CAMPAIGNERS fighting to maintain the Victorian character of a North town centre will hand a petition of more than 4,000 signatures to council officials this week.

Darlington Civic Trust is opposing changes to the town's High Row as part of a £6.5m pedestrianisation scheme.

The organisation is unhappy at the proposed demolition of the three-tier steps, balustrades and railings.

Members believe the number of names on the petition indicates the majority of residents are against the work.

The borough council said it had overwhelming support for the proposals, but the trust does not share that view.

Vice-chairman Clive Owen said: "The petition will be properly bound and formally handed into the town hall on Wednesday at noon. At the last count, we had more than 4,000 signatures."

The trust will also send a copy of its petition to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, which will have to consider planning applications for the work.

Residents got the chance to see the proposals at an exhibition in the Cornmill Centre last week.

Comments should be submitted to the council in person, by post or online at www.darling ton.gov.uk by February 18.