A MAIN road which runs through Ferryhill is to be transformed.

The scheme was developed following concerns about the deteriorating environment of the town's Dean Bank estate.

As a result, Sedgefield Borough Council's regeneration section and the Dean Bank Residents' Association commissioned Groundwork East Durham to make proposals for future improvements.

The Dean Bank Environmental Forum was formed by residents and stakeholders to oversee the appraisal work.

The forum chose an art nouveau theme for the improvements, based on existing designs that can be seen on a number of Dean Bank buildings.

This theme is reflected in the proposals for paving, lighting and street furniture.

The plan identifies 14 different sites along the route, starting from the entrance to Dean Bank, next to the Black Bull pub, to the Ferryhill Business and Enterprise College.

Residents' main concerns have focused on inadequate and unattractive lighting and lack of parking facilities within Dean Bank.

The scheme will see the removal of bulky lighting and cable columns, which will be replaced by underground links, and by attractive lighting columns and new paving.

It is estimated that putting the first part of the scheme into operation, from the Black Bull to the corner of Kelvin Street, will cost about £400,000 over two years.

The forum has secured almost £300,000 through Sedgefield Borough Council's SRB6 and Neighbourhood Renewal programmes and the Barclays Site Savers and Living Spaces Funds.

It is hoped work will start before March and a timetable in place for the underground works for about the middle of next year.

The final plan has been circulated to all organisations and groups involved.

Residents who want to view this document can contact any of the following: Dean Bank Residents' Association, Ferryhill Partnership, the town council, the Business and Enterprise College; Dean Bank Primary, the Literary Institute, the neighbourhood wardens' office and the library.