A MEETING is being organised to discuss village issues.

The redevelopment of the Shotley Bridge Hospital site is on the agenda of the Shotley Bridge Village Trust.

Last month, consultants working for Derwentside District Council and English Partnerships, which owns the cleared land, circulated a leaflet giving an update on the development of proposals for the site.

The consultants, David Lock Associates, has been commissioned to carry out community consultation and to prepare a planning document which will guide the redevelopment of the site.

The idea is to ensure good design practices are followed and provide a green park as a central focus for the new neighbourhood.

The aim is to make sure the neighbourhood is rural in character and includes landscaping, green open spaces and street trees.

The committee will also discuss ways to support the remaining services at the hospital.

Littering in the village is also on the agenda, and the trust is in talks with the district council about getting more bins and a more regular street cleaning service.

A trust spokesman said: "All members and guests are welcome to join the committee for this meeting. We would like to make more local people aware of the village trust, and to encourage them to become involved in our discussions and activities.

"We would like to invite anyone who may be interested along to the meeting."

The meeting will be held in the Methodist church hall next Thursday, at 7.45pm.

Access to the hall is off Derwent Place, at the back of the old town hall.