THE design of the main stand at Darlington Football Club's new stadium is to be altered so escalators can be installed between floors.

The club has already submitted several amendments to its original planning application for the stadium to replace its Feethams ground, which is being built at the junction of the A66 and Neasham Road.

Councillors have given permission for the main West stand at the development to be widened by 46ft.

The extension is to accommodate escalators being installed to transport fans between the ground and upper floors.

Lifts and escalators will also be in use elsewhere in the 25,000 seat stadium, which has been the focus of fierce criticism from people living near the site.

Darlington Borough Council's planning officers said the change in the size of the stand would have no significant impact on the appearance of the development.

The expansion was approved at a meeting of the council's planning applications committee on Wednesday.

Councillor leader Councillor John Williams said: "This is to make access to the upper floors of the stadium easier and will be beneficial in safety terms."