IS DARLINGTON ready for thousands of new jobs and another 1,200 homes?

The answer to the first part of the question would be a resounding “yes”. Few things are more welcome to any town than improved employment opportunities, but it’s up for debate if Darlington’s infrastructure – its roads, roundabouts, health services, schools, public transport and seemingly endless sets of traffic lights can cope with the influx of many more residents.

Excitement that 5,000 posts could be created by a proposed expansion to Faverdale business park needs to be tempered by the fact that this is the potential impact of the scheme.

We are told that a £1million funding pledge from the Government will help kick-start a road scheme, unlock space on the site and attract new firms. The prospect of jobs and investment is a welcome boost as the town combats the impact of spending cuts and braces itself for a battle to protect its hospital.

The scheme is part of the Darlington Local Plan, announced earlier this year by the Borough Council, which sets out ways in which 10,000 homes and 6,500 jobs can be created over the next 20 years. We accept that standing still is not an option although any frustrated pedestrian who has waited for the green man to appear on the A167 bypass traffic signals will be aware that standing still can be part and parcel of living and working in the town.

Nevertheless, the council is right to plan ahead so Darlington can attract jobs in emerging industries, such as the advanced manufacturing, chemicals and health sectors. It is essential, however, that the development of land for housing and industrial use goes hand-in-hand with improved services. The Faverdale project will give us the chance to see if the council’s bold plan can deliver progress without overburdening infrastructure which is already struggling to cope with demand.