Revive town centre
RESIDENTS of a struggling County Durham town centre are hopeful that plans for a new bespoke market will breathe new life into the area.
Chester-le-Street has been hit hard by the closure of several shops, pubs and other key facilities in recent years, with high-profile chain stores also pulling out.
The decision by Durham County Council to end free parking after 2pm has added to concerns.
However, a £33,000 investment from the government to trial a new specialist market has given the town centre a much-needed boost.
Social enterprise company Baccanalia has been hired by the county council to run the project and will consult with the community and other stakeholders on the plans.
The aim is to have the new market up and running by March next year.
The funding for this initiative comes from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund’s Town Centre Vitality Funding.
Independent councillors Paul Sexton, Bill Moist and Karen Fantarrow, who represent parts of the town, have welcomed the funding and initiatives aimed at improving the high street.
They said: “Although, without more detail, it’s difficult to gauge what impact this proposal may have on the town centre, which has been overlooked by the council, and starved of investment, for many years.”
“Ideally, we require a full economic strategy to deliver anything significant, and with longevity for our town. We will keep pushing for this investment and would like to thank residents for their continued support.”
However, they criticised the current Joint Administration in charge of the local authority made up of Liberal Democrats, Conservatives and Independents for underinvestment in the struggling north Durham town “which has been overlooked and starved of investment for many years,” the councillors added.
Labour councillors who cover Chester-le-Street also criticised the current administration for voting to end free parking after 2pm and a revised investment programme for the Chester-le-Street leisure centre.
But the council says the market is a step in the right direction to revive the high street.
Coun Elizabeth Scott, cabinet member for economy, said: “Society has changed a great deal in recent decades and it’s vital to explore a variety of ways to make high streets thrive again.
“Given the history of Chester-le-Street’s market, this can really resonate with traders, residents and visitors, and is a great opportunity for everyone to work together and ensure that the trial is a success.”