TRADERS in Ferryhill have joined forces in an effort to secure the future of the town centre.

The first-ever Ferryhill Traders' Forum has been formed to help attract funding to improve the facilities and encourage more visitors.

A questionnaire will now be sent to all traders in the town to draw up a wish list of projects.

Ideas mooted at the meeting included constructing new public toilets, additional CCTV coverage, introducing a disc for car parking and improved street cleaning.

Champion butcher John Allison, who has been elected chairman, believes the group will eventually double in size and added that a strong group would help in applying for grants.