Improvement works in a County Durham town have helped to secure 50 jobs and boost trade for independent businesses, it has been claimed.

Durham County Council has been delivering support in Spennymoor as part of its continued targeted investment in town centres.

The council has been carrying out enhancement works across the town, including the installation of new paving, handrails, and lighting in the marketplace to create a dedicated space for future public events.

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Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “Our ambitious Towns and Villages Investment Plan is helping to breathe new life into communities across County Durham and create more and better jobs.

“Not only do we want to enhance our centres to make them more attractive and vibrant places to visit, we also want to support the development of existing and new businesses in these areas so they can benefit from the increased footfall.”

Bespoke lighting columns have also been put in place to project patterns onto the pavements and nearby buildings which will change with the seasons, creating a vibrant atmosphere within the town centre year-round.

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The columns were used during last weekend’s coronation celebrations, with an image of His Majesty King Charles III projected in the marketplace.

The image was produced by Spennymoor company Thorn Lighting and was funded by county councillor Liz Maddison, who contributed £600 through her neighbourhood budget.

The council has also installed new street furniture, including a solar-powered phone charging bench, where people can take a moment to pause while enjoying newly planted raised flower beds.

As part of the improvement works, the council’s community economic development team is supporting businesses across the county through its Targeted Business Improvement scheme.

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The scheme provides grant funding to business owners for external and internal improvements to make their units look more appealing and be better fit for purpose.

In Spennymoor, the council’s support has enabled independent retailers to trade from newly refurbished units.

This investment has already created 33 jobs in the town this year, while safeguarding an additional 17 jobs.