I NOTE again that on Bank Holiday Monday the Darlington Market Square was deserted. There were just a small number of pathetic stalls in Northgate selling trash.

In my letter (HAS, Apr 5), I questioned whatever happened to Darlington’s prestigious open air market in the Market Square?

Darlington council does not recognise that it has killed a favourite attraction to the town. The Market Square is now an empty, desolate and desperate place.

Why did they stop the market in the Market Square? Why is it not used as a Market Square? What are the council’s intentions for the square?

The outdoor market used to be the heart of the town with many good market stalls and many enthusiastic visitors.

The indoor market is still something to be very proud of and it used to be complimented by the outdoor market.

Do you remember that some years ago the council wanted to demolish the Covered Market? Fortunately, the lunatic plan was stopped.

Darlington was renowned for its Monday and Saturday markets. Huge numbers of people flocked from miles around. Bank Holiday Mondays used to be teeming, and the visitors benefited the rest of the traders in the town. No more. Those people go elsewhere. Just look at the empty shops in the town.

There needs to be a vigorous campaign to restore the outdoor market for the benefit of the town, the public and visitors from far and wide. Removal of extortionate car parking charge would also help.

The council should be ashamed of itself for destroying something that Darlington was proud of.

Edward Townend, Neasham, Darlington.