PLANS to give Consett its first community centre have taken a step forward after a pilot project was approved.

Unlike many other towns, Consett has no dedicated main venue in which groups can meet and stage activities.

But now Durham County Council's disused old people's home, Glenroyd House in Medomsley Road, could take on that role.

A group from the Friends of St Patrick's School, which is using the empty home during building work, want to give it a permanent new role.

They have won permission from the council to use the home while a feasibility study is undertaken to see if the project is viable long-term.

"It could well be a very useful asset," said Clive Robson, Labour county councillor for Consett and also chairman of the school's governors.

"We don't have a community centre in Consett as such. This change of use, if it proves viable, would be a valuable asset to organisations in and around the town.

"So far we have got at least 12 organisations interested.

"What happens in the long-term will depend on what the feasibility study says."

Coun Robson said clubs, societies and voluntary organisations might be able to use the building, which could also hold police surgeries and services such as the council's welfare rights team.

"I'm delighted that we have got backing from the cabinet," he said.

The 32-bedroom home, valued at £1m, closed last May, after being declared to be surplus to requirements.

The cabinet approved the trial community use and agreed in principle to make the building available long-term if the study shows it is viable.

The council will meet any shortfall in running costs during the trial period.

Deputy chief executive Andrew North told the cabinet: "There is a view that there is a shortage of community facilities."

He added that he would expect the study to look at the possible impact of the plan on what other community facilities the town had.