PEOPLE are invited to have their say about a scheme to make Darlington more pedestrian-friendly.

The Living Streets project, run by Darlington Borough Council, is holding a series of meetings and street surveys to gather residents' opinions and concerns about walking around the town.

The scheme hopes to identify ways to improve streets and public spaces to make walking more enjoyable.

It is operating as part of the £3.2m Town on the Move scheme, which looks at alternatives to car travel, and encourages walking, cycling and car-sharing.

Brain-storming meetings and street audits will concentrate on areas around Parkgate, Northgate, Cockerton, and Duke Street and Skinnergate in the town centre.

Councillor Nick Wallis, council cabinet member for highways and transport, said it will give residents an opportunity to have their say.

"Local people will have a chance to say what they feel could be improved to make walking in the areas concerned a more enjoyable experience for them," he said.

"At these meetings, people can share their views on what works well and what needs to be improved to make things easier, nicer and more comfortable for them as pedestrians."

On-street audits will be conducted in the four areas around town between Tuesday and Thursday next week.

Public meetings will be held on the following days:

For the Parkgate area: Thursday at 7pm in the Dolphin Centre.

Northgate: Thursday, at 7pm in Corporation Road Baptist Church.

Cockerton shopping area: tomorrow at 7pm in Cockerton Methodist Church.

Duke Street and Skinnergate: Thursday, at 7pm, in the Dolphin Centre.

Anyone wishing to take part in the meetings can book a place by contacting Bron Thornton, at Living Streets, on 020 7820 1010 or Greg McDougall at Darlington Borough Council, on (01325) 388444.