Our last post considered the fraught history of the topic of a safe crossing point at Barker and Stonehouse, Victoria Road.
On Saturday 3 October 2015 a group of local residents set up shop at the crossing to speak to pedestrians. The initiative was in answer to a flawed survey conducted on behalf of Persimmon.
The result was astonishing. In the course of two and a half hours - from 11.15 am to 1.45 pm - 232 individuals signed up to the petition calling for Darlington Council Planning Committee to reject Persimmon's application and to ensure a safe crossing point as was originally promised.
Following on from this, residents launched the new Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaRoadCrossing/. This has gone viral. With a total reach in just over 24 hours of 1,501, 88 page 'likes', 599 post clicks, 31 comments, and 8 shares, the page has received universal approval and support. Amanda Llewellyn's post alone had a reach of 210 visitors.
What will the Planning Committee make of this? We understand that they may meet as early as next week. Will they permit a removal of the condition? If they do, how will you feel about it? In the absence of a proper crossing point, how can residents and visitors be kept safe at this crossing point?
