MARKET traders in Darlington have been reassured that they will all be entitled to four weeks' free rent.

Earlier this month, Darlington Borough Council agreed to waive one month's rent to stallholders to compensate them for the disruption caused by the Pedestrian Heart work.

However, stallholders on the outdoor market were left confused after they were still being asked for their rents this week.

In recent weeks the rent on the outdoor market has increased to pay for new gazebos for the stall holders.

Keith Leighton, who runs a pet food stall on the outdoor market, said: "It's not fair because we are struggling as much as the indoor market.

"I would think sales are down by 50 per cent "

However, a council spokeswoman said last night that all traders would be getting the free rent.

Outdoor market traders were still being asked to pay rent until a suitable way of administering the reduction was found.

She said: "The outdoor market stallholders who are regularly at the market two days a week, will be receiving four weeks rent free.

"We are in the process of administering this and we would hope to have the scheme in place in the New Year."