HUNDREDS of villagers have responded to a questionnaire asking how they would like to see their parish improved.

The 530 residents in Heighington, near Darlington, responded to a parish council survey that asked 69 questions about how quality of life in the village could be enhanced.

Their responses will be used to draw up an action plan.

Ward and parish councillor Gerald Lee said many residents suggested neighbourliness in the village could be improved.

He said: "That surprised me. I define good neighbourliness as people feeling that they can get the help and support they need from the community, so we may need to dig a little deeper into that."

The majority of villagers who responded said they were happy to pay for the upkeep of the village hall, now that it is not subsidised by a local authority grant.

Other issues raised included police presence in the village, problems caused by youths gathering in a bus shelter and sports facilities.

Councillor Lee said: "The statistics of the project were impressive. Eight hundred and thirty five questionnaires were delivered by more than 40 villagers and there was a return of 535, which is 64 per cent.

"What we have done is identify the problems and we have a steering group which is drawing up an action plan and looking at finding solutions."