I DON’T know how Cllr Chris McEwan has the gall to say use it or lose it to the people of Darlington about the town centre.

I agree with Budgie Burgess (HAS, July 7). The people of Darlington have been telling the council for years and years what is happening to the town – the council in their wisdom have not listened.

They go on about two hours free parking – whoop-e-doo – they only did a U-turn on that when M&S and then Binns said they were closing.

They keep telling us the town centre is now going to change.

I am too old to work and I use the leisure facility occasionally, so what exactly do I have to go into Darlington for?

I am sure there are many more like me.

Having festivals is very good, but surely a town needs shops where people can come six or seven days a week.

I know online shopping has had an effect but you cannot keep using that as an excuse to do nothing.

They say there have been ten new traders in the last four months – could the council tell us who they are?

They are clutching at straws saying other retailers are using the BHS and Woolworths stores.

Refresh my memory – how many years ago did Woolworths close? Next have been there for quite a while.

It is getting to the stage in Darlington to say when the last person leaves will they turn the lights out.

J Brooks, Darlington