Historic Buildings and Shop Fronts Grant Scheme

                          Plans for a near-£680,000 conservation scheme for West Auckland

The massive investment will be used to upgrade the historic centre of West Auckland.  Homeowners and businesses will be able to apply for grants towards the cost of repairing or reinstating historical architectural features on properties around the Village Green. Roof, masonry and window repairs will all come under the Partnership Schemes in Conservation Areas’ Grants Scheme. (CORRECT) Work will also be carried out to reinstate the original river cobbles and York stone paving on Front Street and part of Station Road. Durham County Council is putting £200,000 into the project under its Urban and Rural Renaissance Initiative. English Heritage has contributed £225,000 with £60,000 coming from Wear Valley District Council and £15,000 from West Auckland Parish Council. Homeowners and businesses are also putting £176,000 into the scheme.

Councillor Bob Pendlebury, Cabinet Member for Transport and Sustainability, at Durham County Council, said: “This is a superb opportunity to invest in the environmental improvement of West Auckland. “People and businesses can tap into grant money to repair or reinstate their unique historic buildings while also enhancing the appearance of one of our oldest communities. “This scheme shows our commitment to regeneration in neighbourhoods such as West Auckland and underlines the work we are doing, together with our partners, to build stronger communities.”

Tamsin Harrison, Urban Design Officer, at Durham County Council has given kind permission to reproduce the leaflet and the display boards.