MY wife and I have shopped in Darlington for many, many years, usually at least once a week and we generally visit the indoor market to pick up something for our lunch or evening meal. Lately, we have noticed more and more vacant units which makes us concerned for the stallholders’ future and choice for the shopping public.

This week, for a change we visited Durham and naturally we had to visit their indoor market and we were amazed at the choice this venue offers.

Their hall holds about 50 traders who carry everything you could possibly need in and around the home.

Talk about the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker – they are all here.

I understand some of these Durham traders have been here for over 20 and 30 years.

In fact, one, I understand, has traded here for over 60 years – namely Garnham’s Pet Supplies. Beat that if you can.

This place appears to be thriving.

One thing I did notice, there did not appear to be any empty units in this indoor market.

I would suggest whoever has responsibility for Darlington’s indoor market get along smartish to Durham and see if they can discover what their secret is.

Doug Porthouse, Ferryhill.