OPPONENTS of a controversial scheme to pedestrianise a North-East town centre are expecting fresh developments in the new year.

A pedestrian heart is to be created in Darlington, at a cost of £6.5m, in a project which council bosses insist will revitalise the town.

Regional development agency One NorthEast is contributing £3.5m towards the initiative, while £2.5m will come from borough council reserves and the rest from other sources.

But critics of the scheme are furious at the proposed loss of historic features on High Row.

Tory councillors and Darlington Civic Trust have objected to the removal of balustrades and Victorian steps.

The Conservative group also recently called the matter in for scrutiny of the financial implications.

Councillor Charles Johnson said: "We're examining the costs at present. There are a few more questions we need answers to and we'll be reopening the debate in the new year."

Coun Johnson said he expected a formal planning application to be heard by councillors early in the new year.

If the work is approved, pedestrianisation of the centre would be completed by the end of 2008.