COUNCIL chiefs are expected to give the thumbs-up to plans to provide a heart to one of Runcorn's most deprived estates.

The plans will see the demolition of the shopping centre in Castlefields and the pulling-down of the community centre.

The run-down facilities will be replaced by a village square, complete with shops, a community centre and three-storey apartments.

The existing shops were built in the late 60s and early 70s.

The staircases and steps linking different levels have meant they are inaccessible to the disabled.

A spokesman for Halton Borough Council said: 'The existing Castlefields neighbourhood centre and community centre require replacement, not only because of degeneration of the fabric of the buildings but also because their planning and design have failed to address the requirements of the community.

'The existing centre comprises a series of dark and unwelcoming spaces.'