MP is urging revamp rethink.

AN MP has urged planners to re-think pounds 5m plus proposals to regenerate a historic city centre.

Durham's Labour MP Roberta Blackman-Woods, pictured, spoke out after locals gave a thumbs down to plans to revitalise the city Market Place and surrounding areas, at a public meeting she hosted to gauge public opinion.

While the proposed moving of the statue of the "man on the horse" - Lord Londonderry - to a different vantage point within the Market Place has generated the most controversy, Ms Blackman-Woods said the planned introduction of "granite seats" was another thorny issue.

"People told me they didn't want to lose the pounds 5.2m investment, but believed it could be used more effectively.

"The removal of the statue 30 yards is not in itself a huge issue, although many people do not see the need for it to be moved at all.

"But the proposals to transform the Market Place are not seen as being in keeping with such a historic area, and I have sympathy with that point of view. Durham City Vision, which is an unelected body, were asked to go back and think again about the proposals.

The MP added: "People are not against development for the sake of it. They want to see the Market Place given a facelift, but one which is in keeping with the historic surroundings."

The Durham City Vision team wants to free up space for more open air performances in the Market Place, which they see as vital in the city's bid to become Britain's Capital of Culture 2013.