AN event hosted by Darlington Borough Council to gauge public opinion on bus services has been branded "farcical" by participants.

A group of residents are unhappy that their questions remained unanswered after the council's Talking Together bus consultation.

Residents were asked to submit questions to the authority a week before the event so answers could be prepared.

Ten questions were chosen to be discussed at the meeting but because time ran out, only seven were asked, angering some in attendance.

Shirley Winter, representing residents of the Harrowgate Hill area, said many people had traveled to the meeting only to be disappointed that their questions were left out.

Mrs Winter, who registered her disgust at the meeting on November 20, said yesterday she was considering making a formal complaint over the issue.

"I honestly think they are just holding these events to tick a few boxes," she said.

"The reason we feel so passionately about this is because part of our community has been cut-off for the winter months.

"That's why it was vital to get it discussed at the event."

Talking Together events cost £60,000 to run last year - £50 for every person who attended.

Mrs Winter said: "It was a waste of time. If they aren't going to allow us to have our say then what's the point?

"I don't want my council tax spent on these events. It was a farce."

Jenny Chapman, the council's cabinet member for communities and engagement, defended Talking Together.

"I'm sorry that it wasn't possible to answer more than seven of the ten of the questions asked by this group at the meeting but full, written responses will be provided right away," she said.

"We were able to respond to many other questions at the meeting but there was not enough time available for us to answer as many as ten questions from one group of people.

"Talking Together events are for people to have their say and to listen to what others have to say, so we have to ensure that time is allowed for all interested parties, from all parts of the borough, to have their views heard and their questions answered."