PROPOSALS for a £6.5m pedestrian haven in Darlington town centre are to be exhibited next month.

A series of consultation days will be held in the town next week, detailing Darlington Borough Council's proposed design for the redeveloped town centre.

The exhibitions will feature plans and sketches, and work by artist Michael Pinsky, who is developing ideas of using lighting and water in the design. They will allow the public to air their views.

The scheme was recently extended from its original concept to include more of Darlington's town centre, featuring space for events, markets and street activities, avenues of trees, bold swathes of planting, a water feature and plenty of seating.

Councillor David Lyonette, the council's cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: "The Pedestrian Heart scheme is a really exciting project that will see a total transformation of the town centre.

"It is now time for local residents to have their say on how they want their town centre to look, by becoming involved in the exhibition."

Darlington Borough Council and One NorthEast, the development agency for the North-East, have worked together on the project in the hope of putting Darlington firmly on the map as a place where people want to visit and shop.

The exhibition will be open in the public mall of the Queen Street Shopping Centre from Wednesday to Saturday, July 7 to 10.

The proposals can also be viewed on the council website at www.darlington.gov.uk