A MASTER plan is being drawn up to provide the framework for improving a deprived area of Newton Aycliffe.

The West Ward area is ranked among the worst five per cent in England under a deprivation index.

Sedgefield Borough Council is to commission a study, building on a recent community appraisal exercise, at a cost of £55,000.

The appraisal assessed housing and environmental conditions and lack of opportunities for young people as the key concerns.

The new study, expected to be completed in June, will include consultations with local organisations and agencies.

Councillor George Gray, west ward member on the borough council, welcomed the initiative but warned that there would be no quick fix to the problems.

He said: "It is going to take time and that is something we have not got a lot of.

"Anybody can put a master plan forward and spend £55,000 on it, but we are going to have trouble putting that plan into action because that is going to need more money."

Coun Gray said he would like to see lighting and roads improved in the area, and infilling development in areas including Hawkshead Place.

He pointed out that there had been some positive moves in the West Ward, including replacing windows and demolishing empty houses.

Coun Gray is also enthusiastic about the £50,000 refurbishment of the Silverdale House community facility, which is to start soon, adding: "I'm over the moon we're getting the money for that."

Plans for the centre include creating meeting rooms, a dance club, a computer room and a youth club.