A public meeting has been called to discuss the future of Stanley.

Kevan Jones, MP for the area, has been instrumental in organising the meeting, which follows the publication of an action plan by Derwentside District Council.

A panel of experts and community leaders will be chaired by Professor Fred Robinson in a Question Time- style meeting.

Proposals in the plan, which would cost £250,000 to implement, included various clean-up exercises, appointing a town centre manager and once again examining the redevelopment of Kings Head Fields.

Mr Jones said: "I urge people to turn up. We have to ensure that the long-overdue regeneration of Stanley town centre becomes a reality and not simply an empty promise.

"For too long people have had their expectations raised, only to be dashed by lack of action. It is time to start moving on this, and Derwentside District Council and Durham County Council must work together and with other interested parties to realise the potential of the town centre."

Doors at Stanley Civic Centre will open at 6pm for a 6.45pm start. An exhibition of current town centre projects will be open to the public from 2pm until 6pm.