PEOPLE living on a Teesdale estate have decided to purchase their local community centre for £1.

But before the deal for the community centre in Stainton Grove, near Barnard Castle, is struck with Teesdale District Council, the hall committee will consider the implications of repairing the building's asbestos roof.

Villager Tony Cooke said: "You are looking at around £35,000 to take the roof off and dispose of the asbestos safely."

The sale of the hall had been held up for several years by a number of issues, particularly a controversial waste transfer station being built next door.

The committee wanted to see how road widening to accommodate the waste station would affect the curtilage of the building. There were also concerns that residents would desert the centre because of road safety fears.

Committee chairman Cilla Bushby said she was happy there was enough support in the community for the centre.

The required number of people had put their names forward to help on the committee, and they were now looking to progress the sale.

She said: "We are aware there is new legislation about asbestos, so before we sign anything we want to know exactly what it will mean to us, because we will have to apply for grants to repair to the roof."