A TALKING shop for cyclists has been axed after only three members of the public turned up at its last meeting.

Darlington Borough Council has stopped the Cycle Forum, saying it is not a cost effective way of communicating with cyclists.

The final meeting of the forum, which took place last week, attracted only three members of the public, while four council officers and a councillor attended.

Instead, the council says it will now use Talking Together events to consult with people who ride bikes.

The council has not ruled out reinstating the forum if there is a large demand, and has also said the forum may be reassembled for special meetings if the council wants to have a consultation on a particular issue.

A council spokeswoman said: "Cycle campaign groups are consulted on all cycling issues and we will continue to consult with individual cyclists through existing routes such as Talking Together events.

"We will consider reconvening the Cycle Forum for special consultation if appropriate.

"If, in the future, there is a demand for the Cycle Forum to start back up we will, of course, consider it."