WORK is under way on a programme to breathe new life into small communities.

The County Durham Urban and Rural Renaissance Initiative was launched last year to invest about £20m on improving the physical environment of several urban centres.

It is aimed at enhancing the vibrancy and attractiveness of the towns to ensure their long-term social and economic viability.

But when Durham County Council agreed to contribute £5m to the initiative, members were keen that small settlements did not miss out on the scheme. They reserved £1m of funding specifically for minor neighbourhood improvements.

So far, about 20 projects have been agreed, with work already starting on several.

County council leader Ken Manton said the availability of £1m exclusively for small settlements would have a big impact on the communities.

"Over the five-year period of the overall programme, it will help about 50 communities to realise projects that in many cases they have been dreaming of for years.

"Working in partnership with Groundwork East and West Durham, the district councils, town and parish councils and other community groups, match-funding has been secured for the majority of projects, and we will be seeking nominations for further projects in January next year."

The first to be implemented in the next few months include Rookhope, in Weardale, where footpaths, public seating and traffic/pedestrian safety will be improved.

In Hutton Henry and Eight Houses, in east Durham, a footpath will improve pedestrian safety on a dangerous stretch of country road.

Nearby Wingate will see dusk-to-dawn lighting added for the first time in some areas to reduce fear of crime in vulnerable households.

In Ferryhill town centre, street furniture will be renewed around the Market Place, in partnership with the town council.

The setting of the village war memorial will be enhanced in South Crescent, Fencehouses, near Chester-le-Street.

Other communities to benefit in schemes scheduled for later this year include Butterknowle and Cowley, in south-west Durham, Shadforth, near Durham, New Kyo, near Stanley and Nettlesworth, near Chester-le-Street.