Darlington and Sedgefield Liberal Democrats

Stories from Hurworth Ward Focus No 14: January 2007

As I sure most of you are aware, The Grange and Community Association are under very serious threat. This time the threat doesn't come in the form of possible re-development but from the solicitors of a Hurworth resident.

This resident feels the Association has failed to take action over alleged persistent youth problems and damage near his house and property. His grievance and action has caused much anguish to members of the Association with some resigning from their posts due to the pressure and the possibility of personal financial liability. A further legal case has also been brought against Hurworth Parish Council which is the landlord for The Grange.

It is upsetting to see what can only be described as a Civil War in Hurworth. Usually the only winners in such instances are the lawyers. I would ask that all parties involved meet face to face to thrash things out before it snowballs into anything worse! As a community we should unite in our support of the Association as their selflessness has provided local people with a fantastic facility.

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Oxford Garage update

At a Planning Panel held at the Town Hall last week permission was given for the re-development of Oxford Garage.

This was particularly disappointing considering the large number of objections to the proposal. Cllr Swainston addressed the Planning Panel in person to speak out against the development in its current form.

The lack of support shown by the planners towards local residents in allowing this to go ahead without changes will be felt by all users of Hurworth/Croft Rd and especially the residents who suffer from appalling parking problems.

Cllr Swainston will be watching this development very closely and when the problems begin, as predicted by many, he will endeavour to ensure the Council supports the residents this time around to resolve the issues.

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Road Safety on Bridge Road

For several months now Martin has been lobbying Darlington Council and the Highways Agency to install "Mind that Child" or "Pedestrians Crossing" signs on Bridge Road (start of the A66 ring Rd between Reg Vardy's and Blackwell Bridge) on behalf of local residents.

This road has numerous properties, which are separated from the local amenities by the A66, a 60mph speed limit road. Clearly for those with children it is a major worry living near this trunk road. No signs are present to warn drivers to be aware of pedestrians or children. This is a serious road safety issue. Martin will keep up the pressure until this matter is resolved.

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The Old Crossley Brickworks

The Old Crossley Brickworks at Skipbridge, Hurworth Moor is currently being considered for development. No formal plans have been submitted as yet. The plans, slightly modified from those printed in Focus 13, can be viewed at the Town Hall. So far Cllr Swainston has come across little support for this development from residents in the area.

Instead, concerns over noise, traffic and property values have all been a worry. Cllr Swainston will be continuing to keep abreast of the plans and work closely with residents to ensure their views are taken seriously and properly represented to planners and the Town Hall.

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Fly tipping and dog fouling

Unfortunately the Christmas spirit was not with certain individuals over the festive season. There was a spate of fly-tipping incidents throughout the ward, most notably along the lay-bys and pull-ins on Burma Rd.

The newly cleaned and restored woods between Hawkswood and Eden Close also suffered at the hands of those too idle to visit the local civic amenity site.

These areas have now been cleared up. If anybody sees fly tipping occurring, try to make a note of the car registration number and pass the information on to the Environment Agency on 0800 807060 for further investigation and potentially prosecution.

Another long running issue is that of dog fouling throughout the villages. Martin has increased the number of dog mess bins considerably throughout the ward since his election, with additional bins installed at hot spots. Recently a spate of dog fouling has occurred in Hurworth in particular. Martin has spoken to the dog wardens who will be visiting the area again to catch the culprits red handed. Please be a responsible dog owner and clean up after your dog or face a fine.