SOME of the proposed artwork and alterations for Chester-le-Street's town centre have been unveiled.

At an exhibition which opened last Thursday at the Mechanics' Institute in the town, plans for the town's regeneration were unveiled to the public.

The development is being led by Chester-le-Street District Council and other agencies including One NorthEast and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

District councillor Martin Gollan said everyone in the town will benefit from the redevelopment.

He said: "People should realise it is not just about the Market Place and the Civic Heart. For example, the traders' association wanted to make sure the focus wasn't just on the northern part of the town, they want to attract people to the south end as well, so they've commissioned an artist to come up with some ideas for a mechanical clock, which will release smoke on the hour."

No time has been wasted in starting work on the overhaul and on Sunday, contractors will begin work on making the town-centre more pedestrian-friendly.

The southern area of Chester-le-Street, as far as the Post Office and South Burns will have footpaths widened, traffic calming measures installed - by narrowing roads in certain areas - and new paving added in other areas.

There will also be new bus shelters, street lighting and signs installed and trees will be replanted where needed.

Work will continue for about 16 to 20 weeks although there will be no work on Fridays and Saturdays. Four teams will work on small areas at a time, to minimise disruption to traders and shoppers.