A COUNCIL is proposing a £2.4m "people's plan" to revive the fortunes of a once prosperous market town.

Bishop Auckland and the nearby communities of Coundon, Coundon Grange, St Helen Auckland, Woodhouse Close and Henknowle are in line for a share of a £20m Government payout, through the sixth round of Single Regeneration Budget grants.

Almost half of the Wear Valley district's allocation will be spent in the town which was once a bustling shopping centre.

Schemes to boost business and tourism were put forward by residents, traders and community groups at public meetings earlier this year.

Afterwards, council planners worked with independent consultants to draw up a six-year strategy aimed at bringing 250 more residents into the town centre, create 500 jobs in retail, tourism and industry, and get long-term unemployed people off the dole.

Planned measures include refurbishment of the Newgate Street and Fore Bondgate area, better parking for shoppers, and improvements to the park at the Bishop of Durham's home, Auckland Castle.

A manager would market and promote the town centre and there could be grants to support businesses and improve premises.

Programmes would also tackle drug addiction, which is identified as an acute problem in the targeted neighbourhoods, and promote healthy eating.