A CAMPAIGN for equal access for deaf people has won the backing of county councillors and a member of Parliament.

A Question Time forum to raise awareness of the problems faced by deaf people has taken place at County Hall, Durham.

Organised by the local campaign group Co. deaf, the forum was intended 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, which was the first of its kind, 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 now 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.

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

"Our efforts have produced immediate success with a pledge from the council to install a videophone at County Hall, which will make communication much easier for deaf people.

"We will now be working in partnership with council staff to implement changes which will be of great benefit to deaf people in County Durham."

The forum panel included Durham County Council's leader, Councillor Ken Manton, Bishop Auckland MP Derek Foster, and deputy council leader Councillor Don Ross.

Coun Manton said: "The evening was very informative, not just for those who attended to put the questions, but also for the panel who got first hand accounts of the problems experienced by deaf people and how we as a council can help."

Videophones have been installed at social services offices in Framwellgate Moor and Bishop Auckland, making it easier for signers to communicate with deaf people.

Further information on Co. deaf is available at www.codeaf.org.uk.