Council urged to help Darlington FC find new stadium

Conservative councillors called on Darlington Borough Council to throw its support behind the National League North club as it continues its search for a new stadium. 

The plea came as local Tories said the local authority must speed up and improve its support of local clubs and sports facilities. 

A council motion, tabled by Conservative councillor Scott Durham on Thursday, said: “Darlington Council has a chequered history when it comes to supporting the sporting clubs in town or protecting the green spaces used to play sport on. We can’t reverse what has gone before, but can do better in the future.”

Blackwell Meadows in Darlington. (Image: Sarah Caldecott)

The Labour/ Liberal Democrat administration was told there has been a “radio silence” from members in terms of supporting the football club since 2023.

Cllr Durham added: “Lets reaffirm our commitment and do everything possible to support Darlington Football Club finding its long term, secure home.”

In May 2022, the Quakers announced ambitious plans to leave Blackwell Meadows and relocate to a purpose-built site elsewhere in the town. The new site would include additional sports, retail and hospitality facilities and have a capacity between 5,000 and 8,000.

However, plans to build a new facility have faced severe delays due to financial and location issues. The club is yet to publicly reveal any updated information about a future site. 

The conversation around a new venue for Darlington FC comes amid talk of other local sports clubs facing financial difficulties. 

Conservative leader Jonathan Dulston told the meeting: “I’m hearing rumours that some of our sports clubs are struggling. While I understand we cannot be more specific due to the commerciality of the venues, I am sure the leader and his cabinet are fully aware of these issues. 

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“This motion confirms that the council will stand ready to support and protect these clubs in the future should that be needed.”

But Labour said the football club should not be singled out, and instead all local clubs should be supported.

An updated motion, approved by cross-party councillors, said all members communicating about sports clubs would do so in an ‘accurate manner, avoiding rumour, speculation, and fake news’.

Matthew Roche, cabinet member for Health and Housing, said: “Our great sporting clubs do not want to be used as political footballs. They deserve the right to make decisions for themselves and expect the council to be commercially sensitive.”