WORK started on Monday on a new £150,000 phase of a three-year scheme to brighten up the historic heart of Wolsingham.

Improvements to Wolsingham Market Place were agreed by Durham County and Wear Valley District Councils in an attempt to boost the flagging economy of isolated Weardale.

The dale was already listed among the most deprived areas of England before it was further depressed by last year's outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease and the recent closure of major employers Lafarge Cement and Weardale Steel.

English Heritage pledged £300,000 in grant aid to transform the centre of Wolsingham, which traces its origins back to the Middle Ages, while other funding has brought an investment package up to £500,000. The third phase of the improvement included resurfacing of Market Place pavements in high quality stone, renewing kerbs, measures to improve pedestrian safety, street furniture and lighting columns and new parking bays at right angles to the social club.

The old bus shelter outside the Town Hall is being removed and a new one installed.

Work is starting on the pavement in front of the Post Office and shops. It will stop in early December to avoid disruption to businesses in the run up to Christmas.

During the scheme a number of traders have smartened up their premises with the aid of shop front improvement grants. Chris Tunstall, the county council's director of environment and technical services, urged other businesses to take advantage of the scheme.

He said: "This next stage will greatly enhance the appearance of the centre and build on the improvements already carried out.

"Businesses in the market area, including the bakery, pharmacy and post office, have also taken the opportunity to access grants to improve their shop fronts and the two schemes together are having a tremendous impact on how the village looks.

"As more businesses take up grants to improve their frontages, the better the overall effect will be."

For information on the grants call Nicola Duckworth on (0191) 3834104.