BUSINESS bosses in Darlington have put on a show of unity over contentious plans to create a £6.5m "pedestrian heart" in the town centre.

The project has caused heated debate in the town, mainly about the planned alterations to historic High Row.

Conservative councillors and the Civic Trust have objected to plans to remove Victorian railings and balustrades as part of the development.

The Tories have pledged to support residents who have concerns about the scheme and have criticised the Labour-controlled council for not carrying out enough consultation.

But business leaders came together this week to pledge their full support for the council's plans.

The proposals include redesigning the traffic system, introducing granite and water features, seating and planting.

Binns store manager Steve Pashley said: "The pedestrian heart scheme is a forward step for the town and one that will make it a prominent retail destination in the region."

Susan Young, deputy manager of the Cornmill Centre, said: "The Cornmill is firmly behind the project and recognises the potential improvement that this development will bring to local businesses."

John Coxon, director of town centre store Leggs and a member of the Darlington Town Centre Forum, said: "As a local independent retailer I give my full support to the scheme.

"It will provide a better, cleaner looking and more open shopping environment and one which is far more accessible to all town centre users including the disabled."

Funds were released this week to allow preliminary work on the first phase of the project to begin.

The £450,000 phase will include changes to Stonebridge, near the ring road, to create a bus priority lane, ensuring they get out of the centre with ease.

There will be a third lane on the ring road to cope with the buses being diverted from the town centre.

Other entrance points to the town centre will also be altered.

Lanes will be widened at the junctions of Stonebridge and St Cuthbert's Way, as well as at Freeman's Place and St Cuthbert's Way, helping to create a bus loop.

The scheme will eventually see West Row, Blackwellgate, High Row, Skinnergate, Prospect Place and the south end of Northgate pedestrianised.