THE first stage of preparation work to make Darlington a pedestrian town centre is nearing completion, with the creation of a new lane for buses on the inner ring road.

Extensive work, costing £400,000, has been carried out in St Cuthbert's Way to create a dedicated bus lane, which will be needed when parts of the town centre become traffic-free under the pedestrian heart project.

After months of work, the main carriageway is now reopen, but contractors are carrying out some finishing touches.

Northumbria in Bloom judges are visiting Darlington this week, although Darlington Borough Council said the timing of the completion of the work was coincidental.

The new bus lane will allow northbound buses to exit the town centre on to the Stonebridge roundabout without having to give way to oncoming traffic.

The lane runs from the east of the junction of Stonebridge and Crown Street along St Cuthbert's Way, and will ease congestion for buses heading to North Road and Woodlands Road.

Buses are expected to be re-routed away from the town centre before the pedestrianisation begins.

The plan was developed following widespread consultation with the emergency services, bus operators and other groups, including Darlington Action On Disability.

New lights and an upgraded toucan crossing have been installed in St Cuthbert's Way for pedestrians and cyclists.

The cycle crossing will link into a bike route planned for Haughton bridge as part of the Darlington College of Technology development.

As well as improving traffic flow, it is hoped the new road layout, resurfacing and improved road-markings will reduce drivers' speed and cut accidents.

Coun Nick Wallis, council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "This is an important phase of the scheme, which will bring more people into the town. These works will make travel into and around the town easier."