People are being invited to help create a new vision for a County Durham town by having their say on a Strategic Places Plan (SPP).

Durham County Council wants to hear from those living and working in Bishop Auckland to help shape the future of the town through a consultation and a series of on-street engagement sessions.

The council is looking to understand the strengths and opportunities in Bishop Auckland, and, most importantly, what can be improved to ensure it continues to grow as a thriving place to live, work and visit.

The SPP will set out a positive vision for the town, underpinned by the council’s Economic Strategy. There are no existing ideas in mind, and the vision will be directly shaped by residents from the very beginning.

Over the course of eight weeks, Urban Foresight, on behalf of the local authority, will be talking to people on the streets, at transport hubs, bus stops, shopping centres and organising drop-in sessions to find out their thoughts. They will also be listening to children and young people in schools and visiting community meetings and local organisations.

A full series of consultation and engagement events will also be undertaken, along with a full outreach programme including schools, businesses, user groups and others.

Cllr Andrew Husband, leader of Durham County Council, said: “We are dedicated to shaping Bishop Auckland into a vibrant place to live and visit, and we recognise that the best way to do this is by listening to, and including, the people who live there at every step of the way.

“We encourage all residents to take part in one, or more, of the on-street engagement sessions, and the consultation. No idea is too big, or too small and they will all be considered with care. For those living outside of Bishop, similar SPP events will be coming to areas such as Stanley, Chester-le-Street, Peterlee, Crook, Consett, Barnard Castle and Seaham.

“The aim of the SPP is to help create safer, friendly town centre environments with an increased focus around experiences, community and convenience.”

The engagement sessions will be taking place at the following locations and dates:

  • Market Place on-street – Thursday 4 September
  • Newgate Street/Shopping Centre on-street – Thursday 11 September, 11am to 3pm
  • Four Clocks Centre drop-in – Friday 12 September, 10.30am to 1.30pm
  • Bishop Auckland Library drop-in – Friday 26 September, 11am to 2pm.
  • Woodhouse Community Centre – Tuesday 23 September, 11am to 3.30pm.
  • Market Place on-street (street food market) – Friday 26 September, 3pm to 7pm.

Further timings for these sessions can be found at www.letstalkcountydurham.co.uk where you can access the consultation, find maps, documents, the online survey forms and register for the events.

Additional drop in events will be booked in the coming weeks.

For interested residents, further details can be found at www.durham.gov.uk/StrategicPlacePlans.

The consultation closes at 5pm on Friday 17th October.