COUNCIL chiefs are celebrating after securing £2.4m in funding from the Single Housing Investment Pot (Ship) to further their regeneration efforts across the district.

The funding, allocated by the North-East Housing Board, was approved for Chester-le-Street District Council over two years. It will be used to rejuvenate the housing stock to meet residents' aspirations and to secure the improvement and maintenance of existing housing so that it meets required standards.

Council leader Councillor Linda Ebbatson said: "I am delighted with the news, and greatly welcome this funding, which will bring immense benefit to the area by helping us to provide housing that realises the aspirations of local people.

"This additional funding will boost our efforts to invest in our neighbourhoods now, as well as looking to the future."

Regeneration portfolio holder Councillor Chris Jukes said: "The Cong and Twizell Burn areas will benefit immensely from this much-needed cash injection.

"Coupled with the existing regeneration of our town centre, the council is well on its way to improving the quality of life for all in our local communities."

The main allocation of money - £1.9m - will go towards housing market renewal along the strategic regeneration corridor of the Cong and Twizell Valleys.

There is also an approval of £300,000 for private sector housing, and a £160,000 Disabled Facilities Grant. This adds to considerable private sector and Registered Social Landlord investment already secured for disadvantaged communities within the district.

The funding will contribute to a number of improvements, including reducing the number of households in sub-standard housing, with the most improvement in the most deprived areas.

It will also be used to help people to conserve energy by making grants available for insulation.

The private sector is working with the council along the Cong Burn Valley, with major housing renewal projects underway in Pelton, Pelton Fell and Sacriston.

These include investment in affordable homes, community facilities and community engagement, as part of a regeneration strategy.

In Edmondsley, the Ship programme will be linked to an initiative to make the village the first carbon neutral settlement in the country. This will include the development of a neighbourhood energy plant linked to energy efficiency measures, and a social enterprise initiative.

The council is working with Accent Regeneration across the Cong and Twizell Burn Valleys with repair initiatives, environmental improvements and renovation grants.