Handrails are to be installed after a spate of accidents in Darlington's new Pedestrian Heart shopping centre.

Darlington Borough Council confirmed today that three accidents on the High Row steps have been reported in the past month.

It is not known how serious the accidents were, but all were from tripping or falling.

The council is installing eight handrails along the new steps this week, plus further rails on the new ramps.

There is currently no support on the nine steps for those unsteady on their feet - and Coun Bill Stenson says he has been inundated with complaints from elderly residents.

A council spokesman said: "The first of the new handrails was installed at the weekend on the ramp near the water feature. There are eight sets of handrails to go on the steps and two handrails on the ramp near Binns in High Row.

The temporary hand rails will be taken down as the permanent ones are installed."