A NEW officer responsible for regenerating former coalfield communities has been appointed by Sedgefield Borough Council.

Andy Coulthard, previously the council's youth development officer, has been appointed community liaison officer for regeneration.

He will assist the regeneration section, and in particular help implement a regeneration programme covering Ferryhill, Chilton and the nearby coalfield communities.

Mr Coulthard said: "I want to ensure the local community is given the opportunity to influence the regeneration of their area. A key part will be improving information and developing communication and consultation between the regeneration section, local voluntary and community groups, and other partnership agencies."

Mr Coulthard wants to hear from people in Ferryhill, Chilton, Cornforth, Fishburn and the Trimdons about how they would like to be kept informed about initiatives, where best to place public information points, and what people think of possible information surgeries and the production of a regular local information sheet.

He can be contacted on (01388) 816166, extension 4457.