A NEW-look town centre will be officially opened this week after a £450,000 environmental improvement programme.

The developments in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, are the latest in a £750,000 package of measures which aim to improve the appearance and vitality of the town.

Durham County Council, Wear Valley District Council, Bishop Auckland Town Centre Forum and One NorthEast joined forces to carry out the 20-week scheme.

At noon this Friday, MP Derek Foster will officially unveil the new-look town centre, which will be followed by street entertainment.

Chris Tunstall, Durham County Council's director of environment and technical services, said: "The scheme has made a dramatic improvement to the centre of Bishop Auckland and is part of an overall regeneration for the town.

"Traders and shoppers have had to cope with a fair bit of disruption while the works have been taking place, but the difference to the appearance of the area really is remarkable."

The street has been re-paved and there are defined disabled parking and loading bays. Bus stops now have high kerbs to permit easy access on to new low floor buses, and services will return to normal routes on Saturday following diversion during the works.

Mr Tunstall added: "The new street lighting is a first for County Durham. It uses white light in place of traditional yellow or sodium lamps, giving better illumination, improving safety"

The work is part of a larger scheme which will see the new lighting extended from Princes Street to the station roundabout.

Pedestrian safety and traffic management measures will be introduced in association with the new Asda development to improve Newgate Street between Princes Way and Bob Hardisty Drive.

Public art is also a feature of the street, as a series of Bishop-inspired bollards and seating have been installed.

Town centre manager Ken Wilson said: "The whole scheme will benefit the area, hopefully making it more enjoyable for visitors and in turn traders."

The town centre will host a variety of street entertainment during the school summer holidays. On Monday, July 22, Mini Mansell will perform circus tricks unicycles and a wobble bike and Tuesday, July 23, will see a Cosmic Comic Gameshow.