SHOPS in Darlington are one of the main attractions for visitors coming to the town.

The Darlington Visitor Survey 2001 has revealed that 75 per cent of visitors believe that the town's shopping facilities are good.

A total of 407 people were interviewed between July 21 and October 13, in the town centre.

Thre survey aims to provide information about visitors' opinions of the area and their experiences in the town.

A total of 97 per cent of those questioned were day visitors, either on holiday, or on day trips.

Nearly three quarters of interviewees had visited food and drink establishments.

Shopping, cleanliness of streets, safety and general impressions of the town centre all scored highly.

Traffic congestion and poor parking were named as factors that had spoiled some of the visits.

A similar survey, conducted by Northumbria Tourist Board, was carried out in 1998.

The latest findings have revealed a marked improvement in opinions.