BRIGHTER times were predicted for one of the region's traditional market towns yesterday when a newly revamped shopping centre was officially unveiled.

Supermarket chain Asda has spent £2.5m giving the Newgate Centre, in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, a smart new look following the company's move to a new site at Wilson's Forge.

Derek Foster, the town's MP, performed the ceremony with Councillor Margaret Douthwaite, chairwoman of Wear Valley District Council, and the vice-chairwoman, Councillor Margaret Jones.

Mr Foster said: "This is a red letter day in the renaissance of Bishop Auckland.

"It is up to all of us now to build on this and shop in Bishop Auckland and make it once more a prosperous and busy town centre."

Some traders have experienced a slump in business since Asda relocated last November and there was disappointment that its replacement, Wilkinsons, is not opening until August 8.

Sarah Osbourne, manager of the Raygale Pharmacy, said: "We all think the new centre is a great improvement. It is a positive start but we need more to be on the way soon.

"Shoppers are disappointed that there are not more shops open in the centre. They want more choice and more big name companies."

Bishop Auckland's town centre manager, Ken Wilson, has left for a new job working with police in Peterlee.