THE centre of a market town is to be given a facelift as part of an extensive improvement scheme.

The first stages of work to improve Barnard Castle town centre will begin next month and will continue into the summer.

The work is expected to cost a six-figure sum and will involve replacing modern fittings and street furniture with high-quality traditional materials. Teesdale District Council's head of development, James Usher, said: "We have got a high-quality environment here in Barnard Castle and this is about trying to improve the look of the town.

"Not just for residents but also for visitors as Barnard Castle needs to attract visitors.

"There has already been replacement work done on The Bank and this is part of an overall scheme to continue that work."

The project will involve new bus shelters on the east side of Galgate, which could provide information on arrival times of buses.

The concrete paving will also be replaced with Yorkstone and the tarmac parking bays replaced with granite setts.

The area around the Woodleigh building and the castle will also be improved.

A paved area for seating will be created between Woodleigh and the boundary with Flatts Road and the tarmac road to the castle replaced with stone setts and kerbs, with Yorkstone footways and new signage.

The footpath around the castle from the riverside to Scar Top will be replaced with non-slip surfacing and replacement handrails.

Further phases could potentially include work on the cobbles in Horsemarket and the Market Place, the Hole in the Wall car park and replacing concrete paving with Yorkstone on the west side of Galgate.

Teesdale council's Corporate Strategy Committee has been advised to give the scheme permission to the at its meeting on Monday.

Funding bids have also been prepared to bodies including One NorthEast, English Heritage and Durham County Council

Teesdale council has allocated £20,000 for the project in its forthcoming budget.

If the scheme is given approval an exhibition for the public will be held in Barnard Castle Tourist Information Centre.