THE centre of a market town is due to be transformed as part of a multi-million pound restoration scheme.

Work begins on the first phase of the Historic Town Centre project, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, next month.

This phase is expected to cost about £630,000 and will involve replacing concrete paving with high quality Yorkstone on the east side of Galgate.

Tarmac parking bays will also be replaced with granite setts and the entrance around the castle and Woodleigh building will be improved and enhanced.

New bus shelters are being erected and ducting installed that will allow "real time" timetable information, similar to that used on the London Underground, to be put in at a later date.

The work is being supported by Durham County Council, Teesdale District Council, One NorthEast and English Heritage.

However, this is only the first phase of a project which is expected to last up to ten years and could cost more than £2m.

David McKnight, programme manager for the Teesdale Market Towns Initiative, said the project represented a significant investment in the town.

He said: "Barnard Castle's a great town, but everything in life needs investment and maintenance.

"What we're trying to do is enhance the town centre and, in a place like Barnard Castle, you can only use the best quality materials.

"This will give people the sense they are coming to a special place."

The next phases of the project could see restoration work on the cobbled area in the Market Place and Horsemarket. There are also plans for work on the Market Cross.

The area around St Mary's Church and the parish hall is in line for an upgrade and it is hoped this will encourage more shoppers on to The Bank.

The Hole in the Wall long- stay car park could also be improved, with a new access from Newgate.

Mr McKnight said the scheme would run alongside the £6m redevelopment of the Witham Hall, which would provide theatre and dance hall space in the centre of the town.

Barnard Castle Town Council is backing the scheme, although it has expressed concern that it was not consulted fully.

Councillor John Yarker said: "I think we've been by-passed. It's a good idea but we should have been consulted."

There are plans to hold an exhibition detailing the plans to the public.