A pretty market town with a rich history and a vibrant present is facing a high street crisis, as locals lament its deteriorating condition. Residents in Darlington, a market town in County Durham, raised concerns about the high street as a number of shops have closed down recently.

It comes as a 70-year-old shop recently announced its closure. The Art Shop on Bondgate, Darlington, revealed that it will be shutting its doors to the public, leaving many residents shocked. Michelle Blackburn, 55, a lifelong resident of Darlington, said the transformation of the high street over the years has been dramatic.

Its market heritage stretches back over 1,000 years. (Image: Getty)

She told The Northern Echo: “There’s really nothing to come to town for anymore. People used to come in to go to the market – it was a market town. But it’s died a death.

“When I was younger, I used to come in – there were lots of shops to look around and browse around. And there’s just not anymore.

“[The High Street] seems to be taken over a lot by charity shops, vapes, that sort of thing.”

Darlington is a charming market town in County Durham, England, with a rich history and a vibrant present. Its market heritage stretches back over 1,000 years, and today it’s home to a mix of traditional and modern experiences.

Some residents said that the rise in online shopping has contributed to the decline of high street (Image: Getty)

Darlington Market stands at the centre of the town’s vibrant scene, nestled inside a striking Victorian covered hall. Step inside and you will discover a buzzing Street Food Hall, alongside independent traders—from greengrocers to traditional butchers—and the Market Tap bar, a local favourite for live music, quizzes, and performances.

Just outside, the West Row Street Market springs to life every Monday, Friday, and Saturday, brimming with fresh produce and artisanal delights.

The town also bursts with character through its themed markets and seasonal celebrations—think food festivals, farmers markets, and eclectic night markets featuring everything from tarot readings to sizzling street eats. I

However, residents believe that the rise of online shopping has led to the downfall of the high street.

Emma Arnett-Davies, 43, said: “I think it is still worth coming, but it definitely feels on the decline.

“I do worry about the future of the high street. I think there’s a strong possibility that it could become extinct.”