DERELICT buildings awaiting demolition in Darlington town centre have been deemed as dangerous by building inspectors.

The buildings in Salt Yard, off Bondgate, which include the former Majestic Cinema and three shop fronts, are owned by Gala Bingo and form part of a redevelopment scheme to expand the bingo hall in Skinnergate.

The site, which lies in a conservation area, received planning permission in 1999, but as yet no work has commenced.

Conservation consent imposed a condition that demolition could only take place if building work began immediately afterwards - a rule to prevent large areas laying barren.

Over time, the condition of the buildings has gradually deteriorated and now the area has been cordoned off by building control inspectors in the interests of public safety.

Recently, inspectors deliberately knocked down a fragile chimney stack in case high winds brought it crashing on to the street.

Gala Bingo, which requested the council inspection, say wheels are in motion for demolition, but not for redevelopment.

It is believed they are holding back in favour of relocating to the new multi-million pound leisure complex development planned for Feethams.

A spokesman for Darlington Council said that the condition could be overturned in this situation.

He said: "If Gala send us a revised application, we will be able to approve demolition without the condition. But nothing has been received yet."

Salt Yard, formerly known as Printing House Square, has been home to a number of businesses over the years.

Originally, the buildings formed part of an old printing works but over time the premises became fragmented.

In 1899, the upper floor of the former Yorkshire Bank building on the corner of Bondgate and Salt Yard was home to the Darlington & Stockton Times and Ripon and Richmond Chronicle. William Sewell, registrar of births, marriages and deaths also had an office in the building. In 1903, W E Dove took over part of the premises as electrical contractors, moving to a motor agency and battery service in the Twenties.

Petrol pumps attached to a canopy over the footpath were installed some time later and in 1968, Wheatleys moved in with the BMC franchise.