A RUN-DOWN Darlington estate has been "forgotten" by the local authority, two councillors have claimed.

Flower beds and public spaces at The Rise Carr estate, off Whessoe Road, are overgrown.

Graffiti is sprayed on walls, and discarded shopping trolleys and rubbish are common.

Councillors Fred Lawton and Mike Barker say Rise Carr is ignored by Darlington Borough Council in favour of the town's larger estates.

But the council insists the estate gets the same attention as the rest of the town.

Coun Lawton said: "Over the last few years, it has become a quite shabby-looking area, particularly around the William Street end.

"The beds and the borders have become unkempt and filled with rubbish, and bricks are missing.

"They have suffered from a lack of regular maintenance. Residents say they haven't been looked at for two years."

Coun Barker said: "If the professionals - the council - put time, effort and a bit of money in, the response would be there.

"The residents tell us they think the money goes elsewhere. For example, there is a drain outside someone's house on the corner - the cover was reported missing five years ago and it hasn't been touched.

"In the bigger estates, there are estate offices and they can borrow equipment.

"In Rise Carr they are just left to get on with it, hoping and waiting for Street Scene to do something about it. It has been forgotten."

The councillors - both Liberal Democrat - believe investment would improve community spirit and reduce anti-social behaviour.

"If you try to tidy it up, I think it becomes self-perpetuating," Coun Lawton said.

Coun Barker added: "If people look outside and the sun is shining, the area looks nice, and if there's no litter, it makes them feel happier."

A council spokesman said: "Like all areas of the borough, Rise Carr is visited every week for Street Scene services.

"After a recent ward tour, officers reported some flowerbeds required attention and there is graffiti which needs removing. These jobs will be attended to in coming weeks.

"Rise Carr is not neglected - it receives the same level of service as any other part of the borough. Unfortunately, extra jobs such as graffiti removal cannot always be attended to straight away.

"It is important that residents remember they also have a responsibility in maintaining their local areas."

Street Scene can be reached on 01325-388777.