FAR-reaching plans to transform a resort's harbour and create one of the best seafronts in Europe have been unveiled.

The £2m scheme would see the harbourside area of Scarborough given a new look - and now the public are being invited to have their say.

The plans have been drawn up by Exeter consultants LDA and are part of the resort's renaissance programme to change the look of the town to meet the rising expectations of future visitors, locals and investors.

Under the scheme, the harbour would be brought to life at night through a bold lighting scheme that would bathe the area in blue light.

There would also be a series of mast columns topped with "light wands", as well as a vertical beam serving as a memorial to those who have lost their lives at sea.

Other proposals include re-paving Sandside and Vincent Pier with top quality materials such as natural York stone; the widening of pavements and the creation of parking bays and new safe crossing points for pedestrians

A key part of the scheme would also be the installation of specially-designed "loafer seats" varying in length between two and 20 metres and resembling "super-size toast racks."

After dark, the seats would be lit from within, creating slices of light to spill out on to nearby surfaces.

Council leader Eileen Bosomworth said: "The harbourside is one of Scarborough's main attractions for both residents and visitors, so this is great news.

"The fact that Yorkshire Forward is prepared to invest substantial funds in the harbourside shows the faith it has in the future of our town.

"The scheme is very exciting and will kick-start regeneration in the harbour and Old Town area, which in turn will encourage investment in businesses and buildings and transform what is effectively the shop window of Scarborough."

Tom Pindar, chairman of Scarborough Renaissance Town Team, said the proposals matched anything he had seen at home or abroad.

"Lots of ordinary people have spent hours of their own time on helping with the design of this project."

The scheme is now going out for public consultation, which will involve residents and stakeholder meetings, and exhibitions at the Renaissance Office, in Falconers Road, the Town Hall, in St Nicholas Street, and the Sea Cadets Centre, in Sandgate.

For further information, contact Gordon Somerville, John Riby or Nick Taylor on (01723) 232323.