ENVIRONMENTALLY conscious residents have turned to solar power for their new community centre.

The New Shildon Residents' Association is seeking funding for the group's energy-efficient project, which will incorporate a grass roof, solar power for heating water and photovoltaic roof cells.

People living in the New Shildon area are being invited to see what the environmentally friendly centre could look like at a coffee morning on Saturday.

Chairman of the association, David Snell, said: "We have got the plans finalised and are starting to look for funding.

"There are various funding options to look at, and we will be going to Sedgefield Borough Council for outline planning permission as well."

A location for the forward thinking project has been chosen between Chapel Street and the Locomotive pub, in Byerley Road.

Among the proposals for the building are a small caf, Internet facilities, a kitchen and a health support area.

There have also been suggestions for a small retail area to be included.

It is hoped that the proposed photovoltaic roof cells will provide the energy to power an information technology suite.

The plans are the result of a lot of hard work from dedicated volunteers at the association.

Residents have been consulted and the final plans are a combination of what individuals and community groups have suggested.

The estimated cost of the project will be £500,000.

It will be a welcome addition to regeneration work that has been carried out in the New Shildon area.

An £8 million railway village will be the star attraction. Other works have included the erection of Euston Station's old railway gates in Redworth Road, the relocation of the All Saints' Church war memorial and improvements to some streets.

The association is anxious that the centre will enhance the area and not detract from existing facilities, such as the recently built Jubilee Fields Centre and the nearby Mission Hall.

Anyone wishing to see the plans can go to Mission Hall, in Chapel Street, Byerley Road, from 10am and noon, to talk to members of the association.