Heritage

Shirley has contributed to the Railway Heritage Group, set up by Councillor Chris McEwan and chaired by Chris Lloyd, the deputy editor of The Northern Echo.

She must be aware that her passion is shared by all the councillors on Darlington Borough Council, and by inspiring and visionary council officers, in particular, Tim Crawshaw, principal officer for the environment and urban design.

Along with railway enthusiasts we are working very hard on the Town Centre Fringe proposals, which include a plan for making the most of our railway heritage.

Only by setting out a vision, and our aspirations for the future, will we attract the funding, both private and public which we will need. It cannot happen overnight, but is not helped by the negativity displayed in Shirley’s letter.

Councillor Dorothy Long, Darlington Borough Council.