RESIDENTS of a former east Durham pit village are being called on to help regenerate their run-down community.

The once thriving village of Easington Colliery has struggled to survive since the end of coal mining there in May 1993.

In one swoop, the close-knit community lost 1,200 jobs and its economic heart was destroyed. Since then, the village has fought an often losing battle to revive its ailing fortunes.

Many residents who have remained in the community have become disillusioned due to the deteriorating state of the village they once viewed with pride.

But now Easington District Council is calling on community-minded residents to join a group aimed at helping draw up a regeneration blueprint.

The Easington Colliery Regeneration Partnership is seen as a positive way of developing projects which residents consider important to the village's future prosperity.

A meeting has been held to look at what villagers feel are the key priorities in its regeneration.

Among the most pressing needs put forward were support for the ongoing welfare hall project, the upgrading of shop frontages in Seaside Lane and a move to encourage more businesses to the commercial parade.

Residents said that more funding was needed to pay for a designated village police officer.

Also on the preliminary wish list were a better transport service, particularly for people with disabilities, the need to raise awareness of the existing Aim High employment service and the development of a drop-in centre for health advice.

The council's senior community development officer, Mary Hindmarsh, said yesterday: "Community regeneration partnerships have been set up in 12 of the council wards to develop projects focused on the priorities of each individual.''

The council, was committed to developing the partnerships further and was actively encouraging residents to become involved in their community and take responsibility for its regeneration, she said.

Anyone interested in taking part can contact Christine Stoker on 0191-527 0501