TWO schemes are to be flagged up to improve Barnard Castle in what has been described as the best opportunity the town will ever have.

As the result of discussions with Mr David McKnight, co-ordinator of the Market Towns Initiative, it was suggested that the town council submits bids for funding.

At a special meeting of the council on Monday, members heard of seven schemes worthy of consideration, but decided to flag up only two in the first instance, as the initiative is a three-year rolling programme.

Members decided to make a priority improvements to Flatts Wood and the play areas which they administer on behalf of the Playing Fields' Association.

Coun Eric Fell felt they could anticipate funding from other areas for some of the other schemes on the wish list.

"The play areas need an awful lot of work because of the safety factors," he said.

Coun John Watson felt all seven schemes on their list fitted the bidding criteria and they ought to get them all in the MTI plan and work up the bids progressively after that.

The state of the paths in Flatts Wood concerned Coun Alan Wilkinson, who had met one dog walker who had had to turn back, even though there had been no rain. But Coun Fell said a lot of Flatts Wood was not in Barnard Castle. He would be happier improving them via a partnership.

Coun Wilkinson said they could not expect the residents of Marwood parish to finance it.

As well as the woods and play areas, members agreed to highlight bids for the mini golf course, allotments, floral displays and Christmas lights. They also decided to include a bid for a complete overhaul of the war memorials in the grounds of the Bowes museum, despite an indication by the co-ordinator that, although a worthy cause, they might not fit the criteria of the MTI.