A REPORT commissioned by the Government on the future of town centres makes encouraging reading for Darlington, a council has claimed.

Much of the advice put forward in Sir John Timpson’s report, published in December 2018, is line with the approaches being adopted in Darlington.

The report recommends a number of measures local authorities and communities can take to address the challenges faced by town centres across the country.

At the heart of the report is the message that high streets and town centres need to become a focal point for people to take part in a broad variety of other activities – including culture, events and leisure – rather than just shopping.

It also recommends increasing the number of residential properties in town centres, as well as improving the quality and availability of office space.

Cllr Chris McEwan, deputy leader of the council, said: “It is very encouraging that both the short-term measures and long term ambitions of Darlington Borough Council are aligned with the recommendations of the report.

“We have developed an exciting events calendar for 2019 and have worked closely with retailers and other stakeholders to ensure they are involved as much as possible.

“We are working with land owners to develop plan for empty buildings and derelict pieces of land to bring forward residential, business and leisure opportunities.

“Sir John Timpson said he was more hopeful for the future of town centres by the time he had finished gathering evidence than he had been at the start."