AN initial study which will lead to a master plan to reinvigorate a market town centre has been unveiled.

An exhibition, held in the Chester-le-Street Market Place yesterday and today, marks the beginning of consultation over the study, commissioned from Taylor Young.

The consultants have identified ten sites which have the potential to enhance the town centre. These focus on a range of potential housing, environmental, economic, retail, transport and community initiatives.

Local people are invited to look at these ideas, and provide feedback on what they think of them.

Visitors to the stands will be able to use stickers to indicate priorities for where they would prefer further developments or redevelopments to take place.

The exhibition will also be published on the council's website to get as much feedback as possible.

The council commissioned the planning as an important part of the emerging district regeneration strategy, to help the town centre fulfil its potential as a vibrant, and successful market town.

The council hopes the town centre will become a hub for the entire district, making it more attractive for visitors, employees, and investors.

Project manager Richard Green, of Taylor Young, said: "The exhibition provides members of the public with the opportunity to comment on where they feel priorities should be for the future of the town centre.

"One of the focal points will be how the town centre can make more contact with the Riverside.

"Our initial studies have concluded the Riverside is a very strong draw in itself. Therefore, what we need to be looking at are ways in which to attract people from the Riverside to the town centre."

Following the exhibition, the plan will be further refined, and developed into "demonstrator projects", which should be completed by the end of the year. The council will then decide how to bring these proposals forward.

The council's regeneration portfolio holder, Councillor Chris Jukes, said: "We are keen to ensure that the options the consultants have come up with incorporate the views of residents, businesses, the voluntary sector and a range of other partners.