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

Consett has no dedicated main venue in which groups can meet and activities be staged.

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

The Friends of St Patrick's School group, which is using the house during building work at the school, want to give it a permanent role.

The group has been granted permission by the council to use the home temporarily, while a feasibility study is carried out to examine the project's long-term viability.

"It could well be a very useful asset," said Labour county councillor for Consett, Clive Robson, who is 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. It would be interesting to see so many different organisations and groups under one roof."

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

He added: "We are getting support from the council's community development team for the feasibility study."

The 32-bedroom home, valued at £1m, closed last May, after the council said it was 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.