WORK started this week on a new phase of a long-awaited project to transform an historic dales market place.

English Heritage has pledged £300,000 to revitalise the centre of Wolsingham and other funding will bring an investment package up to £500,000.

Over the next six weeks Durham County Council's construction department Service Direct is renewing paving and lighting around the town hall and improving the bus stop and A689 road junction. Dropped kerbs and new street furniture are aimed at boosting business by making shopping safer for villagers.

The first phase of the three-year programme was carried out last summer and involved burying unsightly telephone and electricity cables underground.

At the same time some of the market place traders have been playing their part by improving their shop fronts with the help of a grant scheme.

Wolsingham residents have been consulted over the project and the final design takes their views into account.

Chris Tunstall, the county's director of environment and technical services, said: "The work will be done in stages so that the whole area around the town hall is not disrupted."