PROJECTS to improve an upper dale village will soon begin after councillors drew up a plan of action.
Middleton-in-Teesdale and Newbiggin Parish Council decided on four new schemes to help improve Middleton-in-Teesdale. It was decided in January that footpaths, seating, information boards and the Bainbridge Memorial Fountain would all take priority during the coming year.
Speaking at the last meeting parish clerk Judith Mashiter said: “As councillors you decided to do four main projects. The car park issue is not something you as councillors allocated money to but it is something of paramount importance and you want to do something about it. It was agreed that the dementia-friendly village would not need much resource and would be something you would want to pursue. I think there needs to be some delegation so we know what needs to be done.”
Councillors are hoping that they will be able to replace one of the village’s notice boards. It was suggested that the parish council could apply for some funding from the Pennine Way National Trails to pays for new signage which will benefit visitors. It was noted that the information on the board would have to be connected with the Pennine Way which passes nearby. Cllr Christine Gilbert said: “The big wooden notice board that we have is not where we want it to be. I think we need to be doing something different.”
It was agreed that Ms Mashiter would ask Durham County Council to remove the existing triangular sign and seek permission to replace it with a new noticeboard.
However, if this isn’t possible, the parish council agreed that it would still apply for the grant money which would be used to replace styles between the village and Holwick instead.
Cllr John Miller said: “Some are okay but some are pretty awful particularly the ladder style one.
“If anyone tries to take an animal over, it will break its legs.”
There will also be a focus on footpaths throughout the village. A £10,000 family friendly walking route is planned with financial support from Durham County Council.
Cllr Andy Mitchell is compiling a report and photographs which will identify exactly where work needs to be carried out to improve the existing footpaths.
Councillors agreed to discuss the Bainbridge Memorial Fountain at a later date after grant funding sources had been sought.
Seating around the village has also been earmarked for repair. Councillors are looking to give residents the chance to adopt a bench so they are responsible for its maintenance.
Cllr Gilbert said: “Can I suggest we work from the centre of the village outwards so that it looks as smart as we can.”
Cllr Miller said: “I think the first part to do is the village greens.”
Chairman Cllr Adam Hearn said: “I personally don’t think the plastic benches are the most attractive. The one at Beck Road has never struck me as being particularly pretty.”
Cllr Gilbert said: “It is not beautiful but at least it does not look like it is falling apart.”
Cllr Miller and Cllr Sue Bainbridge agreed to take a closer look at the state of the village’s seating.
