COUNCILLORS have pledged that Darlington’s historic indoor market hall will be given priority for funding for repairs and renovations when it considers its budget for next year.

A long-running review of the market and its future was completed by members of Darlington Borough Council’s scrutiny committee, with its final findings presented to cabinet members for approval.

Councillor Dot Long, chairwoman of the scrutiny committee, urged the cabinet to find funding to sustain and support the market and its traders.

The committee worked with traders and council officers to come up with a number of priorities for the market and agreed that imaginative solutions were required to keep it relevant amid changing shopping habits.

Cllr Long said: “We look forward to, and hope for, a good outcome in the next council budget for the market.”

“We are conscious of the financial constraints the council is working under. All three parties are working together on this. It is so important to Darlington and the promotion of the town.

“We felt that the food offer was a key anchor in the success of the market and we also felt there might be a possibility of using it for events or the arts when it is closed for shopping.

“It is important to stress that we met with all market traders and they were broadly content with the market as it exists. Certainly the outdoor market traders are happy with where they are based and do not want to be moved back to the market square.”

In response, Councillor Nick Wallis, cabinet member for leisure and local environment, said: “These are realistic and upbeat assessments of the market.

“The market is a jewel and is doing very well and there’s a great deal to celebrate.

“The points about funding are well made and are being looked at by officers together with traders. We are not content just to tread water, we need to invest and boost what’s on offer.

“Money does need to be spent but there will be a slew of projects that will come forward that will need attention – the market will be the priority.”