REPRESENTATIVES of the three main political parties in Darlington are divided over how the town will benefit from measures announced in the autumn statement.

Chancellor George Osborne outlined his vision this week to create a ‘northern powerhouse’ by making changes to the rail network and increasing funding for new roads in the region, among wider developments planned for the whole of the North.

Local improvements include the old Pacer trains that run from Darlington to Saltburn being replaced and new Northern and Transpennine franchises are also expected to deliver 20 per cent more capacity to reduce passenger crowds at North East stations.

Millions will also be invested in the region’s roads and Darlington is particularly well-placed to benefit from the extra money poured into improving the A1.

Peter Cuthbertson, Conservative parliamentary candidate for Darlington, described the northern powerhouse plan as “straightforward good news for families and businesses in Darlington”.

He said: “I’m particularly pleased by the extra £28m invested in manufacturing in Sedgefield, which will generate a lot more jobs locally.

“This follows the announcement this week of another £900m for roads in the North-East.

“Ultimately this will all mean more jobs and growth, helping to deliver a better future for hardworking people in Darlington.”

Jenny Chapman, Labour MP for Darlington, was less enthusiastic about the budget announcements.

She said: “The autumn statement is the final proof that George Osborne has now broken every promise he ever made to the people of Darlington.

“Most people here are not feeling the recovery and working people are now £1,600 a year worse off.

“George Osborne has borrowed more than he said he would.

“The autumn statement proves the economy is set to slow down next year and forecasts for wages increases have been revised down again.”

Anne-Marie Curry, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Darlington Borough Council, described the budget as ‘fairly good’ but expressed concern that there has been an overestimation of the amount the government can actually spend.

She welcomed the investment announced for the region’s roads but said that it should have happened “40 years ago” to prevent the country from becoming the “poor relation of Europe” in terms of infrastructure.

Cllr Curry also suggested that the main concerns of Darlington residents centred around employment, apprenticeship availability to help reduce youth unemployment and the NHS.