RESIDENTS and businesses in Darlington are being urged to give their views a strategy that could give a £26m boost to the town.

Darlington Borough Council is seeking opinions from those living and working in the town how it can improve the area as it develops its visitor economy strategy.

The Experience Darlington strategy has been produced to highlight ways the council can develop attractions that entice people to the town, by promoting its history and culture.

As part of the strategy, the council will look to find ways to ensure the town centre offers high quality shopping and leisure facilities, as well as a “reliable, predictable and efficient” transport network.

They also want to find a way to make Darlington a place where the arts, culture and heritage play an important role in improving the town.

Cllr Nick Wallis, cabinet member for leisure, environment and transport, said this was a “golden opportunity” to make the most out of Darlington’s “unique history”.

“The 200th anniversary of the birthplace of the modern railway will be in 2025, coinciding with the Tees Valley ambition to be the city of culture in that year.

“There is the original 1825 track bed, the £5 note bridge and Locomotion No 1, and there is other industrial history that can be revealed along the river Skerne and Tees.

“I am determined that our growing and diverse offer in culture and arts should play a central role in the Experience Darlington ambition and urge everyone to get involved in the development of this strategy.”

Cllr Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said Darlington has “big ambitions” for the future.

“We want local people, businesses and groups to share in these, get involved and help put Darlington on the local, regional, national and international map as a place where people want to visit, enjoy and invest in.

“Tourism is a multi-million pound industry and is one that we can’t afford to ignore., so by improving our visitor experience, we anticipate that we can boost the local economy by around £26m a year.

“With improvement to our road infrastructure, the new Feethams leisure development, improved car parks and the redevelopment of the Civic theatre, we have made a positive start.”

Residents can give their views by visiting www.darlington.gov.uk/experiencedarlington