A NEW organisation bringing two neighbouring Durham communities closer together plans to offer its members low-cost house repairs.

The Belmont and Gilesgate Community Alliance is being launched to generate closer links between the two areas.

It is seeking friendly society status and plans to introduce a housing maintenance scheme for its members.

The plan is due to be discussed at two public meetings, on Wednesday, November 8, at Belmont School and the following evening at Gilesgate School. Both will start at 7pm.

The alliance is working on initiatives such as community-run cafes and information centres.

The need for a service offering low-cost, guaranteed house repairs and maintenance was identified in a survey of residents.

Alliance vice-chairman Pat Nolan, Durham County councillor for Gilesgate Moor, said: "There are about 6,000 households, and in both areas the majority of homes are owner-occupied.

"Maintenance can be a problem, particular for older people.

"The scheme would give people repairs down at a lower cost than normal and we could, hopefully, guarantee the work that was carried out.

"The alliance would vet the people working for it.

"I have spoken to several tradesmen in the building business and they think it is excellent, and would offer preferential rates."

Councillor Nolan said tradesmen and building firms in the scheme would benefit by having the prospect of regular work.

But he said: "This scheme will not work unless we get a considerable amount of support. There would have to be a large number of people who wanted to join.

"That is why we are hoping to get a good turn-out for the two public meetings."

Once the alliance is up and running it might tap funding such as the Single Regeneration Budget, Europe and the National Lottery, to fund projects in the two areas.

The alliance is being supported by the Durham Co-operative Development Association