AN "UGLY" £10,000 digital sign that has not worked properly since it was installed in January will be taken down.

But despite protests from opposition councillors, the traffic sign will be replaced - although not until Autumn.

Councillor Charles Johnson, deputy leader of Darlington's Conservatives, says the black sign, in Stonebridge, opposite St Cuthbert's Church, is an unnecessary eyesore.

But Councillor Nick Wallis, cabinet member for highways and transport, insists the sign, which cost £9,626, will cut congestion when it finally works.

The sign was erected to tell drivers how many spaces are left in the multi-storey Crown Street car park and about other spaces in the town.

But since it was put up, it has only said "Welcome to Darlington Town Centre" or advertised market day.

Coun Johnson said: "If it was up to me, it wouldn't have been there in the first place. I think they should cut their losses.

"We want more attractive things than what looks like a temporary road sign.

"It's totally out of keeping. It's old-fashioned and it's ugly.

"Even when it's working properly, I think it's little more than an eyesore. I really can't see why we need it."

Coun Wallis, while admitting he was "irritated" by the delay, said: "The sign will have real benefits, particularly for people coming into town by car.

"It will, in a small way, cut down on congestion on the ring road and around the town centre.

"It will get people as quickly as possible to spaces that are available.

"We have similar signs around the town that work well."

A council spokesman said: "Unfortunately, we have been let down by the manufacturers.

"The software is incompatible with it and we will be getting a new sign to replace the existing one.

"We have not paid any money for the existing sign and will not do so until we have one that works."

The delay in identifying the problem was caused by contacting the manufacturer, he added.