PEOPLE from County Durham are still welcome in Darlington despite additional lockdown measures in the county.

Darlington Borough Council cabinet member for health and housing Kevin Nicholson says the council does not have the power to stop people coming into the borough, and that Darlington's coronavirus stats does not indicate it needs to.

He said: "Everyone had been working hard and that is reflected in the results we are seeing. That's why we haven't been included in the request for local restrictions.

"If people do chose to come here from other towns, we want them to have a safe and pleasant experience until the numbers reflect there is a problem.

"We have been managing well and it's important that residents know that. We are looking and monitoring the numbers of people coming in and out of the town, we have our finger on the pulse.

"If there is a change, we are in a good position to react appropriately."

Cllr Nicholson is confident with the practice and procedures put in place within Darlington and its venues.

When Bolton was in local lockdown, people from Wigan offered to sell their utility bills as proof of address for pubs, but Darlington will not be introducing such strict measures.

Dave Johnson, of Hole in the Wall, said: "I'm not worried but still mindful. We have a good reservation process in operation, a good set of regulars and rarely too many spare tables for people from out of town.

"I imagine some of the late night venues and cocktail bars may have a little influx."

High Coniscliffe resident Paul Williams, who fronts local band The Skapones with band members scattered across the North-East, said: "As a band with members from out of Darlington it's been okay. We didn't rehearse for three months then it kicked back in when restrictions were lifted. With the way things are going out could be all wiped out again.

"Even with no gigs, we could at least rehearse and record but that's going to go. Curfews will only add to the misery of it all as well."