Darlington Civic Trust has vowed to protect Darlington's heritage from a proposed £6.5m pedestrian town centre scheme.

The trust this week launched a stinging attack against plans by urban planners, Gillespies, which would see the demolition of the historic steps and retaining walls on High Row to make way for a new two-tier pedestrianised area, linked by a single tier of steps.

The existing balustrades and iron railings, constructed more than 100 years ago, would also be removed to make way for new railings, seating and stonework.

Clive Owen, vice-chairman of Darlington Civic Trust, told the D&S Times that there had been three levels between the shops on High Row and the covered market since 1898.

"The steps, railings, retaining wall and balustrades have survived the test of time," he said. "They are an important part of the town's and our heritage just as the covered market, the clock tower, the market cross and market square are."

Mr Owen, the former chief executive and head planner at Darlington Borough Council, said the trust was not opposed to change.

"But we don't agree with the consultant's solutions," he said. "In our opinion, the proposals do not fit in with the conservation area and the rest of the wonderful heritage around there.

"They seem to be wanting to put a modern carpet down in a room full of antiques."

The scheme would see High Row, Blackwellgate, Northgate, Bondgate and Prospect Place completely pedestrianised between 10am and 5pm each day.

The trust has sent a letter to all the members of Darlington Council stating its feelings and highlighting the importance of the architectural features.

"The trust believes that what is on High Row is worth keeping and that it should be restored rather than demolished," Mr Owen said.

The trust hopes the Victorian Society will also give its views on the proposals.

"We would also like to see detailed proposals and more information about the scheme on public display for two or three weeks so that the people of the town can have their say."

A spokesman for Gillespies told a council committee last week that railings, seating and stonework would be used in the new design whose emphasis was on "removing clutter and congestion to create a simple, spacious feel".

* Earlier this week, Darlington pensioner Bob Elliott and Gordon Pybus, chairman of the Darlington Association on Disability, both voiced their concerns about allowing cyclists to use the pedestrian centre.

Mr Pybus said: "We are absolutely against cyclists using the pedestrianised area. It is dangerous and sends a message out that it is acceptable to cycle on pavements."

A spokesman for Darlington Council said that it did not want to close the town centre off to cyclists and that it was trying to encourage people to use different forms of transport