MODIFICATIONS to Darlington's cafe culture are expected to be made by councillors this week.

A full meeting of Darlington Borough Council will discuss slight changes to the policies of the town's pavement cafes.

A report to be put before the council said: "The changes are minimal.

"The placing of barriers to contain the caf is in accordance with the outcome of consultation with Highways and Darlington Association on Disability (DAD) and the majority of changes will benefit the licence holders."

The report added that the Pedestrian Heart had raised issues about the status of cafes in the town to raise their standard.

New policies suggested are for the boundary of any cafe to be marked out with a physical barrier and for furniture to be of "high quality and approved by the council".

Licences are issued for a maximum of one year. Permitted hours for any cafe are from 8.30am to 9pm, or until 10pm from May to August.

Full council takes place in the council chamber on Thursday, July 16, at 6pm.