of the priorities set for a local forum being launched as part of local government reorganisation.

The new Chester-le-Street and District Area Action Partnership should look at what can be done in the heart of the town over the next 12 months.

Around 120 people, including local councillors, representatives of local public services, voluntary and residents’ groups and individual residents, attended the launch of the new forum.

The new-look unitary Durham County Council is setting up 14 Area Action Partnerships across the county to give communities with a way to influence and shape council services and take part in decision making.

A wide range of issues including community safety, housing regeneration, supporting the elderly and rising unemployment levels were discussed at the Chester-le-Street meeting.

A vote produced a top ten of priorities: Improving the vitality of the town centre, transport, healthy lifestyles and well-being, activities for young people, supporting community groups and buildings, parking (especially in the town centre), employment and training opportunities, a clean, green and safe environment, improved community spirit and working together and perceptions of safety and crime .

Durham County Council’s Labour leader, Simon Henig, a member for Chester-le-Street West Central division, said he was delighted with the positive response.

" The level of support and the enthusiasm of those taking part certainly bodes well for the future," he added.

The next step will be the selection of the 21 Chester-le-Street and District AAP Board members who will comprise seven members of the public, seven councillors and seven representatives of partner organisations.

So far, the council has received 40 expressions of interest to become a public representative.

The panel to select the public representatives will comprise elected vice-chairmen from the both public sector bodies and councillors alongside a representative from the local CVS organisation and the AAP co-ordinator (an employee of the county council). The selection will take place before the end of May.

The first board meeting will be held in mid-June with the precise date and venue yet to be confirmed.

For more information about the partnership call Rob McMullen on 0191-387 2115 or e-mail robert.mcmullen@durham.gov.uk end