A SKATEBOARD park and music and arts centre are high on the wish lists of residents in east Durham.

Thanks to a newly launched Business Link County Dur-ham project aimed at boosting the number of community based enterprises in the area, the hopes may soon be realised.

The music and arts centre and skateboard area are just some of the ideas put forward by people living in the Dawdon and Parkside wards of Seaham.

The project, run by Trevor Keith and Colin Murphy Waters, is based in Dawdon Community Centre and is working in partnership with Easington District Council's regeneration programme.

More than 60 residents, councillors and representatives of voluntary and statutory organisations attended a consultation meeting to hear how dreams could be turned into businesses.

Those living in the area will be able to learn yet more about enterprise and business at a forthcoming forum on Tuesday, at Dawdon Community Centre.

"We have only been in post for a few weeks, but people are already coming forward with all sorts of imaginative ideas,'' said Mr Murphy Waters.

"We are delighted with the enthusiastic response. People can have a good idea or see a real need for some business or service in the community, but may need a lot of support to actually set up the business."

He added: "The idea of this particular project is to concentrate on small areas and really make an impact with a hands-on approach."

Jayne Graham, chief executive of Business Link County Durham, said: "Community-based businesses play an important part in Durham's regeneration by creating jobs, as well as providing much-needed community services."

The Seaham initiative, she said, had got off to an excellent start.