RESIDENTS and traders in Wear Valley's two main towns are being asked to back moves to boost business and improve the environment in their commercial centres.

A week-long exhibition outlining further plans for Bishop Auckland opens next Thursday, November 18, in Bishop Auckland Town Hall library.

Design and architectural experts Red Box, from Newcastle, were appointed by Wear Valley District Council in May to draw up a development scheme for the town centre, updating an existing strategy produced four years ago.

Earlier consultation with retailers, community groups, property owners and developers, which included a public meeting in August, identified key issues for action.

Among these were the appearance and future role of Fore Bondgate, the role of the Market Square, car parking, the best sites for new shops, development at North Bondgate and the Newgate Centre's integration with the rest of the town centre.

The final plan will be submitted to development agency One NorthEast for funding.

A spokesman for the consultancy team said: "The council is currently producing a vision to put Bishop Auckland on the map and help it fulfil its potential as one of the most important towns in County Durham and a gateway to the attractions of Weardale."

Crook could also see major changes aimed at attracting more shoppers into the Hope Street and Market Place area.

Landscaping, paving, seating and lighting, extending from the top of Hope Street to St Catherine's Church, should increase footfall and encourage shoppers to spend more time in the centre, reducing anti-social behaviour and crime at the same time.

Details of extra parking and new signs, tree planting and other improvements will also be unveiled when the scheme goes on display in the Civic Centre from Monday, November 29 until Friday, December 3.

Geoff Mowbray, vice-chairman of Crook Community Partnership, said: "There are a lot of new homes being built in Crook and we want people to come into the town centre instead of driving past.

"If we make it a more pleasant place to be, new businesses should follow."