WORK to transform a dales market place has started with a £54,000 scheme to bury unsightly telephone and electricity cables underground.

English Heritage has pledged £300,000 to revitalise the centre of Wolsingham during the next three years, and other funding will bring an investment package up to £500,000.

During the past few days BT has placed its telephone wires underground, and Integrated Utility Services, which is part of Northern Electric, will work on electricity cables later this week.

Two lampposts columns will be replaced by decorative columns, and later this year Durham County Council will renew the rest of the posts between the library and the Constitutional Club.

Wolsingham residents have had a say in the design of the enhancement scheme, which aims to boost the flagging economy of a community hit hard by foot-and-mouth disease.

Features will include new paving, seating, crossings, bollards and parking bays to make shopping safer for residents