Darlington Town Hall (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Council chiefs have been criticised for allegedly violating pre-election protocols following their backing of a £20 million scheme aimed at enhancing Darlington neighbourhoods. Opposition councillors argue that Darlington Borough Council's cabinet decision to examine the local authority's involvement in the Pride In Place programme could sway the outcome of the crucial Red Hall and Lingfield ward by-election.

Red Hall has been selected as one of five "left behind" areas across the borough set to benefit from a portion of the investment. Darlington Borough Council has rejected claims of any rule infringement and maintains the report would have been examined regardless of the by-election timing.

However, Conservative councillors have now in

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