A survey of Bishop Auckland town centre is assessing access for people with disabilities.

Town centre manager Derek Toon has commissioned a report for the Town Centre Forum, asking Wear Valley Disability Access Forum to investigate any aspects that could make life difficult for people with mobility problems.

He said: "It is vital that we understand what problems of access we have in the town centre so that we can put them right.

"With part three of the Disability Discrimination Act on access to goods and services coming into force on October 1 this year, we need to be well prepared."

The first reports, on off-street parking, on-street parking and customer parking, are already complete.

Other aspects that will be investigated include street furniture, signage, lighting, priority services and pavements.

Anne Cowie of the Wear Valley Disability Forum said: "We have visited all the car parks and counted every car parking bay in the town.

"We have found that there is a considerable amount of parking for blue badge holders available in the town centre, however, there is a lack of information to advise people of where these bays are.

"Holders of blue badges need to read the information provided with their badge to identify where they can and cannot park. They need to use their badge correctly and not misuse it."

Having walked the town looking at car parks, the forum team will now examine the condition of pavements in the town centre and identifying any problems with street furniture such as bollards.

Bob Hope, director of planning and regeneration at Wear Valley District Council, said: "Having personally been involved in a previous survey of the town, I understand how important it is to ensure that all residents and visitors have ease of access and can move around unhindered.

"The surveys being carried out are essential to inform future developments, improvement schemes and the review of the town centre strategy, which is currently being progressed."