SHOPPERS and traders have backed plans to revamp an archway that forms a crucial town link.

About 200 people have signed a petition in favour of the proposed £200,000 redevelopment of the John Kitson Archway, in Spennymoor.

Spennymoor Town Council will now use the petition to demonstrate support for the scheme when it applies for a grant towards the work.

Proposals include a new wall and floor surfacing, ramp alterations, lighting and electronic doors at both ends of the walkway.

Display windows would be created for community groups to exhibit work or information about their activities and CCTV installed.

A decorative, Victorian-style canopy could also be included, but consultation is needed before plans are finalised.

The council believes that renovating the walkway, which is named after a former town mayor, will benefit town centre businesses and visitors.

It would also improve the public access to the town council's services, which are located through the arch.

Town clerk Pauline Wilson said: "We have an attractive town centre and thriving businesses behind the town hall, but the archway that links them really needs regenerating.

"There are dark corners and we've had people urinating there, so it is pretty dingy and sometimes smelly.

"We hope making it more attractive and accessible would encourage more movement around the town."

Residents have called for a colourful 100ft mural by local children, installed in 2004 to brighten up the arch, to be saved.

The town council expects to pay for a third of the cost and hopes to secure a grant from Sedgefield Borough Council's Local Improvement Programme.

Mrs Wilson expects to submit the application to the borough council in the next few weeks.

It will then be discussed at an area forum meeting to further gauge local opinion before the cabinet decides whether to offer a grant.

Last November, The Northern Echo launched a Shopping for a Future campaign to support Spennymoor traders and encourage residents to shop locally.