A COMMUNITY in north Durham is to get a new year facelift.

Durham County Council is to carry out the first phase of a £150,000 environmental improvement scheme in South Moor, Stanley.

The £50,000 first phase, which starts on Monday, will include new paving outside shops and the car park in Park Road, between Charles Street and Mundell Street, in the town centre.

Tarmac and flagstones will be replaced with flags and setts and there will also be street furniture, including seating, bollards and planters.

The work, to be carried out by Service Direct, Durham County Council's construction group, is expected to take six weeks.

It is being funded by the urban and rural renaissance budget, Derwentside District Council, the Green Corridor Neighbourhood Partnership and local county Councillor David Marshall.

The second phase of the scheme is expected to be carried out in the next financial year. The overall programme aims to regenerate the commercial centre of the town.

Coun Marshall said: "If we can secure funding, it is hoped to include a shopfront and building improvement scheme too.

"What were once attractive Victorian shopfronts have, sadly, either been covered up or ripped out, and this could be an opportunity to help restore and revive the character of the centre."