Darlington residents have been reacting to the news that historic town centre shop Binns has been saved from closure, but some have warned it may just be a "stay of execution."
Monday's announcement that House of Fraser will continue operating in the Binns building has brought mixed feelings among locals.
Many expressed relief, with Rachel Simmons declaring it "Great news!" while Doreen Mann echoed this sentiment with another simple "Great news."
Diane Wyse expressed gratitude for the staff, stating, "Happy for the town and happy for all the staff who won't be losing their jobs now."
However, not all comments were celebratory.
Some residents highlighted the need for sustained patronage to ensure the store's future.
Martin Staudt urged, "People now need to use it or lose it."
Likewise, Christopher Noble warned, "If it was closing down it means people were not using it. If people carry on not using it, it'll be just a stay of execution."
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Concerns were also raised about the overall quality and appeal of the store.
Liz Matthews noted that it would be beneficial if Binns offered better products, saying, "It would help if they sold better products like Barkers in Northallerton."
Meanwhile, Christopher Jones lamented that Binns was "not the quality department store it used to be," referencing its transformation under Sports Direct's ownership.
The comments also touched on broader issues affecting the town.
Kathleen Cruickshanks cautioned that high parking fees from the council could deter shoppers, stating, "if our greedy council continues to charge extortionate parking fees, then footfall will continue to diminish!"
As the community reflects on this development, many hope that the store can regain its former glory, with suggestions for improvements, such as a festive window display from Hazel Richmond to attract shoppers during the holiday season.
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