PETER Gibson MP is working with Network Rail to facilitate the restoration of three key railway bridges in Darlington.

Two railway bridges on Yarm Road and the railway bridge on North Road will undergo deep cleaning and restorative painting.

Darlington Council met with Network rail on August 20 to coordinate planning, which the rail organisation has been "extremely responsive" towards and invested £60,000 in.

The bridges will be painted in keeping with local heritage, including the notable features and crests on the bridges that will still be visible.

Mr Gibson said: “Due to the impending investment in our train station it is important that those visiting Darlington are greeted with an aesthetic route into our town.

“This also presents the opportunity to highlight the town’s Coat of Arms on the bridges which feature Locomotion No. 1.”

Route director for the East Coast, Network Rail, Paul Rutter said: “This investment will brighten up Darlington, with the upcoming work on these three bridges improving the appearance of key gateways into the town.

"It will the benefit of both the community and visitors.

“We work hard to maintain bridges across our network. This work will make sure the appearance of key structures in Darlington is better, and that it reflects the town's history with our railways.”