Parish councillors have been working on a neighbourhood plan for Gainford and Langton for the past year or so and a special afternoon tea last month – with shopping and champagne – was used to attract villagers and garner views.
Youngsters had their say constructing a special collage at the village hall.
Public toilets, a climbing wall and houses at the former St Peter’s site were among the children’s suggestions as well as a climbing park on the community playing field and a mountain bike trail behind Selaby Court.
Cllr Linda Britton, chairwoman of Gainford and Langton neighbourhood plan committee, hailed the afternoon a “tremendous success”.
She said: “We were absolutely delighted with the attendance.
“We had been warned by other neighbourhood plan committees that getting people involved with the initial stages of engagement and consultation could be difficult as people lead such busy lives so we decided on approaching the exercise very differently.
“The event was a celebration of all the amazing people, businesses and organisations that make our parish a very special place.”
Once finished, the neighbourhood plan will act as Gainford and Langton’s voice when it comes to Durham County Council planning decisions and hold some sway over what can and cannot be built.
“Everyone in our community will be consulted in the months ahead,” said Cllr Britton.
“We wanted to include the children because this is their future we are planning.
“The children’s work was incredible and we are so grateful to them and the staff at the school for helping us get our engagement strategy off to such a fantastic start.”
The initial consultation will help provide a framework for an in-depth questionnaire to be prepared for villagers in the coming months.
The council has also launched a special website for its neighbourhood plan – for more information go to www.gainfordandlangton neighbourhoodplan.org.uk
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