PLANS to erect a temporary gateway welcoming visitors to Hartlepool's historic Headland have been delayed following a public consultation.

The Gateway Scheme for the junction of Thorpe Street and Northgate was set to up to provide an elaborate entrance gate to the Headland, as part of Hartlepool's 800 year charter celebrations.

The gate will be funded by Single Regeneration money given to the area to make environmental improvements.

A design was shown to the public and officials for approval including banners, a sign highlighting the celebrations and adverts promoting the area.

The gate's design incorporated the fact that some road junctions in the Headland may be changed following a traffic study, so it was engineered to be relocated if necessary.

But many people questioned in the consolation did not want the entrance signs and banners to be put up until a permanent gateway could be constructed, after the traffic study dictated any changes to the road.

They said a temporary gate would not be in keeping with the historical area

However, they were happy for the lighting and posters to be displayed immediately.

On Tuesday, councillors are set to agree new proposals that the posters and lighting are put up but only when a permanent gate is erected.

A council spokesman said: "The design for a permanent gateway feature will be developed following the completion of the highway study."