Sir, – Whatever happened to Darlington’s prestigious open air market in the Market Square?

Darlington Borough Council has killed a favourite attraction in the town. The Market Square is now an empty, desolate and desperate place. Perhaps Bill Dixon’s council has another hidden agenda and want to build another monstrosity on it.

The Market Square and outdoor market used to be the heart of the town with many good market stalls and many enthusiastic visitors.

The Covered Market is still something to be very proud of and it used to be complimented by the outdoor version in the Market Square.

Do readers remember that some years ago the council wanted to demolish the Covered Market? Fortunately the lunatic plan was stopped.

Darlington was renowned for its Monday (and Saturday) markets. Huge numbers of people used to flock from miles around for those markets. Sadly no more.

Bank holiday Mondays used to be teeming with people visiting the town. Those same people also benefited the rest of the traders in the town. No more, as those people go elsewhere. Just look at the empty shops in the town.

There needs to be a vigorous campaign to restore the open air market for the benefit of the town and visitors from far and wide. Removal of extortionate car parking charges would also attract more visitors who now go to out-of-town shopping centres with free parking.

Darlington Borough Council has lots of not good things to answer for.

EDWARD MICHAEL TOWNEND

Neasham, Darlington.