Barker and Stonehouse crossing

It is easy to become cynical.

There was a time when Persimmon Homes courted us as residents. They arranged a special information event at the Cricket Club to which we were invited. They explained their proposals for development of the old Feethams football field, promised us a river-side walkway and a pelican crossing.

Then the site was transferred to their subsidiary, Charles Church. Once planning requirements no longer required low-profit affordable housing, a new application quickly appeared. Once road building was underway, the riverside walk disappeared.

And now, the promise of a pelican crossing is to be reneged.

Planning application ref 15/00795/FUL is Persimmon's move to avoid funding a pelican crossing between Feethams South and Barker and Stonehouse.

Originally there was a controlled crossing at this point, but it was moved when the supermarket sought planning for its store. In its place was a centre carriageway refuge, access to which is fraught with danger. Vehicles leaving the roundabout hit speeds up to 40 mph by the time they reach Feethams South, resulting in pedestrians running for their lives.

Some would say that the presence of other crossings in Victoria Road would suffice. If that be true, why is it that on frequent occasions throughout the day and night, pedestrians collect like wildebeests waiting to cross a crocodile infested river?

The truth of the matter is that this is a significant crossing point for residents, visitors and passers-by. In 2006 this blogger wrote to John Ray, then Highways manager to report a near accident on Tuesday 12th September 2006 when a 30 year old male was nearly hit by a Vauxhall travelling west from the roundabout up Victoria Road. On 5 March 2009 I wrote of the demolition of railings at this location. In June 2011 I reported the fourth significant traffic event in just over 4 years.

1 October is given as the closing date for objections to the proposed amendment of planning consent.

It is important that we mobilise every resource available to us to prevent the loss of a proper crossing point.

In my next blog, I will suggest ways of evidencing the need. In the meantime, I urge readers to register their objections with Andrew Harker, either on line here or by phoning him on 01325 406488, quoting reference 15/00795/FUL.

Functioning as a community

The apprehension of three burglars here at South Terrace reminds us of the benefits of working together as a community.

In the early hours of Saturday morning, our 'early-warning-system' alerted police to the fact that a home had been entered, and as a result, those involved were apprehended red-handed either inside the premises or just outside with stolen property. The criminals were detained and have been remanded in custody by the magistrates, as they make their way to Crown Court.

Leaving aside the superb support that we got from the rapid response of uniformed officers from Darlington Police, the episode shows how - when organised effectively - a community can bring a dynamic layer of protection to its residents. In a text book operation, a serious crime was intersected, perpetrators caught, premises protected and stolen items recovered.

This is a huge benefit of living here in South Terrace. We are one of very few local communities that can consistently be described as functional. That is not to say that neighbours will not have the usual problems or issues from time to time; but it speaks volumes about the way in which we organise ourselves, communicate, and keep an eye out for other residents and their interests.

It is right to say that community does not simply happen. It requires work, and a degree of commitment.

So, what better reason for speaking to our neighbours, baking a cake, moving a bin, picking up litter, keeping an eye on more vulnerable residents, or simply giving a wave?

Our community is precisely that - our's. Those outside will neither fight our corner nor deliver compassion. Thinking 'community' and valuing the benefits is the very best way to maintain the joy of living here and cherishing the most prominent community here in Darlington.


South Terrace Residents' Group Chair - in charge!

 A very rare photograph showing Karl, South Terrace Residents' Group's treasurer....working!