A VILLAGE's residents have voted overwhelmingly in favour of establishing a parish council.

Two public meetings were held in Aycliffe Village this week to gauge the level of support for a council.

The first meeting, in The White House sheltered accommodation block, was held mainly for elderly residents.

It was attended by 25 people, with 23 voting for the establishment of a parish council, one against and one abstention.

A lively discussion was held in the village hall the following evening and this time the vote was 26 in favour and two against, with eight abstentions.

All documents relating to establishing a council will be passed to Norman Vaulks, chief executive at Sedgefield Borough Council.

Neighbouring authorities will be consulted on the proposals and the document will go to the Deputy Prime Minister's office for a decision, which could take 12 to 14 months.

If established, the village would have to elect seven parish councillors.

Councillor Bill Blenkinsopp said: "We had a long and good discussion at the public meetings.

"I would say it was a healthy discussion, but without people falling out.

"At the moment, the money which is allocated to us is spent all over the place, but if we have a parish council we get the whole cake.

"That money would be spent on Aycliffe Village for the people of Aycliffe Village."