PROPOSALS for a regeneration package which could change the face of a Wear Valley town have been launched.
More than £1m of Government Single Regeneration Budget money has been secured to revitalise Bishop Auckland town centre.
Proposals were revealed in a draft Bishop Auckland Town Centre Strategy, launched at the weekend.
The aim is to revitalise drab areas of the town and improve the area for visitors.
It coincides with proposed investment from Asda, which intends to renovate the Newgate shopping centre and Wilsons Foundry.
Proposals include:
* Encouraging more people to live in the town centre.
* The appointment of a town centre manager.
* Grant aid to improve shop fronts and run-down buildings.
* A parking strategy to give priority to shoppers.
* Improvements to Auckland Castle Park.
* Support for the street market.
Consultations will be held and over the next month retailers will be asked for their views.
Councillor Barbara Laurie, from Wear Valley Council's planning committee, said: "The town centre strategy sets out a clear vision, which will not only be helpful to the future of Bishop Auckland, but for all the residents of South West Durham."
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