COUNCIL chiefs are working on a multi-million pound plan to secure a cattle market’s long-awaited move to an out-of-town location, a public meeting on the issue was told.

Darlington Auction Mart has been the subject of repeated failed attempts, over several decades, to relocate it from its town centre site, in Clifton Road.

There is now a renewed determination to achieve this objective, following the death of Kyle Hull in April.

The 15-year-old died after falling through a roof at the mart, in similar circumstances to those that claimed the life of 11-year-old Jack Hunter in 1992.

Families and friends of both boys were invited to a meeting about the future of the mart, chaired by Darlington MP Jenny Chapman, last night Friday (June 26) evening.

The Northern Echo:

The meeting was held at St Columba’s Church, a short distance from the mart.

Ian Williams, director of economic growth for Darlington Borough Council told members of the 100-strong audience that the council was committed to facilitating the move.

He said council officials are in talks with Darlington Farmers Auction Mart (DFAM), the company that runs the market, over plans to move to a purpose-built £36m site on the A68 at Burtree Lane, on the edge of Darlington.

He warned: “The council will have to borrow money to make this happen.”

Mrs Chapman stressed that the best deal would be sought for Darlington taxpayers, given that DFAM is a private business.

Subject to the successful conclusion of ongoing negotiations, it is expected a proposal will be put before councillors in the autumn.

Mr Williams added: “The auction mart needs to raise significant sums of cash to make the relocation happen.

“I have seen evidence that they are doing that.

“I understand the scepticism in relation to previous attempts, but let me state my personal commitment and desire that this is the right thing to do.

“We are making significant progress.”

The Northern Echo:

One way DFAM could raise some of the cash needed to finance the move, said Mr Williams, was to sell off greenfield land it owns in Neasham Road, on the outskirts of Darlington, for a housing development – a move that could itself stir up fresh controversy.

Mr Williams admitted such a development ‘would not normally obtain planning permission’, adding that any housing development would be conditional on the cattle market move going ahead.

Members of the audience raised questions around the security of the Clifton Road site and some suggested organising demonstrations to show DFAM the strength of public feeling.

DFAM directors met with Mrs Chapman ahead of the meeting, but she said she chose not to invite them to attend, in order to give residents a chance to air their views.

A police presence was maintained outside the meeting, but there was never any sign of tempers flaring.