THERE has been a mixed reaction to the loss of Distinct Darlington after local traders rejected the chance to renew its contract.

The company, which ran the town’s business improvement district (BID) for five years, was not always popular with businesses across the town but its loss following a ballot, which concluded last week, still surprised some shopkeepers.

During its time in the town, the organisation attracted thousands of people to the town centre through its annual Distinctly Delicious Festivals of Food, Darlington Fashion Weeks and a Classic Car Show – funded through a levy on the town’s businesses.

Beryl Hankin, who owns Guru Boutique, believes local businesses will miss the support from Distinct Darlington rather than the big events.

“I was really surprised that it didn’t win the ballot,” she said. “I was undecided about its future because there were some positives and some negatives. However, I don’t think the town’s businesses will miss the events it put on, as there are plenty of others, such as the blues festival, but its the business support that will be missed the most.

“The one thing that I will certainly miss is the little book of offers because it was a way of getting people to come into the town.”

Emma Temple, who runs family-owned business Foffano’s, hopes that the council will step into the breach to ensure that events continue taking place in the town.

She said: “Some small businesses trying to make a living in the town were finding the levy difficult to meet – they weren’t getting the returns they were hoping for. The council didn’t really help the BID by reducing parking charges because that is one of the biggest challenges we face – getting people to come to Darlington to do their shopping.”

And her business partner Sylwester Michalak added: “I don’t want anything from the council – I just want them to show that they care about the town.”

Following a month-long vote to decide its future, businesses in the town rejected the opportunity to continue paying a levy to help fund the events. Of the 253 votes cast there were 126 in favour and 127 against.

Andy Leng, who runs the Fone Cabin, was disappointed that the BID was lost but said it was difficult for small independent traders to shoulder the cost.

He said: “I’m disappointed that it lost because some of its initiatives were good, like the the street wardens, but it was costing businesses money through the levy. It will be interesting to see what the council does in response.”