Skinnergate News in Darlington up for sale for £135k

Skinnergate News on Skinnergate in the town had its final day of business at the start of June after two decades of becoming a well-known newsagent, run by Malcolm and Sharon Dobson.

After closing its doors in June, the building that housed Skinnergate News has now removed the signage from the business and glossed over the windows, to prepare it to be sold. 

The business is up for sale with Darlington estate agents Carvers and has appeared online for £135k.

The former Skinnergate News building (Image: CARVERS/RIGHTMOVE)

On the listing, the advert for the business reads: "Grade II Listed three storey retail premises with car parking – 1,519sq.ft."

At the time of Skinnergate News' closure, the nearby Three Squares Café wished Malcolm and Sharon Dobson all the best for the future.

A post on social media reads: "We would like to congratulate Malcolm and Sharon Dobson on their retirement from Skinnergate News.

"Their hard work and dedication to serve the local community of Darlington will be missed and we wish them all the best in their retirement!"

This news comes after the couple admitted in January that they could no longer continue because of the Labour-run council.

The former Skinnergate News building (Image: CARVERS/RIGHTMOVE)

Mr Dobson told the Echo: "We preferred the Tory council. The Labour one has killed the town centre.

"Our business has dropped by 40 per cent, we will be going in about six months. We have been here 20 years and this is the worst time we have experienced.

"Our lease runs out in six months and we are not renewing it."

Councillor Chris McEwan, deputy leader of Darlington Borough Council and cabinet member for economy, said in January that while footfall may be down people are staying longer in the town centre.

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He said: "It’s disappointing to hear that the owners of Skinnergate News do not wish to renew their lease.

"The national landscape has shown some recent downturn in footfall, however, car parking data suggests that people visiting Darlington are spending longer in our town centre.

"This is alongside strong occupancy rates. The council continues to focus significant public investment to regenerate the town centre, including works to transform the Yards and Skinnergate."