DARLINGTON Borough Council is spending £20,000 replacing the town hall's front canopy.
The flat-roofed canopy was built as part of the town hall 35 years ago. According to the council, it has been retaining water for a number of years, which could cause it to collapse.
The council considered three options - replacing the canopy, demolishing it and replacing it with a new glass front, or demolishing it and not replacing it.
The glass front option was thought too expensive, and the council's development and environment department insisted the canopy be replaced, as the area is subject to high winds.
A council spokesman said: "A replacement canopy would also protect staff and visitors in the main reception area from inclement weather without the need to provide additional overdoor heaters."
The council's cabinet authorised the release of £20,000 from council funds to complete the work.
The work has started, and is being carried out over six weekends and is expected to be complete by mid-January
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