Planning for Destruction: The D-villages of County Durham

Caroline Beck uncovers the hidden story of the Durham villages which were lost after the decline of the local coalfields during the 1950s and 60s. As the pits became worked out, the County Council categorised all villages and towns from A to D - A being those with a future and D being earmarked for decline and slow death. Almost 100,000 people were affected as over 120 communities fought to save themselves from the planned destruction.