FREEZE councillors’ allowances, rent out the town hall and cut agency spending, those battling against Darlington cuts argued at a meeting.

A special meeting of Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet last night (Thursday, January 11), saw councillors accused of ushering in "half-baked cuts".

The heated meeting was attended by scores of people incensed at the thought of losing vital services and historic facilities.

In a discussion about the scope of devastating cuts proposed for the town, many took to the floor to suggest alternative ways of dealing with budget reductions.

Dawn Taylor, representing the Darlington Local Government branch of Unison, made an impassioned speech claiming there had been a failure to properly plan for the long-term.

Ms Taylor said: “There is no doubt the council’s budget is under severe pressure and difficult choices have to be made about which services to prioritise…

“Where are the in-depth financially costed options for ensuring we can keep these services going?

“We knew this was coming so why are we seeing a last minute dash to produce half-baked ideas for cuts that won’t hold up to scrutiny and won’t save the money the council thinks they’ll save.

“In fact they’ll cost a packet and threaten to dismantle public services the town holds dear.”

She went on to criticise overspending on agency workers and the prospect of allowances increasing for Darlington’s 53 councillors from £717,000 to £760,000 in coming years.

Council leader Bill Dixon said he would be willing to put the issue of allowance increases to councillors to vote on in coming months.

He also agreed to look at the issues around agency workers in further depth.

Ms Taylor then raised the contentious proposal to move the Victorian Crown Street Library to the Dolphin Centre.

She said: “The proposal to close the Crown Street Library, shoehorn it into the Dolphin Centre whilst evicting the registrars’ service and setting them up in the council chamber is beyond ludicrous.

“This merry-go-round of services is a complete money pit.

“The council could decommission the council chamber and committee rooms, rent that area to another public or private body and transfer council meetings to the Dolphin Centre.”

Cllr Dixon invited anyone with a plan to submit their thoughts during the on-going consultation period.

Addressing the union representative, Cllr Nick Wallis added: “I have spent the last few months with my head in my hands, we are losing so many valued members of staff.”