PROPOSALS to redevelop Bishop Auckland town centre have been greeted with enthusiasm by local people, who say they cannot wait to see the improvements.

The scheme to brighten up the market place and surrounded area aims to reverse the decline in visitors to the town's shops in recent years.

Trader Stephen Gregory, who is also a district councillor, said improvement was a must for the town.

He said: "Overall the town badly needs a facelift, and any improvement can only be good. Hopefully, this will bring shoppers back to the town along with better quality shops."

His thoughts were echoed by visitors to Bishop Auckland Library, where the plans were unveiled in an exhibition.

Kathleen Fieldson, 56, from Tees Walk, Coundon, said she was looking forward to the new Asda store being built.

She said: "This will make a good change for the town."

Jose Santana, 42, from Salisbury Place, Bishop Auckland, said the improvements could not come quickly enough and that taking it back to its Roman roots might give the town some direction.

He said: "It will definitely give a boost to the town. I am not sure about the height of the kerbs for access. They do need to be higher, but I'm not sure they need to be this high.''

Angela Donnelly, 33, from Beckett Close, Etherley Dene, visited the library with her children Brogan, nine, and Ciaran, six.

She said: "It is very interesting. It needs doing. I think it will draw people back to the town.

"I am now starting to go away when I do my shopping, because the town is so dilapidated at the moment. It has a lot of potential."

Millions of pounds are to be invested in the scheme, which will see improvements to car parks, landscaping and disabled access.

The proposals are on display in Bishop Auckland Library until August 17.