A CAMPAIGN for equal access for hearing impaired people has received a boost.

A Question Time forum to raise awareness of the problems faced by people with hearing difficulties was held in County Hall, Durham City, last month, organised by the local campaign group Co. deaf

The group seeks to achieve better access to buildings and services for the one in seven people in County Durham who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf and blind.

The event was attended by more than 80 deaf people, who questioned a panel of senior county councillors and a local MP.

After considering the issues raised, Durham County Council has pledged to install a videophone at County Hall.

The council has also agreed to work with Co. deaf to make further improvements, and there are plans for more forums in the future.

Suzie Maine, chairwoman of Co. deaf, said: "This was the first forum we had organised and we were delighted so many deaf people turned out to make their points."

More information can be obtained from Co. deaf at www.codeaf.org.uk.