DARLINGTON town centre has been in decline since the outdoor market was taken away.

There was a buzz around the town on a Saturday and Monday.

Then crackpot ideas to change the indoor market. Both Northallerton and Stockton have thriving markets.

Talking to traders the common factor is expensive business rates. The trouble is there is little business knowledge with the council. Lost in a fog.

Scrapping the two-hour parking rate is not the end of the world.

What’s required is sensible parking charges to encourage people into the town.

John Brant, Darlington