A PEDESTRIAN heart at the centre of a North-East town is likely to be bigger than first imagined, it has been revealed.

Consultants working on the design for Darlington Borough Council have unveiled plans that take in more of Darlington centre than originally envisaged.

The initial plan, aimed at bringing more businesses and shoppers to Darlington, took in only the northern side of the town centre.

But the consultants concluded this could exacerbate a "growing north/south imbalance" and leave shops in the southern section struggling.

Four streets were initially marked by designers for pedestrianisation in shopping hours - Prospect Place; the south end of Northgate; High Row; and Skinnergate.

West Row and Blackwellgate are included in the new proposals, to ensure shoppers do not ignore that end of town.

Consultation with shop owners in Market Place, High Row, Blackwellgate, Hound-gate and Grange Road revealed they were worried about the new Commercial Street centre drawing business away from them.

A report to be given to the town centre and transport forums and environment scrutiny committee next week said some were already struggling.

A council spokesman said: "The new plans create a lot more public space.

"The inclusion of West Row will open up views of the old town hall and covered market, which are two of the town centre's prime features. It will also increase the pedestrian flow to shops and businesses in this part of the town."

The revised scheme also includes a one-way town centre loop to allow a frequent bus service taking in Priestgate, Prebend Row and Tubwell Row and a one-way, southbound bus route along Northgate and Crown Street, from the St Cuthbert's roundabout to the junction with East Street.

Council leader John Williams said: "A great deal of consultation has been carried out with town centre businesses, bus operators and organisations such as Darlington Association on Disability to help us develop the original scheme.

"The improvements being proposed bring more of the town centre into the pedestrian heart, provide easier access to the town centre for disabled people and people using public transport."

He said substantial public consultation on the proposals would be carried out before the council was asked to approve them. If approved, work should start next year.