Appeal for residents to play part in town redevelopment (From The Advertiser Series)

People urged to take part in consultation on Darlington regeneration

11:38am Saturday 19th January 2013 in News By Steven Hugill

RESIDENTS and business owners are being urged to play an important role in shaping Darlington’s future.

Darlington Borough Council announced proposals to transform the town last year and will hold a consultation meeting to update people on developments.

The plans include changes to the Covered Market, improving bus services and facilities, regenerating the Feethams riverside area and improving the Northgate roundabout junction.

The consultation takes place in the Dolphin Centre, on Tuesday, January 22, from 10am until noon, for people to have their say on the proposals.

The council had pledged to listen to residents about what they wanted in the town and revealed the key issues included leisure facilities, accessible parking, landscaping and footpaths along the River Skerne and no more large supermarkets in the town centre.

Councillor Chris McEwan encouraged people to attend the event, after a previous consultation meeting drew little interest.

He said: “We have got a great and vibrant town centre but this is all about making it even better.

“It is in everyone’s interests, young and old, to come along to the consultation and put their views forward.

“This is important and we have to get it right for the people who live here and to improve the employment opportunities that come from having a successful town centre.

“It really surprised me that only a few people came along to the last event, we value peoples’ thoughts and there may be some brilliant ideas that are going unheard.”

The event is free and people do not have to make an appointment.