KEY figures from the public sector, community workers and volunteers turned out in force to debate the future of the Wear Valley economy at the weekend.

People at the conference heard about the Local Strategic Partnership and Wear Valley Community Network's shared vision for turning the district's fortunes around.

The meeting, called Moving Wear Valley Forward, was held at Bishop Auckland College. It focused on how all sections of the community can tackle issues that make Wear Valley one of the country's most deprived areas.

Iain Philips, chief executive of Wear Valley District Council, said: "We want people to look at Wear Valley and recognise it as part of one of the world's biggest economies.

"It may be wrapped in beautiful countryside, but most of Wear Valley's wards are in the worst 25 per cent nationally, some are in the worst two per cent."

Last year, a range of organisations formed the Local StrategicPartnership, which agreed a five- year Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy, a programme to curtail the district's problems, and to oversee the use of £3.8m Government funding for the scheme.

Tricia Zipfel, from the national Neighbourhood Renewal Unit, said public services needed redirecting to improve each area.

"The aim is to narrow the gap between the 88 deprived areas, such as Wear Valley, and the rest of the country.

"This is an ambitious scheme and will take time but the structure is now there for everyone concerned to work in partnership," she said.

The main problems identified in Wear Valley are health inequalities, education, high unemployment and low business activity, housing and the environment and high rates of crime and fear of crime.

Durham county councillor Brian Myers, who is chairman of the Community Network, said: "This well-attended conference shows the importance of what we are trying to do.

"Unfortunately, it is possible because of deprivation. But, hopefully, the partnership can turn things around."

Delegates attended workshops on issues including funding, employment and business activity, gaining and retaining volunteers and health issues, to help them implement targets in their neighbourhoods.

Charities, support groups and education providers held exhibitions to share ideas on how to reach each neighbourhood.