TOWN centre managers have launched an initiative to make its streets and shops more accessible to disabled people.

In a determined effort to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act, Bishop Auckland town bosses and Wear Valley Disability Access Forum are hosting an event that will offer businesses free advice about how to improve services.

The two-day drop-in will be held in the Newgate Shopping Centre where representatives of the access forum will provide advice about how traders can take steps to comply with the new act.

The event comes as the main problems identified by the forum, which was commissioned to audit the town by the town centre management, are to be presented to Wear Valley District Council.

Bishop Auckland town centre manager Derek Toon said: "I am pleased with the work that was done on the audit.

"There were so many positive points about the town and Durham County Council and Wear Valley District Council are reacting by putting together an action plan to deal with issues that have risen from the report.''

Mr Toon urged traders in the town to attend the event on Thursday and Friday, January 27 and 28, between 10am and 4pm.

Anne Cowie, from the access forum, said that the exhibition would be beneficial to traders and the public because other organisations, including the police, would be on hand to offer safety advice in general.

She said she was pleased with the positive response to the new act by the town centre management and local authorities.

She said: "One of the main concerns is Fore Bondgate where the pavement conditions are absolutely dreadful.

"Speed humps were put in on the road and the paths also have humps in them to make them the same level.

"This makes it difficult for people in wheelchairs and young mothers with push-chairs."

Mrs Cowie said that she had already met with Mr Toon and highway officers and it is hoped that, while finance is not available for major restructuring, compromises can be reached and immediate repairs carried out.