A MEETING to discuss housing was "a positive first step", according to the MP behind it.

Roberta Blackman-Woods, Labour MP for Durham, said the meeting, held at Bowburn Community Centre on Friday, June 12, had been a great success and "a positive first step towards solving the very real housing issues we face in Durham".

The forum was attended by Government minister Iain Wright, Pat Ritchie from the Homes and Communities Agency, Martin Knowles from Three Rivers Housing Association and Ian Thompson, corporate director of regeneration and economic development at Durham County Council.

Dr Blackman-Woods said: "I am very pleased with how today has gone. Improving the quality and amount of affordable housing in Durham is a key priority of mine.

"We have now taken a clear first step towards formulating a strategy to not only improve our housing stock, but to really move towards creating real balanced and sustainable communities in Durham."

Pauline Gates, from the Ushaw Moor Together Association, said: "I thought the whole morning was excellent, precisely what residents’ groups have been calling out for."