THE Romans used it as a cavalry station, Saxon Bishops as a power base and the first translation of the Gospels was written there. Now the centre of Chester-le-Street may be preserved for posterity.

Chester-le-Street's place in the history books may have been long been overlooked, but now the town's district council is proposing to designate the town centre a conservation area.

The status would not prevent development, but it would mean that alterations and new developments would have to be in keeping with the architecture in the area.

It would also help preserve listed buildings such as the 13th Century Church of St Mary and St Cuthbert, built on the site of a Saxon church in which the body of St Cuthbert was kept for 100 years from 883.

In a report to go before councillors tomorrow, planning services manager Tom Watson said the status would help the town's regeneration and preserve the special characteristics of the town.

He said: "It would increase the quality and design of new development to take place in the area. This, in turn, would contribute significantly to the prosperity of the area by raising the town's profile and image."

Chester-le-Street began as a Roman cavalry station called Conecaster and Front Street, the town's main shopping street, is believed to follow the route of a Roman road.

In 883 monks from Lindisfarne made the town their administrative centre for the See of Lindisfarne, which included the seat of the Bishop of Durham and Northumberland.

Just over a century later, in 995, Aldred, one of the monks in the town, translated the Lindisfarne Gospels from Latin into Anglo-Saxon.

Chester-le-Street developed in the industrial revolution when the town thrived on industries including tanneries, a brewery and confectionery. Many of the older buildings date from this time.

Council leader Councillor Malcolm Pratt said: "At the heart of this proposal is a shared sense of pride in Chester-le-Street's heritage. Conserving the town centre will benefit residents as well as local businesses."

Consultations about the proposals will be carried out with people living in the town and businesses. A decision is expected to be taken by the end of the year.