CONCERN has been voiced at the state of Bede Kirk green, which has been left to grow wild since the campaign to save the area from housing development ended in victory.
Barnard Castle Town Council successfully applied for the area to be officially designated as a green after supporting efforts of residents who did not wish to see it sold off with the former police station and built on. For the time being, the green remains in the ownership of the police and since last month’s ruling, no grass cutting or maintenance has been carried out at Bede Kirk.
At the latest town council meeting, two residents voiced concerns about the state of the area and said the length of the grass meant dog walkers and other people could not use the green.
The meeting was told there was little the town council could do until the future ownership and management of Bede Kirk green was sorted out. However, Cllr Roger Peat said something had to be done as a matter of urgency.
“It is important we get on and do it,” he said.
“At the moment, some weeds are starting to appear and you can tell by looking at it that very few people are walking across it because the grass is getting long.
“Maintenance is not just leaving it alone. It needs looking after,” he added.
Mayor Cllr Sandra Moorhouse and Durham police and crime commissioner Ron Hogg have held preliminary discussions at which they agreed to work together to come up with plans for the future management of Bede Kirk green.
“The intention was not for it to be left,” said Cllr Moorhouse, who said the council would “try to move things along” .
Cllr Peat said if it was possible, he could convene a team of volunteers and get to work on Bede Kirk.
Mr Hogg said: “We would be pleased to accept offers of help from local people to help maintain the site until ownership transfers to Barnard Castle Town Council.
“My office is working with the town council to ensure that the grass on the village green is cut.”
Meanwhile, town councillors agreed to call a public meeting, to be attended by Mr Hogg, for campaigners and those with an interest in the future of Bede Kirk to explore options for its management.
Members were told Bede Kirk green is similar in size to Marwood Drive play area, which costs £60 per cut to keep the grass down.
