A BEAUTY spot in Barnard Castle may soon be spruced up with landscape improvements and new car parking.
The Lower Demesnes is popular with families and picnickers who park up on the grass. Now Durham County Council is working with Barnard Castle Town Council, which is responsible for managing the area, on giving it a refresh.
Under the proposals, the informal parking space will be removed and grass reinstated. Black railings will mark a larger parking area with a limestone aggregate surface.
Birds’ mouth fencing will be replaced and the large concrete pipes removed from
the western boundary with the mound barriers “rationalised”.
There would be tree-planting and a new gate with a height restrictor alongside new bollards to prevent illegal access by travellers.
The plans also include new rights of way signs.
Town clerk Martin Clark told councillors last week: “During the two consultation meetings on the security of the Lower Demesnes, it was clear that residents not only wanted the area to be more secure from unauthorised encampments but wanted to see improvements there.
“The official car parking area is too small and an informal one has been created near the entrance which looks unsightly.
“The large concrete pipes are not in keeping with the conservation area and some of the birds mouth fencing is in need of replacement.”
He said Durham County Council had ruled that many of the ideas put forward to halt travellers were inappropriate because the area is part of the Teesdale Way and in a conservation area.
The county council drew up the alternative landscape improvements.
Mr Clark said: “The works required will amount to a substantial sum of money – more than the town council can afford in isolation. However, I have been made aware of the possibility of a funding avenue.
“Section 106 money allocated to Barnard Castle East for ‘open spaces’ is available. I have spoken to Durham County Council and they have agreed on principle that as the Demesnes, although in the west division, serves the whole parish, and with the support of county councillors in both divisions, an application would be considered.
“This presents us with an opportunity for the town council to improve the area for the long-term benefit of residents and many visitors to the area.”
Town councillors were told that the amount needed was being “kept under wraps” for now at the request of the county council. But Mr Clark said the scheme would be “fully funded” by County Hall.
Members agreed to apply for the cash.
