PLANS to pedestrianise Darlington's town centre could damage the town's economy a leading Conservative has said.

Anthony Frieze, the prospective Conservative parliamentary candidate for Darlington, has said the £6.5m scheme would destroy the character of the town.

This in turn would lead to a loss of business, as tourists and shoppers would stay away from the town, he said.

Mr Frieze said: "I'm in favour of pedestrianisation, but not at the cost of something unique.

"Darlington has a unique Victorian heritage as a foundry for the empire.

"The two levels are one of the most important features of the market place. What they're proposing is turning it into a town centre like you could see anywhere across the country.

"If you damage the town centre, you damage the potential for attracting people and trade. Tourism is a big business today."

Conservative councillors in Darlington have also attacked the plans for the town centre, saying it will create 'no-go' areas at night and plans to allow cyclists will be dangerous.

A statement from the Conservative group says there has not been enough consultation with the public over the scheme.

Councillor Charles Johnson, the Conservative resources spokesman, said: "The trouble is the detail has not been presented. All we've seen is artists' impressions and computer-aided designs.

"This plan will create an unfriendly wilderness in the town, and this has to be managed well.

"I'm not happy with the issue of the removal of the granite work and the balustrade. What you're going to be left with is a granite slope. I think what is needed is a report by independent consultants."

As well as removing the two levels, the proposals for the town centre include a water feature, trees and plenty of seating.

The council's heritage champion, Councillor David Lyonette, said that High Row was originally put on two levels because of the emergence of trams.

However, it no longer met health and safety requirements.

He added: "Before that, the area was similar to what we are proposing, which is safer and will make it more accessible.

"Bus and taxi firms seem very happy with the scheme."

* What do you think? Write and let us know. Send your letters to Darlington Town Centre Plan, The Northern Echo, Priestgate, Darlington DL1 1NF.