Dear Sir,
Perhaps now that we are participating in a Neighbourhood Plan for Newton Aycliffe we should explore the pro’s and con’s of an out of town retail park.
It appears some councillors are against the idea but I for one would like to hear both sides of the argument.
Our town centre shopkeepers have complained for years of high rents and low footfall.
We have empty shops, charity shops, and bookmakers. No market apart from a couple of stalls in the Thames Centre. It seems to me that the question we must ask ourselves is would the town benefit from an out of town Retail Park situated on our industrial park?
1.  An out of town Retail Park would bring extra jobs to our town.
2. Local Shoppers would able to access high quality retail shops without travelling
3. Lower traffic flow to places such as Darlington (poor expensive parking), Tindale Crescent Via Shildon or Eldon, Metro Centre (hardly green to travel that far)
4. Pressure on London based landlords to reduce perceived high charges in our town centre, thus making it more attractive to trade in Newton Aycliffe.
5. With thousands of new homes planned at Eldon Whins, Copelaw and what seems every bit of land available, it would appear that there is to be an increase in potential customers.
6. Well paid jobs are being created at Hitachi and other employers.
Whilst I don’t claim to be an expert it seems to me we have a chance of something which could build upon the current success of our Town and be an asset to the community.
Everyone should express their views in the neighbourhood plan forms being distributed, if the councillors are to make the decisions you want to hear.
Ken Robson
ACORN
Residents Association