RECENTLY my wife and I decided to forsake the tumbleweed-strewn streets of Bishop Auckland and head for Darlington with it’s wonderful covered market.

After my usual pang of nostalgia at the demise of Dressers, I was again impressed with the transformation of High Row and the amount of thought that has been given to pedestrians.

It’s easy on the eye and, most importantly, there’s ample provision of seats.

It’s therefore regrettable that the local authority has closed the public toilets beneath the covered market.

Darlington Borough Council will claim that facilities are available elsewhere, but the toilets below the market were manned, well maintained, clean and offered hot water and soap.

They were always well worth the small admission charge.

It’s a disgrace that councils always target public provision of conveniences when costs are to be cut. Their provision is a feature of a civilised community.

Surely a few council junkets and benefits could be jettisoned instead?

VJ Connor, Bishop Auckland.