CAMPAIGNERS fighting alterations to Darlington's High Row have stepped up their efforts.

The issue arose at a full meeting last week of the borough council, which is pressing ahead with a £6.m 'pedestrian heart' scheme for the town centre.

Conservative councillors again criticised the proposals for the High Row area.

Coun Ron Lewis said the town's civic strength lay in its connections with the Victorians.

He added that the proposed scheme was 'long on presentation and short on detail.'

Protestors are furious about the planned removal of balustrades and Victorian iron railings.

Labour members insist the plans would enhance the town centre.

Coun David Lyonette said: "I don't think we could have consulted more - the vast majority of people wanted changes to High Row." He said the 'tiny minority' of protestors had not done their homework.

The changes moved a step closer when council cabinet members approved the design of the scheme. Senior Labour councillors insisted that the public backed the proposals and said there had been thorough consultation, including exhibitions, publicity and questionnaires.

The Conservative group condemned what it said was inadequate consultation on such a major development.

In one day, Darlington Civic Trust collected more than 1,000 signatures calling for High Row's historic features to be retained.

Listed building consent, conservation area approval and planning permission must be secured for the scheme to go ahead.