“The health of the town centre is a top priority.” 

That was the impassioned message Darlington Borough Council issued to residents at a full council meeting following the news of Binns’ closure.

Concerned councillors quizzed the local authority after the shock news earlier this week, amid concerns it could be the "nail in the coffin" for the town.

Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy, reassured colleagues that the council understood the scale of the situation. 

He said: “Despite what you might hear, be assured the health of our town centre is a top priority for this administration. I recognise the importance of that building and institution.”

House of Fraser said it had planned to stay in its home on High Row "for the foreseeable future" before the closure was announced earlier this month. 

Frasers Group, which owns the high street retailer, previously said the closure was due to the landlord terminating the lease, with a closing date now set for late November. 

Early talks between the council and potential new owners have commenced, but Cllr McEwan said it is too early to predict the building’s future. 

“I have had significant contact with the owner’s agents and store management. It’s important to point out it’s not all about trading conditions. 

“There are other issues at play here, not least the owner’s wish to dispose of the building.”

News of the closure has added to fears that town centre footfall is declining. New figures show the number of people visiting Darlington has decreased almost every month since a free parking scheme was scrapped. 

And Conservative leader Jonathan Dulston stressed the need for the council to find new owners for the “site of strategic importance” quickly. 

However financial barriers and complexities around the building’s ownership have seemingly priced out the council from taking control. 

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Cllr McEwan added:  “We haven't got a lot of money but we are still key players. It’s in a prime location but it’s a very complex site.

“The purchase price isn't the issue. It’s about securing it and building something within it. Construction costs have gone up significantly.”

Yet, Cllr McEwan and his Labour colleagues remain positive about the future. “I don’t underestimate the challenge our town centre faces in terms of retail and transport, and the impact across hospitality. In relative terms, I think we’ve got the best town centre in the Tees Valley,” he said.