LANDMARK buildings and ageing eyesores in one of the North-East's best-known city centres are to be enhanced as part of a 20-year masterplan.

Specialists have been employed to identify areas of Durham ripe for restoration to bring the cathedral and castle city on to a par with the likes of Bath, York and Chester.

Described as potentially the most fundamental facelift in Durham's long history, it requires the backing of a number of overseeing bodies, councils and watchdog groups.

Each will be asked to approve and provide funding for the changes during the next two decades. They will meet next week to be given a presentation on the findings of preliminary research by consultants, charged with identifying the city's strengths and weaknesses.

City council leader Sue Pitts said the long-term plan could totally transform Durham.

"It is a commonly held view that Durham City has enormous potential.

"Of course, there have been improvements and developments over the years. Now, this needs to be taken to the next stage to create a city worthy of World Heritage status.

"It's a very exciting prospect," she said.

Her county council counterpart, Ken Manton, is equally enthusiastic about the proposed project.

"The masterplan will build on the many existing attributes of the city, the cathedral, castle, its university and the river, to name but a few, all key elements in its unique historic heritage.

"But, in terms of drawing up a radical masterplan for the future, we're looking at the biggest and boldest facelift in the city's history."

Both councils, plus the cathedral's dean and chapter, Durham University and regional development agency One NorthEast have commissioned the masterplan development.

One NorthEast chairwoman Margaret Fay said: "Our aim is to provide a far richer experience by improving the current experience to all sectors of the community."

Anyone with views and ideas to contribute can send them to Bob Ward, head of regeneration for Durham County Council, at County Hall, Durham DH1 5UF, or to John Jennings, director of environmental services, at the City of Durham, Byland Lodge, Durham DH1 4TD.