CUTTING crime and promoting community safety should be the main priorities for Darlington Borough Council this year, according to a community survey.

More than 60 per cent of the 1,020 Darlington residents interviewed believe the fight against crime is the most important issue facing the authority.

A majority of interviewees felt safe when outside alone during the day, but 42.4 per cent reported feeling unsafe at night in the town centre, while 28.1 per cent said they did not feel secure when out in their own neighbourhood at night.

However, the council was commended for implementing safety and security measures, including increasing the number of closed-circuit television security cameras monitoring the town.

Council leader John Williams said: "We have a very successful partnership with the police in the area, but we are not complacent. There needs to be a change in culture to create a crime-free Darlington."

Improving the local economy and creating jobs was identified by 22.5 per cent of those interviewed as the most important issue.

People expressed greatest satisfaction with the standard of schools, the "built environment" and availability of housing.

Leisure facilities were praised, and interviewees were also impressed with the upkeep and appearance of the town centre, refuse collection and street lighting.