PROPOSALS for the redevelopment of a former factory in Ferryhill will be unveiled by Sedgefield Borough Council at a series of exhibitions next week.

The council has completed the purchase of the former Praxis Taylor site, and surrounding land, in the Dean Bank area of the village.

The former textiles factory closed two years ago, resulting in the loss of several jobs, but the building itself has fallen into disrepair and is regarded as an eyesore.

The council aims to demolish it and replace it with a new Sure Start Partnership Family Centre.

Council regeneration officer Andy Couthard said: "The area we've bought is quite sizeable because it's not only the Praxis factory, but also an area of land behind it.

"The proposals at the moment are to site a family centre there and also to have an open piece of land that would be used for the possible development of a play area. There is also a proposal to allocate an area of land for housing."

A draft planning brief for the site has been prepared for consultation with the local community and an exhibition of the proposals has been organised.

A consultation exhibition will be held at Dean Bank Primary School on Wednesday from 4pm to 7pm.

A display of the plans and site details will then be in Ferryhill Library and the Neighbourhood Watch warden's house, during normal opening hours, from next Thursday until Monday, May 27.

Anyone unable to attend these sessions, but who would like to discuss the issue, can call Andy Coulthard on (01388) 816166 ext 4457.