VISIONS for the future of Wear Valley's two main towns are about to be revealed.

The two different plans -for Bishop Auckland and Crook - will be going on display in exhibitions in the towns, with residents and traders invited to give their opinions.

In Bishop Auckland, design and architectural experts Red Box, from Newcastle, were appointed by Wear Valley District Council in May to update an earlier development scheme for the town centre, first produced four years ago.

A week-long exhibition outlining the new plans opens next Thursday, November 18, in Bishop Auckland Town Hall library.

Consultation with retailers, community groups, property owners and developers, which included a public meeting in August, identified a number of concerns.

Among these were:

* the appearance and future role of Fore Bondgate;

* the role of the Market Square;

* car parking;

* the best sites for new shops;

* development at North Bondgate;

* the Newgate Centre's integration with the rest of the town centre.

The final plan will be submitted to development agency One NorthEast for funding.

A spokesman for the consultancy team said: "The council is currently producing a vision to put Bishop Auckland on the map and help it fulfil its potential as one of the most important towns in County Durham and a gateway to the attractions of Weardale."

Crook could also see major changes aimed at attracting more shoppers into the Hope Street and Market Place area.

Landscaping, paving, seating and lighting - extending from the top of Hope Street to St Catherine's Church - should encourage shoppers to spend more time in the centre, while reducing anti-social behaviour and crime.

Details of extra parking and new signs, tree planting and other improvements will be unveiled when the scheme goes on display in the Civic Centre from Monday, November 29, to Friday, December 3.

Geoff Mowbray, vice-chairman of Crook Community Partnership, said: "There are a lot of new homes being built in Crook and we want people to come into the town centre instead of driving past.

"If we make it a more pleasant place to be, new businesses should follow."