CONTROVERSIAL plans for the pedestrianisation of Darlington town centre are to be debated again on Monday.

The borough council's resources scrutiny committee will discuss the issue when it meets in the town hall.

Conservative councillor Charles Johnson asked for the matter to be called in by the committee for consideration.

He is asking a series of questions about the financing of the scheme - and its potential impact on tax-payers.

Part of the project involves historic features being removed from High Row, an issue which has been condemned by the Tory group and the Darlington Civic Trust.

Councillor Johnson said last night: "I have tabled written questions. It's being called in simply to understand the finances.

"I have asked how much has been spent on the preliminaries to date, through the town hall and consultants, and what is likely to be spent in the future.

"I have also asked how much it will cost to construct the works and how much it will cost to maintain the scheme once it is finished.

"We need to know who is funding what and whether there will be any council tax implications."

The council has insisted that it has overwhelming public support for the pedestrianisation scheme, which will also include a water feature, lighting columns and seating areas.