Chester-le-Street's rundown railway station is likely to get a makeover to improve passenger facilities.

Durham County Council's cabinet will this week be recommended to approve a £70,000 scheme to build a shelter at the station, which is owned by Network Rail.

A survey by consultants Halcrow and Scott Wilson has highlighted the station as being "particularly run-down with poor, outdated waiting facilities for passengers and in need of upgrade works," a report by deputy chief executive Chris Tunstall says.

He adds: "The existing waiting facilities on the northbound platform consist of a small, masonry waiting shelter, which is inadequate for the number of passengers using the station, particularly at peak times.

"The shelter is also considered to be old, obtrusive and unsuitable for the station."

A modern shelter for 30 people and with a disabled waiting area would be built on the northbound platform.

Standing room, two covered waiting areas and covered cycle parking for up to four cycles would also be provided.

"Internal lighting and clear wall panels will give the new shelter a bright, open and unobtrusive aspect,'' says Mr Tunstall.

"It is intended that the new shelter will increase the sense of security of the travelling public and generally raise the quality of the facilities and appearance of the station and, therefore, promote its use.'' He said that Chester-le-Street District Council was also hoping to fund improvements including a customer information system, reinstatement of the station canopy and removing the southbound shelter.

If Network Rail agrees to the scheme, work could start next month.

Train operator Northern Rail supports moves to improve facilities.