TORY councillors in Darlington have launched a blistering attack on council plans for a "pedestrian heart" for the town.

In a strongly-worded statement, they list a string of pitfalls - including the creation of what they say would be a "no-go" area at night and the abandonment of historical treasures.

They also attack plans to let cyclists into the centre, an issue which has already caused uproar, especially among groups for the disabled.

And they want the scheme to be vetted by independent consultants.

Conservative parliamentary hopeful Anthony Frieze condemned the scheme as "municipal vandalism."

But the council's new heritage champion, Coun David Lyonette, dismissed the claims, insisting the council was still consulting over the plans.

Coun Charles Johnson, the Conservative resources spokes-man, said his members backed the principle of pedestrianisation. But they did not believe that:

* the abandonment of historical aspects was in the interests of the community;

* the scheme could be properly managed to prevent the creation of an unfriendly "no-go" area at night;

* cyclists should be given free access.

"The scheme does not reflect Darlington's heritage," said Coun Johnson. "We want the plans to be reviewed by an independent consultant."

He was disappointed that the volume of public concern seemed to be falling on deaf ears and claimed many details were limited to artists' impressions.

"Some appear as gimmicks, some unmanageable and all need clarification and public acceptance," he said.

"The question of cyclists is causing concern, but the council quotes other towns which have not had problems."

Coun Lyonette said High Row did not satisfy health and safety rules. It had originally been put on different levels due to the emergence of trams.

"Before that, the area was similar to what we are proposing, which is safer and will make it more accessible," he said, "Bus and taxi firms seem happy with the scheme."

Mr Frieze said the town had a unique Victorian architectural inheritance.

"The pedestrian plans for High Row are deeply misguided and amount to a form of municipal vandalism," he said. "The proposal will turn High Row into just another High Street as the town falls victim to the creeping conformity which is destroying diversity and tradition."

Clive Owen, vice-chairman of the non-political Darlington Civic Trust, said: "We welcome any support for preserving the town's heritage and High Row. The best of the past can be improved and restored - that is our main interest."

The trust is waiting for English Heritage to say whether it will list features on High Row.