FURIOUS taxi drivers in Darlington have accused the borough council of driving them out of a town centre rank.

They say they are losing trade because they are not allowed to use the East Row rank when special events are held in the market place.

Mr Mick Kennedy, chairman of the Darlington independent taxi traders' organisation, said: "We have been told that we will not be able to use the rank at the times when we make most of our money. This rank is the biggest in the town and we have not been given any alternatives."

A spokesman for the council said the rank must be closed during events like the Orange music festival for safety reasons. "There are still ranks at Tubwell Row and Priestgate which are only 100 yards from East Row. If there is a problem with the amount of vehicles they will be able to park up in any of the town car parks and feed into the taxi spaces when they become available."

Bookie seeks

Teesdale base

THE bets are on to see if the country's largest independent bookmaker will gain permission to open a branch in a local market town.

Manchester-based Done Bookmakers have applied for a betting office licence at the former Motorworld premises in Horsemarket, Barnard Castle, which have been empty for more than a year. Magistrates at Newton Aycliffe will hear their case early next month.

Spokesman Mr Len Hodges said he had visited the premises, which would be ideal for the company. "Subject to the necessary licences, we hope to give customers a first class service in first rate premises," he added.

Mr Ken Hughes, head of planning at Teesdale, confirmed that planning permission would also be needed for a change of use.

It is thought the company will await the outcome of its licensing application before submitting a planning application.

Fair day at

Startforth

A FANCY dress parade and local band are just some of the attractions on offer to visitors at a church fair tomorrow.

The Rev John Moore and Mrs Doreen Moore will be at Startforth school at 2pm to open the event, proceeds of which will go to Holy Trinity church.

Fancy dress competitors should meet in Boldron Lane at 1.15 for the parade to the school led by Middleton in Teesdale band, which will play during the afternoon. There will be a variety of attractions including children's races, bouncy castle, face painting and a wide assortment of stalls. Afternoon teas will be on sale. Following the fair, a barbecue will be held in the vicarage garden, starting at 6.30, to which all are invited.

Tidy up, there's

a contest ahead

JUDGING in a best kept village challenge is to go ahead in County Durham. The competition, suspended due to the foot-and-mouth outbreak, will begin on July 1 and continue through August and September.

The Durham County tidy village competition committee is introducing a category for medium-sized villages with a prize donated by Mr Harry Eggleston.

A spokesman said: "We want all the 90 villages concerned to know that the competition is going ahead.