Public asked how towns can be improved for future

People are being asked for their thoughts on how to improve Crook and Chester-le-Street in County Durham

People are being asked for ideas to help improve the towns they live in.

Durham County Council wants to develop long-term plans for Chester-le-Street and Crook in an effort to create new jobs and boost local infrastructure.

The council said its plans would be shaped by feedback from local residents, who would be at the "heart of decision-making".

Councillor Karen Allison said it was important to understand how people felt about the towns so it could "help shape a positive future" for them.

"We are keen to understand the strengths and opportunities that exist in the areas, any areas for improvement, and what people would like the towns to become," she said.

"It's important to stress that we have no existing ideas in mind – this vision will be directly shaped by local people from the very beginning."

The initiative will see the council create 12 strategic place plans (SPPs), outlining how different areas will be improved, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Consultations have now opened for the Chester-le-Street and Crook SPPs and will run until 19 December.

As well as speaking to people in the town centres, the council and its consultants, Urban Foresight, say they will visit schools, businesses and local organisations, and hold drop-in events.

Bishop Auckland, Durham City, Newton Aycliffe, Shildon, Spennymoor, Stanley, Peterlee, Consett, Barnard Castle, and Seaham are also set to have their own strategic plans but consultations have yet to open.