DARLINGTON MP Jenny Chapman has described the proposed cuts as 'devastating for anyone who lives in or loves' the town.

She told The Northern Echo: "The assault on the North by this Government is being felt harshly by people in Darlington today, there has been disbelief and shock among residents.

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“The word is still spreading and the news is still sinking in.

“I think there is going to be shock in the voluntary sector too, when they realise the cuts in the support that the council has been able to give over the years will be gone.

“I think the impact of these decisions – on street cleaning and grass-cutting – will only be felt months later.

“The big news is about the market, Crown Street library and the loss of almost 200 jobs.

“While there may be the prospect of finding a solution to the market, that is of no comfort at all to anyone who has found out they are at risk of losing their jobs.

“Darlington is one of the first councils to come out and explain fully the cuts that are being looked at and I think we can expect similar announcements from other local authorities in the region.

“All local authorities in this part of the country are facing similar difficult decisions.”