Reform council pulls funding for business parks

THE future of two business park schemes in County Durham has been questioned after funding was withdrawn.

- GRAEME WHITFIELD

Cash previously allocated for the economic regeneration schemes at the Jade Business Park in Murton and South Church Enterprise Park in Bishop Auckland has been pulled from Durham County Council’s capital programme.

The decision was made by the new Reform UK administration in charge of the local authority, which is reviewing council spending across services.

Durham County Council said the schemes haven't been “completely banished” and will continue to be assessed for alternative investment and funding opportunities, minimising the need for council borrowing.

But opposition councillors criticised the decision, saying the removal of funding risks the future of the sites.