TWO rundown villages have been earmarked for widescale regeneration schemes.

Consultants have been appointed to help draw up a vision of the future for the former mining communities of Dawdon and Easington Colliery.

People living in the areas are also to be given their say.

Both villages have suffered significant decline since the closure of the mines which brought massive unemployment and failure of the housing markets.

Although regeneration plans are made annually by Easington District Council, it is now felt long-term redevelopment plans for the villages are needed.

The consultants will consider all aspects of the areas including transport links, business and commercial prospects, housing and the environment.

Public consultation events are to be organised to give residents the opportunity to voice their own views and raise any problems they face living in the communitites.

Options will then be put forward for consideration for the creation of a more sustainable housing market, the need for demolition schemes, the improvement of existing council housing stocks, transport links, new private and social housing schemes and the general improvement of the areas.

Easington Colliery ward Councillor Alan Burnip said yesterday: "We are delighted at the council's decision to approve the consultancy work to be carried out into the renewal of the two villages.

"Easington Colliery and Dawdon have housing problems due to the decline of colliery housing over the years.

"We hope for brighter futures for both villages and hope the consultants' report will recommend upgrades on the infrastructure and housing side and possibly the shopping areas as well."

Dawdon councillor Charlie Walker said: "Regeneration work in Dawdon has so far been really good and we are hoping the consultants' report will let us see where we are heading in the future.

"I believe the money that has been allocated previously to Dawdon has been well spent and consultation with the tenants has been worthwhile.

"We will do our utmost to ensure the Dawdon area gets the uplift its residents deserve."