Indoor and Outdoor Markets (LLE12)

Core Offer

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This core offer includes services that the council is legally obliged to provide. The link below provides detailed information about what is included.

Link: LLE12 - Indoor and Outdoor Markets

Related FAQs

You’re closing the market in a Market Town.

We are not proposing to close the market. The indoor market needs a lot of investment and we don’t have the money. We are looking at different ways that the market can operate in the future and looking to partner with a commercial organisation that can bring in the sort of money needed to make this important building a landmark the town can be proud of for generations to come. Traders are playing an active role in efforts to identify a partner to take over the management of the indoor and outdoor markets.

If traders don’t/can’t come up with a plan for the indoor market, what will you do? There must be some other means rather than selling it?

Traders were given an opportunity to put forward a business plan to take over the running of the market. However, following discussions with traders, it was decided to look for an external partner to take over the running of the Covered Market and the twice-weekly outdoor markets. Efforts to identify a preferred partner are ongoing and the markets will trade as normal in the meantime. In the event that efforts to secure an external partner are unsuccessful, the Council would continue to work with traders to reach a solution. However, we are confident there will be sufficient interest that the right partner can be found.

How much would it cost to save the library and the indoor market?

The market is not under threat of closure, so there is no single figure available to save it. With input from traders, the Council is looking for a partner to invest in and improve the market. The relocation of the central library from Crown Street reduces spending by £300,000, so if the relocation does not happen the Council would need to find alternative savings to balance the budget.

Why keep the Dolphin Centre – more people would want to save the library and market first?

Unfortunately the lack of funding means the Council must take some very tough decisions and they have proposed that keeping the Dolphin Centre is important to the borough and it can be kept open at the same time as maintaining a town centre library. In terms of the market, as stated earlier it is not closing. It is hoped the recent announcement – that the Council is working with traders to identify a partner to take over the management of the market – will put an end to incorrect speculation that it will close. Closure of the Dolphin Centre would have a significant impact on the Council’s ability to narrow the health gap as a significant proportion of the population use the Dolphin Centre on a regular basis. You can, of course, suggest an alternative to be considered.

Is the indoor market being sold to generate revenue or reduce council costs?

We are not proposing to sell the market. The Council, in full consultation with traders, is looking at leasing out the covered market to secure its long-term future. We want the market to thrive and it needs private investment to enable this to happen. Work to secure a private sector partner is ongoing and has the support of traders. Such an approach, if successful, will improve the quality of the market provision and ensure the council does not need to invest significant sums in the maintenance of the building.

Your Say

39 comment(s)

Comment
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) Core EffR5 (Members Allowances) FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) For all I don't live in Drlington now I find it terrible that you are slowly killing the town .. All the silly yellow lines around the place making it impossibe for people to sort their businesses .. As for indoor market and Libary its awful that your thinking of getting rid of these . They are part of our history and should be saved rather than got rid of . Really think you as council should be trying to save these pieces of history instead of getting risd and you should be fighting to help the town live instead of killing it. Take a pay cut all of you and give up your expenses and manage on the little money most of us have to . that would save a lot of money I'm sure
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) This is a travesty closing part of Darlington's history and part of it's charm-the lovely covered market has been part of my history and also the library and why can't something else be done to save money such as not paying ridiculous fees for venues for councillors to entertain like the university buildings when you have a big enough town hall and areas in the Dolphin centre. You are closing the places that are good for Darlington and its tourism and not the places that are not.
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) Core EffR19 (Senior Management costs) Core EffR5 (Members Allowances) Maybe the cuts wouldn't be so harshly criticised if councillor took pay cuts too! Earning more than the prime minister ridiculous!!!! Or if we actually knew how much money was been held in reserves sitting earning interest while the town services fall apart. About time an independent came in and audited where all the money has gone! I can't believe all the rents that have been collected over the years from market stall holders hasn't been put towards repairs. Surely any sensible landlord keeps a percentage aside for this. But no not darlington council! These councillors have probably already been paid off to sell the indoor market and get it turned into a wetherspoons or something! I'm not sure how many of you originate from darlington... But those that do I'm absolutely certain your parents grandparents great grandparents would be absolutely disgusted with the way you have ripped the soul out of our market town over the years, while lining your own pockets with backhanders. Disgraceful I really hope one day you get found out and get the prison sentences you deserve.
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) Core EffR19 (Senior Management costs) FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) We know that the government has slashed the budget by a vast amount,but Darlington IS a Market Town, so Our Indoor Market has to be Kept Open. A town the size of Darlington Must have a Library. We have already lost our Outdoor Market from the Market square. Our Council has TOO many overpaid Executive s, Make them redundant and move somebody up with more Ideas
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) In response to the budget cuts and planned proposal to sell/ lease the market and closure of crown street library. I understand that these decisions are being deliberated as a reaction to government cuts and the need to significantly reduce council public spending, therefore my comments are not to point the finger at the council, demand accountability but simply to question the reasoning behind such decisions without looking at alternative funding structures, spending plans and new business models as an alternative. Having grown up in the town I have seen a huge increase in both the size, demographic, occupations, businesses and educational establishments that now thrive here, the town has had many success stories in attracting national and foreign investment. However I believe that removing the market from a market town would have huge implications for the identity of Darlington, this is fundamental not least because it will have a disasterous effect on its marketability, visually and integrally it makes up the culture and heritage of the town its most visual bargaining tool in terms of tourism and the centre of how Darlington not only identifies itself but distinguishes itself from various other similar towns in the vicinity to remove it is to remove the identity of the town centre and those that affiliate with it if anything this should be the one site that the council should be determined and fighting to save. This brings me into my next point if the council are unable to save this building then residents of the town should be given the opportunity to save it themselves, by looking at alternate funding structures different business models and allowing residents to get involved I beleive this could be a reality, this is an opportunity to redefine the space and attract new business, could it become a cultural quarter ( specialist book stalls, cheese and wine stalls, vintage fashion,live music seating outside stalls to encourage people to stay) there are numerous ways to redefine and modernise the space to compliment the town without getting rid of it. social enterprises, private business investment and events could all could all be considered to make this a plausible alternative plan. I hope that my views are considered.
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) This cannot happen to Darlington. The library is very well used and the building is historic. Our indoor market it a great place to shop. By shopping there we are supporting local independent traders. I have friends & family who live outside Darlington. They make regular once sometimes more weekly shopping trips to buy local produce in the market. Needless to say while here they visit & spend in other stores in the town. If we loose these Darlington will be a ghost town. This is something I would not want to happen. We need to redress these issues & find a alternative solution
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) Cut Mc10 (Christmas lights) FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Hi, I understand setting a budget can not be easy when so many cuts have been made that are out of our control. But, what has been proposed for the upcoming years is an absolute disgrace. The much loved Arts centre had to be sold off because of costs, sold to a private company, and now its distressing to walk past there and see the state of neglect that its in, saddening. And that is what you are proposing to do in the centre of our once beautiful town, sell on the victorian market, what will become of it, what will become of the clock when so many fought to keep its bells!?. That market represents the town and is our landmark. Move the library??? use the money invested in the dolphin centre to move a library to save our heritage. No more flowers, no more christmas lights???. No more shoppers no more income for the town, it is obvious from what i have heard people say that once you remove these landmarks, what used to make our town a proud place to live in, it will not exist. What a dismal place with no christmas lights, no flowers from a town that used to win annual in bloom competitions. But worst of all to reduce funding from the most vulnerable is sickening, to take away from people that can't fight back, the young, the old the vulnerable. We are going back in time, to times of hardship, not looking to a positive future at all. Again I don't pretend to understand how the cuts can be made, or offer any alternative, but take away our landmarks, our heritage and you take away the heart of this town!!!
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) Cut Mc10 (Christmas lights) FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) I think the council are trying to run darlington into the ground by selling the covered market and closing the libraries down those buildings are our heritage that's why darlington was and still is a market town although we don't have a market like we used to and I guess we will be the only town not having any Xmas lights what a let down the council don't care about the people who live here only to fill their own pockets darlington is going to die from now on no matter how many new buildings you put up its the heritage we must keep not sell it off or knock it down so why don't you listen to the people of darlington and not destroy our beautiful town just to line your pockets
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) The proposal makes no reference to the importance of the repairs required are they critical of able to be phased over time. How long ago were they identified? Is their an understanding of footfall and potential income losses from parking etc and the other loss of spending within the town
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) This town began dying when our High Row was butchered unnecessarily. Not only was it the heart of the town it was a tourist attraction too. I was born and raised here and left for a period of 10 years with work comittments before returning in the 90's. Whilst I acknowledge there is such a thing as progress I was shocked to see how much of the original town centre had been bulldozed and replaced. Since then I've watched more and more of our heritage disappear till it's virtually unrecognisable from the beautiful, unique market town, to cloning into another block paved faceless precinct mentality. The outdoor market is pitiful compared to the throng we had on the market square and now the indoor market is set to disappear too along with our beautiful library, given to the people by one of the founders of this town. The town is slowly being strangled, instead of destroying our heritage, it should be preserved, loved and allowed to become once again, the pleasant market town centre it was. In this fast, modern world people are turning back to old fashioned values and traditions, they're tired of pesticides and force grown food, why cut your nose off to spite your face? What good is your new multi-storey car park to you when there's no cars to fill it beacuse the town is dead? Support the small local traders who are fighting to keep this town alive for you. Let us be a market town again with our beautiful library and market on a market square. Crown Street in itself could surely bring some income in if the library was downsized (which I presume is your intention when it's wedged in the Dolphin Centre). If one part was turned instead into a function room, wouldn't that be a splendid venue for weddings etc that would bring revenue? I completely understand there are cutbacks necessary but my heart tells me the ones under consideration could bring dire consequences for our struggling town. Save us, don't kill us. Please.
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) Cut Hu01 (Childrens Centres, Early Help and intervention - Specialist Family Support) Core EffR19 (Senior Management costs) FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Hugely disappointed on several levels. The character and heritage of the town is being ignored. The Pease library should not be sold (as much as I love the civic theatre). To move it I believe will in all likelihood end up in a substandard library in the faceless council answer to everything The Dolphin centre . Maintain it , get groups more involved , cafe proposals, children's services . Half hearted suggestions previously ,never given true thought. Author signings/ talks . Seven stories etc... Organise author talks and charge ( I have been ) and seen the numbers it can attract if someone puts the effort in and these have been in faceless halls rather than beautiful buildings . Local traders and their livelihoods once and the towns history. The market hall if it is allowed to go leaves darlington with faceless big name retailers that any other place has. foffanos the most recent I can think of and its venture into the deli should be commended for trying to bring variety into the town and they are now hit with this ? Are the vunerable to be hit again ? kids need support when young to give help before the problems become bigger. whether this is at learning levels or at children's home levels. local businesses see enough trouble already with dealing with shoplifters, drunks, drugs and more recently troublesome teens. it's bad enough now by not giving support ( and aid to relevant charities) you are encouraging this to spiral. My issue is not so much children centres closing and maybe being condensed into one hub it's the wider picture and the fact that some of the charities do the work that the social services can't afford to. They pick up the reins and step in when others will not but the impact of what they do should not be overlooked. I acknowledge that things such as xmas lights, flowers, grass cutting are a luxury. I also believe though that the council are suggesting library staff ( and others) face redundancy how about those at the top taking a cut in wages ? many other businesses have faced restructure amongst every level and to stay afloat if that's what it takes . it is not a miracle cure but it would also be a gesture that those at the top also acknowledge that they'll need to bear the pressure of cuts.
Core LLE4 (Civic Theatre) Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) In the past there were offers from theatre companies to take over The Civic and those offers were rejected. Would that not be a good option now? Doing that could save the indoor market and its valued traders. We could have the best of both worlds. Surely that makes sense.
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) While appreciating that the council is in a difficult position with poor central funding I must protest at the proposed cuts to the market and library. For a town the size of Darlington to lose these would be outrageous. We have lost so much cultural activity with the loss of the Arts Centre already that to continue this downward trend further is truly depressing. We would then no longer have any space to show the towns art collection which is rarely on show these days. I recently found out that the towns museum collection is at The Bowes Museum. Once again our heritage but not in the town and not easily available. Even Middlesbrough which has surely more deprivation that Darlington has both a museum and a Carnegie Library which was saved from demolition by the townspeople who recognised its value. The market should be being promoted as a a food hub for the area with local growers and suppliers bringing their food to a wonderful covered market which would encourage food tourism and othe business in the area. Look to the fantastic markets elsewhere in the country that often feature on the BBC Food programme. If they can do it elsewhere why can't we do it here? This fantastic, beautiful building must not be allowed to be bought by a developer who would turn it into goodness knows what. The loss of these two would bring about further decimation of the town centre. It must be avoided at all costs. Appeal to Government for more money for these alone. Look to philanthropy for the library. If it was this that made the Pease family provide the library there must be plenty of charities and philanthropists who could get involved. Can a large company such as Amazon be approached. They don't pay enough tax but could be persuaded to support reading in this way. Let's not just sit back and give up. There must be a way forward.
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) Core EffR19 (Senior Management costs) FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) YOU NEED TO STOP WASTING MONEY ON USLES PROJECT KEEP THE COVERED MARKET GET RID OF EAST STREET CAR PARK AND WHY WASTE TIME SELLING OF THE LIBRARYS JUST TO WASTE MONEY ON SORTING OUT A NEW ONE IN THE DOLPHIN CENTRE YOU NEED TO LOOK AT ALL THESE OVER PAID IDIOTS IN THE COUNCIL AND CUT THERE WAGES IF YOUR IN DEBT
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) I believe that the Indoor Market should be retained. Darlington is a market town and for it to lose the Indoor Market, following the lack of character of the outdoor market (now that it is dispersed through the town rather than actually in the market square), would be a significant blow to the town. We must retain the character of the town for future generations.
Cut W13 (Street Cleaning and Environmental Crime) Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) It is short sighted to entirely close a dwepartment. one simple example, but there are numerous, as you know, _ Parks and Open spaces team set to go totally. This is worse than it was years ago. Street Scene cannot takeover . They have a smaller team and not the knowledge or skills. Good summer meadows can be fantastic, but letting grass grow long and seed attracts dogs, foxes, rats, litter,broken glass, and cannot be sold to a farmer at the end of a season. More importantly, parks cut grass areas for leisure, play, recreation spaces cannot be lost when its the health provider for many families who do not have cars or gardens.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.Where else can they be a game of 'jumpers for goalposts' set up? Councillors Short sightedness can ruin lives, especially in disadvantaged areas. Protect these areas. Closing whole offices -What will happen to all the historic records ??????? Peoples desks/records and information will be lost in many cases, Theyb won't care as much if they are leaving. Protect these things.-the expertise and knowledge, experience etc will be gone and darlington will be much worse off for that. Losing Enforcement [environment] means that the villains of fly tipping and dog fouling, or walking dogs on school grounds or cemeteries will take over and ruin the town. This is a ridiculous decision to make. Keep that post. It pays to in many ways. Just because something is not a statutory requirement does not mean it has to go in it's entirety. I am not certain all of the councillors are familiar with how these things work at the council AND in practice. If they do, they will re-consider and act more responsibly, looking to the future being based on the past, not lose the past! It cannot be recovered. Ensure it is safely recorded and remembered for posterity. The market can be run by some other organisation, it prob should have for many years, but the Library building should not be lost. It IS the jewel in the crown of the town. Sacrilege to let it go...any any priice.
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) why dont we open up the market square charge £30 per day sat and monday on a first come first served basis and make money out of the square? people love traditional markets not what we have at the moment
Cut W12 (Grounds Maintenance, Horticulture, Parks and Countryside Management) Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) Cut Mc10 (Christmas lights) having read the proposals in the recent edition,i would like to make one or two observations. 1.Under the heading Town Centre you only mention Christmas lights,the water feature and floral displays there is no mention of the covered market prosed closure which for me is the most important. 2.the only mention is in the question and answer.The question should have been you,re closing the indoor market in a market town,obviously you wont close the outdoor market as it does not cost you anything.In short in my opinion the question and answer was too vague you sholud have been more precise. It does seem to me that the council are only interested in new builds and not preserving our historic heritage. Any comments would be appreciated.
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) Core EffR19 (Senior Management costs) Core EffR9 (Registrars) FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Statement We need to retain the Crown Street library and Covered Market. Sell assets Dolphin Centre and Civic Theatre. With the best intentions council tax has been too low for a long time, hence the shortfall in government funding with comparable councils in the South. Move the registrars to the Crown Street library. A much better facility for Births, Deaths and particularly Marriages. Saving money on alterations to the Town Hall. (the Registrars make money for the council). With immediate effect place Ada Burns on redundancy notice. We cannot afford such a highly paid individual in the present circumstances. We appear not to be getting value for money. Question To maintain the status quo, i.e. retain the Covered Market and Crown Street Library, how much would council tax have to be increased?
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) I wonder in your considerations about what could happen with the market you have thought about organising a co-operative? This may be a way ahead that would allow market holders control but in addition may attract other to become involved. For the library did you think about offering. To help set up a trust?
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) So the lovely market town of Darlington will become a public fly tip with a serious litter and dog mess problem with no heart left. I understand the need for cuts put too rip the town apart is of no economic benefit. I for one did not want the new cinema development, I prefer the Northgate Odeon, and I would rather still have the historic library and covered market, as well as other frontline services that are effected, but then I'm sure there is a lucrative property deal in the pipeline. Put as much rhetoric and political spin on it as you like but DBC you should be ashamed.
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Disgusting this town council has no idea what it's doing Your proposing to get rid of the indoor market! Close the library! Cut funding Yet your opening a multi million pound cinema complex and new multi story! The roads around this town are full of pot holes and when you complain to the council to get bird neck fencing to protect the grass verges on Dunelm walk and bishops close this council decides line are better Get of your backsides out from behind your desks and look at the chewed up areas You have this multi million pound through a bout on haughton road that cost millions yet the traffic is grid locked always - save money make it a roundabout get rid of the 34+ lights on it and sell the lights Sort out the streets so our bus service runs and has better priority more people will use them! Try attracting business back to the high street so day time is busy and that the nightlife comes back to the town Sorry funding doesn't allow for that Disgusting the council should be ashamed to make announcements Your killing the town
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) I am very distressed by all the closures mentioned today what was the point of building a car park with 650 spaces when the town will have nothing left to visit no libraries indoor market , outdoor market and very few shops only phone shops and charity shops
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) The potential closure or sale of the covered market is a significant concern within the local community, and there are many rumours and speculations about the matter. Many people think the Council has mismanaged the market, using stall rents for other purposes rather than maintenance & repair. I think the Partnership should discuss the issue at its next meeting. What are the options (social enterprise, Trust, Tescos!)? What will happen with the Darlington ‘brand’ (Ingenious, market town, all the good neighbours / friends) if we don’t even have a market to go to??
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) Ref: CC/ of this document send by email to HM Queen Elizabeth II of Windsor/England, at The Buckingham Palace, Buckingham Palace Place, in the City of London City, England. UKGB-SW1 1AA. DEAR’ JENNY CHAPMAN DARLINGTON MP OF DBC and The Town Clark. I His Royal Highness THE PRINCE OF DURHAM – Commander Sir Dr Lothar Wolfgang Mearner ( XAVIER ) Zearner Von Berg – I am writing this letter of document at 0400HH early in the morning that is how important this information is but I have been thinking that Darlington Borough Council who I was going to let them get away with it regarding the Market Hall in Darlington. I am sending a copy of this email too HM QUEEN ELIZ II OF WINDSOR/ENGLAND as soon as possible. Please do not worry you’re not in trouble only the people at DBC who are closing down MY MARKET HALL – when I say MY MARKET HALL I bought The Market Hall in the year of 1991AD/1992AD from Darlington Borough Council ( DBC ) in agreement they would look after the Market Hall from the rents of the stall holders from the day I bought THE MARKET HALL in Darlington. In 1991AD/1992AD – I The Prince of Durham – I bought Darlington Market Hall along with the Dolphin Centre, and The Town Library Buildings where my Name is on the LAND DEEDS for those buildings including THE TOWN HALL building in the town of Darlington where the DBC are based and those property are NOT FOR SALE belonging to me and THE CROWN as everything that I own also belongs to THE CROWN OF ENGLAND being Royal Estate. I may own many other things like Durham Castle, and a great deal of land in Northumberland and County of Durham and in North Yorkshire, and not forgetting Cumbria. I think that ( WE ) DBC need a meeting in front of THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND/WINDSOR because of the behaviour of DBC. I will be sending a copy of this email to THE QUEEN. All my property that I own belongs to the CROWN as already said and is NOT for SALE. The only place in Darlington that I would sell is the TOWN HALL where the Council are located for £80 Eighty Million Pounds. My Name HRH Prince Commander Sir Dr Lothar Wolfgang Mearner is on the LAND DEEDS of the property in Darlington and I think that THE TOWN HALL should CLOSE in my direction and with the understandings DBC cannot sell as my name is on the LAND DEEDS for the property in Darlington. Please note also I own THE OLD TOWN HALL on North Gate, and also I own The Cornmill Shopping Centre in Darlington and Queen Street also my name is on the LAND DEEDS. I also own South Park and North Gate Park in Darlington that is CROWN PROPERTY and cannot be sold but only be looked after by DBC that was agreed sometime ago in 1991AD/1992AD. Thank you. Regards.
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) I cannot believe this council is even considering selling off the indoor market and closing Crown Street Library!!! I am appalled to say the least. What next!!
Cut W12 (Grounds Maintenance, Horticulture, Parks and Countryside Management) Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) Cut W01 (Civic Theatre Break Even) FF 53u (Wildflower Meadows Invest to Save Fund) FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Sir, with regard to your March edition of 'one Darlington' and the proposed council cutbacks, and feedback you requested. 1. Sell the Covered Market into private ownership a.s.a.p. ( It should have been sold years ago ), create revenue. 2. Close all Town Libraries. I am an avid reader and have two books 'on the go ' at anyone time yet I have not visited any library in town for over 25 years. I obtain my literature from Charity shops and the British Lions bookshop near Guru. I have an old desk top computer that has been upgraded three times over the years so I do not need to use the town internet facilities. 3. All Parks to be put to Lawns, Meadow, & Cut Grass. All Roundabouts to use spring flowering bulbs and summer flowering small shrubs, NOT bedding plants. 4. The Civic Theatre alterations must include enlarging the stage or performing area so that larger national productions can be shown, otherwise the £4 million spent will be completely wasted. If we still have the same small size stage area, what is the point in spending lots of money on new seats !! 5. Better use to be made of the Market Square which is an asset that just sits there year in, year out without creating revenue for the town. 6. Why are we spending over £20 million on rebuilding Red Hall Council estate ? The council has already spent millions over the years renewing houses on Firth Moor & Skerne Park estates. Is it the intention of Darlington council to just carry on demolishing council houses and replacing with new houses because the estates have become so rundown through ill usage by the tenants, who the Council have allowed to live there ? What is the planned frequency of council house replacements ( new for old ! ). Is it 30 years, or 40 or 50 before they are knocked down again ? My mother lives in a terrace house that she owns in Darlington that was built around 1900. She has had double glazing fitted and a new roof all at her own expense. However if her house was council owned it would, presumably, have been demolished in the last century and a new one built ? WHY IS THE BURDEN ALWAYS PUT ON PRIVATE HOME OWNERS ? Comment . 7. Bring the Darlington 1883 football team back to Darlington a.s.a.p. and return more revenue ( and Pride ? ) to the town. 8. The area of fields bordered by Park lane/ Grange Road/ and the River Skerne to be sold to private enterprise for development as a Sports Velodrome / Running Track to bring a sports facility into the town and create more income revenue. As for me, I am 61 years old, Darlington resident all my life, lived on Firth Moor Estate five years, Skerne Park Estate eight years, Albert Hill eight years ( with unlit toilet and coal house at the bottom of the yard and no central heating ). So just do what you have to do to balance the books and ignore all the 'weeping and wailing' that will inevitably follow.
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) Core EffR10 (Local Taxation) Cut S14 (Strategic Grant Budget) FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) The proposed cuts, though in large part a result of central government funding decisions, are also a reflection of mismanagement at a local level. In particular the council prided itself, before the cap on increasing council tax was introduced, on keeping charges at a low level (compared to other local authorities). We now see the results. Also, at a time of sweeping austerity and the scaling back of council services, how can the continuation of high salaries to top-ranking council officials, such as Ada Burns, be justified? The proposed cut to the grants to the Citizens Advice Bureau and Age UK - which is unjustifiable both on humanitarian and economic grounds - and to children's and adult services generally, while top-ranking council staff continue to pocket excessive salaries, really undermines the credibility of the Council's justification of the proposed changes. Darlington used to have a thriving Arts Centre, two libraries and a successful market. All are now closed or threatened with closure. Instead we have a soulless new commercial development at Feethams. I have lived in the town for over 30 years, but am now seriously considering a move away.
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Do be so stupid Dixon I quote "alongside the essential services that protect the most vulnerable in our society" you sack social workers who work with mental health. You taken money from Darlington Mind and other mental health care and you say protect the most vulnerable people of this town. You are joking right? I am sick of hearing how poor this council is when you knew the cuts were going to happen and the damage it will do. Called save something for the bad times you know when you have a lot you can put someway for a bad day then help your vulnerable people Now you lot want to rape the town of its library and the heritage. You seem to be getting a lone in which I and yourself will be paying back over years how thick can you get? As you want to shift a perfectly great library into a dull place which building can’t even stand up and had more work do on it since it was built and loosing money daily so you shove my library in that hell hole I think not. Cost you more in sacking staff but as pointed out to me it would be a one off payment sure it will but its costing you to do it when asked how much it will cost I have no clue well thank you at least you are right you have not a clue. You manage to find money for the indoor scruffy indoor Market which is hardly used and is a waste of money in fact you can get the diggers in be much better than see some out of date stalls and some idiot veg man Blair shoving his two penny worth talking utter crap which is nothing new. Leave the library as is (save you money) Put the out door market back into the square where it was and stop selling crap in which I can buy in a charity shop (bring people back) Rip up the pedestrian heart as it cost you more in cleaning it (save some money) Sell off council land at a sensible price which you over estimated as its greed and build bus station (that you can charge the bus companies made you more money) Sack the Ada Brown who ever she is (6 figure saved) Cut your own council wage by half you can manage I have to feel the pain so can you (more savings) Loose the Dolphin centre it been eating money ever since it was open and loosing more daily (another massive saving) Get rid of the expenditure for which you can claim for (save you money) Sack few civic staff like the Corn Mill that waste of money No money for Bowling club at Morrison’s Shut the council office (sorry that was a joke by the way) Build homes on South Park green field area be great for making more money from selling the land and creating tax (that's is not a joke) Build homes in West end affordable homes so you can home the Hawkers and gypsy of the town and like me you can put up with them (that is not a joke then we be equal See Dixon I done your job in less than a minute. They you go I've saved you money. Since I have been slam with 4% rise on my tax and will go up as you are getting kick by the government can I have my lane clean at some point in time as its look like a shit hole as you sacked those who did do a great job at catching the fly tippers and put before the courts. Just that my lane door is full up with off cuts of carpets, rubbish bags, we also have broken mirror, dog shite, and rags and brick in my lane. Don't you worry its not in your area so you will not have to look at it. Thank you.
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) Cut W20 (Blue Badge Parking) Core EffR19 (Senior Management costs) 1.No lies why have you stated the indoor market has 1 million pound for electrical work ,when you have been quoted 250,000!!! Sack Ada for the child abuse cases and why do you need 14 assistant directors,why sack council workforce then re employ the day after on 500 pounds a day!! Stop giving building companies sweetners to complete a building on time then wait 5 years for the money to be returned-its not your money Sack Ada for gross mis conduct-no pension save 300,000 sack Bill and the hangers on saving another 2.7 million,demand 4 million back from cinema complex and 1 million from car park theres 8 million saved already,why have you agreed to sell the indoor market to a supermarket and why build more shopping units when the queens arcade was meant to get fitted out some ten years ago and why move mowden to council and give them free parking when again its our money ,our land and our services that will be used issue the last 2 million from the war chest you know we have and having cut the services the council tax was meant for ie libaries,street cleaning,grass cutting etc lower the council tax to below 2 % then you wouldnt need a referendum which again hasnt materialised by Law also remove the Mayor and his hangers on and the PCC as again a total waste of time typical Labour controlled Council frittering money cos you know its not yours and why not START CHARGING DISABLED DRIVERS TO PARK IN ANY CAR PARK as they park where the want with no re coarse,if they can walk to town they can walk to the meter,stop blue disc s saving you more give us our town back
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) Cut H03 (Unison Contribution) Core EffR19 (Senior Management costs) Core EffR5 (Members Allowances) Letter about the current services, Crown Street Library, Covered Market, senior management and other options. Documents General
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Over the past 20 yearsDarlington has lost many cultural assets both physical i.e. the Arts Centre and temporal i.e. adult eduction classes taught at Bennet House. Darlington cannot afford to lose more. In an economic depression the council should not give away historic buildings. The market should be council owned but not council run. The stall holders are all business people and quite capable of running the market more efficiently. Crown Street Library should be retained and be a hub. The council should take the opportunity of working with Darlington for Culture and it's positive proposal. The building provides space to have commercial space and even other charities who offer advise. If any council asset should be sold it should be the Dolphin Centre. The council should retain the Central Hall block and sell the rest. The Dolphin Centre is not the only sports centre in the town. There is another swimming pool open to the public as well as another sports centre. There are also a number of commercial alternatives. There is only one Market Hall and only one library service with no private alternatives. If the council proceeds with combining the library and the Dolphin Centre , the work to install an extra floor will disrupt the smooth running of the sports centre. The town's people will vote with their feet and seek other provisions ( like the remodelling of the centre ) and not return. This will kill what little life remains in our town centre. We need to fight to save what makes Darlington a pleasant place to live in and visit.
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) A letter about the importance of the market and the library to the town Documents Library and market
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) A letter about the proposals for the indoor market Documents Indoor market
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Letter from Darlington Unison Local Government Branch regarding the budget proposals and containing suggestions. Documents Darlington Unison letter
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) Cut W05 (Cockerton Library) Cut Hu01 (Childrens Centres, Early Help and intervention - Specialist Family Support) FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) This is a transcription of a comment made during the public meetings held during the budget consultation: Q; There’s a lot of debt and a lot of people are suffering because of the debt. A lot of money has been wasted by the Council. Like the water feature, a lot of people did not want that. We are losing a lot of historical features like Cockerton and Crown Street Libraries and the market. A lot of people are proud to live in Darlington but we are losing so much of the history. We hear that suicide rates are increasing in Darlington. A lot of people will not be able to get to a Sure Start in the town centre. The town is going to be like a ghost town. A: There is a misunderstanding about what our debt it. Of the £151m about £71m is in a separate, housing revenue account and is ring fenced. £80m debut is for capital schemes – one off things that we need a large amount of money for. When we built the office block behind the Town Hall to help jobs in the town, the debt in this instance is serviced by the rent for the building. The Government has stopped giving us money to help pay off our debt. When we went into debt we thought the Government would help us. All local authorities have debt for capital schemes. The revenue budget which is being cut, is largely separate from this debt. Only a small percentage of the revenue budget goes to pay off the debt
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) This is a transcription of a comment made during the public meetings held during the budget consultation: Q: You are only engaging the people now because of the ill feeling. Potentially you are going get rid of the things that matter to the people of Darlington, getting rid of the library, selling the market off to a third party. Taking the heart of the town. Why does the Dolphin centre lose £0.75m a year –is the building not fit for purpose?
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) This is a transcription of a comment made during the public meetings held during the budget consultation: Q: I have used the library all my life – it is really vibrant. The art gallery has been used a lot more in recent years, community groups have been able to use it. What’s going to happen to that space? Over the years you have destroyed Darlington – why isn’t the market still in the market place? Why are you building a new cinema and new car parks, the cinema in Northgate is surely going to close? You are reducing street cleaning it’s disgusting. The shopping centre is deserted. A: Town centres are changing. The internet is changing it that’s why we need a multiplex cinema, and restaurants to bring people into the town centre and make it vibrant. That is the duty of the local authority to work with traders and industry to make the town centre as vibrant as possible. No-one is doubting Crown Street is a vibrant and great place to be, this proposal is not a criticism of the library. Moving the art gallery has been successful. But this proposal is driven by the numbers, it’s not a proposal we would have come up with otherwise. But there is an opportunity to create something different and maybe better but we still want to hear your views. The reason the market is not in the market place is that the tracers don’t want to be there, they want to be on high row.
Core LLE12 (Indoor and Outdoor Markets) FF 52b (A Remodelled Dolphin Centre including the Central Library) Comment form about the library and market Documents Library and market (1)

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