Town centre scheme paused by council leaders

The plans included nine months of work revamping the high street

Council leaders have agreed to pause plans to revamp a market town's high street so more consultation with residents can take place.

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's scheme aims to transform six areas of Yarm's High Street over a nine-month period.

Work on the proposed regeneration scheme was due to start on 20 October but a petition opposing the plans has gathered nearly 1,200 signatures.

Councillor Richard Eglington, cabinet member for regeneration, said: "Following the petition that was launched last week I have asked officers to do what is needed to pause the proposed scheme to give people another chance to have their say."

The authority had previously said the plans would improve the look and feel of High Street and its accessibility to public transport.

Eglington said: "We are reaching out to the organisers of the petition to arrange a meeting and will work through how the consultation will take place in the coming days.

"Once the details have been announced, we will ensure they are publicised widely and urge every person to have their say.

"We want to ensure we get the best outcome for the residents and businesses of Yarm."

The first phase was planned to concentrate on the Yarm Bridge end of High Street.

A plinth, seating and planters would be moved "to improve the setting of the historic 'welcome' sign", with new trees and shrubbery installed, the council said.

Other areas would then follow, including the Silver Street crossing, Yarm Town Hall crossing point, central area, and the Yarm School end, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The scheme reflected findings of two public consultations in 2022, the local authority said, which showed a desire to improve footpaths, reduce street clutter, provide more planting and seating spaces and improve connections to the river.