A RENOWNED designer has criticised Durham City Council’s attitude to the arts, saying it is failing to support creative businesses.

Milliner Dawn Woodward, who trained under royal hatmaker Rose Cory, said the council had no idea what the people of Durham wanted, and revealed she is considering leaving the city.

The woman behind the Dawn Knight Collection said: “I’ve worked in London and Sydney and this is the most difficult place.”

The attack comes as Durham is bidding to be Britain’s first Capital of Culture.

Ms Woodward said: “If they want to be Capital of Culture, where is the culture? There is not a lot of creative art here.”

Ms Woodward has clashed with the council over her attempts to erect signs directing customers from the busy shopping area of Silver Street to Fowler’s Yard, home to several creative businesses including her own, The Pink Room.

She said that when she put up an advertising board, the council told her it must be removed and threatened her with a fine.

Fowler’s Yard, an artists’ quarter in Back Silver Street, was built as part of Durham’s £30m Millennium City development.

Councillor Sue Pitts said: “I strongly refute that we are not committed to arts and culture.

“That is unfair and inaccurate.

“We are hugely committed to arts, culture and heritage.

We have achieved so much in terms of those things to suggest we are not supportive is absurd.

“We have very clear planning laws and regulations on signs to protect our very special heritage – to stop people putting up signs all over the place.

“If she (Ms Woodward) wants any help with promoting her business, we would be delighted to talk to her.”