ONE in ten shops in Darlington town centre is closed, according to council figures, prompting concerns from local traders.

However, the statistics show the number of unoccupied premises has remained constant for the past four years, with vacancies down by 1.3 per cent on the previous year.

The latest council figures show that 9.2 per cent of shops in the town centre are currently closed. In 2003 the rate was ten per cent.

In the Queen Street shopping centre nearly a quarter of its outlets are closed.

These will remain empty because of planned refurbishments.

Priestgate has three boarded up shops, while Skinnergate and Bondgate also have a higher number of closed shops.

However, just one out of more than 30 shops around the new Pedestrian Heart area of High Row, Prebend Row and West Row is shut.

Councillor Alan Coultas, shadow cabinet member for the economy and a covered market activist, said: "The figure has to be a concern. I am aware of small businesses that are really struggling.

"One hopes the declining economic situation is not going to exacerbate things. The health of our retailers and the town centre economy is vital to the town."

Council figures show retail has picked up since the Pedestrian Heart project was completed.

The number of car parking tickets bought in July and August 2007 was 221,000 - up 12,000 on the same period in 2006.

Statistics also show motorists are spending more time in the town.

Liberal democrat councillor Mike Barker, a trader in the town for more than 20 years, said: "Trade hasn't picked up to the levels it was three or four years ago. It is better than it was during the Pedestrian Heart works.

"If The Oval can be let out it will be beneficial to the town. The town lacks large fashion retailers. If we get the large fashion retailers to come into the Oval people will come back into town.

"The ones that vacate the smaller units will also bring the problem of replacing them."

The Oval development, will include more than 30 shops, a Debenhams department store, restaurants, and a cinema, and is due to open by Christmas 2010.

It is part of a council-led town centre strategy, drafted in consultation with retailers, which also included the pedestrianisation.

Council leader John Williams, said: "We are working hard to develop and improve the town centre to make this an exciting and attractive place for people to visit, and shop in, now and in the future.

"The Oval development is a major part of that, but we are also working very closely with the independent steering group to promote existing and new independent retailers."