Charter Signed

The Prime Minister added his signature to a major partnership initiative aimed at revitalising communities in East Durham. Tony Blair wwitnessed the Local Charter for Easington after the County Council,the District Council and 19 Local Town and Parish Councils signed up to the agreement. The charter is designed to increase co-operation between the different tiers of local government. It's main points include: *Wider consultation with parish and town councils on matters affecting local communities *Promoting sustainable social economic and environmental development on a local level. *The possibility of delegating some services to town and parish councils and developing more effective ways of using resources at a grass routes level. Mr Blair said "I am delighted to have witnessed the signing of the Local Charter for Easington. This is a very exciting opprtunity to ensure all local government partners work together for the benefit of communities in East Durham and I wish it every success" Maureen Lenehan, vice Chairman of the Easington Area Association of Parish and Town Councils said "The joint charter will have a positive impact as we work together to provide services for the benefit of the communities we live in" Councillor Ernie Foster, Chairman of Durham County Council said "Councils already work in partnership to provide flower beds, grass cutting, routine maintenance and litter picking and this agreement could be developed to tackle other important issues such as anti social behaviour."