AN MP has backed a campaign by a town's pressure group to force the clean-up of a "dirty dozen" eyesores in the town.

Stanley Action Group Enterprise (Sage) has identified the sites around the town centre and North Durham MP Kevan Jones has promised to write to the local council about the issue.

Mr Jones has also promised to call a public meeting once a new regeneration plan for Stanley is completed by both Derwentside District Council and Durham County Council in the spring.

The 12 sites identified by Sage include the town's main bus station, a smaller bus station and toilets, the Co-op alleyway off Front Street, the area around Agnes Street, various parks and other privately owned properties including abandoned shops, open spaces and prominent buildings in the town.

The group's strategy is designed to force the council to tidy up the town before the new town plan is completed.

Maureen Storey, a leading member of Sage, said: "These are things that can be done easily and would improve the feel of the town.

"Once that is done we can start campaigning on other ideas like having a dedicated market area like Chester-le-Street has and turning Stanley into a real market town."

The new council working party, set up after Derwentside council took a step back from the prospect of developing the King's Head site in the town after failing to attract investors, will meet Mr Jones in January.

"We needed a realistic plan for Stanley," said Mr Jones.

"I look forward to seeing what this report says.

"When it is completed I will hold a public meeting to see what my constituents have to say."

Leader of Derwentside council Alex Watson said he welcomed suggestions from Sage and Mr Jones.

He said: "There is no doubt work needs to be done in Stanley but there is good news.

"Work has started on the new £4.5m swimming pool and we have the new library due to open, investment from the Sure Start group for children, plans for a new £60,000 super park and we are hoping for investors to come in to the bus station in the town.

"It is very positive that people like Sage and Kevan are coming up with suggestions and we absolutely welcome that.