Bars along a town centre road have praised the impact outdoor seating has had on the area, as plans to make it permanent are due to take a step forward.

Coniscliffe Road traders have benefited from relaxed council measures over the past few years which allowed them to expand and set up seating outside to help them survive. Although the part road closure has restricted vehicle access to one-way, it has been a boon for businesses. 

More details of the proposal announced by Darlington Borough Council suggest the pavement areas will become permanent, footpaths will be widened, two-way cycle access will be created, and a new ‘pocket park’ will open on the North side of the street. 

It remains unclear whether the road will be closed to all vehicles but further details of the plans are due to be revealed by the local authority next week. 

Read next: Proposals for pedestrian zone, plazas and performance area in Darlington

The Northern Echo: Trade at the Orb Micropub has benefited from the seating, says owner Daryl CloughTrade at the Orb Micropub has benefited from the seating, says owner Daryl Clough (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The news has delighted Daryl Clough, who runs the Orb Micropub, and often sees his outdoor seating full during the summer. “I can’t say enough how much it has changed this area of Darlington,” he said. “It’s always been nice on this street, and there’s great bars.

“Coming out of Covid, when we got our outside seating, it wasn’t just a lifesaver to keep us in business it made the area buzzing and on a sunny day when you’re walking up and down everyone is having a laugh and it’s like you’re on a plaza in Italy.”

More customers has also meant more money for the micropub. “The business has flourished because of the seating. We’ve never had an outside area, so giving it to us in the summer is massive, and people come down whenever they can.”

For Jasmin Robson, of Hash Bar and Kitchen, the seating has created a lively vibe in the area. “We love it, it makes a nice atmosphere along the street and is a draw to the town centre,” she said. “People are quite surprised when they see it because it looks quite continental, so it’s definitely a positive and a step forward by the council.”

The Northern Echo: Jasmin Robson, owner of Hash, says the outdoor seating has created a lively vibe in the area Jasmin Robson, owner of Hash, says the outdoor seating has created a lively vibe in the area (Image: Sarah Caldecott)

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Not all bars have been as successful, however. Dr.inks launched a petition last year, calling on the council for its outdoor seating to be reinstated. Staff were told it is not allowed to serve drinks from the outdoor seating area in the street due to concerns about the safety of customers crossing the road. 

The response was branded “ludicrous” by staff but they hope the plans will benefit the area. 

Council Leader Stephen Harker said it will create a “vibrant, safe and working gateway to the town centre”.