PEDESTRIAN and cycle routes will be improved as part of a master plan that aims to rejuvenate a town.

As part of its plan for Spennymoor, Durham County Council wants to improve the link between Merrington Lane, where industry is being largely replaced by housing, and the rest of the town.

It has proposed a series of improvements between Front Street, just off Merrington Lane, and Merrington View, which includes a subway under the A688.

The proposed works include upgrading the footpath to a shared use path for pedestrians and cyclists and new lighting, an enhanced surface and redecoration of the underpass.

Trees and shrubs which run alongside the footpath will be trimmed back and a planting scheme will be incorporated.

The council has said that all the proposals are subject to funding being secured for the scheme and public consultation will be held so the public can help shape the work.

Designs and proposals will be available to view at Spennymoor library, leisure centre and council offices from Monday, August 24.

Public consultation events will be held on Tuesday, September 15, from 2pm to 4pm, and Thursday, September 17, 10am to noon, at Spennymoor Leisure Centre.

Graham Wood, economic development manager with Durham County Council, said: “It’s important that we get people’s views on the project and we are encouraging residents to come along to one of the information events to take a look at the plans and give us feedback.

“Information will be available on the scheme throughout this period and officers will be available to listen to the views of local people and to discuss the project in more detail.”