Property firm Sanderson Townend and Gilbert (ST&G) is backing retailers' calls to create an exclusive shopping area in Darlington.

The move by the Teesside firm follows renewed campaigning by shop-owners to give Grange Road and nearby Coniscliffe Road a high-profile image, and to market the area as the Imperial Quarter.

Grange Road is perceived as one of the most important retailing locations in the town, offering a choice of specialist shops, from fashion to art, hair and beauty salons and restaurants.

Andrew Wilkinson, property specialist with ST&G, has been involved in letting many of the shops in Grange Road, and believes the creation of an Imperial Quarter must be a key element in any strategic plans for the development of the town.

He believes the quarter would create a distinctive lifestyle shopping environment, which would help to attract more shoppers to the town.

He said: "Darlington has developed in the past few years into one of the region's leading fashion and lifestyle retailing locations. The creation of an Imperial Quarter would enhance its reputation for quality shopping, while helping to underpin future success."

He said: "With the right image and help, Grange Road can compete in the high fashion stakes with other prestigious shopping locations across the region, like Harrogate, Durham and York.

"High-profile shopping locations in these towns have already been created, complete with their own marketing support and identity."