PUBLIC views are being sought in Barnard Castle on how to enhance an area with tourism potential.

The Heart of Teesdale Landscape Partnership is seeking to redevelop Scar Top, just above the River Tees at the entrance to the castle, which is a meeting place for teenagers.

The hope is that it can become a focal point for all age goups and a visitor attraction.

Plans and a bid for money will be submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund this year following work with local organisations and landscape architects to prepare a preliminary scheme.

The area covered encompasses the approach from Galgate, a green area in front of the castle entrance, the area surrounding the tourist information centre at Woodleigh, a children’s play area and the minigolf layout.

There are preliminary designs for a multi-purpose structure for community use.

Charlotte Hursey, programme development officer, said: “We are developing ideas for schemes across the whole project area, and Scar Top is potentially one of our major projects.

“It is vital that we bring back the castle into Barnard Castle, and emphasise its visual and social impact for visitors and to residents of all ages.

“To do that, we would encourage as many people as possible to come and see the preliminary plans and share with us their views and ideas.

“The feedback we receive will then enable us to draw up more detailed proposals for the site as a whole.”

A display of preliminary ideas for the improvements is on show today and tomorrow at Woodleigh, Flatts Road. Viewing is from 10.30am to 3pm.

On Monday and Tuesday, the information moves to Teesdale School library for young people to look at it. From Thursday to Saturday, February 5, it will be on public display at Barnard Castle library.

Partnership staff will attend and feedback forms will be available.

For more details, visit heartofteesdale.net.