A GROUP which aims to protect Darlington landmarks and conservation areas has attracted nearly 70 members since reforming this year.

Darlington Civic Trust was relaunched in March following concern about the loss of old buildings in the town to housing developers.

The group's second meeting, being held next week, will focus on the designated conservation areas in the town and members will discuss "character statements" for each area which they hope will be taken into account by the council when making planning decisions.

Jenny Leeming, trust secretary, said: "We want to invite members to help gather the background information for each designated area. This would then be formulated into a document that, once agreed with the council, could be used to inform planning decisions and strengthen the protection of these areas."

Representatives from the council will also explain what a conservation area signifies, what information is held by the council and its roles in protecting those areas.

The evening will be followed by two walks showing members two conservation areas in Darlington.

The first will be at the Haughton Green conservation area on Saturday, June 28, meeting outside the Highland Laddie pub at 2pm. The other will be in the town hall area on Sunday, June 29, meeting at the steps at the back of the indoor market at 2pm.

The meeting, which is open to everyone, will be at the Friends Meeting House, Skinnergate, on Wednesday, at 7.30pm. For details about the trust call (01325) 244389.