The Big Plant - Britain's Smallest Park

'The traffic will be stopped...
The road closed...
Bands will be playing...
Hot air balloons will be launched...
'Miss Darlington' will be here, and the Mayor to cut the ribbon.......'

Ok, maybe not quite that organised. But the South Terrace diggers and the planters will be reporting for duty between 0915 and 1300 hours in the back lane west at the rear of South Terrace.

The event, of course, is 'The Big Plant', intended to re-define horticulture at the gateway to our Feethams Village, creating the latest and smallest park in Britain - the 'Councillor Gerald Lee Pocket Park', named after the town's Mayor - one man who has done the most for a litter-free Darlington.

On 6 June - as you know - about 20 residents and Guerilla Gardeners gathered to attack a scrap of land beneath the billboard hoarding at 82 Victoria Road - near the Barker and Stonehouse roundabout. We set about 25 square yards with our spades, forks and even a pick. Eight sack-fulls of rubbish later, the ground was cleaned and cleared, ready for planting. We were there; and we will be returning for 'The Big Plant'.

21 June is a long and magical day. 21 is the smallest number of differently sized squares needed to square the square. So it is a highly appropriate day to undertake squaring our oblong smallest park. 

Our aim for the day is to set out our brand new pocket park, pegging the area for sitting and for footpaths, and to plant up the remainder. We are expecting lots of plants - colourful, herbaceous, evergreen, annual, shrubs, flowers, ground-cover, creeping, climbing, ancient and modern. Where possible they should be able to withstand a north facing exposed plot beside a busy road. But gardening is a pursuit of chance - everything will be given a place - and those that survive will prosper.

Litchfield is watching as their UK title to 'The Smallest Park' evaporates. Naturally, we shall have the security of South Terrace's domestic pets on hand to calm any Staffordshire intruders and spoilers. Additionally, we will deploy South Terrace's secret weapon - the 'Stephanie Tea Stall' - which will be serving tea and biscuits to the workers and residents.

As you are gathering, the event is generating huge interest, both locally and regionally. Radio Tees are to attend from 0915 hours, and the Northern Echo is desperate to get their fill of photos. For those who have grandchildren, remember - this is the day that you will be recalling to them over the next few decades as the day you took control, and created Britain's Smallest Park.

The Big Dig ....a big success.

Its Saturday 7 June...famous as the day of 'The Big Dig'.

Developing the 'Smallest Park in Britain' got off to a good start with South Terrace Residents joined by Darlington's Guerilla Gardeners.

 

Removing perennial weeds and couch grass was quite a task.

 

  

We recovered broken flags and parts of the original railings, together with coins and other trophies.

 

Now, the site is clear and ready for laying out and planting. That is the exciting phase.

Join us on Saturday 21 June for 'The Big Plant'

Gerald Lee Park - the latest news

Building the smallest park in Britain in Victoria Road didn't present as the most 'catchy' idea for South Terrace Residents' Group - but the media have thought otherwise.

The Northern Echo and BBC Radio Tees gave it such prominence that even Burntwood Park in the Borough of Lichfield have got cold feet about their petite position on the podium. Amanda Llewellyn, our project co-ordinator, wowed the listeners of Radio Tees and the story went viral.

But - our ground-work preparation is yet to happen, and time is tight. The provisional day for the Grand Opening of the 'Smallest Park in Britain' is Tuesday 29 July, when the Mayor, Councillor Gerald Lee (wearing his Mayoral chain) and assisted by the children of South Terrace will cut the tape.

Gerald Lee and 'The First Dig'

Our days of action are to be 'The Big Dig' on Saturday 7 June, and 'The Big Plant' on 21 June. In each case, volunteers are asked to meet in the back lane west at South Terrace.

Those with forks and spades will be particularly welcome, but we also cherish others to serve tea from the urn, and distribute biscuits and cake. We are working on a theme for the day, currently a guarded secret, but which will be revealed in time.

One matter that is of particular importance for the Darlington Guerilla Gardeners is the environmental credentials of the project. Whilst Friends of the Earth have given us a resounding silence (they seem more preoccupied by demonstrating with placards, than digging with spades) - we are determined to give a new definition to 'the environmentally adjusted park'. Everything from drainage and seating - to planting - will respect indigenous principles.

Of course, we now need your plants! The fabulous Peter Plant has already offered to help. Will you?

Councillor Gerald Lee Park

Just as Darlington Council examines more ways to cut costs and save money, you would be excused from believing that now was an impossible time to envisage the development of a brand new park for Park East Ward. Especially as the ward boasts one of the finest provincial parks in the county.


Well, of course you would be wrong. In association with Guerilla Gardeners Darlington Division and South Terrace Residents Association, we have plans.

The objective is to create Britain's Smallest Park, to be named after next year's Darlington Town Mayor, Gerald Lee.

For too long, this small patch of earth has been allowed to fester as one of the most neglected patches in the town. Until Councillor Paul Harman took an interest in it, this piece of council-owned land between Victoria Embankment and Feethams South was a mess. Covered with litter and dead plant material, it was a carbuncle on the south side of Darlington's face.

All of that is to change with our new plans.

First, we plan to fork and weed the plot, and systematically litter-pick.

After this, we are arranging for path liners and bark chippings to be delivered to the site. This will enable us to divide the area into planting areas, whilst leaving an access for maintenance and bill-board posting.

And this is where we come in. Our final task is that of planting.

The location is wild and north facing, so provides a small, but not insurmountable challenge.


Perhaps some of the more successful South Terrace gardeners can recommend plants, and maybe share some of their established clumps. Generally, we will be looking for a colourful herbaceous border feel of hardy perennials.

The piece-de-resistance will be the 'Veronica Tree'. We are planning to have a Wish Tree within the planting. Due to the size of the park and the presence of the bill-board, we cannot have a proper tree as such, but propose a Wish Bush!
Your ideas on this will be invaluable.


It is not often that we get the opportunity to take hold of our own environment to create something special and lasting. Here, we can make a difference. Are you in?

Local Motion - hot tips for transport

John (no 13) with Jonathan ,Alex - and in the window, Basil Hardy

It's Friday, and its sunny. What better time for a visit to the terrace from Local Motion, Darlington's transport initiative to change the ways we think about environmentally-friendly travel.

 

John, getting great tips about the Ariva App

You will have seen the red uniformed Local Motion team touring the town, and today was our turn. We had the benefit of two of their most experienced (and personable) advisers, Jonathan and Alex.

Funded by the Department for Transport's Local Sustainable Transport Fund, and supported by the town council, Local Motion give tips on healthy and sustainable travel options - with a clear drive to encourage the use of shared transport where possible. Click the link to find out more about Local Motion.

Back Lane West - Fly Tipping

South Terrace's most vigilant resident reports a serious incident of fly tipping overnight in the back lane west here at the terrace.

We have contacted StreetScene and asked them to remove the items and investigate the matter.

Residents with children should for the time being keep them from the back lane.

Persimmon Planning Permission

For those who do not visit the South Terrace Residents Facebook group, here is notification that Persimmon Homes have lodged their Planning Application notification for 82 homes on the Feethams Village site. 

This would replace the existing permission for 146 homes. 

This proposal is clearly preferable, being a 56% reduction in building work and commensurate reduction in traffic into Feethams South. 

To see the traffic impact figures click to this link , and hit the first list dated 20/01/14 to 26/01/14'. The application no is 13/01038/FUL and was received on 22.01.14. It is listed on the second page.

I have responded on behalf of the South Terrace Residents Group with this link. 

The new long road to......

Just as the light was fading, the last wagon of tarmac was tipped and rolled, and the metal barriers were drawn across the new Feethams road.

Esh, true to their word and design, have completed the twin towers and the road sub-surface on time. The final road finish will have to wait until building is under way. Next week will see the completion of work at the entrance, and the contractors arriving to fence the ground.

Whilst we were promised a riverside 'walkway',(as on the plans), apparently insufficient land dealt its death knell. Was this an error, or an intentional mistake? For my part, I would have relished a new riverside walk to the village and especially the removal of the concrete section wall. Also, I am told that the council's plans to open up the river at Victoria roundabout is now almost certainly doomed due to lack of funding. So much for a river stroll from Tubwell Row to South Park.

The new road and pavement profile at the twin towers seems to present an opportunity to increase on-street parking. We should insist on being consulted before a final decision is taken in this regard. As I understand your views, we would seek more residents' parking rather than a few more 'free' spaces.

For those who do not follow events on our South Terrace Facebook page, here are the updating photographs.

Persimmon - the new Feethams Village

Stephanie and I have endeavoured to speak to as many of you as has been possible, given the short consultation time scale (to 13 December). I am pleased to report that your overwhelming view of Persimmon's proposals is favourable.

Some residents would have favoured a further reduction in the number of homes to be built, but everyone consulted was in clear agreement that the current reduction from 146 to 82 homes was a move in the right direction.

It seems that you are happier with the prospect of 'homes with an executive feel', considering these more appropriate for the site. You also favoured Persimmon's move to mirror existing development and the chance to give the site a 'more mature feel'.

Some concerns have been expressed with regard to parking for the new residents and their visitors. I have been asked to check this with Persimmon to ensure that adequate provision is made within the development. You have observed that parking on the access road, or within South Terrace is out of the question.

There have been a few concerns raised about egress from Feethams South to Victoria Road. Traffic leaving the Victoria Road roundabout travels uphill (west) at such speed as to make getting out a very difficult task. This is an issue for Darlington Council Highways, and we shall be pursing it with them. 

It has been suggested that the development could be given a new name, that of 'Feethams Village'. Whilst we have not consulted on this, it may provide a greater sense of belonging to the new community. Do have your say on this!

I have reproduced below the reply sent on your behalf to Persimmon. Should there be anyone - not hitherto consulted - who has a different view, you may wish to contact Persimmon directly so that your voice is heard.

View from the air in 1961

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To Persimmon Homes

On behalf of the South Terrace Residents Group (100% of the residents of the terrace and Pease Cottages) can I thank you for your informative information sheet and invitation to 'Have your Say' concerning the new proposals.

We have consulted within the group as widely as we were able, given the time scales, and I am pleased to report that your proposals for the site meet with general approval from members.

The group recognises that this site is suitable for high quality residential development.
The transition to a reduced number of homes 'with an executive feel' is welcomed as more appropriate for this site.

The group welcomes the decision to mirror existing local development, giving the site a mature feel.

The group believes the plan to preserve the possibility of alternative access options (to Grange Road and Victoria Embankment) is wise, should these be needed in the future.

We were concerned that sufficient parking will be available for new residents and their visitors within the site. Clearly parking on the access road or in South Terrace will be out of the question. Perhaps you can reassure us that adequate provision has been calculated? 

Tom Wilkinson, Assistant Engineer at Lumsden & Carroll Civil Engineering for Esh Developments has sent us regular email updates, which we have posted on our residents' Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/southterrace/
and on occasions on our blog
http://southterrace.blogspot.co.uk/
May we invite you to do the same? 

Feel free to contact me should you wish to meet with the residents here, or to raise any particular topic associated with the development.
Stephen Twist

End of Year Round-Up - and the Year Ahead

The South Terrace Residents blog has now been up and running for 11 months (starting on Sunday 10 February 2013). In this time we have tackled a number of issues close to your hearts: including crime, scams and SmartWater with the Darlington Neighbourhood Police team, Sainsburys development, the Esh housing scheme on the football ground, the new Terrace Hill cinema complex at Feethams North, parking in South Terrace, the Big Spring Clean 2013, South Terrace garden Spring and Summer competitions, departing residents and new arrivals, the demolition of the Feethams twin towers, and of course the important publication by South Terrace's own writer, Karl Bone.

I sense that 2014 is going to be a challenging year for us on the terrace. Esh have handled their part of the Feethams housing development with a degree of sensitivity - especially with the frequent updates on our South Terrace Facebook page, but will the same be true for Persimmon? How will Darlington Council respond to the development of 82 new dwellings on the Feethams estate? Will we get the Victoria Road pedestrian crossing point we have been seeking? Is the council going to address the parking issues we have raised?

With care and collaboration, South Terrace residents could be the beneficiaries of the recent and proposed changes. But to achieve this, our voice must be heard, and that voice should be a united one. We need to keep our group active, informed and involved.

I propose that we arrange a meeting early in 2014 to prepare an agenda for the year. Pending this, think about what you would like to see happen during the year, and what you most wish to avoid. This way, we can exercise a level of influence over the decisions that will or may most affect us.

Persimmon seek a revision of planning for Feethams

Persimmon propose 82 new homes, to include a 4 storey apartment building providing 12 flats overlooking the cricket field. They describe the proposals as carrying 'an executive feel'. You will recall that the previous planning permission was for 146 homes. Take a look at the attached information sheets, and note the deadline for comments is Thursday 13 December!

Anyone wanting to make representations may do so direct to tees.consultation@persimmonhomes.com, by post to the address in the leaflet, or via comment here or on our South Terrace Residents Facebook Group page.

Big Spring Clean 2014

Photo of  South Terrace residents participating in the Big Spring Clean 2013 

Message from Councillor Gerald Lee

Good morning everyone,

A date for your diaries.

LitterFreeDurham are planning the next Big Spring Clean for April 7th 2014 so hunt out your litter sticks, dust off the cob webs and apply a little oil......

As always thank you for supporting the Big Spring Clean. It seems that more people turn out every year to clean up their communities and until people stop dropping litter, the work will have to go on - even more so with the cutbacks of council services.

We did well in 2013, lots of school children turned out and I do feel that once someone has actually been around the streets to actually pick litter it stays with them and the likelihood that they drop the stuff reduces. We also managed to talk to over 1500 young people from 5 yrs old to 16 in school stressing the consequences to wildlife, the environment and to the pocket of dropping litter. I feel that education is so important for young people. If we are ever to change attitudes then we must start with the children when they are young and the anti-litter message should be given as part of the school curriculum as well as the Central Government supporting the actions.

If you can open the door to a school near you to allow me to talk to the children/students I will be pleased to do so even before the BSC starts.

To those of you who may have had people say that they are against voluntary litter picking as they pay Council Tax for the Council to do the work you could remind them that in 2007 in England alone we spent £584million and this figure has been increasing annually to over £1BILLION last year. Councils have been doing their best and unless we accept an an increase in Council Tax or a reduction in Front Line services to pay for the councils to spend even more time cleaning our roads then we either help them or we sit back and let the litter pile up........    

 I would be grateful if you could pass this 'e' mail onto any group or individual who you feel may be interested in taking part in the BSC as the more the merrier.

So than you once again for your support. We will be sending out the 'package' sometime in the New Year.

As Christmas is fast approaching, I wish you a Very Happy Christmas and a Joyful, Healthy New Year.

Best Wishes

Gerald

Going, going, gone....Feethams Twin Towers

We all knew that the Twin Towers were doomed. Paul's last posting from Esh Developments told us that they would go this week, and they did. The moment was both sad and spectacular as the hydraulic arm of the digger embraced the first tower. It fell with a thud and a cloud of dust, bringing to an end 100 years of football architecture here in Darlington's South Terrace.

Residents have expressed mixed views. Some regarded them with affection, reminiscent of the days when life was simpler and strings of dedicated football fans queued at the turnstiles. Others regarded them as ugly and outdated. Certainly, the working days of the Twin Towers had passed - without football to draw the crowds, and most certainly with the strictures of health and safety to condemn them. 

Perhaps both groups will find solace in the fact that they are to be re-built in an 'as yet' secret location nearby.