PLANS to improve Billingham town centre's shopping precinct have moved a step closer.

The multi-million pound West Precinct revamp, which should begin in the new year, will include new public toilets, improved paving and better lighting.

Stockton Borough Council and the centre's owner, Stockland UK, are working to finalise the details of the improvements, but the promise of work has been welcomed across the town.

The council has set aside up to £1.75m for the project to transform the rundown shopping centre while negotiations with Stockland UK continues over the full cost of the work.

Work on the centre was delayed while Stockland tried to secure a major food retailer, but that fell through last month.

Councillor Mike Smith, Stockton council's cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said: "We have recently seen considerable progress in Billingham, with new stores opening and the Forum already showing its success.

"We acknowledge the significant amount of time and resources Stockland have committed to securing a supermarket and are disappointed that this will not happen, in the short term at least.

"As a result, we are now looking to take forward our part of the refurbishment as soon as possible."

Residents have been fighting for years for improved toilet facilities for shoppers as well as attracting more retailers to the precinct.

Ray McCall, the chairman of Billingham Town Council, said: "We have been pushing for this for a long time and we are absolutely delighted that work is going to start soon. We are supporting all of the effort that is being put into the town centre. We are really wanting to get the residents' confidence back in the town centre and this will certainly help.

"Everyone needs to keep their word and press on with the changes. If they do not, it will be a complete disaster."

A Stockland spokesman said: "We continue to work closely with Stockton council and we are prepared to invest further money to try and secure lettings at West Precinct on top of the £2.5m already spent to date."

The council's cabinet will discuss the proposals on Thursday.