IN the heated debate over the possible moving of the Lord Londonderry statue from the centre of Durham Market Place, the more important issue of how best to regenerate the city has been sidelined.

Durham County Council’s planning committee will consider the plans next Tuesday.

I am one of many who want the statue to stay in the Market Place. I have fond memories of meeting friends by the horse as a teenager. It is part of my history as well as the city’s. However, I’m also aware of the need to ensure our city centre is a safe, welcoming and well-designed space for local people and businesses.

Durham’s unemployment has doubled in the past year. We have all been affected by this recession and must welcome any investment which provides jobs and opportunities for local businesses.

If moving the statue allows for more even, safer paving to walk on and produces more and better space for stallholders in the outdoor market, isn’t this a price worth paying?

Ideally, the statue would remain where it is, but when you weigh up the loss of moving it 26 metres against the advantage gained in terms of economic regeneration I hope most people would put people and jobs first.

Councillor Carol Woods, Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, Durham City.