As the Member of Parliament for Easington, I am deeply concerned about the lack of progress and ongoing delays in the redevelopment of the former school site on Seaside Lane in Easington Colliery. In a letter I recently addressed to the Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth at Durham County Council, I emphasised the need for immediate action and called for a clear timetable for the creation of a much-awaited pocket park. The community has been eagerly waiting for this project, and the continuous delays have left us frustrated and in need of answers.

The former Easington Colliery Primary School, located on Seaside Lane, has been abandoned since 1997. Despite several attempts by various private owners, the buildings fell into a state of dereliction, becoming a target for crime and anti-social behaviour. Thanks to the efforts of Councillors David Boyes and Angela Surtees and the local campaign, Durham County Council took ownership of the buildings and began the demolition in July 2021. The initial plans included the creation of a pocket park, providing temporary relief until a permanent use for the land is determined.

I am deeply disappointed by the lack of progress in making the site accessible to the public. In my letter to Durham County Council, I highlighted the detrimental impact of the ongoing delays on trust and confidence in the council’s ability to fulfil their promises. The derelict school had cast a long and dark shadow over our community, and the decision to reclaim the space for the benefit of the community was initially met with enthusiasm. However, since the demolition, all work has ceased, leaving both the community and county councillors frustrated at the lack of attention and care we have been shown by the local authority.

I believe it is imperative for Durham County Council to provide clear information about their intentions and deliver a definitive timetable for the creation of the much-anticipated community green space. We cannot afford to remain stuck in a cycle of words and promises; tangible action on the ground is what our community needs. In my recent conversation with the Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth at Durham County Council, they reiterated their commitment to creating the pocket park. However, I am unwavering in my demand for concrete progress and a clear timeline for the project.

The prolonged delays and lack of progress in redeveloping the former school site on Seaside Lane have become a pressing concern for me as the MP for Easington. The community’s trust and confidence in the local authority have been undermined, and it is essential for Durham County Council to be held accountable. I will continue to push for answers and demand that they translate their commitments into meaningful action on the ground. Our community has been eagerly awaiting the creation of the pocket park, which will revitalise the heart of the colliery and provide much-needed green space.