RESIDENTS could form Darlington's first rural community partnership in a bid to secure more funding for three villages in the borough.

A public meeting is to be held later this week to discuss proposals for a community partnership, which would bring together Hurworth, Hurworth Place and Neasham villages.

Hurworth ward councillor Martin Swainston has organised the meeting after receiving requests from residents.

He said: "It is something there is a need for and something that people have been asking for.

"So, as their local representative, if people want something, I will certainly ask for it."

At the meeting, councillor Steve Jones, who helped to establish North Road Community Partnership, will speak to village residents about the process.

It is hoped the meeting will determine public support for the idea and establish which type of partnership residents would like.

Community partnerships can be formed with or without charitable status.

Coun Swainston said there was a lot of support among residents for the idea.

"Hurworth's got a population of nearly 8,000.

"There are 90,000 people in the borough and everything is centred on the town," he said.

"People in my ward look with envious eyes at what happened in South Park, which was wonderful for the town, but there needs to be a certain amount of parity."

Darlington has 11 community partnerships, many of which are in deprived areas of the town.

Community partnerships can apply for funding from a variety of sources.

Some partnerships in Darlington have successfully secured thousands of pounds of funding for community projects.

A Darlington Borough Council spokesman said: "This is not something we have been approached about, but if anyone would like advice or support in trying to establish a new community partnership, we would be happy to talk to them.

"Clearly, any new community partnership would have to tie in with the strategic work that is being carried out by the others throughout Darlington."

A public meeting will be held at 6.30pm today, at the Grange Community Centre, in Hurworth, to discuss the Hurworth ward community partnership.