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Written by Mark Burton
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Tuesday, 09 February 2010 |
 At the last General election in 2005, 61.3% of the population voted, but here in Darlington just 39,451 out of a possible 64,797 took part and even more worrying, younger people here are around half as likely to vote.
I’d like the residents of Harrowgate Hill to be an exception to the rule, by bucking the trend and voting. That includes younger people and first time voters, who have never been allowed to vote before.
Sammie Weller is a first time voter from Harrowgate Hill. She was Darlington's Young Citizen of the Year for her work with St Johns Ambulance and fundraising for Darlington Memorial Hospital's Children's Ward. She’s supporting Jenny's work to encourage more young people like her to vote at the general election.
It is important to vote but if you’re too busy or you don’t believe you’ll be able to make it to the polling station come Election Day; there is another way to cast your vote easily.
Postal Voting is one of the quickest and easiest ways to vote. And you can register to do this by simply contacting Darlington Borough Council’s Democratic Department on 388 387. It is worth noting that any new Postal Vote application form must be completed and returned 11 working days before the election.
We get the politicians we deserve, so join in and make sure we elect a Darlington person this time. The election in Darlington is all about the Tories ‘v’ Labour, and Jenny Chapman is the only local candidate with a chance of winning, who hasn’t tried to stand in any other town.
Remember, getting a Postal Vote couldn't be easier, ring the Democratic department on 388 387 or click here to visit their webpage.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 09 February 2010 )
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Beaumont School Sites Development Goes to Planning Committee |
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Written by Mark Burton
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Thursday, 04 February 2010 |
All three planning applications for the development of the three former Beaumont Hill first, middle and senior School sites are set to be considered by the Planning Applications Committee on Wednesday the 10th February 2010 at 13:30
Fabrick Housing Group Ltd have submitted 3 applications for the building of 34 homes on the former First School site, 40 on the Middle School and 32 on the Senior School, providing a total of 106 new homes, 30% of which will be “affordable housing” and these will be evenly distributed around the three sites.
Should these applications be granted, through the sale of the sites, it is proposed that the Council will be arranging for associated highway works consisting of the resurfacing of Glebe Road, the construction of a left-hand turn lane from Glebe Road onto Salters Lane North, the upgrading of Green Lane to the south of the Middle School site, which serves as a direct off-road link to Whinfield District Centre, 2 fully equipped pairs of bus stops and shelters for Glebe Road and Laburnum Road.
In addition there will be improved barriers provided to the entrance of Skerringham Community Woodland, improved surfacing at Skerringham Community Woodland and overhead signage and an interpretation board in relation to Skerringham Community Woodland.
The Council’s Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document requires an element of affordable housing where the development is within the urban area and as these application’s include 30% affordable housing it is considered that this is an acceptable alternative route to take instead of a Section 106 Agreement and will enable a prompt decision to be made on the planning application, in line with Government requirements that Councils reduce undue delays for developers, especially in the current economic climate.
Residents of Saltersgate Road and users of the football field on Glebe Road will be be please to read that there is also a recommendation, within each report, to secure a developer contribution towards the improvement (in terms of drainage) of the football field on Glebe Road as an acceptable means of fulfilling the open space enhancement requirement contained within the Council’s Supplementary Planning Guidance.
Links
>>>Northern Echo [Residents request football facilities on former school site]
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 04 February 2010 )
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Litter and Dog Mess in Harrowgate Hill |
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Written by Mark Burton
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Thursday, 28 January 2010 |
 As the snow has melted there has been an increase in the number of dog dirt patches reported all over the ward; Bensham Park, Drinkfield Marsh, Harrowgate Farm, Davison Road, Washbrook Drive and Lowson Street are to name but a few.
New and additional dog waste bins have been located at; the end of the path way to Bensham Park, near to the end of Washbrook Drive, in the cut between the far end of Washbrook Drive and Newlyn Drive and on the corner of Lowson Street and Bowman Street - in an effort to aid dog owners with their responsibility in clearing up after their dogs.
Is the increase simply as a result of preserved dog mess being uncovered over the period of freezing weather? I’m not sure, either way if owners had cleared up after their dogs, we would not be in the situation we are now with the increase in the number of dog dirt patches reported all over the ward.
Darlington Borough Council’s Dog Wardens have been asked to blitz the area and ticket dog owners, on the spot, should they fail to clear up. Responsible dog owners and all residents are asked to report any dog walker who they see not clearing up after their dogs and to take a note of the breed of dog/s, the clothing worn by the owner, the time and date.
I’ve also received complaints from residents living on North Road, near to the Coop, with regards to litter. There is a bin outside the shop, provided by the shop and another on the bus stop a little way up north Road.
I asked Street Scene if a larger bin could be located in the area as the bins provided at present aren’t sufficient. Uniformed Neighbourhood Warden’s have carried out some monitoring in the area, and have jointly agreed that Street Scene will install a floor mounted litter bin on the pavement near this location which should improve the situation with regards to both the litter and dog foul problems in both the Lowson Street and North Road area. |
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 28 January 2010 )
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Police Enforcement on Burtree Lane |
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Written by Mark Burton
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Wednesday, 27 January 2010 |
 Residents of Burtree Lane and Harrowgate Farm contacted me with their concerns over speeding on Burtree Lane.
Residents said vehicles travelling along this road were often driving in excess of 60mph as they approached the mini roundabout at Trevone Way.
After raising these concerns with Council Officers, a traffic survey was undertaken, and it has been proven that vehicles are speeding in excess of 40mph.
On 8 December 2009 Council Officers issued a 'Problem Profile' to Durham Constabulary requesting them to provide a level of enforcement on Burtree Lane.
This enforcement will remain in place for some time and the police have been asked to provide prosecution details of those caught spending. Times and duration of enforcement are up to the Police and they could appear at any time for any period.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 27 January 2010 )
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Igloo building with washing-up bowls |
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Written by Mark Burton
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Wednesday, 27 January 2010 |
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Just in case you miss the snow...
here are some photos of an igloo Chloe, Lauren, Emily, Ellie and Lucy (all from Longfield School) built using washing-up bowls!
Click on the Read More link below to view more images
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 27 January 2010 )
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