TWO south Durham communities are a step closer to setting up town councils in advance of local government reform.

Campaigners in Bishop Auckland have collected enough names on a petition to demonstrate that residents support the move, which requires the approval of district and county councils and consent from the Government.

Volunteers mounted a final push last week to collect the last of the 1,280 signatures they needed.

Retired social worker Dorothy Davison, who is coordinating the campaign, said: "We actually got more names than we needed.

"It has been a long, hard slog over the past few months, but I can't say a big enough thank you to all the people who have helped.

"Now it will be advertised and go through the final stages. We are not political. We just want to make Bishop Auckland a better place."

In Willington on Saturday carnival visitors signed up for their own council at an event to promote the Doorstep Green community park.

A ten-member steering group was set up following a public meeting last September and is urging residents to offer support.

Vice-chairman Brian Myers said: "We need 700 names, which is ten per cent of registered electors.

"Momentum is gathering in favour of a local statutory authority. I cannot stress enough the importance of a local 'Yes' vote in order to maintain existing services and create new, locally run services that residents want.

"Local decisions should be taken by local people and, with the prospect of local government reform, it is more important than ever."