Two historic yards in Darlington are set to have their entrance ways restored in the next phase of work set to revitalise the town’s historic areas - with some closures expected.

Work to improve the alleyway entrances to Buckton’s Yard and Clark’s Yard from High Row is part of the Town’s Fund programme of works across the town centre.

The Skinnergate and the Yards project aims to bring life back to historic yards across Darlington by improving the streetscape and encouraging footfall and support for independent businesses.

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Buckton’s Yard and Clark’s Yard will see the existing render, which is in need of repair, removed and the walls inspected, after which they will be replaced.

Once dry, both entrances will be painted in vertical stripes – blue and white for Buckton’s and peach white in Clark’s yard – in an aim to compliment the visual improvements already made within the area.

According to Darlington Borough Council, they hope the improvements will create something eye-catching that will draw in more people to explore the yards and discover the “gems” inside the yard.

Work on both entrances is expected to take up to three weeks, starting Monday, June 27, starting in Clark’s Yard for two days and then continuing in Buckton’s Yard.

Once the walls have been inspected and work agreed, some closures will take place in the next two weeks.

Darlington Council have confirmed that both yards will never be closed at the same time and will only be closed for a few hours over a few days during that two-week period.

Access to each yard will be maintained throughout with signage to guide people from High Row to the alternative entrance. The fresh render will take some time to dry and this will be protected with plywood.

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The council says works have been planned to minimise disruption to businesses based in the yards and owners will be kept informed throughout.

Listed building consent has also been approved for works to take place.

Councillor Alan Marshall, cabinet member for economy, said work carried out so far in the yards has “transformed them into bright, welcoming spaces, full of independent, award-winning small businesses.”

He added: “This work is important to protect the integrity of the listed buildings but will also give us the opportunity to brighten up the alleyways and link the work that has been done in the yards through to High Row.

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“I’d encourage everyone to take the time to explore the Yards, you never know what you might discover.”

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