AN agreement has been signed to establish a Neighbourhood Regeneration Partnership (NRP) for a north Durham community.

It will play a crucial role in driving forward the regeneration of Pelton Fell village, near Chester-le-Street.

Chester-le-Street District Council has teamed up with Pelton Fell Community Group, Nomad Homes, Durham Aged Mineworkers' Homes Association (DAMHA) and Bellway Homes to establish the NRP.

Funded by contributions from all the partners, totalling £210,000 over four years, the NRP will take responsibility for the practical implementation of an integrated regeneration strategy (IRS) for Pelton Fell.

The NRP will be led by a board which includes strong representation from the community and meets for the first time on Wednesday.

One of the key early priorities for the board will be to recruit a project manager who will run the day-to-day operation of the NRP and co-ordinate the delivery of the regeneration projects.

Councillor Christopher Jukes, portfolio holder for regeneration, who is looking forward to serving on the board, said: "The new NRP will act as a champion for Pelton Fell.

"It will raise awareness of the challenges and opportunities facing the village, secure additional funding and co-ordinate practical action to drive forward local regeneration."

Nomad Homes acting chief executive Ian Prescott said: "Nomad, DAMHA and Bellway always saw our work at Pelton Fell as being about much more than building housing.

"From the outset, we promoted the idea of a village-wide regeneration partnership and we are delighted that this is now coming to fruition."

Among the key elements of the scheme are 250 houses, a community resource centre, a new heart for the village and a construction training scheme.