A BUSINESSMAN has hit back at claims Darlington's market is under threat because of the Pedestrian Heart scheme.

Alex Blackham, who owns The Diner and the newly-opened Ultimate Fillings sandwich bar, in the covered market, said his businesses have not been affected by the ongoing disruption.

He said Ultimate Fillings, which has been open for only six weeks, is already serving 200 to 250 customers a day. The Diner serves between 300 and 600 customers a day.

His comments come after widespread criticism of Darlington Borough Council's Pedestrian Heart scheme, which will see the town centre transformed, making a safer environment for shoppers.

Market traders have complained that the number of customers in the covered market has fallen - after bus stops were moved from the town's West Row.

However, Mr Blackham said: "We are now the furthest away from the bus stops, but there has been no downturn.

"Most of our customers either walk or get buses and they are still coming."

He said he spent about £500 to £600 a week buying fresh produce from other market traders in the covered market, and urged others to do the same.

He said many of the traders were "set in their ways".

"The majority of traders in the market are unhappy, not just with the upheaval of the bus stops, but also some people don't think the pedestrianisation is a good idea.

"Personally, I think it is a fantastic idea. I have two young children and trying to push a pushchair around this area is a nightmare," he said.

"I want my ten-year-old daughter to be able to run across the road without worrying about cars and buses."

Darlington Civic Society has protested against the loss of High Row, and its Victorian features, as part of the pedestrianisation scheme - but Mr Blackham said the people of Darlington needed to be careful or they would lose the main Victorian feature - the covered market.