WORK to improve public spaces in a County Durham seaside town will begin early in the new year.

The final phase of the £1.6million Seaham Townscape Heritage Project, supported by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, is due to start onsite on January, 6.

Seymour Civil Engineering Contractors has been appointed to do the work on behalf of Durham County Council.

New parking bays on and around Terrace Green in the town will be created, during which time the car parking area around Terrace Green will be closed for approximately four weeks.

Then work including the removal of the car parking bays at North Terrace and the widening and re-paving of the footpath will go ahead.

The council says businesses will benefit from the increased space on North Terrace, which will allow the opportunity for additional outdoor seating for customers whilst enhancing café culture in the area.

The scheme will also improve links and connectivity between North Terrace and Terrace Green.

The Northern Echo:

The Seaham Townscape Heritage Project aims to restore buildings and improve spaces within Seaham Conservation area, to create attractive, vibrant and interesting places for people to live, work and visit.

It is part of the council’s Towns and Villages strategy, developed to enhance communities with projects that deliver the best possible outcomes for residents and businesses.

The works have been programmed during the winter period to minimise disruption to residents and visitors, avoid peak visitor and retail trading times and to accelerate the programme of works as quickly and safely as possible.

Temporary traffic and pedestrian management measures will be in place during the work, which is expected to take about 16 weeks.

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “The Seaham Townscape Heritage Project is vital to the ongoing redevelopment of Seaham, making it an even more vibrant place to live, work and visit.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank local residents and businesses for their patience while this programme of work is carried out. Once completed, the enhanced footpaths will make the area more accessible to everyone to visit and enjoy.”

Businesses and residents should have received letters outlining the work and a follow-up visit from officers last week. Anyone with concerns can call the council’s project team on 03000-262007 or email seahamtownscapeheritage@durham.gov.uk

For further information on the Seaham Townscape Heritage Project go to

durham.gov.uk/article/19357/Seaham-Townscape-Heritage-Project

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