WORK to refurbish a riverside beauty spot, once the site of the only industrial building on the south bank of the River Tees in the area, should be completed by the spring.
Ullathorne’s Mill picnic area was created following
the demolition of the 18th century building, built by Francis Ullathorne to produce shoe thread from flax, in
1975. A grassed picnic area with benches and car parking was created in place of the hulking five-storey edifice.
In the intervening years the grassed area, which has good views to Barnard Castle and river access, has been neglected. However, now a partnership between residents, Startforth Parish Council and Durham County Council will see the beauty spot revamped following an onsite meeting earlier this month. Parish councillor Peter Worley said: “Their ideas were 100 per cent with our ideas and the resident that resurrected the idea was quite happy and they have some possibilities.”
Durham County Council’s Find It and Fix It and Green and Clean teams will work to clear overgrowth and cut back undergrowth to tidy up the area. Interpretation boards will be installed to provide visitors with more information about the history of the site and the mill that stood on it. Two wooden benches will be removed and the aim is to replace these with recycled plastic benches to reduce maintenance, if a local sponsor can be found.
Money given to the parish council by Teesdale Action Partnership will go towards a commemorative bench in memory of Queen Elizabeth II, who died in September.
Cllr Worley added: “It was very successful and it could be a very nice area. They are hoping by next spring to be near with the work.”
Cllr Chris Carr said: “It will take time. Work will be carried out stage by stage. When the teams are able to – because they are working all over the county – and they are happy the details and they will keep us informed.”
