BUSINESS confidence in a former mining town has hit a low ebb, according to a report.

Newcastle University carried out a consultancy project in Willington and found a struggling business community.

The town recently suffered a severe setback with the closure of clothing factory Varahwear and according to the survey local traders don't expect things to improve.

Already the number of empty properties is twice the national average.

About 60 retailers were sent the questionnaires and 20 per cent responded to the survey, which was commissioned by Wear Valley District Council. Two-thirds of them claimed to feel 'pessimistic' about the long-term future of Willington.

An even higher proportion, 77 per cent, said confidence in their business had declined over the past five years.

The closure of Barclays Bank was also found to have a knock-on effect on retailers.

Wear Valley councillor Brian Myers said: "The majority of people who used the bank went once or twice a week and whilst they were there would use the shops nearby. But the top end of town has now died a death. Willington has become more and more of a commuter town where people are buying new properties and travelling to Durham or Newcastle to work.

"There's not a great deal of input into the local community as people seem to be doing their shopping in these towns and our traders are feeling the pinch."

One Willington trader, Spar Foodmarket manager Keith Richardson, said: "People don't tend to shop here, they generally do their grocery shopping outside Willington.

"But I think that's the case in every small town. People travel to supermarkets. As far as convenience stores are concerned it's been better, but we still making a living."

The survey found 43 per cent of traders in neighbouring Crook were optimistic about the future. The report made several recommendations, including making both town centres more attractive with green areas and improving shop fronts.