RESIDENTS are being urged to give their views on a strategy that could provide a £26m boost to Darlington’s economy ahead of an imminent deadline.

Darlington Borough Council revealed its Experience Darlington initiative in December 2016 and invited communities to comment on plans to expand the town’s arts, culture, heritage and regeneration.

As part of the strategy, the council will look to find ways to ensure the town centre offers high-quality shopping and leisure facilities, as well as a “reliable, predictable and efficient” transport network for residents and visitors.

Since its launch, individual residents and Darlington community groups have commented on the Experience Darlington scheme ahead of the consultation deadline on Thursday, April 13.

Darlington Borough Council’s Councillor Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who has taken the time to comment, fill in a survey or meet with us.

“The strategy is for everyone who lives or works in Darlington, as well as those who come to visit, so every view is important.”

A Darlington Borough Council spokeswoman added that feedback so far has been “varied and helpful in taking the strategy forward”.

Meetings with stakeholders such as the Quakers, Friends of the Railways, Darlington-based arts and culture groups and public transport operators have also been hosted by the authority this year.

For more information or to comment on Experience Darlington before April 13, visit darlington.gov.uk/experiencedarlington