A PUBLIC consultation into proposed work at a village war memorial “almost went viral” , parish councillors were told.
Members of Middleton-in-Teesdale and Newbiggin Parish Council said they were delighted with the response when they decided to ask residents what they thought about plans to spend £7,000 replacing posts and chains around Middleton’s memorial.
Residents were asked for their thoughts via the village newsletter and the parish council’s Facebook page.
Parish council chairman Cllr Kev Tallentire said: “We had numerous responses – it almost went viral.”
Clerk Judith Mashiter told councillors just two people were clearly in favour of replacing the chains, while 50 were against and another 13 were neutral.
Cllr Tallentire said that with an overall majority against the plan, the council would not go ahead with it.
Ms Mashiter said: “The proposal was from a former councillor. The council stuck with its commitment to consult and following consultation, which received quite a good response, the overwhelming response was to not go ahead.”
Councillors agreed the decision should be posted on Facebook, while all those who emailed their views would receive an individual reply.
Members were also told the consultation had resulted in residents highlighting a number of other issues which could form the basis of
future agenda items for discussion.
