MORE than a year ago, The Northern Echo published details of the conditions attached to the planning approval given to Darlington's new football stadium.

We published them because we believed it was vital that the conditions were placed firmly in the public arena due to the intense controversy which surrounded the chosen site for the stadium.

It has been our view all along that a new football stadium for Darlington represents a huge boost for the town and a welcome investment in its future.

That support was married with our stated view that the conditions should be adhered to and the concerns of nearby residents given every consideration.

As we report today, residents are angry over the fact that one of the conditions - governing the time workmen are allowed to operate on the site - is to be amended.

The condition stated that the work should be restricted from 7am to 7pm, but work has been continuing into the night.

Financial incentives are in place to have the stadium built as quickly as possible and the speed of the development has undoubtedly been impressive.

But we also sympathise with residents concerned that the goal-posts are being moved.

Darlington Borough Council insists that common sense is required and building after 7pm will be permitted as long as there is no disturbance to residents.

We trust that promise will be kept. If it isn't, the residents will have every right to call "foul" and they will have our support.

A timely reminder

to carry the card

TODAY'S inspiring story about Rachel Wakeford's participation in the junior section of British Transplant Games is a wonderful example of triumph out of despair.

A devastatingly swift illness left her life hanging in the balance and her family in turmoil.

Thankfully, her recovery has been dramatic. Today, it reaches a joyful conclusion when she competes at the games at Lightwater Valley near Ripon.

Running, jumping and throwing alongside her will be many others whose lives have been saved by transplant operations.

It will be a reminder to us all of the fragility of life and the importance of carrying donor cards.