CONSERVATIVE councillors hit out yesterday after a debate over radical changes to a North-East town centre was postponed.

Traffic systems in Darlington have undergone major changes during the past six weeks, with bus stops moved and routes changed.

The developments are part of the borough council's £6.5m pedestrian heart project, but have faced criticism from residents, taxi drivers and traders who say they are losing business.

The authority said the completed project would make Darlington a more attractive destination for shoppers and help the town close the gap on its retail rivals in the region.

Yesterday, police were due to give an update on their views on traffic management in the town centre to a council committee.

But senior officers left the environment scrutiny committee meeting before it had begun after being told there was too much on the agenda for it to be given proper consideration.

Chairwoman Councillor Stella Robson said: "We are withdrawing the item concerning the police. This is such an interesting matter that we need to give full time and consideration to it."

Conservative committee member Heather Scott said the Tories were disappointed at the late withdrawal.

She said: "We want to see this matter brought up again without delay.

"It is such an important issue, we do not see why other items on the agenda could not have been withdrawn instead."