TRADERS in Darlington will today learn about proposals to create a partnership to help businesses in the town.

Darlington Town Centre Board is holding the event, A Window of Opportunity: Darlington 2006 to 2009, at the King's Head Hotel, in Priestgate.

The event aims to create a town centre partnership to give businesses a competitive edge by creating a marketing campaign during and after the Pedestrian Heart works - the pedestrianisation of the centre of Darlington.

The proposals also aim to increase the number of customers visiting shops and ensure there are benefits for all businesses, regardless of size.

Councillor David Lyonette, Darlington Borough Council cabinet member for regeneration and planning, said: "The council is keen to back this initiative, because Darlington has an excellent range of shops and businesses and we want this town to be a place where they can succeed and new businesses can thrive too."

Geraint Williams, the council's Pedestrian Heart liaison officer, said: "Consumers are increasingly astute and demanding. Darlington has to work hard to meet these demands, so it is important town centre businesses meet to examine the proposals and agree to support the marketing initiative."

The event will include presentations by Louise Toms, town centre manager, Andy Atkins, managing director of Cooks and Kitchens, and Geraint Williams.

An open forum will follow in which guests can ask questions.