WHEN did Darlington become what it is today? What has gone wrong? Who do you blame?

Years ago, councillors worked free and always for the good of the town. The outdoor market was the highlight of the week when you could buy anything and listen to the tradesmen bartering their wares.

The South Park was always a hive of activity with boats and a skating rink. The big field held a circus and a fair, dog shows and later a firework display in November.

At Easter we went in our new frocks to roll our paste eggs down the bank near the boating lake. This attracted people to the town as it was something different to what they had, then in turn we visited the seaside.

There were nine of us in a two up and down, with outside toilet and tin bath.

My parents would not consider going into a council house. My mother paid a shilling a week to the doctor and dad paid his union dues.

As it was after the war our neighbours were widows so we knew from an early age how to look after our neighbours.

We went to Eastbourne Secondary Modern School which gave us a good all round education.

I cannot understand how such a thriving town in the early 40s has degenerated into what we have now.

Young people danced to the big band music without any booze. There were no takeaways so no litter in the streets and there were jobs for everyone.

What training are councillors given because common sense and fairness are in short supply.

M Rivers-Horton, Darlington