DETAILS of a programme of investment to help regenerate a town centre have been revealed.

Work to breathe new life into Stanley is continuing with the completion of improvements on Front Street and an extension into the Clifford Road retail park.

As well as work to encourage new investors, existing traders have also received support from Durham County Council’s Targeted Business Improvement scheme.

The initiative provides funding to help them expand or improve their premises as well as providing specialist retail advice and access to training.

Eight businesses in the town have received support which has led to four vacant premises being brought back into use and the creation of five new jobs.

The next property to benefit from support is the former Bertie’s Bar on Front Street, which has stood empty since a fire caused significant damage.

Eighteen businesses have been helped by the Stanley Retail Improvement Project, which was funded by the Area Action Partnership and saw improvements to window displays and shop fronts to give a more vibrant feel to the town centre.

Councillor Carl Marshall, cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “We have also worked hard to ensure existing retailers get the help and support they need to thrive and we will continue to build on these important relationships as part of our ongoing commitment to town centre regeneration.”

Stanley is also set to get an enhanced digital presence and now has a town centre website, hosted by the AAP, which focuses on promoting businesses and events across the town.

Businesses have also been able to access free digital marketing training and the next steps of the project will see Stanley offer free public Wi-Fi to people across the town centre.

A new Home Bargains store, on Clifford Road, will open in July and has recently started its recruitment process.

The shop will provide a range of employment opportunities and is just one of a number of ongoing developments in the town, with construction of a new Aldi store underway and McDonald’s also announcing new premises within the retail park.

Cllr Marshall said: “We are delighted that these businesses have decided to invest in Stanley, improving the town’s retail offer, providing an economic boost and creating job opportunities for local people.”