A PROPOSAL to set up a town centre ice rink is one of many schemes being considered to inject more life into Spennymoor.

The large number of boarded up properties and air of neglect surrounding the town's shopping precinct has thwarted attempts to bring shoppers back to the town centre over the past few years.

But a concerted effort from local councils and Retail Properties, owner of the Festival Walk shopping precinct, is being made to revitalise the town centre.

Clothing store Peacocks has just announced it will be moving into the centre's former indoor market early next year.

Retail Properties is also in talks with two other retailers which could fill the remaining empty premises.

There are also plans to offer grants to businesses in the centre for shopfront improvements, and to set up a temporary ice rink in the centre of the town, which could entice visitors into the centre during a four-week Christmas market.

Town centre manager Graham Sewell said: "The shop front scheme is really to help put a new face on Spennymoor and it will be a gradual process. It will take a considerable length of time to develop.

"The town centre forum, made up of local businesses and pubs and local councillors, are trying to put some life back into the place."

On Thursday, Sedgefield Borough Councillors will decide whether to let negotiations begin on organising the Christmas event, which would cost in the region of £10,000.

If the venture is successful, a temporary ice rink might also be set up in Newton Aycliffe to promote trade in future years.

Councillors will also decide on Thursday whether to set aside money for grants to improve shopfronts.

A study carried out on the town last September identified the appearance of many shopfronts as a major weakness in the town.

If the scheme is approved, central areas of High Street and Cheapside will be given priority for grants which will meet 50 per cent of the costs, up to £10,000.

The grants would be on offer for five years from April next year