COUNCILLORS are being asked to back a £225,000 revamp for an industrial estate.

Plans for the refurbishment scheme on Chilton Industrial Estate will be unveiled at a meeting of Sedgefield Borough Council's Cabinet meeting on Thursday.

In a report to be presented to the cabinet, council officers are recommending that councillors approve the plans, which would involve 18 units being modernised.

It could be a welcome boost to an area affected by recent job losses at Black and Decker, and encourage future investment.

Work will include renewal of heaters, a fencing scheme, external decoration, fitting of gas meters, demolition of four units, landscaping, and removal of oil tanks and gas installation.

Chilton Industrial Estate has traditionally been seen as one of Sedgefield borough's most popular locations for businesses because of the range of unit sizes available and its location.

The report reveals that the estate is a shadow of its former self.

Only 47 per cent of the units are being let out in comparison with an average of 76 per cent in other industrial estates owned by the council.

A number of the units have broken windows, doors and grilles, the internal heating systems are obsolete and the exterior decoration is shabby.

Four of the units, which are jointly owned by Durham County Council, have been subjected to vandalism and are in a bad state of disrepair. They are to be demolished.

As part of the improvements, it has been suggested that the council offers an extra incentive to prospective businesses, giving six months rent free and three months at half-rent once work is completed.

The majority of the money for the redevelopment will come from external sources, but the council will need to contribute £21,625.

Money is expected from the County Durham Single Programme Finance from One NorthEast, European Regional Development Fund and Durham County Council.