A COUNCIL says its plans for smartening up a village's main street have won support from residents.

Durham County Council held an exhibition of its plans for Front Street, in Witton Gilbert, and said that the 50 people who attended supported the proposals to improve the part of the street near the Glendenning Arms.

The scheme includes removing concrete paving flags and tarmac and replacing them with buff-coloured flags.

Coloured setts will be used for access roads and there will also be conservation kerbs, bollards to prevent parking on pavements and cast iron railings.

Don Ross, the council's deputy leader, said that a constant flow of visitors backed the plans.

Councillor Ross, who has been instrumental in co-ordinating the scheme's funding, said: "We will evaluate all the views received and, if appropriate, incorporate them in the scheme.

"Issues not directly related to the scheme were also raised, particularly the state of the derelict garage and the impact it has on the appearance of Front Street.

"There were also concerns about the speed of traffic in Sacriston Lane, and drivers ignoring one-way signs in Falkous Terrace, which will both be looked at by our engineers.

"We will also be working with Durham City Council, which is seeking funding from the Flourishing Communities scheme.

"If the bid is successful, it is hoped to extend the improvement works farther along Front Street, taking in the area of the derelict garage."

Funding for the scheme includes £30,000 over two years from the county council and £12,500 from Witton Gilbert Parish Council.