RESIDENTS on a housing estate are to be given the chance to help transform a rundown parade of neighbourhood shops.

Sometime ago the Edenhill ward of Peterlee was singled out by the Home Office for a Government initiative, known as Policing Priority Areas.

The programme focuses on supporting small localities which are experiencing a range of difficulties.

As part of the initiative, Groundwork East Durham has been busy working on improvement plans for the community's Yoden Road shopping area.

Its proposals are ready for community consultation and a public meeting for residents has been organised.

It will take place on Thursday, April 22, from 6pm to 8pm, at the Eden Community Primary School, in Robson Avenue.

At the meeting, landscape architects from Groundwork will present their proposed environmental improvement plan and give those living on the estate the chance to put forward their views.

As a prelude to the meeting, a youth worker from Groundwork will undertake some consultation work with young people from the area.

Ken Wilson, the Edenhill project manager, said: "The area has become rundown and lost some of its attraction over the years through wear and tear and lack of investment.

"It is long overdue for a makeover and the proposals will look to make this area safe, secure, accessible and attractive."