VILLAGERS are to be asked whether they want to be covered by a neighbouring parish council.

A consultation is underway on proposals to extend the boundaries of Pelton Parish Council, near Chester-le-Street, to cover about 120 properties in the neighbouring village of Newfield.

It follows a petition by Newfield and Pelton Lane Ends Residents’ Association calling for the ‘unparished’ area of Newfield to be included within Pelton’s parish boundaries.

A boundary review has been set up by Durham County Council to ask residents for their opinions on the proposal.

Households that would be affected by the proposal will be sent background information and a feedback form, to be completed returned by Wednesday, April 8.

Anyone who does not receive a feedback form but will like to give their views on the proposal can submit a written representation to durhamcgr@durham.gov.uk

Once all feedback has been received, draft proposals will be put together for further consultation in the summer, with final recommendations due in September.

Further information on the review is available at www.durham.gov.uk/communitygovernance