A MAN whose relative died in Auschwitz has accused Darlington’s council of demonstrating “enormous” disrespect after the authority said a Holocaust memorial event should take place in a busy shopping centre, rather than in a more reverent environment.

For decades, people have gathered once a year to mark Holocaust Memorial Day with a poignant service in the Dolphin Centre’s Central Hall.

The event regularly sees scores of people – including school groups and speakers – pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the Holocaust and as a result of genocide.

Darlington Borough Council recently said the service could no longer be held at the Dolphin Centre and should instead be held in the Cornmill Shopping Centre, having backed down from original plans to relocate it to the busy High Row – amid an outcry from organisers.

The authority blamed dwindling numbers for the contentious change of venue, saying the memorial service has “increasingly felt like a closed event” and that more people should have the opportunity to mark the day, with council plans for the occasion including a film showing and exhibition.

Former councillor Peter Freitag, who lost a relative in Auschwitz, called on the council to think again, saying it was not fitting to hold a solemn event in a busy public place.

He said: “It demonstrates a lack of respect of enormous proportions. There were six million people murdered and this event is part of an effort to ensure such things never happen again. For it to be demoted is disgraceful and I will be complaining to the council.”

Cllr Gerald Lee, who leads Darlington’s Celebrating Communities initiative, has organised a meeting with faith group representatives and council chief executive Ada Burns.

He said the Cornmill Centre was a “totally inappropriate” venue given the gravity of the occasion, claiming there would “be a public outcry should a similar decision be taken to hold our annual Remembrance Sunday service out of doors.”

He added: “There will be people going about their shopping and kids running around while a group of people try to contemplate the horrors of the Holocaust and all of the horrors that have gone on since.”

A council spokeswoman added: “We hope this broader range of events and the venue change for the ceremony will send out a strong and clear message that all are welcome.”