Scheme to breathe life into village

May 9 2008 by Neil Mckay, The Journal

AMBITIOUS plans to transform a “forgotten” village have been revealed. The proposals include up to 250 new homes and also new industrial estates and a health centre at Chilton, near Ferryhill, County Durham.

Locals say the village has been “forgotten” since a bypass opened three years ago, diverting 18,000 vehicles a day away from the centre.

Now plans drawn up by Esh Developments, part of County Durham-based Esh Group, which specialises in regeneration projects, intend to breathe life back into the village.

They include regeneration of current run-down homes, improved access routes in the village centre, up to 250 new houses as well as a new “commercial zone”, and a new area for allotments at the edge of the village.

Geoff Woodcock, director of Esh Developments, said: “We have worked hard to create a plan which will rejuvenate Chilton in every respect – to benefit everyone who lives and works here.”

Maureen Errington, Mayor of Chilton, said: “This is a very exciting opportunity. Everyone who knows Chilton has been able to see for some time now that the village has been slipping into decline. This has had a detrimental effect on the quality of life here and morale has fallen.

“These plans represent an excellent opportunity for a fresh start.”

But not all Chilton residents are so keen on the plans, as they involve the removal of allotments for housing.

Chilton has a thriving allotment association, and plans include moving the 200 allotments away from the centre to the edge of the village next to the cemetery.

One allotment holder said: “This is news to me but I cannot imagine many allotment holders would be happy about being told to uproot. In fact, they would be dead against it.”

But Graham Wood, regeneration manager at Sedgefield Borough Council, said: “We are seeking a scheme for Chilton which will offer both excellent homes and business premises.

“Chilton is well placed to benefit. Its location is excellent with easy access to the A1(M).”

A new medical centre is also part of the proposal.

George Porter, 71, of Eden Park, Chilton, until recently a Durham County councillor, said: “During my lifetime here I have seen businesses disappear by the score.

“There used to be six fish shops in Chilton, now there is only one. But I don’t blame the bypass. Shops tend to be used by the local people, not the passing trade. But an influx of new homes and businesses should boost the local economy.”

Plans are on display today at Chilton Branch Library between 8am and 12.30pm and at Chilton Working Men’s Club from 1pm until 9pm.