LET’S get this in perspective.

We have a reasonable standard of life here unlike some poor souls in other parts of the world.

In fact, we are even better off, than some people in other towns in this country. We should not blame our councillors for quite all that has happened to our town as some of it is out of anyone’s hands.

M&S will still have a food hall in town and having to travel to West Park is not the end of the world, although I do know it will be difficult for some (for which I am really sorry).

Binns closing is a hammer blow to the town centre but is not the end of Darlington.

BHS is going to be occupied and so are a lot of other empty units in town.

We still have some good nationals, such as HMV.

We have some amazing independent shops and I hope Darlington Borough Council and Darlington residents will value and look after them.

We have an amazing selection of bars and eateries.

We have lots of top-notch professional service and offices.

We have our indoor market and an outdoor market which we need to expand and improve on and this could be done more effectively if the existing businesses both in and out of the market got involved too.

There are new small and large businesses intent on opening here.

At last, there is going to be some money spent to ensure the fountain flows the town is kept clean and tidy, anti-social behaviour is kept to a minimum and there will be greenery and flowers.

It’s going to be a bit cheaper to park here in certain car parks.

We businesses now have good liaison happening and a channel to the cabinet members in the town hall and we have a promo page #Lovedarlo and these two good things are facilitated by people who actually get out around town and find out what’s going on.

The reality is that times are tough but Darlington people and stakeholders are made of tough stuff too. It may be a bit late in the day but people in the town hall (and this applies to all parties) are finally addressing the problems the town centre has struggled with for years.

Like our friend Robin Blair says, “this could be a new start for the town’ - but only if we all pull together can we make this happen.

Beryl Maughan Hankin, Guru Boutique, Darlington