CONTROVERSIAL plans to demolish a row of buildings as part of a £16m scheme to reinvent a market town have been given the final go-ahead.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has confirmed a compulsory purchase order on three buildings in Stanley's Front Street.

The order will enable Derwentside District Council to press ahead with plans to tear down the buildings to create a widened pedestrian-only walkway, to link Front Street with the newly-built bus station.

Occupiers, including NS Bennett Chartered Surveyors and Estate Agents, William Hill, the Willow Burn Charity Shop and The Northern Echo and Advertiser Series, will be given two months to vacate the premises.

The council intends to spend £500,000 demolishing the properties over the following months.

The process was delayed after three complaints and a public inquiry, led by estate agent Stephen Bennett, owner of NS Bennett.

Mr Bennett argued the scheme would not make a significant contribution towards the regeneration of the town - nor would the bus station make any significant difference to number of people coming to the town.

He also argued that the plans would create a 17m-wide gap which shoppers would be disinclined to cross, and that a highly visible exit would encourage people to leave the town centre earlier than they may do otherwise.

But a Government inspector agreed with the council's contention that the walkway would contribute to the regeneration of the town by making it easier and more attractive to shop in Stanley by bus.

He found that the scheme was based on "sound urban design principles".

District council leader Alex Watson said: "This will make a tremendous difference.

"It will open up the commercial centre from the bus station.

"It will be well-lit, well-designed and will make a welcome addition to the regeneration of the area."

Mr Bennett said: "I feel it is unnecessary, but the decision is not altogether surprising.

"We have had alternative premises lined up for well over 12 months.

We will have a high-tech office, completely refitted, at number 85 Front Street."

* Bulldozers last week completed demolishing the disused bus station in the shadow of the new £4.3m modern interchange.

The site has been earmarked for development to create a sophisticated £17m health centre for Stanley and the surrounding areas.