People asked for views on how to make towns thrive
BBC"No idea is off the table" as people are asked for their views on ways to help improve where they live, councillors say.
Durham County Council is developing Strategic Place Plans (SPP) for each of its towns, which aim to create "thriving economies" and meet the needs of everyone who lives and works there.
A public consultation on the plans has been launched and over the next eight weeks engagement events will be held in towns across County Durham.
Reform councillor Karen Allison said the plans would give local people and businesses "the chance to help shape the future of their own town by creating an agreed local vision".
Areas within the consultation include Barnard Castle, Bishop Auckland, Chester-le-Street, Consett, Durham City, Newton Aycliffe, Peterlee, Seaham, Spennymoor and Shildon.
In Seaham, Sarah Jeffery, who opened the Low Tide Coffee House on Front Street earlier this year, hopes the consultation will help "all businesses".
"It would good to see a return of free parking because I think that has really affected businesses on the marina," she said.
Parking charges were introduced in Seaham in 2024.
She also said it would be "nice to pedestrianise Front Street, particularly in the summertime".
The town has has previously received government grants to help revitalise its seafront.
Sandra Caygill, from Peterlee, hopes the consultation will lead to the "regeneration" of some high streets.
She said she felt some consultations in the past did not reflect people's views, adding: "Everyone was against taking away free parking in Seaham and charges still came in."
Murton resident Lynn Armstrong said: "I think Seaham looks great but Church Street is in a sorry state - too many closed shops, it's not like it was when I was younger."
Allison added: "No idea is off the table but Seaham has one of the lowest empty units anywhere in the county, the town is thriving, so we might want to look at how we can help capitalise on the town's tourism pull."
People can also give their views by completing a survey online.
