Durham County Council announced on Thursday that it was continuing talks to buy the North Road interchange from its owner, bus operator Arriva.

But it said the work will go ahead no matter what the outcome of the talks.

Improvements will include an enclosed passenger waiting area, better CCTV coverage, improved lighting and high-tech information display systems.

'Poor image'

The bus station was built in the mid-1970s and has few facilities.

Passengers regularly complain about the lack of weather protection, poor lighting, poor standard of cleanliness, litter and graffiti.

Councillor Don Ross said: "If we are to encourage more people to use public transport and address the poor image it has and low satisfaction level among passengers, there is a need to provide high quality, safe and secure bus interchanges."

It is intended that the planned improvements will be paid for through the County Council's Local Transport Plan.

Funding for the purchase of the bus station is being sought from regional development agency One NorthEast.