A TEAM of planning and property consultants is planning how to improve the success of the main shopping centre in Hartlepool.

Drivers Jonas has been commissioned by Hartlepool Borough Council to review the town's retail scene.

Martin Tonks, for the firm, said: "The town centre is actually doing rather well. There are few empty shops in the primary shopping area and the centre is complemented by a busy marina.

"However, we need to get a clearer picture of where shoppers are travelling from and why they choose to come to Hartlepool. Perhaps, more importantly, we need to find out why some consumers do not shop in Hartlepool."

As part of the study, telephone and street interviews will be carried out with a cross section of shoppers. The council is keen to discover how attractive the shopping area is to people from outside