RESIDENTS have the chance to scrutinise the redevelopment of a former cokeworks site.

An independent member is being sought from each of the four communities surrounding the disused Lambton Cokeworks to fill a newly-formed liaison group.

The cokeworks, on the Sunderland side of the boundary with County Durham, between Bournmoor and Shiney Row, closed in 1983 and the contaminated site has since remained derelict.

English Partnerships, the redevelopment agency funding the clean-up, wants local representation on the liaison group, which will help to draw up the final plans for the site regeneration.

It is seeking interested representatives from communities, including Bournmoor, Shiney Row, Fence Houses and the Sunniside and Burnside estates.

Chris Munro, of English Partnerships, said: "We want to ensure local people have some influence on the decision-making process and the opportunity to advise on the masterplan before the scheme is finalised."

A public meeting, at Shiney Row's Trinity Methodist Church last week, discussed the role and formation of the liaison group.

It was agreed that the four community members would be joined by representatives from English Partnerships, regional development agency One NorthEast, Sunderland City Council, the Coalfield Forum and a local councillor, with an independent person in the chair.

Nominations should be made to either English Partnerships or Sunderland City Council, at the civic centre.