NEWBIGGIN HALL SHOPPING CENTRE SCHEME TAKES STEP FORWARD

12.00.00am GMT Thu 10th Jan 2008

A project board to oversee the re-development of the Newbiggin Hall shopping centre is to be established.

The board will set a timetable and set up a programme with a clear timescale to take the multi-million pound scheme forward.

Discussions are underway to find a developer to rebuild the shopping centre.

Focus Editor Bill Thorkildsen says: "Labour did nothing to replace the shopping centre when they ran the council and now all they do is snipe from the sidelines.

"The council is determined to replace the existing shopping facilities with something much better.

"But this may take some time but I am pleased the project board is being set up to oversee the scheme."