DETAILS of a draft strategy that should assist the revival of the whole of the Wear Valley were revealed this week.

Bob Hope, director of planning at Wear Valley District Council, told an audience of local business people and residents how the Bishop Auckland Town Centre Strategy should restore it to a "vibrant and attractive market town" for the benefit of communities in Wear Valley.

The audience at Bishop Auckland Town Hall heard how the town centre has suffered as a result of the decline of coal mining and other industries and from competition from shopping centres such as Darlington, Durham and the MetroCentre in Gateshead.

The draft action plan aims to entice shoppers back and improve the appearance of the town centre with a £1.5m investment of Single Regeneration Budget money.

A critical part of the plan is the improvement of Newgate Street and the Newgate Centre shopping precinct, which would be landscaped to look more attractive and modern.

Proposals range from encouraging people to move into the town centre by finding living space over shops, to themed markets and events within the town's market place.

Asda's plans to relocate to Wilson's Foundry also form part of the strategy. It is hoped the investment will revitalise the south of the town and the supermarket's contribution towards improving its old site at the Newgate Centre should also help regeneration.

It is estimated that about 400 car parking spaces would be created in the town with Asda's relocation to the foundry site.

But a representative from bus company Arriva North East, expressed concern that this went against government recommendations on trying to encourage public transport use.

Mr Hope said car parking is constantly an issue for shop- keepers and shoppers.

He said: "Car parking is insufficient and the regime implemented means the town centre car parks haven't been used by shoppers, but by people using it for all-day parking."

Mr Hope stressed that extensive consultation on all suggestions is still being carried out.

Traders in the town have received a questionnaire seeking their views on the proposals and there will be an exhibition on the draft proposals in the Newgate Centre