SAMARITANS

I AM writing to thank all the shoppers and visitors to Darlington on Saturday, May 5, who saw myself and my collectors in their luminescent green bibs collecting for the Samaritans and didn't pass us by on the other side of the street.

We raised £568.78. Many, many thanks.

This money will go towards our overheads, which are in the region of £24,000 per year.

When you consider no one at our centre is paid and we all give our time freely, I should think you can all imagine how difficult it can be to raise this amount of money. We are entirely self-funded and do not receive any government support at all.

We are always looking for people who are interested in volunteering with us.

If you would like an information pack, please contact us at our centre address - 13 Woodland Road, Darlington, Co Durham, DL3 7BJ, or on 01325-465465. - Jackie McCormack, fundraising co-ordinator, Darlington Samaritans.

TOWN CENTRE

I MUST say that the development of Darlington town centre is beginning to take shape quite well. While in town last weekend, I was pleased to see that the majority of High Row is now complete and looking very pleasant indeed.

The only downfall to this redevelopment is that businesses in the centre have suffered as a result. Hopefully, when the reconstruction of the town centre is completed in the summer, the trade of these stores will pick up again.

I always visit the locally-owned shops in town and I hope that others follow suit to help these hardworking individuals keep their businesses afloat while the diggers and workmen can still be seen in our Pedestrian Heart. - Christopher Wardell, Darlington.

VOTING

I READ with interest your story on the voting patterns of the May 3 local elections pointing out the considerable range of voting turnout between the wards of the borough of Darlington.

It comes as no surprise to either myself or my Conservative colleague, Councillor Bill Stenson, that Mowden once again topped the poll with an electorate that takes a great interest in town affairs, appreciates living in a pleasant ward and is well aware of its civic responsibilities when it comes to election time.

May we thank the electors of all parties who made this possible and to inform the whole ward that it will be a privilege for us both to serve their interests. - Councillor Ron Lewis, Mowden Ward, Darlington Borough Council.