It was an announcement full of sadness, but not shock. It came as a blow, but not a surprise.

If anything, it is remarkable that Darlington’s flagship Binns store has remained open for more than 100 years, surviving a changing and challenging retail landscape until only now.

Read more: House of Fraser store in Darlington to close this year

Buying habits are changing and nowhere has the impact of this been felt harder than department stores, from House of Fraser to BHS, and in some places Marks and Spencer and John Lewis.

A move to online shopping has left our high streets full of huge boarded up buildings that were once bustling with excited customers looking for a bargain or exploring the latest trends.

Many of these stores have long gone and Binns was very nearly lost in 2018 before a deal was struck with the building’s owners. But that always felt like a short-term fix rather than a long-term solution. It has remained open for six years longer than it could have.

Town centres are evolving and in Darlington, the council (both Labour and Conservative run) has worked hard on a strategy over a number of years to find a solution to this.

Big retailers may have gone but cafes, restaurants and the rise of the small independents seems to be an agreed way forward. Our high streets are no longer just about shopping, but a much wider leisure experience that cannot be replicated online.

Graham Soult: Even without Binns, Darlington’s future is bright

This historic railway town has proved attractive to Government civil servants, and on the day the closure of Binns was confirmed, the countdown began on next year’s exciting celebrations for the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.

There is a lot still happening in this town and a lot still to be excited about.

With this in mind, Binns provides arguably the greatest challenge yet for the local authority. Its prime location is of huge significance both in opportunity and appearance.

If Darlington town centre is to thrive in the future, it cannot be left empty for too long and a plan for its future must be of immediate importance.

Binns may be closing but Darlington must remain open for business