THE pedestrianisation of Darlington town centre has been praised by the business, public and voluntary sectors.

Darlington Partnership gave a formal vote of thanks to the borough council for the £8.5m project at its latest meeting.

The vote comes as a survey revealed a 23 per cent rise in customer satisfaction in the centre.

The partnership brings together leading figures from the private, pubic, community and voluntary sectors.

The vote of thanks was proposed by accountant Richard Coad and followed up in writing by chairman Alasdair MacConachie to the council leader John Williams,

Mr MacConachie said: "Like many others, we had concerns over how the end result would look.

"Now it has been completed, we are unanimous in our approval, especially for the increased use and sense of enjoyment people have."

Every year, residents are asked what they think about the upkeep of the town centre.

Last year, 58.8 per cent were satisfied. This year, the figure has risen to 81.6 per cent.

Coun Williams said: "There is a new-found feeling of vibrancy and energy in Darlington, that is attracting a lot of attention from businesses and tradesmen, shoppers and tourists alike, which can only be good for future prosperity and the quality of life in the town."