RESIDENTS are being given their say over a proposed multi-million pound facelift for a community's commercial centre.

Modus Properties is spearheading the planned £18m revamp of Seaham's shopping centre, on behalf of regional development agency One NorthEast.

It features both shopping and housing elements designed to breathe new life into the former mining town, with the added bonus of creating up to 250 jobs.

The retail side of the Byron Place development includes a 120,000sq ft covered shopping mall, featuring a number of high street stores and a 70,000sq ft supermarket.

A new bus terminal is proposed as a replacement for the existing fading facilities in St John's Square, while the residential aspect would see 76 traditional semi-detached and linked houses developed.

Initial suggestions that the development should also feature a hotel, bandstand, lei-sure facilities, a garage and market area failed to materialise in Modus's development plans.

Public viewing of the plans took place at town council offices last week and members of the public are now being invited to submit their suggestions.

Modus, which was also chosen to oversee the redevelopment of neighbouring east Durham town Peterlee, will consider all views and comments put forward before drawing up a detailed planning application.

Town clerk Stan Cudlip said all parties involved in the Seaham Regeneration Partnership were keen to see the scheme take shape to lift the profile of the area.

Modus director Richard McGawley said it was an exciting project for the company.

Seaham Mayor Charles Walker hailed the scheme as the dawn of a new era for the town. He believes it could help to lift it "out of the doldrums" and go some way towards providing a brighter future.

The public consultation day saw hundreds of people view the plans, attracting mixed views, which will be considered prior to the full planning application.

Among the misgivings were the apparent lack of any form of memorial to the town's mining heritage.

It is hoped once design, development, planning and legal issues have been agreed that work can begin on site some time next year.