BARCLAYS Bank's hard-hitting decision to close scores of rural outlets robbed communities of an essential lifeline earlier this year. But a Wear Valley group is hoping to turn the loss into a positive step for local residents.

The bank's Willington branch, based in the town's High Street, was the hub of local life, viewed by many as a vital service. Residents, the majority being older people less able to travel to neighbouring facilities, were in uproar.

Barclays departure left a gaping hole in the centre of the town - now the Willington Community Partnership (WCP) believes it may have a replacement.

The group has been in discussion with Barclays to use the redundant building as a community resource centre and one-stop shop. It hopes to contribute to the regeneration of the former pit town with purpose-built premises housing an IT access suite and community services including Citizens' Advice Bureau and Employment Agency, as well as offering meeting facilities.

Representatives of the partnership met on Monday with Wear Valley District Council director of planning Bob Hope and two officials from Barclays.

The partnership's spokesperson and Wear Valley district councillor, Brian Myers, believes progress was made towards the town securing the centre. He said: "I know that there are those in Willington, particularly in the business community, who feel let down that the only high street bank has closed.

"The closure was regrettable but I believe that Barclays still has a role in local communities. It seems appropriate for them to use this limited asset as a potential tool to demonstrate its commitment to the Willington residents."

Willington is at the centre of a phase of regeneration work which will see improvements to shop frontages and improvement schemes for street enhancement.

Mr Hope said: "It is essential that all regeneration schemes are underpinned by active and involved community participation."