DARLINGTON’S covered market could be under new management by the summer.

Within months, the operation of the town’s Victorian market could be passed from Darlington Borough Council to a commercial organisation.

As part of a £12.5m budget cut programme, the council plans to transfer the running of the market to a long-term lease holder in the hope of boosting income to the town while making savings.

When the plans were announced, a statement from DBC said: “The indoor market needs a lot of investment and we don’t have the money.

“We are looking to partner with a commercial organisation that can bring in the sort of money needed to make this important building a landmark the town can be proud of.”

On Tuesday, a spokesman said: “The council is part way through a procurement process to secure a partner to run the indoor and outdoor markets.

“It is anticipated that the preferred partner will take over the operation of the Markets in the summer. In the meantime the markets continue to trade as normal.”