With widespread excitement about the Big Spring Clean (with a provisional date and time of 6 April from 0930 hrs) , the South Terrace blogging team decided to do a feature on the top five gardens of South Terrace.
Clearly, the season is against 'us gardeners'. February is hardly the time to advertise our gardening prowess, but perhaps a good time to get the 'before' and 'after' photographs?
First, of course, is no 7 with 'TheBest Hedge' Award for 2012, and indeed all preceding years since the hedge was just a series of twigs. Will no 7 retain it's crown in 2013? Our expert panel of gardeners said "the hedge at no 7 is masterful. It's nearest rival is currently looking shaky, but you can never tell when it comes to the underdog". "All that no 8 needs is a decent pair of shears".
The 'Best Lawn' Award resulted in a dead heat. The two gardens (nos 16 & 17) above were adjudged by our panel of garden experts to be "excellent for the time of year".
The 'Most Promising Garden' Award went to no 22. Very much 'work in progress', the panel of experts said "Trent's garden has shown a 200% improvement since he dug it". Trent also took the 'Ecological Garden' Award...for the presence of a water butt and worm bin.
The 'Garden in Bloom' Award went to no 24. Dot has managed what most of us can only dream of doing...colour in February. Well done Dot!
The South Terrace 'Most Artistic Garden' Award went to no 23. Our gardening panel said "This has to be the most delightful garden on the terrace, combining style and functionality with great artistic flair". Just what you would expect from the Chair of the residents' group.
Not making it into the top five (some would say because of the scruffy hedge), the Gardening Panel mentioned the garden at no 8. "We think he should spend more time gardening, and less time blogging" was their criticism, although they did say that this garden could be redeemed with a little "love and attention".
Would you believe that only a tiny handful of residents in South Terrace and Pease Cottages do not access the internet? Of those who don't, I sense that this is a considered choice. But if any resident would like to see what internet access has to offer, are there any volunteers who would be willing to assist them?
Assistance would involve a 30 minute guided internet familiarisation tour for those who have not used the web, followed by a little advice on internet options.
See me or Stephanie for more information about offering your services
Since the 1960's the amount of litter dropped in the UK has risen by 500%. Nearly 50% of the population admit to dropping litter, and 30% of drivers admit to throwing it while driving.
In 2004/5 English (not UK) local authorities spent a total of £574 million on cleaning roads and streets and by 2009/10 it had risen by 49% to £885 million.
We pay our council tax so that someone can come along and pick up litter. Right?
Well no, not exactly. Whilst litter picking is a part of the council's Street Scene remit, the responsibility cannot end there. In truth, the council does not have the resources for litter picking initiatives - the days of the road sweeper have gone - to be replaced by the occasional visit by Darlington's mechanical 'street sweepers'.
Just two weeks ago the council's Street Scene operators tackled some of the problems of litter in Victoria Road. Unfortunately, their efforts did not extend to the planted bank at the rear of nos 8 - 24 South Terrace.
Some residents of South Terrace will have seen me picking up the odd can or fast-food wrapper from Feethams South, to place it in one of the bins at the Victoria Road junction. I work on the assumption that, if the place looks a mess, it will get worse. The signal that comes from a clean street is that someone cares.
From 18 March to 12 May 2013Darlington Council is planning to deliver the Big Spring Clean. Might we get involved? One very useful venture would be to tackle the Victoria Road bank.
I would be prepared to coordinate a Saturday or Sunday 'Spring Clean' day, focussing on South Terrace, the back lanes and the Victoria Road bank. The council will provide 'litter pickers' and litter sacks. We will only need to provide our own gloves and refreshments.
With the 'Spring Clean', we could organise our own civic attack on the Victoria Road bank with a GuerrillaGardening style event - The 'Big South Terrace Plant'. This could include shade loving shrubs and spring bulbs to face the Victoria Road side of the bank, giving both the joy of colour, and that little extra privacy and security at the rear of South Terrace. Left, the dull corner of Victoria Road and Feethams South.
Right, looking west up Victoria Road towards Sainsburys.
Left, the fairly bare bank at the rear of Pease Cottages.
Those who are not in a position or do no wish to assist with the active work are invited to help Stephanie with the refreshments - a trestle table, seats, tea urn and cakes (if anyone is willing to bake) will be set up at the rear of no 8.
Who said we cannot make a difference if we wish to do do? Comments below.......
The balance of car permit spaces - and those with permits, seems to be favourable at the moment. It is infrequent that we find that all the spaces have been taken, for spaces freed up after 5.00 pm become available for returning residents. Ease of parking on the terrace has not always been the case, and depends much on the demographic balance. There are, in fact, 30 parking spaces on South Terrace, of which 19 require permits - 5 at the bottom of the terrace, 6 in the middle and 8 at the top. This leaves 4 free spaces at the bottom right of the terrace and 7 in the middle section. With 24 households and 8 cottages, some of which -and I confess that I am one - have more than one car permit - parking can become tight. Fortunately, we have a number of residents who do not own a car, do not require a permit nor need a parking space. Their contribution to the rest of us is considerable. But, with the gradual change that happens here, we cannot count on this balance. Adelle's lovely number 3 is marketed for sale with Ann Cordey (search on price £179.950 - 2 bedroom - terrace) and number 21 is to be re-let shortly. With change and minor adjustments to car use, parking could again become a difficulty. The temptation is to say, as it is not a problem now, that we need not concern ourselves. But are there ways in which parking here could be eased for the future?
It would be possible to provide a further three car spaces. The middle 'permitted' bays could be extended down towards Feethams South with the addition of two further parking spaces. Although the council state that there need to be restrictions on parking proximate to the access crossing points, in reality a further two bays would not inhibit crossing here. Likewise, a further single bay could be added to the 'free' bay section at the lower end of the terrace without affecting access to the Cricket Club gates.
A more controversial issue, is whether the 'free' bays should remain free?
In my previous blog I raised the issue of non-residents working in the town centre using South Terrace for day-time parking. As I indicated there, non-residents cannot be criticised for locating such convenient parking close to town, and for exploiting the opportunity to park in such a safe neighbourhood. But this does create problems for residents who may have friends and relations visiting, expect workmen, deliveries, or await nursing or caring attendance. Whether it be a son, daughter, parent, hairdresser or plumber, the absence of a parking space during the day can be a major issue, exacerbated by the council's new policy of charging workmen £5 for a day permit to use a residents bay.
Is not now the time to seek to have some control over the 'free' bays? One suggestion was that the council could issue residents with a carnet of 'day permits'. Similar methods have been used in York, but not without issues. The council would charge for the carnet, and numbers of day permits may be limited per household.
Is there a single and easily managed solution?
For my part, I would suggest that residents with a permit who work from home, or who are not planning to be away during the day, park in first instance in 'free' spaces. If these are not available first thing in the morning, the regular non-resident parkers will look elsewhere, and perhaps park in one of the council's many town centre car parks, adding a well-needed contribution to the council's budget.
Those residents willing to release a 'free' space to another resident during the day could simply place a numbered yellow card on their dash board, the number indicating their house. In this way, another resident wanting a space during the day could access one without difficulty. Such a collaborative scheme would require no outside intervention and would be entirely self-regulating.
I am sure that residents will have some views on the matter, and invite you to make a comment at the foot of this blog. Your ideas could make all the difference to both parking on the terrace and the harmony that we enjoy here. Whilst on the topic of parking, here is the latest message from Darlington Neighbourhood Police Teams. "There has been an increase in the theft of vehicle parts from un-attended cars overnight in the Darlington area. Thieves appear to be targeting small Ford and Peugeot vehicles and taking parts such as wing mirrors, wheel trims and bumpers without causing other damage. Residents are asked to report any suspicious activity to the police on the non-emergency number 101 or on 999 if a crime is being committed. DC 637 Phil COLLINGWOOD is investigating these crimes and can be contacted on 01325 742274 or by email on phil.collingwood@durham.pnn.police.uk."
Yesterday, a digger arrived at Feethams South. Dave B opened the side gates and in it went. It dug a little, then left.
Carla H informs me that Esh Group have exercised their option with the Cricket Club to complete their purchase of the football field (as it then was), and it seems that substantial funds have hit the Cricket Club's books. The blogger cannot imagine that Esh Group will have paid out without planning to go ahead with the development, although their web site is rather silent on the matter.
So, does that mean that 2013 will see the start of building works at Feethams? Brian Johnson, Cricket Club Chairman told the Northern Echo in May of last year that building would start later that summer. Was Aido right in his comment last September? Is this the end of Feethams as a World Heritage Site? Do take a look at Shaun Campbell's video for the Arthur Wharton Foundation.
It will be interesting to see whether Esh Group are able to honour their promises to ensure that the development goes ahead without too much impact on South Terrace. I sense that amongst the first steps will be the issue of access - opening and re-building the access road. Of course we will keep you posted of any developments here on the blog. Do contribute your thoughts and fears in the 'comment' box at the bottom of this blog.
Feethams North
For those of you who have not viewed the plans for the new cinema and leisure complex, here is an animated video (click the link), and here is the developer's web site.
The developers have set up a Facebook page. I notice an absence of critical review. Maybe this is just because everyone is delighted at the proposals. For my part, I believe that it will improve the Feethams North area. Whilst the car park was useful, it was a total waste of a highly visible site. I admire the way in which it provides a 21st century focus on the Skerne, which is long overdue.
For those with a spare £30m, now is your opportunity to invest if you follow this link.
And for those who are interested in how the plans match the original vision, below is an extract from the Urban Design Analysis. Note towards the end the mention of "site permeability". Does this mean that we will get our Barker and Stonehouse crossing?
"The southern and eastern flanks of the site are flanked by the inner ring road
and roundabout making the site very prominent for vehicular traffic and as
such can be seen as a 'shop window' for Darlington for through travellers and
as such a key gateway to the town centre. Additionally the proximity of the
area to the main pedestrian exit from the railway station on the East Coast
Mainline further raises the areas gateway status".
"The predominant pedestrian movement desire pattern is across the site from
east to west and vice versa. Many people pass along the edges of the area in
this direction but pedestrian penetration within the area is relatively poor.
There are three pedestrian crossing points across the ring road to the east
with varying levels of deflection. A significant north south route passes by the
western flank of the area predominantly used by pedestrians going between
Sainsbury's store and the town centre. Where permeability exists it is well
used. For example, the small street or lane that runs from Houndgate to
Beaumont Street between the car parks has a higher footfall than its amenity
might suggest. Some of the finer grain historic yards close by are not as well
used as they could be due to poor active frontages and poor amenity.
The River Skerne acts as an edge and as such restricts movement. Leadyard
Bridge is a popular route but the fenced off area at the edge of the Town Hall
car park prevents another crossing opportunity being available. Running
between the River and the inner ring road a pedestrian and cycle path
affords ‘around town’ pedestrian journeys, connected again via Leadyard
Bridge. The chicane outside the Town Hall reduces traffic speed allowing a
relatively safe pedestrian crossing point and the retention of this historic
desire line and route".
"Opportunities exist to improve permeability across the site in all directions.
There is also the chance to create a riverside promenade for pedestrians and
cyclists, overlooked with active frontages".
To help South Terrace residents, whilst on the subject of cons and scams, here is some excellent advice from the Metropolitan Police concerning unwanted and unsolicited mail, marketing and telephone calls.
---------- Marketing phone calls, unsolicited letters and email are legitimate marketing practices for many companies. However, silent phone calls and ‘junk’ mail can be misleading, a nuisance and distressing. They can also be attempts to commit fraud against you or obtain your banking or other details for ID fraud.
Silent phone calls often happen when a computer has dialled several phone numbers. Only the first person to answer is spoken to and the remainder get a ‘silent call’. Often the call will be a competition or offer but it may be a message to call a premium rate number.
Never disclose security information to people that have called you. Take their details and ring them back on the number that you have for them, shown on your bill or card.
Unsolicited mail should be treated with caution and never reply to something that you believe or suspect to be a fraud. Contact genuine organisations and ask to be removed from their mailing lists. When filling out a form, find out how the information is used. Consider opting out.
The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) is the largest trade association for the marketing and communications sector. Their preference services block unwanted mail, telephone calls and faxes.
The Royal Mail delivers letters addressed to ‘the occupier’. These can be opted out of by emailing optout@royalmail.com or telephoning 08457 950 950.
Electoral Roll (Voters Register)
In order to avoid your electoral register details being publicly available on the web and to marketing companies, tick the box on your registration form to opt out from the ‘edited’ register.
Phone Calls and Call Costs
Unwanted phone calls can be much more than a nuisance and phone calls can cost far more than expected.
Do not assume that a telephone number identifies where the phone is. Fraudsters will use call redirect facilities to direct calls to other countries or mobile phones.
Call costs vary significantly according to the phone company and where the number the call is to.
Most price plans have a number of ‘inclusive’ calls but these are only to numbers beginning 01, 02 and the new 03 non-geographic numbers.
0800 numbers are ‘freephone’ numbers on land lines only - most mobile operators charge your ‘’normal’ rate to call these numbers which can be 50p per minute.
0845, 0870 and other numbers beginning 084 and 087 are ‘revenue sharing’ non-geographic numbers most commonly used by call centres anywhere in the world. The calls can cost as much as 10p per minute, with the company taking a share of the cost.
070 numbers were designated as business numbers allowing calls to connect to people on the move. They are however, used frequently by fraudsters to avoid detection.
Calls to 090 numbers involve a payment, this can be up to £1.50 per minute. Many prize competitions ask for a ‘call back’ on these numbers at great cost to the unwary. The competition may be completely legal.
Alternative numbers to 0870, 0845 and other non-geographic numbers can be found on the 'Say no to 0870' site.
Check your bills regularly and understand the charges.
Below is a message from Darlington Neighbourhood Police Teams. I have come across this man twice, and he approached my son once. He is not a danger to passers-by, but more of a nuisance. His plea for money is fairly convincing at first encounter, and our advice is not to be drawn. Follow the advice and ring 101 to report his whereabouts. -------- Police in Darlington are appealing for information after people have been duped into parting with money by a man claiming to be injured and in need of help.
Members of the public have reported being approached by a man in the vicinity of the town’s Civic Theatre, Victoria Road and in car parks.
“We believe a man has approached a number of people and conned them out of money by claiming to have been assaulted and in need of medical help. He appears vulnerable and on occasions people have given him cash to help him on his way. While his behaviour is not threatening, he is portraying himself as something he is not and is deceiving people to obtain money fraudulently. “Clearly right-thinking members of the public would want to help someone in genuine need of assistance but this man’s claims that he can cope if he has money to get himself such help should make people suspicious,” said Sergeant Andy Jackson.
Anyone who thinks they have been approached by this man is asked to contact police in Darlington via the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Thursday 14 February 2013
From Durham Neighbourhood Police Teams Police in Darlington are encouraging people to make sure their pedal cycles are secure following a spate of thefts across the town.
Neighbourhood Inspector for Darlington Mick Button said "We have seen an increase in the number of bikes reported stolen over the last few weeks and we would urge people to think about how secure their bike is when they put it away. Good quality security locks and storing the bike out of sight in a secure shed are both good deterrents for opportunist thieves."
Between the 1st & 2nd February a pedal cycle was stolen from Quaker Lane. It seems that back lanes and back yards are being targeted. It may be worth ensuring that any items of value are not visible from the back of a flatback van, should one happen to enter the lane.
For more advice and information about how to make your bike more secure visit www.bikeregister.com/
You may have noticed our new Neighbourhood Watch signs? We have two - one posted high on the first lamp post as you enter Feethams South, and the other on the right hand parking sign against the Cricket Club main gates. We are hoping that they provide a visible deterrent to criminals, especially as they carry the 'SmartWater' logo. Seeing them will establish that we have an attentive community with a high level of observation and security.
Stephanie has undertaken her first 'SmartWater' run - with orders from residents. Due to demand, she will be making another visit to Central House later in the week, so if you would like to place an order, now is your chance. I know that I appear to be pushing this fairly hard, but the very best way to protect your property is to both mark and register it. Marking hundreds of items for £10 seems a bargain to me! If you are interested, don't delay until it is too late.
Two issues have arisen of late. The first is that Esh Group have completed their purchase of the Football field site from the Cricket Club, who are now in funds. This means that the proposed development will be going ahead, probably this year. We shall keep you informed of developments, so this is the time to sign up for this blog, or put your name on the email list to be notified of postings. Clearly, the more cohesive our group appears, the more attention we shall be given by the developers - and the council whose job it is to oversee aspects of the development.
The other issue relates to Sainsburys. Since last year's felling of trees on our western boundary, the supermarket has become unnecessarily prominent, especially to residents living towards the upper end of the terrace and Pease Cottages. Our current plan is to approach Sainsburys management to secure re-planting of the boundary, with both fast growing cypress and a hard-wood back-planting. We are also to request that the red neon signs are turned off out of hours. The final issue is the loud speaker system for the service station forecourt. Residents understandably complain that the volume and extent of use is intrusive and inappropriate. If any residents have other concerns, now is the time to mention them to Lorraine, Karl, Stephanie or me.
I would like to raise two other matters. Parking in the terrace can at times be quite fraught. We have a limited number of 'free spaces' that seem to be taken quickly each morning by non-residents who work in the town centre. Some apparently arrive and wait for a resident to leave so that they can park. I do not criticise them, for South Terrace is a great, secure place to leave a car. But I recognise that this comes at a price to residents, especially those expecting workmen or other visitors. I would like your suggestions as to how (if at all) this matter should be handled? Feel free to leave a comment at the foot of this posting if you have a view on the matter.
Many of us are concerned at the absence of traffic control at the pedestrian crossing point between Feethams South and Barker and Stonehouse. This has been a running issue with the council who seem deaf to our complaints. Despite letters to the press, this location is still a danger to those of us who walk to town and have to take our lives in our hands when crossing Victoria Road. If you support action on this issue, simply record your interest by a comment below.
Finally, it was with great sadness that we learned of the death of Terry at number 21. He was in the prime of life, and for those that knew him, a most likeable man. Many will have only seen him in passing, as he spent much of his time travelling for his work. Trent describes him as 'a true gentleman'. He will be missed.
Have you heard of 'SmartWater'? I have to confess that before coordinating the South Terrace Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, I had seen posters but had no idea how it worked. 'SmartWater' is being used across the UK to combat crime. The concept is that with a dab of 'SmartWater', your possessions are permanently marked and re-traceable to you. It is a coding system that carries an individual marker that is virtually impossible to remove and can only be detected by those with a 'SmartWater' reader. Each applicator contains a distinct chemical marker. The smallest trace can be submitted to the 'SmartWater' laboratory where its' code can be read and matched to the owner of the property. Criminals across the country are now gaining knowledge of the consequence of 'SmartWater' markings. Not only can they not remove the chemical traces, but they know that homes with this protection will provide a worthless haul. Traders that receive marked items are under a duty to report the fact, although for added security, only the SmartWater laboratory will have access to your security information. 'SmartWater' is now available through our scheme at 25% of the retail cost. For just £10.00 you will receive your bespoke 'home coding' system. Items touched with just a dab from the SmartWater applicator are indelibly marked for 20 years, and traceable back to you. With the pack you will receive permanent property stickers and window stickers. Once marked, thieves in the know will ignore your home. You may purchase 'SmartWater' at Central House, Gladstone Street, taking identity documents; or simply see Stephanie who will do this for you. She already has orders and will collect your 'SmartWater' pack at cost price.
It will be a source of confidence for residents that our new Neighbourhood Watch Scheme here at South Terrace which started in January 2013 now has almost 100% membership. This means that we have thirty one households participating. Those of you with Facebook accounts will have joined our South Terrace Facebook Group and will be used to accessing both security and general information affecting the terrace there.
But it became evident that, of twenty one households that access the internet, some residents do not have, nor wish to open a Facebook account. So we needed to find a way to ensure that as many resident members as possible could get the information that is posted there.
Hence the blog. I shall be posting similar information here to that on the Facebook group page (which shall continue), but the blog will allow for a few more in-depth discussions of issues affecting us, such as the imminent Esh development of the Feethams football ground, and proposals concerning issues arising from the Sainsbury development.
That you have visited the blog is a great start. May I encourage you to subscribe by clicking the 'Join the Site' button on the right side of the page, or 'Follow by email'. This way you will keep totally up-to-date with developments here, and with the security news from Durham Police and Darlington Neighbourhood Watch organisation. It will also enable you to contribute to postings by adding your comments.
