BIDS have been submitted to various funding bodies for the first phase of a huge scheme aimed at making Barnard Castle one of the most vibrant and lively market towns in the region.

Part of the Market Towns Initiative, the project counts Durham County and Teesdale District councils among its partners, and is aimed at regenerating the centre of town and its conservation areas.

The initial phase is one of a possible seven and will cost in the region of £300,000. No figures are yet available for the total cost of the various phases, which will begin with quality stone paving works at the bottom end of Galgate. These will complement new bus shelters in that area and the improvements to the layout of the interchange.

A county council spokesman told the D&S Times that the shelters would have timetable information via a "real time" satellite system being examined up by the county council.

This could lead to electronic information boards, like those on the London Underground, giving the expected arrival time of the next bus along with other passenger data.

The authority has still to decide which shelters will have the new technology, but as a burgeoning tourist destination Barnard Castle is thought to be among the leading contenders.

Alternatively, if not connected to the satellite system, the shelters will be equipped with a number to call which will allow passengers to have up-to-date information relayed to their mobile phone while waiting at the bus stop.

Further phases of the scheme, which could take up to seven years to complete, involve resurfacing the steep path past the castle - from Scar Top to the County Bridge - with a non-slip surface suitable for the historic area but complying with modern health and safety regulations; creating a new approach to the medieval stronghold and relaying the cobbles in the Market Place, complementing work on The Bank and along the Horsemarket.

James Usher, Teesdale Council's head of economic development, said: "This scheme shows the commitment of a number of partners and demonstrates a high level of investment in Barnard Castle to support the local economy and heritage environment.