With the loss of these industries, the district struggled with unemployment, although European Union funding provided a boost to local businesses and visitor attractions.

The letters patent were dated 8 May 1975, and the arms were blazoned as follows:[14] Barry wavy of eight Argent and Azure an Eagle displayed wings inverted Or gorged with a Mural Crown proper pendent therefrom by a ring a Cross of St. Cuthbert and charged on each wing with a like Cross Azure.

Crest: On a wreath of the colours In front of Flames a Miner's Pick head upwards in pale and two Swords points upwards in Saltire proper hilts and pomels Or pendent from the Pick by a Chain Argent a Roman Shield Sable charged with a Thunderbolt and on a Bordure Or ten Pellets.

Badge:A Fountain charged with an Eagle as in the Arms.The shield had a field of silver and blue waves, representing the Rivers Derwent, Deerness and Browney.

Hanging from the axe was a Roman shield bearing a thunderbolt for the broadcasting station at Pontop Pike.

[citation needed] The district was abolished as part of the 2009 structural changes to local government in England.

[16] On 5 July 2010, the Secretary of State for Education announced plans for the overhaul of England's school building programme.

Local opponents to the building of an academy on the Belle Vue site in Consett launched an application to have the land registered as a village green.