Question time now on BBC1

Peterlee was built in the 1960s/1970s to take the coal mining communities from pits that had closed or would close - Blackhall, Horden etc. Modern factories and trading estates were built, but only ever half filled and pay was lower in factory jobs than mining so unemployment and lack of money was a big problem by 1990 when the mines had all closed. People were encouraged to move out of their Victorian terraced houses into new housing that was not the best quality and did not encourage the same level of community. Bright young people moved away, leaving behind the old and less articulate. It became a classic left behind town, despite modern buildings.

Cheers Analyst, I take a real interest in UK history
Seems I was a few years out, 60s not 40s
Some great local views on the programme tonight, does seem like a left behind town as you say

just outside bou ndries off teesside as you join A1 up to newcastle not far from sedgefield racecourse,mini,mini me version of milton keynes drove past 100,s of times and never set foot in the place once in over 60 yrs

deep reform territory, a nonce bonnet shop might do well