AN optimistic note was sounded as Darlington Borough Council's directors explained how their departments will cope with the proposed £10.2m budget cuts.

They delivered an overview of the proposals to an efficiency and resources scrutiny committee at Darlington Town Hall today (Thursday, February 25).

Paul Wildsmith, director of neighbourhood services and resources, said officials had worked hard over many months to minimise the risk to vital services as the authority looks to cut costs.

He explained that council services can be categorised into three areas:

* Statutory. What it must provide by law

* Business. Facilities such as car parks which can earn a profit

* Discretionary. Services not required by legislation but that benefit the community, such as leisure centres.

In the light of a £44m reduction in Government funding up to 2020, the council is now trying to balance what it must provide to residents whilst using less money to provide as many discretionary services as it can.

Mr Wildsmith said it was “interesting” that the proposals which had so far faced most opposition from residents included the closure of the Crown Street Library and reductions in grass cutting, rather than cuts to social services that support vulnerable people.

If Crown Street Library does shut, a new resource will open in the Dolphin Centre and Mr Wildsmith said this would create an improved central library facility.

“I believe that when we put the library in the Dolphin Centre the comparable floor space will be an improvement. People will disagree with me on that but I do believe it – especially for children, it will be great.

“To have soft play, a bit of tea, have a swim and go to the library for reading time I think it will be an excellent addition to the town centre.”

He stressed there are no plans to close Darlington’s Covered Market but reiterated that the traders have until May to present a proposal to take over its running before it is put up for sale to private investors.

“There is no proposal to close the market, what we are looking for is a partner to come together with us and improve that market and make it better for the town.”

The scrutiny meeting took place this morning (Thursday) ahead of tonight's (Thursday) full council meeting at 6pm where the proposals will be discussed further by councillors.