AN HISTORIC gateway to Durham Cathedral and World Heritage Site has been restored.

River cobbles and stone flags on Dun Cow Lane have been reused and reinstated, along with high quality materials such as granite and Yorkstone.

The work cost Durham County Council £163,000 and took 14 weeks to complete.

It was carried out following consultation with Durham University, Durham Cathedral and local residents.

Dun Cow Lane links North Bailey to Palace Green.

Adjoining Bow Lane, which leads to Kingsgate Bridge, underwent improvements costing £195,000 last autumn.

Councillor Neil Foster, the council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “Following on from the successful works to neighbouring Bow Lane this was an opportunity to further refurbish this important route and gateway.

“With high quality design and materials we have again delivered a floorscape that compliments both the historic nature of the lane and its conservation environment.

“The workers’ skill and eye for detail really stand out and new now have an attractive surface which is in keeping with the original character of the lane.

“The lane is already very well used by residents and visitors but with our key aim of supporting significant growth in Durham’s visitor economy via events such as this year’s Lindisfarne Gospels exhibition and Lumiere, we expect it will be even busier.

“These works have delivered an entrance befitting the historic Cathedral and World Heritage Site which is also safe and comfortable to negotiate.”