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Welcome to this month’s magazine for Darlington Borough
Welcome to the January edition of Darlington Together. I hope you have all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year.
Finally, don’t forget that you’ve got until the end of the month to vote in the Best of Darlington Awards. If you know someone who has made an outstanding contribution to Darlington in sports, arts or business, or you just want to say ‘thank you’ to someone who went the extra mile last year, don’t forget to nominate. Find out how on page 27.
I remember saying this time last year that 2014 would be a “year of changes” for Darlington and looking back at all of the JANUARY things that happened, this was most definitely true! It’s great to see that a lot of Cllr Bill Dixon MBE the changes and projects that were initiated last year (@billdixondton) will come to fruition in 2015. For example, the new Leader of the Department for Education building in the town Council centre is very nearly ready to welcome staff from the former Mowden offices, and the first businesses will soon move into Business Central at Central Park.You can find out more about all the exciting things taking place over the coming year by visiting pages 24 and 25.
We have announced our budget proposals for 2015/16 and you can read more about these on pages 28 and 29. There is a fine line between ensuring value for money and making sure that services are protected. These services range from looking after the most vulnerable in society to making sure that arts and leisure is available to everyone.
MP’s surgeries
Jenny Chapman: Jenny Chapman MP
will be holding Surgeries between 9.30 and 11am in venues across Darlington on Friday 9 and 23 January 2015. Please phone the Constituency Office 01325 382345 for details.
Phil Wilson: MP for Sedgefield. The office is open between Monday to Friday, 9.30am - 5pm. Appointments can be arranged by calling 01325 321603 or e-mail phil.wilson.mp@parliament.uk
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NEWS IN BRIEF • NEWS IN BRIEF • NEWS IN
Holocaust Memorial Day – Keep the Memory Alive
We will host a ceremony to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day on Tuesday 27 January at 1pm in Central Hall at the Dolphin Centre. The theme of this year’s ceremony is ‘Keep the Memory Alive’.
2015 marks the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau as well as the 20th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica in Bosnia. The ceremony will include readings, music and prayer. All are welcome.
Local Plan
Additional work has been commissioned to make sure we have sound evidence informing our new Local Plan – the Making and Growing Places (MGP) Development Plan Document. This includes a more detailed study of the impact of growth and development on the Borough’s highway network and work focusing on future education, health and sports facilities in the town.
This means the final draft of the MGP will be published in the summer, and not this winter as originally intended.
You can follow our progress on the MGP webpage: www.darlington.gov.uk/mgp
Cockerton Library is eVOLving
The future of one of the town’s libraries has been secured thanks to a new way of working that will see Darlington’s volunteer centre eVOLution develop and manage Cockerton Library as a community library staffed by volunteers, but supported by the council providing books and professional support.
Under the new arrangement, eVOLution will take the lead developing the community library, working with a number of voluntary groups such as Age UK Darlington, Darlington Citizens Advice Bureau and Darlington for Culture; eVOLution is planning to keep current opening hours with a possible view to increasing them in the future whilst developing initiatives to generate income for the library.
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There will be volunteer recruitment events at Cockerton Library on the following dates - please come along, have your say and get involved!
Monday 26 January, 6:30 pm to 8:30pm
Wednesday 28 January, 2pm to 4pm Saturday 31 January, 2pm to 4pm For more information email enquiries@evolutiondarlington.com or call 01325 266888.
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IN BRIEF • NEWS IN BRIEF • NEWS IN BRIEF
Making Darlington homes cosier this winter If you’re looking to make your home warmer this winter, as well as lowering your energy bills – Warm Up North can help.
The scheme offers a range of energy efficiency measures, from the installation of insulation, to more efficient boilers. Warm Up North has installed over 3,400 measures across the North East to date. Warm Up North is endorsed by Darlington Borough Council and is playing a part in a region-wide effort to combat fuel poverty. Here’s some top tips from Warm Up North on simple ways to make your home cosier this winter:
• Turning your boiler down won’t always save money. If you have a room thermostat then it’s best to turn your boiler to its maximum setting, if you don’t it’s best to set your boiler as low as you’re comfortable with • Keep out draughts from around your home. Try using secondary glazing film as a cheap alternative to double glazing. Film for four windows should cost around £8
• Think ahead when setting your heating. Set your heating to come on 15-30 minutes before you need it to, and off 30 minutes before you go to bed
• If you have storage heaters, make sure you’re using them efficiently. Keep the input constant at the amount you need, but turn the output down to a minimum when you don’t need the heating on or turn it off at the wall • Using central heating is often cheaper than heating one room with a gas fire.You can test this yourself by comparing your meter readings using the two methods Subject to qualifying criteria you may be entitled to a free or subsidised boiler. For more information on Warm Up North and the range of energy efficiency measures on offer, call the team on 0800 2948073 or visit www.warmupnorth.com
CONTACT US
www.darlington.gov.uk
customerservices@darlington.gov.uk Did you know we’re also on social media? Follow us on Twitter (@darlingtonbc) and give us a ‘like’ on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ darlingtonboroughcouncil)
STREET SCENE www.darlington.gov.uk/streetscene
COUNCIL TAX www.darlington.gov.uk/counciltax HOUSING BENEFIT AND COUNCIL TAX SUPPORT www.darlington.gov.uk/benefits HOUSING AND REPAIRS www.darlington.gov.uk/housing HIGHWAYS,TRANSPORT, PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH www.darlington.gov.uk
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Time for your Finan
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Christmas is an expensive time of year, so now’s the perfect time to give your finances an MOT to make sure you’re making the most of your money. Here’s our list of top tips for stretching those pounds over the new year:
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Make sure you’re claiming all of the benefits you’re entitled to. For example if you live on your own, are a student, use a wheelchair in your own home or are a certain type of carer you could be entitled to money off your council tax
Have a look online, there are lots of big savings you can make on things like utilities, insurance and funeral costs. Ask a friend to help if you need it If you have a prepayment meter and are repaying a debt call your supplier to negotiate an affordable repayment plan or seek advice (see advice providers on the next page)
Check your tax code and tax allowances, especially if you’ve recently got a new job. Being on the wrong tax code can mean money that should be in your pocket is going to the tax man Make sure you’re claiming any free childcare that you’re entitled to, see page 26
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Don’t drive out of your way to save money on petrol, if you drive further than 2 miles to save a penny per litre you’re actually using more money than you save Make sure to look out for offers, such as BID’s little book of offers for shops in Darlington Take advantage of loyalty schemes; if you’re doing something that costs the same wherever you go, like topping up your phone, try going somewhere where you can get points on a loyalty card Try walking or cycling a bit more to save money on transport, and shed some of those Christmas pounds as a bonus!
Check if your employer is signed up to any benefit schemes, many companies sign up so that employees can get reduced health checks, and money off in certain shops, make sure you’re cashing in
ancial Health Check dres0163.qxp_DT JANUARY 2015 11/12/2014 12:50 Page 5
Need help getting started? From time to time everyone needs a bit of assistance, if you can it’s worth planning for the future and making the most of your money.
There are plenty of places you can go for free help and advice in Darlington. If you go online make sure you’re not paying for a service that you can get free elsewhere.
If you prefer face to face advice
• Darlington Food Store are available at: Kings Church at Whessoe Road, St Andrews at Haughton and St Mary’s Church Community Centre at Cockerton.
• Citizens Advice Bureau can offer faceto-face advice at: the Customer Contact Centre at the Town Hall (appointment only), Bennet House, 14 Horsemarket, Kings Church at Whessoe Road, St Andrews at Haughton, St Mary’s Church Community Centre at Cockerton and at some GP surgeries and Children’s Centres.
• Darlington Credit Union can offer face-to-face advice at the Customer Contact Centre at the Town Hall, the Credit Union office at Church Row, Kings Church at Whessoe Road, St Andrews at Haughton and St Mary’s Church Community Centre at Cockerton.
• The Mobile Advice Cooperative offer advice at some Children’s Centres.
• Specialist advice is available from Age UK Darlington, Gay Advice Darlington, Darlington Association on Disability and MIND Darlington.
For more information and contact details please visit www.darlington.gov.uk/moneyanddebt
For specialist debt advice
• make an appointment with Citizens Advice on 01325 256999
• call Step Change who offer free telephone debt help on 0800 138 111 • call the National Debtline for free telephone help on 0808 808 4000
If you prefer to get your advice online
• Visit www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk for free and impartial money advice online • Visit www.stepchange.org for free advice on problem debt
• Visit www.moneysavingexpert.com for debt advice and a whole host of tips on making your money go further Make sure you’re getting the best deal on your energy, you could save £££s by signing up to the Big Community Switch.
When a large number of people want to change supplier together they are likely to get a better deal than just one person shopping around and switching on their own. Get signed up by 2 February. For more information or to take part visit www.darlington.gov.uk/bigcommunityswitch or ring Darlington Citizens Advice Bureau on 01325 256999 ext. 122
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A Happy Healthy New Y
It’s the start of a New Year - a great time to take stock of our lives and think about anything you'd like to change to improve your life. We should all feel good about ourselves - if you don't - take time out to think about what you need to change to help make you feel better. There's lots to get involved in and support available if you need it... These pages offer a few suggestions to help get you on your way to a great new you...
Get a Lifestyle check
Do you want to make some changes but not sure how to go about them? The Healthy Darlington Team, based in the reception area of the Dolphin Centre, can help. Pop in for an informal, confidential chat - they can suggest changes you could make to improve your life and can support you to achieve your goals.
You may be eligible for 25% off some facilities with the Everyone card!For more information visit www.healthydarlington.co.uk
Dry January
We challenge you to stay off the booze in January and prove you can still enjoy yourself without alcohol. You'll avoid the dreaded hangover, lose weight and save money. Why not join in the Alice in Wonderland Dry Hatters Tea Party at the Glasshouse restaurant, Darlington College on Thurdsay 22 January, 2.15 - 4.15pm.
To sign up to the campaign register online at www.dryjanuary.org.uk
Stop Smoking
We all know smoking can have a devastating effect on our health in many ways. Why not make 2015 the year you stop and stay stopped.You don't have to do it alone.You're four times like to stay stopped if you get support. To find out about your local stop smoking service and the support available talk to your GP or pharmacy or contact the NHS Smoking Helpline on 0300 123 1044 or visit www.nhs.uk/smokefree
Look after your mental wellbeing Creativity can be good for you. Is your mental wellbeing in need of a boost?
Why not consider joining the Darlington Openart Studio. They focus on enhancing mental health and wellbeing through the arts. Explore your artistic side with the support of professional artists and make new friends. The service is free of charge for eight weeks, For further details contact Bonnie on 01325 244174 or visit www.thebridgedarlington.org.uk
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You in 2015...
Take up a new sport or hobby
Starting a new sport is a great way to lose weight, tone up, meet new people and ultimately feel good about yourself. The most difficult thing is getting yourself motivated to start! Once you do the changes you feel as you get fitter will spur you on to keep going. Check out what's on offer at www.healthydarlington.co.uk
If you're not the sporty type, what are you interested in? Why not take up an old hobby or learn something new. The Learning and Skills Service has a wide range of courses on offer - visit www.healthydarlington.co.uk
Move More... for a happy, healthy new you! There’s lots on offer in Darlington to help you get active and improve your wellbeing. Make 2015 your year to get active, move more and improve your health. Whatever your interest there should be something for you. Make time for you - you deserve it!
Joanne Carter wanted to get fitter, feel better about herself and spend more time with her daughter. They heard about the Back to Netball sessions and both decided to go along.The sessions are held weekly on Mondays at Darlington School of Maths & Science (DSMS) 6.30 - 7.30pm.
Move More S
tar
We caught up with Joanne to find out what she had to say about returning to a sport she once loved:
Joanne said: “My daughter told me all about the Back to Netball sessions so we decided to give them a try. I had been thinking of ways to get fitter and this seemed the perfect solution, plus I got to spend time with Rebecca.The sessions are great fun - I surprised myself at how much I remembered. Since starting in September I have definitely lost weight and toned up Rebecca and I have also made some lovely new friends. For anyone thinking they should do something to improve how they feel - do it, I did and am so pleased I did, as I feel great.”
Move More S tar - Joanne Car ter with her daught er Rebecca
Back to Netball provides a gentle introduction for female players over 16 years of age.
The sessions are run on a weekly basis in ten-week courses, are coach-led and cover basic netball skills, development and court play. The emphasis is to have fun while learning new skills. The next 10 week programme starts on Monday 12 January 2015 6.30 – 7.30pm. Cost is £3 pp per session. Email movemore@darlington.gov.uk or call 01325 254370 to book.
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Moving forward in 2
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Cinema and leisure in town
Work on the new Cinema and Leisure complex will be ongoing in 2015, with the development set to open by Easter 2016.
The steel structure of the building will be put in place this month.
Carlbury Slip set to reopen
The A67 between Piercebridge and High Coniscliffe will reopen in April this year, following work to repair and stabilise the road following a landslip.
For more information visit www.darlington.gov.uk/cinema
New car park in Darlington
Work on a multistorey car park in the town centre is due to start this month.
Department for Education building is nearly ready!
This time last year we announced that work had just started on the new office for the Department for Education at Feethams.
The building is now nearly ready and 450 people will be moving in next month.
This car park will create additional parking spaces for the town centre— including the new Cinema and Leisure Complex, and is estimated to take 12 months to build.
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New improved Stonebridge
Work to remove Stonebridge roundabout began in February last year and will be completed by March this year.
The roundabout has been replaced with a traffic-signalled junction which will improve the look and feel of the Town Centre, allowing us to open up the riverside area, make the Civic Theatre feel more like part of the town, as well as allowing us to deal with the increased traffic that other town centre developments will bring to the town.
Welcome Clearbell to Lingfield Point
Ownership of award-winning Lingfield Point has changed hands, and the new owners have pledged to improve and grow the business.
Dominic Moore, Clearbell’s Asset Management Director said: “Clearbell will continue the creativity around the site and hopes that… Lingfield Point will become a flagship for successful regeneration in the North East – continuing to position Darlington as a great base for business."
n 2015!
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There will be a lot of great things happening in Darlington in 2015 – from new business opportunities to leisure opportunities. Find out more about some of the developments taking place!
Central Park
Central Park has really progressed over the last year with many new homes being built, as well as the creation of Business Central and the National Biologics Manufacturing Centre – which will open in June this year.
Work at Central Park will continue over 2015 with the creation of the National Horizons Centre and Factories of the Future, which will help increase the UK’s manufacturing capability in industries such as biologics and subsea engineering.
In April of this year, work will start on the new Central Park Junction and Spine Road.
The return of Darlington Arts Festival
Darlington Arts Festival will be returning in May. The monthlong event is staged at a wide range of venues across Darlington and celebrates the best of literature, music and arts. For more information visit www.darlingtonforculture.org
There are lots of other great events taking place in Darlington in 2015—for more information visit www.darlington.gov.uk/events
Darlington is Business Central!
Business Central is a new building that will support and accommodate up to 64 new and small businesses in Darlington. It will be the first significant step towards delivering the business park at Central Park.
The building will be ready to welcome businesses from April.
If you are interested in office space at Business Central, please contact space@ne-bic.co.uk for more information.
There’s lots happening in Darlington this year – keep up to date with all the latest developments in Darlington Together or visit our website: www.darlington.gov.uk
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Free fun for two year olds
Two year old Alice from Darlington is just one of nearly 400 children aged two benefiting from 15 hours of free childcare a week. Alice attends George Dent nursery in Darlington five mornings a week whilst mum Emily, 26,works as an accounts assistant at Whessoe Engineering.
Mum Emily said: “Alice really enjoys going to nursery where she plays with other children. It’s really brought her talking on and she gets a lot out of it.The fact that it is free makes a really big difference to my finances.”
Benefits
“Mixing in with other children is just one of the many benefits for youngsters going to nursery” explained Sheelagh Nevison, Childcare Development Officer with Darlington Borough Council, “but they get a lot more out of it than that. At two, children love to see, touch and explore new things through playing with water and paints and mud and sand. Doing all of these
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things helps them develop their physical skills, but at the same time they’re improving their social skills and self-confidence, as well as building relationships with other children and adults.”
As well as attending a school based or private day nursery, the 15 hours of free childcare for two year olds can be used with pre-schools or with a registered childminder. “It depends entirely on what is best for each child and each family. Some parents may think that their child would be better in a smaller group that you’d find with a registered childminder,” said Sheelagh, “it’s about finding the right place for each child.The People and Families Information Support Service can help do that, which means parents know their child is safe and having fun while they do other things such as working, training or looking for a job,” she added. For more information on eligibility for free child care places for two year olds, see the advert on the back page.
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Tees Valley Combined Authority
Darlington Borough Council is set to join forces with the four other Tees Valley local councils in a bid to boost economic growth and job creation.
The plan will see the Council continuing to provide all of the same services, but working as Tees Valley Combined Authority when focusing on developing the Tees Valley. Having a Combined Authority will make decision-making simpler for transport,
employment and skills, economic development and business investment. It is hoped the move will also unlock more money from the Government to the region.
If the bid is successful it is expected the Combined Authority will be in operation by the end of 2015. For more information and to take part in the consultation on the Combined Authority visit www.darlington.gov.uk/combinedauthority
Last chance to nominate for Best of Darlington’s 10th year
Darlington Partnership is looking for nominations for the 10th annual Best of Darlington awards, which honour individuals, groups and businesses from the town.
Categories include: Contribution to Sport, Business Contribution to the Community, Contribution to the Environment and Academic Excellence. Two exceptional individuals will also be awarded the title of ‘Citizen of the Year’ and ‘Young Citizen of the Year’. For a full list of categories visit www.darlington.gov.uk/bestofdarlington
The final three nominees from each category will be invited, along with their nominators, to an awards ceremony at Darlington College on Friday 22 May 2015.
The deadline for nominations is Saturday 31 January so if you know someone who deserves recognition be sure to get your nomination in soon. Nomination forms can be downloaded from www.darlington.gov.uk/bestofdarlington or picked up at the Customer Contact Centre at the Town Hall.
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What does the Council
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Darlington’s Government grant has been cut by £33.3million after allowing for inflation – that’s 41% less to spend on all of the services that we run for people across the Borough.
These means we’ve had to make some tough decisions on what to spend our money on.
Last year we set a two year budget and worked out where we could save £13.7 million. We are now in the second year of that journey and starting to make these savings. However, over the next four years, a further £12m needs to be saved. To make sure that vital services keep running next year and beyond we are proposing to increase Council Tax by 1.99% in 2015 – this will raise an extra £760,000. Take a look at this chart to see how our money is being spent.
Social Care
Our biggest spend is on social care. This includes looking after the elderly, children in care and protecting vulnerable adults.
Environmental, Highways and Regulatory Services
Environmental: Emptying bins, improving recycling rates, clearing up and prosecuting for fly-tipping and tackling vermin problems, the Council covers a wide range of environmental services.
Highways: From re-surfacing roads to repairing street
lights, it’s hard to think of a journey that doesn’t involve a road, footpath or school crossing that we look after.
Regulatory services: From making sure that cafes
and restaurants in the town meet food hygiene standards to working with trading standards to tackle fake goods.
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£53.9 million (63%)
£15.9 million (18.5%)
l spend its money on?
n %)
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Housing, Welfare and Benefits * £0.7million = less than 1%
Planning, Development and Regeneration
This covers important projects to grow Darlington’s economy and create jobs like the new cinema and leisure complex and Central Park.
Arts, Culture and Leisure
Sports centres: We think it’s
important to put money into affordable sports facilities in the Borough so that people can keep fit and healthy. From all-weather football pitches at Eastbourne Sports Complex to the swimming pool at the Dolphin Centre.
OTHER
£2.6 million (3%)
* £1.8 million (2%)
£3 million (4%) £4.4 million (5%)
£2.9 million (3%)
Theatre and Museum: The Civic Theatre, libraries and the Head of Steam museum are all part of Darlington’s history and we want to develop these attractions for future generations.
Financial Costs
Democracy
Like most councils, Darlington has a debt which it has to repay.
This is the cost of running the Council and includes elections, the electoral role, members’ allowances, audit fees, committee administration and corporate planning.
The latest review of our budget (Medium Term Financial Plan) is on our website at www.darlington.gov.uk/budget To have your say email: feedback@darlington.gov.uk
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Shopping local
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Why not make a new year’s resolution to shop local? It makes good business sense for retailers large and small. Here, some of the town’s businesses explain what’s good about shopping in Darlington. One of Darlington’s oldest stores, Marks & Spencer’s, which opened its doors in 1911, has seen trade and customer numbers increase year on year. One of the store’s longest serving employees, Barbara Pearson, who has just celebrated working in the shop for 40 years said:
“One of the nicest things of being here for 40 years is the loyalty of our customers. I’ve seen different generations of families coming to the store year after year, from when they were babies in prams themselves to coming in with their children and now even their grandchildren.”
Kirstie Rutherford, Duty Store Manager said that customers were travelling into Darlington to shop. She said: “We’re seeing more customers traveling north into the town centre from places like Richmond, North Yorkshire and Barnard Castle.There’s a lot to attract people in to Darlington which is good for us and other businesses in the town.”
Barbrara Pearson (l) and Kirstie Rutherford (r)
Independent traders added attraction
Darren Syddall, owner of Origins, which specialises in giftware, furniture, handmade chocolates and candles has been trading in the town centre for 15 years. He thinks the mix of big retailers and independent traders is why people come into the town. He said:
“Darlington is pretty unique in that it has a street, Grange Road, that is full of independent traders, offering great customer service and something a little bit distinctive, and that’s the kind of feedback we get from our customers.
“We like to offer our customers something different, but the fact that we’re sourcing some of the food we serve in the coffee lounge from local businesses means that we’re keeping the money in the town centre too. We use Acorn Dairy for our organic milk and the cheese stall in the Victorian Market for our Wensleydale.”
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Darren Syddall of Origins
boosts trade...
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Passion for food stays local
Fresh, locally sourced food from the Victorian Market will be the driving force behind the new Market Menu to be served in one of Darlington’s newest businesses, The Keys bar/restaurant and nightclub. Head of Operations for The Keys, Paul Rowntree, said:
“As a group we are really really keen to support local businesses and want to work with local producers.The ethos of fresh, locally sourced food will drive our Market Menu. It means that we can offer customers something different and at the same time, we are supporting and keeping business in the area.”
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Food on the restaurant’s Market Menu launched this month, will be driven entirely by what Head Chef, Paul Parkhill buys on a daily basis from Darlington’s Victorian Market. Head Chef Paul Parkhill said:
REASONS TO SHOP LOCAL
“As a chef it’s great to be able to have that flexibility to be completely creative with what goes on my Market Menu and if it’s not local or regional, then it won’t go on the menu.”
Masses of choice – there are more than 400 independent retailers in Darlington
50p an hour parking in selected car parks A compact town centre so everything is close Spending locally boosts the local economy
Environmentally friendly food – a short field to fork journey
The Keys Head Chef Paul Parkhill (l) and Head of Operations Paul Rowntree (r)
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