PLANS to transform a town centre walkway in honour of a pitman painter have upset residents because it is already named after a late long-serving councillor.
Spennymoor Town Council hopes to redevelop the tunnel next to the town hall as the start and finish of a Norman Cornish art trail in time for the centenary of his birth in 2019.
ARTIST: Norman Cornish pictured in his studio in Spennymoor
But when artist's impressions of how the space could look were presented to councillors and the public recently they referred to Norman Cornish Way and failed to include the name of former town mayor John Kitson.
Mr Kitson, a father of four, served on the town council for 39 years and was awarded the freedom on Spennymoor in 1999.
He died in 2002, aged 82, and gates at both ends of the arch and a now-faded mural were created in his memory.
The absence of the gates in the proposed redevelopment led to fears that public recognition of his contribution would be erased.
Almost 400 people took part in a poll on Facebook page Spennymoor- What's Happening and two thirds of voters said they wanted its name to be kept.
Pete Molloy, who set up the poll, said: "I think the visual drawings of the Norman Cornish Way look smart and I would fully support the project if all funding came from outside sources and the John Kitson Arches remained, because I can't see a problem with walking through the John Kitson Arch to enter the Norman Cornish Way."
Town clerk Katherine Hierons said: "The town has never had any intention of being disrespectful and changing the name of the John Kitson Archway.
"As part of the proposed designs, the wrought iron gates would be taken down and replaced with glass sliding doors.
"The design has not been finalised but when it is, details including options for the commemoration of Mr Kitson will be considered."
Mrs Hierons said the designs will be discussed at a policies and resources committee meeting on October 2.
Before then, public consultation sessions will be held at Spennymoor Town Hall on Wednesday, September 26, from 10am to noon, 2pm to 4pm and 5pm to 7pm.
The council has applied for grants to fund the project.
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