TRADERS and business leaders have mapped out plans for a prosperous future for a city centre.

Durham City Forum has launched the blueprint for what it hopes will lead to successful trading over the next three years.

Spearheading the drive to draw people to Durham is a glossy new listings magazine.

Durham City Life is at the forefront of plans of the partnership between business, local authority and community sectors to highlight what is on offer for visitors and locals alike.

The first bi-monthly brochure was published this week, to coincide with the launch of the business plan at a breakfast meeting, attended by about 50 representatives of the city's business and public life.

Partnership plans are to encourage a "prosperous, vibrant, safe and accessible city centre".

City centre manager Chris Rawlinson said she is relishing the challenges set by the forum, outlined in this business plan."

Plans include area trader groups for North Road and Claypath, a "quality streets" group to help to improve the environment, and transport and access bodies to tackle city centre congestion.

* Durham City Life is available free from the Tourist Information Centre, in the Market Place, libraries, supermarkets, garages and other city outlets