A NEW picnic facility in Barnard Castle has already become a hit with residents.
Four wheelchair friendly picnic tables and benches were installed at the Bandstand, in Flatts Wood, last month thanks to funding from Marwood Parish Council. Along with the new facilities, the area has also been cleared of overgrowth, allowing for a magnificent view out over the River Tees.
Parish chairwoman Cllr Pauline Glasper said the plan is now to put signs up directing residents and visitors alike to the new beauty spot.
She added: “They are being used. I have been coming down just to check.
“Roger (Peat and his team of volunteers) did the original cutting back by the river and Durham County Council got rid of the brambles, so it is nearly the way it was in the 1960s.”
The tables were installed by Cllr Geoff Wilson with help from Peter Stevens.
Among those to use the facilities soon after it was installed was Barnard Castle resident Ann Brack and her family.
She said: “I think it is a jolly good idea. I like the way they have cleared all of this back and you can see the river now. And it is nice for the children”
Cllr Glasper said a lot of people had complimented the work done recently to improve areas around Barnard Castle that fall within the Marwood boundary.
She said: “People have commented on the wildflowers on Darlington Road and they have said the bench on Darlington Road is the best thing.”
