WITH reference to the letters from Barrie Lamb and Councillor Alan Macnab (HAS, May 31), I agree that Darlington’s railway heritage is a critical part of Darlington’s character and identity.

I also agree that it needs to be protected and cherished for the generations to come, but this has to be sustainable.

The Railway Heritage Inquiry Group, of which both correspondents are members, has sought to not only celebrate Darlington’s railway and industrial heritage through the emerging 2025 celebrations that have been discussed but also to take action now to make the most of what we have.

At a time of significant budget pressures upon the council, we should have an open mind to any suggestions or proposals that will help to not only preserve the railway heritage of the town but also help create jobs, prosperity and economic development opportunities.

The claim that the council is prioritising the needs of developers is inaccurate and wrong. The success of Darlington and the rich heritage on which it is built depends upon partnership, collaboration and a forward-thinking approach that also seeks to protect the interests of groups like the Darlington Railway Preservation Society.

Following in the footsteps of the Ironbridge World Heritage Site, which has a famous microbrewery, we must seek to provide an offer that attracts, and retains, the greatest number of visitors.

Councillor Chris McEwan (Lab), lead member – economy and regeneration, Darlington Borough Council