TORY councillors in Darlington have accused the Labour council of allowing the town centre to fall into decline.

Highlighting the number of empty shops in the Cornmill Centre and main shopping streets, they have called upon the Labour group to do more to attract quality retailers to the town.

The remarks were made during the full council meeting on Thursday of last week and received short shrift from Labour cabinet members.

Tory Coun Jim Ruck launched an attack following the Labour leader's overview report which included the findings of a recent town centre access study.

Welcoming town centre pedestrianisation plans, Coun Ruck then criticised the controlling group for not doing enough to fill high numbers of empty shops. He said: "I fear the recommendations of the study are going to be a long time coming and too late for many.

"I am concerned about the decline in the town centre as far as retail businesses go. You only have to walk around the town to see all the empty shops in the Cornmill Centre, High Row, Skinnergate and Northgate. I think this needs looking at now to see what can be done."

Colleague Coun Rod Burtt backed the criticisms.

"It is my opinion that Darlington is not competing to the level it should," he said. "We are being out-manoeuvered by our neighbours in attracting quality retailers.

"The town centre is dull and drab and Coun Williams seems to be complacent about this."

Coun John Williams, Labour leader, angrily refuted the comments and launched a counter- attack. He said: "When this authority was under Conservative leadership, the Labour group argued strongly for pedestrianisation of the town centre and you were against it.

"We have never stood still in our desires, efforts and achievements to make Darlington town centre a better place. Darlington is booming, tills are rattling and the car parks are full. I wish the Tories wouldn't run their own town down.

"We know the town has to move forward and compete with other town centres to ensure Darlington maintains its competitive edge. That is why the study was commissioned."

The study's main proposal includes a daytime ban on cars and buses in the heart of the town centre to create substantial improvements in safety, economy, environment and attractiveness.