AN action plan will address issues raised following a survey of disabled access in the centre of Bishop Auckland.

Town centre manager Derek Toon commissioned the Wear Valley Disability Access Forum to investigate areas where people with mobility problems might encounter difficulties.

Once the results have been analysed, he will call a meeting with the forum, Durham County Council and Wear Valley District Council to suggest improvements.

The audit covered parking, routes into the town, A-boards, entrances, toilet provision, signage, obstructions, transport and essential services.

Anne Cowie, of the Wear Valley Disability Access Forum, said: "I know of no other town in the UK that has done such a comprehensive access audit. The town centre manager and the Town Centre Forum are to be congratulated for taking the issue of accessibility so seriously."

Mr Toon said: "This survey is only the first step in making Bishop Auckland accessible to all. We must ensure that we have an action plan in place for dealing with the many recommendations in the report."