THE plans for a new Market Place in Darlington look very exciting (Echo, March 22) and something to look forward to, now that a lot of shops are closing down.

The town needs to attract people from outside of the town like it has in the past. After all it was always classed as a market town. Also, with exciting venues like the library, Hippodrome and Hullabaloo we do have both learning and entertainment to entice people into the town.

There are plenty of restaurants, and wine bars to choose from. The only criticism I have is there is nothing in town for the teenagers in comparison to what we had in the 1970s.

Dance halls with no liquor but a cloakroom to hang your coats. A bowling alley, a skating rink, youth clubs, even boats on the lake. Even friendly policemen who would clip a lad’s ear whilst telling him to behave.

We were taught discipline in those days, first at home, then at school, to prepare us for the future.

We had to show respect for our neighbours to build up trust and went to church and Sunday school and that was before you had to work from 14 years.

Then came the war years. We knew hardships but so very different to what the younger generation call it.

They want the vote at 16 but what do they know of life.

We got fountain pens for birthdays or Christmas gifts. Pocket money had to be earned, usually in pennies. I hope that young people are taught about the war years and the many recent disasters in poor countries because that is real poverty.

So yes, Darlington Council, anything that enhances our beautiful old buildings and history will get a grateful thanks from me – also thanks must go to Chris Lloyd for keeping it all alive in Echo Memories each week.

After all you have put the council tax up so it would be nice to have something to show for it, so thank you.

Mavis River-Horton, Darlington