COMMUNITY leaders have put together a comprehensive plan to regenerate Stanley.

They are bidding for £2m from the regional development agency One NorthEast, which would be spent on regenerating the town centre.

If successful, experts believe the improvements could attract a further £50m of investment to the area.

The outline plan includes boosting jobs and creating better access to the town, improving shopping choice and services and recreational opportunities and developing more housing and leisure opportunities. It will also look at enhancing security and safety in the town.

The proposals include regenerating the Victorian park in View Lane and work to replace the bus station.

Councillor Alex Watson, leader of Derwentside District Council, said: "We have argued very strongly the need for the fund to consider Stanley.

"We know it will be a 'worst case first' scenario, but we have put forward a sound and detailed case."

The district council is leading the application, in a joint effort with North Durham MP Kevan Jones, Stanley Town Centre Steering Group, Stanley Action Group, Sure Start, Durham County Council and Derwentside Primary Care Trust.

Coun Kevin Earley, chairman of Stanley Town Centre Steering Group, said: "All of the objectives cannot be achieved overnight, but by working together, we can succeed.

"When complete, I am sure the people of Stanley and the surrounding area will have a town centre that meets their expectations and they can be proud of."

The grant is available under One NorthEast's Single Programme Major Centres fund.

Officers from the agency will visit the town and give it a 'health check'. They will announce the successful bids in February next year.