A revamp of the centre of Crook started a new phase yesterday under an action plan to create a more shopper-friendly environment.

Work started on a £480,000 16-week contract transforming the area around the war memorial with paving, footpaths and lighting.

North Terrace is being narrowed to make it one way, with traffic flowing east from Hope Street. A link road at the top of Hope Street will allow access for deliveries and other services.

Coloured floodlighting is being installed around the memorial and gardens are being replanted in a contemporary style.

The project is part of a Durham County Council urban and rural renaissance initiative to revitalise the main business area and follows improvements to other open spaces which have been going on around the Market Place since 2000.

Funding has been supplied from the county council and Wear Valley District Council with support from One NorthEast and the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.

David Warburton, the county's lead urban designer, said: "The new improvements will really enhance the town centre and provide a high quality space for everyone to enjoy.

"Some repaving work has already been done in North Terrace and this will be extended in this latest phase."