AN MP has hit out at a delay-riddled £5.3m city centre regeneration scheme, branding it 'disappointing' and an 'accident waiting to happen'.

Roberta Blackman-Woods, MP for Durham City, made the outspoken remarks in condemning Durham City Vision's (DCV) controversial Heart of the City scheme.

The project, most of which is now due to be finished by July - four months late, has seen new paving, seats and lighting installed, side streets opened up and the Lord Londonderry statue moved across the Market Place.

Earlier this month, Ian Thompson, Durham County Council's corporate director for regeneration and economic development, apologised for the project running late and damaging city centre trade, admitting it was 'probably over-ambitious'.

But he insisted the investment would maximise economic benefits and move Durham forward in a respectful way.

However, Dr Blackman-Woods said the Market Place work was 'disappointing', its new seats looked out of place in the historic setting and residents had complained to her about both the seats and new paving.

Saddler Street, where pedestrians are sharing space with vehicles travelling to and from the Cathedral, is 'an accident waiting to happen', she added, and this 'should have been addressed long before now'.

The Labour MP said: "Local businesses and local people have waited patiently for the work to be carried out even though it has gone well over schedule.

"However, they haven't been rewarded with the Market Place they deserve and the county council needs to take on board what people are saying and respond appropriately."

Dr Blackman-Woods urged constituents with concerns to write to her and threatened to hold a public meeting on the issue.

In response, Mr Thompson said the council understood completely concerns the scheme had overrun, was not looking for excuses and had already publicly said sorry to all those affected.

On road safety, he said the council was working with partners to reduce vehicle numbers in the city centre and would take further action in the very near future.

The delays have been blamed on bad weather and the discovery of skeletons under the Market Place.

Some limited work on street lights and Elvet Bridge will continue until later this year.