IT was always going to the case that the reality of the Government’s public sector squeeze would only really hit home when councils began to reveal details of the cuts they are being forced to make.

Darlington Borough Council led the way yesterday by announcing that 400 jobs are to go, with the Civic Theatre and the Arts Centre in line to close unless alternative funding can be found quickly.

There is a very long list of other repercussions for the town: bus subsidies withdrawn, bowling greens lost, library services reduced, fewer floral displays, the grass cut less frequently, less spent on street cleaning, and plenty more to come yet.

It is very sad because the theatre, arts centre, and green spaces are key ingredients in making the town such an attractive place to live.

Not so long ago, Darlington had plans to develop a cultural quarter.

Now it is facing cultural decimation.

It is all necessary? That depends which political party you choose to believe.

The coalition insists that the cuts have to go this fast and deep in order to put Britain’s finances back in order.

The Labour Party claims that there could have been a more considered approach.

That will now be the key debate in the run-up to the local elections in May.

Whoever people ultimately blame for Darlington’s culture shock, the reality is that the town will not be the same for a long time to come.