Rat running has been an issue here for quite some time, long before I was elected. Over the years, to my knowledge, there has been three traffic surveys carried out and the results from each have proven that residents’ initial concerns are correct.

One of the first ideas to help here was to introduce a ‘20 mph zone’ but for the police to enforce this they requested that some form of road calming be installed… namely road humps. But following further communication with residents; through the ward newsletter, direct mail, email and telephone it was pointed out that this type of scheme would not be appropriate due to The Leas being a funeral route.

Following that, some residents came up with other suggestions and although it has taken some time - I recently put these suggestions forward to the rest of the residents living in The Leas, Bensham Road, Brian Road and The Gateway to see what they thought and this is where we are presently.

Of the 200 letters distributed; 57 residents have already responded and the results of this survey will be fed back to residents at the end of February.

<Veiw a larger image of residents suggestions by clicking here>

I’m disappointed to learn of the ‘deals’ our Council have already apparently struck with McInerney Homes... should they obtain planning permission to build these new homes on the former Beaumont Hill school sites.

I could be wrong, but I can not recollect residents being consulted on these particular agreements. The noleft- turn system from Glebe Road onto Salters Lane North or the provision of bus shelters; whilst I appreciate that nationally there is a drive to encourage more people to ‘get out of their cars’ and use public services more, have residents actually requested these? Would residents welcome these in this area?

We’re all aware of residents concerns about anti social behaviour here and I for one foresee problems with these shelters being vandalised. Recently the no. 23 bus came under attack when a brick was thrown and struck the driver, consequently this bus service has been temporarily suspended after 6pm from a particular route though the area.

One of the other main concerns for residents living here is parking and the unavoidable destruction of grass verges. I’ve been working for some time now for not only this area but many roads within the ward to be prioritised and to obtain funding so as consultation with residents can take place to learn of whom would like their roads grass verges either protected or hardened.

It’s not very often developments such as these take place in any area and where there are possibilities/ opportunities to make improvements other than through the public purse - it’s important that residents are listened to.

If it is the case that these deals have been struck without first consulting with residents, I plan to address council officers and request that in future consultation does take place.

The Council recognises the growing problem of cars parking on verges outside their property so as not to obstruct the movement of traffic on the road. In many locations there is not an alternative as many households have more than one vehicle and they are restricted to the number of vehicles they can get on to their own property.

When damage occurs to the verge it is very hard to apportion blame for the damage as it is impossible to prove that only one vehicle has parked on the particular length of damaged verge and when the highway inspector for an area visits and sees the damage they will contact the owners to have the verge reinstated. However, if building work is taking place to the property and damage has occurred due to this work, the Council will approach the owner of the property to make the verge area safe and reinstate the area after completion of the works.

UPDATE - Preferred Developer

Today I had word from Darlington Borough Councils’ Estates and Property, Corporate Services Department that the preferred developer is McInerney Homes and that they are now currently working with the Borough Councils’ solicitors with a view to finalising the form of contract.

They said ‘It is anticipated that an exchange of contracts will take place very shortly and that the sale will be completed once the requisite planning approvals have been obtained’.

‘Public Consultations have been undertaken by the developer and the planning application, if it hasn't already, is about to be submitted’.

Having checked with McInerney Homes today I’ve been informed that the planning application was submitted on Friday the 25th January 2008.

Please note that residents will be contacted by the planning department and you will be given the opportunity to view the planning application and submit any comments you may have.

I’ll endeavour to keep you up-to-date as soon as I hear anything further.