SHOPPERS and traders are being offered a say in shaping the development of a small dales town later.

A seven-hour event in Stanhope Town Hall on Wednesday, March 14, will offer ideas on how shops and services can be improved.

County Durham Economic Partnership commissioned a three-month study from Miller Research, which used mystery shoppers to test customer care, look at shop fronts and windows and examine key issues such as the availability of local produce, a monthly market, the quality of public open space and buildings, and how people move from place to place.

Now the partnership is asking for people's views on a draft action plan, which will be on show at the event, which starts at noon.

Victoria Catesby, from the partnership, said: "The study aims to find out what's special about Stanhope, to build on its assets and to develop new ideas for its future prosperity.

"We hope people will seize the opportunity to come along on March 14 and help shape what they want from their local shops and services."