Town square plans a step closer

Plans to create a town square at Hartlepool's Headland have taken a step forward, council chiefs revealed.

They say they have received strong support for the project from locals and have given the go-ahead for 76 trees for the scheme to be bought.

But no final decision has been made on the project's design and Hartlepool Council will ask locals to help choose.

The new square will be located in the area between Middlegate, the promenade, St Hilda's Church and Northgate.

The first phase of the plans include the creation of a square in front of the Borough Hall and a history garden next to it.

'Fullest consideration'

There are also plans to replace the bus turning area in Middlegate with new toilets and an information point.

Hartlepool Mayor, Stuart Drummond, said: "Over 200 people attended the last public consultation at the beginning of the month and many took the time to leave written comments.

"I would like to thank them all for the key role they are playing in shaping this project and their views will be given the fullest consideration."

The town square project is spearheaded by the North Hartlepool Partnership and Hartlepool Council.

The partnership is using money from regional development agency One NorthEast to revitalise the Headland.

It is hoped that work on the first phase of the project will begin in September.