Friends at Crown Street Library Revisited

So tonight, Friends of the Libraries group has been formed. It arrived with a whimper rather than a fanfare. Fortunately the councillors there were all committed 'preserve the library' proponents, or they would immediately have perceived a weakness. The 40 or so attenders formed predominantly a sea of grey.

My contribution was short and to the point. There will be time enough in due course to mico-manage uses for the building, a feat that in any event cannot be accomplished - or even effectively started within the consultation time-scales set by the council.

What is needed now is a huge campaign of protest from a dynamically organised Darlington population. It must involve everyone- from the smallest child in the town's smallest school, to the largest director in the town's key businesses. It needs a day of protest in the town centre, with dozens of petitioners wearing gelco bibs, schools and colleges to close for the morning so that children and students can picket the town hall. It needs the support of every parent who values a free public library service in Crown Street. It needs a band!

As things stand, a public consultation will be deemed to have proceeded, and our elected councillors will take their party whip to vote for the cut rather than the conscience.

The quiet voices of the town's residents and readers will be drowned in a sea of red tape, as Darlington's Chief Executive discovers ways to defeat the library covenants and buy off opponents with promises.

As an experienced mediator, I recognise that there will come a time to sit around a table - if such is ever offered. But now is not that time. The Friends group, rather like their steering committee, presently lack the political experience and credibility to make themselves heard. Only with a clear public mandate of 'No' to closure, will objectors get beyond the strategic stage.

Whilst these steps are urgent, and in my view essential - the steering committee should continue to make progress with local business leaders and those with clear political ambitions, putting together the rescue package that uses every commercial opportunity and resource that the historic building may offer. This will not be easy. It will require skilled management, persistence and determination.

But first, the Friends of the Libraries group needs to be empowered - not simply by conviction, but by public mandate. And that means - YOU.

Without your support - in practical, selfless and time-giving terms, the libraries will gradually close, their staff will receive their redundancy notices (perhaps delivered by taxi) and our historic buildings will become forever figures in ledgers.

Crown Street Library

I love Crown Street library, first visiting at the age of 5. It was there that I borrowed my first book, paid my first fine, with the late Vera Chapman attended my first Field Club meeting, saw my first nature documentary film, viewed my mother's first exhibition, and met librarian Jennifer, my second girlfriend.

Of a Darlington population of 106,000, the library is reported to have 52,000 members, 10,000 borrowing books  (or is that 10,000 books borrowed) last year. 17,000 used the local studies centre, apparently. Over 900 people protested outside the library on 26 March, and over 2000 residents have posted Northern Echo coupons asking for a stay of execution.

I launched a user poll on the Darlington Library - Keep it at Crown Street Facebook group (961 members). Only 75 members responded that they had visited it in the last 12 months, 44 had borrowed a book, and 12 reported that they liked to study there. One said that she preferred to buy her books from Waterstones or Amazon!

The figures, not least from a simplistic poll, speak volumes. The poll tells us is that even within a group set up to secure the future of the library, indifference abounds when it comes to using Crown Street. So, that's the problem.  Most of us have an interest in the library, but relatively few of us actually participate. 

Now you might be asking if my admiration for Crown Street library is fading? 

Most certainly not. But in its present form, with current use and financial cost, both the building and its contents of books and archives seem financially unsustainable. 

Libraries must compete with a plethora of vital or merited public services, and cannot take away core funding. Elected politicians say, as it stands, the library is a luxury we cannot afford.

So, what to do? 

Yvonne Richardson draws our attention to the Lit and Phil, Newcastle. Their array of events in 'Whats On' is astonishing. 

Since 1825, like Crown Street library, the Lit & Phil has welcomed thousands of people, witnessed ‘world firsts’ in innovation and grown a unique collection of books.

It’s now so much more than a library. It’s an historic building, a refuge, a meeting place, office, theatre, lecture hall, performance space and still an outstanding library. Independently owned, it does not receive regular public funding - so this means that it can make its own decisions.

Darlington people who wish to keep their Crown Street library really do need to step up or shut up. Neither the cost, nor the human resources to maintain a library at this location seem to be likely from public funding, if our councillors are to stick to budgetary constraints. 

We need a clear plan, and a hoard of capable volunteers to commit/contract to it over a long period of time. Ideas are one thing, but like protests outside the library or key strokes on social media, they do not save libraries. The plan must be commercial, detailed, costed, resourced and viable. It needs to be the only plan.

In 1972, director Peter Tod took a desperately ailing building and turned it into a successful venture - breathing life into the Civic Theatre for the next 40 years. Can we do the same for Crown Street library? In 1885 Edward Pease left £10,000 in his Will for 'a library or other educational purpose'. His vision, our library, is at stake, and we desperately need to do something about it.

P.S. My current partner sent her first message to me from a Crown Street library screen - another reason to love it.

Big Spring Clean - Sunday 3 April

Were you there on 6 April 2013 for our first Big Spring Clean as part of the 'Litter Free Durham' initiative?

If you were, you will remember a sunny Saturday morning, a small crowd of residents and children gathering in the lane, tea and cake being served from our canteen and a truck-load of rubbish and debris being taken away by Street Scene.

Well, by popular request, we are to launch another Big Spring Clean on Sunday 3 April 2016.

Meet in the back lane from 10.00 am, and we shall tackle the lane, the bank and - if you are up for it - the front of the terrace. We reckon that a couple of hours should see the job done.

Should the day turn out to be too wet and cold, we have an option to put the event off until the following weekend.

For the day, we are planning to close the western lane to traffic - partly for your safety, and partly to enable other social events to take place in the back lane. This is part of a wider initiative to 'reclaim' the use, control and care of our lanes. We shall be reserving free parking on the terrace for those few who might want to move cars during the day.

So, put the date in your diary now before you forget!

Embrace and integrate - or fear and challenge?

• 8th January 
• Victoria Road
• just before 8 am
• walking to the station

Towards me, a woman walks alone from Bank Top. She carries her bag.

Ahead of me walks a man in his late 20's.

Suddenly, without warning the man collides with the woman - as if barging into her. She stops, distressed and looks shaken. She hurries away, passes me, but we do not speak.

Moments later, I pass the man. Within two steps he grabs at my work bag. I do not release it. But I turn with speed. I grab his hand and hold it. He struggles. He shouts in Arabic. A witness rushes to assist me. The perpetrator pulls free.

Within minutes, the matter is taken up by British Transport Police.

Later I speak of the incident, and share my feelings.

My close friends and fellow residents on the terrace show concern for me. Others - not my friends - are more concerned about the perpetrator - a migrant visitor to Darlington. "Was he is hungry?" More sinisterly, they seek to suppress mention of his ethnicity. But, with Cologne, Stockholm and Cairo - we may piece together wider issues arising from migration, especially the single young males whose attitudes to women, values and responsibilities may be in conflict with those of their host communities.

Migration has been a fact of life since men and women left their caves. Britain is a migrant country in both senses of the word - our gene pool tells one story, and our colonial times tell another. But now, the rape and pillage of our ancestors has as much relevance to current problems as had our transportation of criminals to Australia.

We live in times of social collaboration - in which we trust in order, responsibility and freedom. That is the basis of our society.

Today at the World Economic Forum, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls stated, "the migrant crisis is putting the European Union in grave danger" and without adequate border control, "our societies will be totally destabilised". He added that any other message will, a few seconds later, be shared on the smart phones in the refugee camps in Libya.

As a supporter of the Darlington Walk for Peace, and as a Quaker, I seek not to make a comment with any racial motive, but simply to promote open discussion about that which those bringing migrants to - or accommodating migrants within our community, avoid. Humanitarian support for those in need of refuge is vital. But so is the necessity to ensure shared values, and respect for the host. We need to think through the social implications of migration.

A daylight attack by a migrant on two Darlington residents whilst they make their way to work within 300 metres of the terrace, is not conducive to integration or trust.

For those that care to ask, I am alright. I know not whether his female victim bears a scar. But I sense that our community may, and if French Prime Minister Valls is correct, will bear a consequence unless we too, openly and without fear, think things through and speak about them without fear.

2016 - a New Year and New Challenges for the Terrace

2015 saw 18 entries on the South Terrace Residents' blog. As well as happy events, they included the sad losses of Ken at no 7 and Karen at no 9. Both will be remembered with affection.



'Feethams North' and the 'Vue Cinema development' dominated the middle of the year, and later the 'Barker and Stonehouse crossing'. We have also focused on the issues of community building, especially in relation to our back lane.

Our South Terrace Facebook group page has been particularly busy, administered by Amanda (no 22), Stephanie (no 8) and our new admin Karen (no 6). 2015 saw a significant increase in group membership to 33 members, and a record number of postings. A big thank-you to them for their careful oversight and help.

So, what of 2016?

Some of the same old issues remain outstanding. The council has left us in the lurch with regard to parking on the terrace. There has been no revision of arrangements here, despite assurances that our parking issues would be addressed in January of last year. Our parking problem is more prominent now with the prospect of 24 hour opening at Feethams cinema and leisure development and visitors seeking a cheap or convenient alternative to the multi-storey building. This is something that I feel we should pursue this spring.

We still have no river walkway on the west bank of the Skerne, despite the developers' promises for an open wild-life corridor. The area has now been fenced - with commercial debris left behind on the river bank. Unless the matter is addressed before the contractors leave, the current situation will be permanent.

Our back lane remains vulnerable to all-comers. During 2015 we intercepted a major residential burglary. We really need to meet to discuss a new strategy to protect all of our properties, and to optimise our use and enjoyment of the back lane as a resource.

2016 will see the completion of the Feethams Green residential development and a life-changing alteration to the character of the terrace. How quite this will impact is unclear, but certainly the flow of traffic from Feethams South into and from Victoria Road will be significant. It also raises the imperative of ensuring that the Barker and Stonehouse crossing is addressed.

Some residents have been asking for a meeting so that these and other issues can be discussed. Maybe that is a good starting point for 2016?

A new way to view the back lane

Back in July, I published a blog 'Is it too late to Gate', addressing the proposal that we should consider seeking a gating order to enclose our lanes here at South Terrace.

Since then, a short discussion with John Hirdman suggests that the council may resist such a measure here on the grounds that a grant for us could open the floodgate for like applications across the town.

Following the success of Christopher Donaldson's Back Lanes of Darlington Facebook group depicting photographs of horrors and success, back lanes have become a white-hot topic. But my work with Christopher has caused me to think much more about the present day function of our back lanes, and of their future.

The idea of lanes developed from the boundaries of Burgage plots backing medieval homes. With 18th century urban development, the back lane concept was captured as a service road for tradesmen and servants, and this persisted until the 1st World War. And therein was the back lane's doom. Middle class properties turned their back on their back lanes, and this prejudice persists to this day.

With 21st century living, the idea that a back lane should be neglected is absurd. Urban space is at a premium; there are fewer safe places for children to play; and fewer community spaces for neighbours to meet. That our back lanes are left to the rule of town councils misses entirely their potential benefit as a community resource.

Thanks to Tina Mortimer for the photo

Here in Darlington, most back lanes are used simply for rubbish collection and recycling - a 'once a week' event. Because they have no other purpose, they become dumping grounds for residents and incomers. Successful projects have been run in Middlesbrough in which lanes have been gated and restored to community use - and importantly, community management. As in many urban areas, Middlesbrough supplied large communal refuse points - both freeing up space in the lanes, and reducing refuse collection costs.

So, how can we take control over our back lanes without gating orders? Contributors to the argument observe that minus the gates, community lanes may simply be wrecked.

This blogger is not so sure. Our recent experience in developing the 'Gerald Lee Pocket Park - the Smallest Park in Britain' defied that argument. Yes, the park has had occasional losses, but for a venture so close to the highway, it has survived in bloom, well enough to celebrate its first anniversary in August.

The main protection against theft and damage would be restrict the access for vehicles, save for those of residents. Because of the narrowness of the lanes and parking restrictions, many of Darlington's lanes are infrequently used for residents' cars, so some restriction is unlikely to cause significant problems.

One proposal is for the judicious use of fold-down or telescopic security posts, with keys or combination locks. A commentator with some experience suggests that these could revolutionise the use of lanes, keeping out unauthorised traffic and giving encouragement for residents to dress their lanes.

It may be that local byelaws would permit this, or alternatively a short amendment to s.129 Highways Act 1980. The latter is certainly not out of the question, as gating orders were themselves introduced this way in 2006 under s.2 Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005.

So, do we simply say 'Its too much effort'? Or would we like to take back our back lanes? The answer is really up to you!

Thanks to North News & Pictures Ltd for the photos

Run for life - the need for a safe crossing

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?

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!

Is it too late to gate? Or is the time ripe to swipe?

Our studious followers and readers will recall last year's debate on South Terrace Facebook group page concerning 'gating the lanes'.

Gating back lanes is not as revolutionary or draconian as it first appears. It seems that in Middlesbrough, the council has sponsored a number of gated lanes (click the link and watch the video), adding massively to the amenity for residents.

The statutory criteria for gating are fairly strict and Darlington has made only one such order, but that is not to say that we could not make a case for gating here at South Terrace, especially considering that the lanes do not comprise 'through routes', affording access only to South Terrace residents.

The back lanes (east and west) to South Terrace present our Achilles Heel. It is along here that flat-back trucks have been driven and our homes are observed; it is from here that over the years the reported break-ins have occurred; it is here that strangers have been found lurking to observe rear bedroom windows; it is here that fly tipping has occurred and drug paraphernalia has been located and removed by Street Scene.

Before making an order, the council must also be convinced that it is expedient for the purposes of reducing crime or anti-social behaviour. To determine this, the Council will take into consideration: the likely effect of making the Order on the occupiers of premises adjoining or adjacent to the highway; the likely effect of making the Order on other people in the locality; and in cases where the highway constitutes a through route, the availability of a reasonably convenient alternative route.

Residents of gated lanes will be given access to come and go with vehicles or on foot. Likewise, the emergency services and utilities are given access for their purposes.

Whilst South Terrace could not possibly re-create Mavis Arnold's bower, the long-term advantages for residents could be immense. Leaving aside the impact on property prices (which may be an attraction for many), residents would reduce the incidence of crime and anti-social behaviour, regain control over an important part of their environment, gain a private amenity walkway, provide a safe play area for their children, and improve their sense of neighbourhood.

Why should South Terrace not lead again on this vision?

With thanks to North News and Pictures Ltd for the use of their photos and video.

24 hour films at Vue

Its Monday 27 July 2015, and Darlington Council has granted the entertainment/licensing application for Vue Entertainment Ltd, facilitating a 24 hour showing of films, and alcohol sales through to 0230 hours each morning, with a 0500 hrs late night refreshment licence for non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.

What does this mean for the terrace?

Sarah, Stephanie and I (who attended the hearing and made representations on your behalf) both conclude that the decision will inevitably affect the terrace in a number of ways. First, the issue of parking.

Whilst the new multi-storey car park in Beaumont Street will offer one parking option, it is clear that on-street parking in South Terrace (after the 6.00 pm residents' restriction) will offer major advantages to cinema-goers. By parking across the road here, they can avoid parking charges or restrictions - and can miss the exit crush as people dash to their cars at the end of a film.

With some screenings finishing in the early hours of the morning, this may result in disturbance in the street as Vue customers come to collect their cars, slam car doors and drive off.

A further issue relates to those who leave the cinema complex on foot. South Terrace back lane (both east and west) provides the first urinal, and Victoria Road a very likely exit point for pedestrians returning to the west end of town. We anticipate that night time screenings may result in a few sleepless nights for those with bedrooms at the back of their homes.

Clearly, the licensing committee was unimpressed by our representations, and on the balance of probabilities concluded that our concerns were disproportionate to the need for Vue Entertainment Ltd to trade throughout the night. Reminding ourselves that the licensing committee, Chaired by Councillor Cyndi Hughes with Councillors Sonia Kane and Brian Jones as wing members, are our elected members, it will now be important that we keep them in the loop of information should issues arise.

The key to dealing with any issue is to ensure that a proper record is made at, or about the time it arises. As evident at today's hearing, it is not enough simply to assert that there is or may be a problem. What is needed is evidence.

I suggest that where issues arise - whether in relation to the parking of cars or public order on the terrace - that residents make a prompt note of the issue and post details to our closed Facebook page or hand the note to one of the Resident Group's officers at no 23, 22 or 8. I am happy to collate the information if you wish me to do so.

In cases where the assistance of police is considered appropriate, residents should again record the incident and the police reference number, and pass the information on to us.

Returning then to parking - I propose that we make further representations to the council to extend the residents parking restriction to 24 hours. This would mean that, save for the limited number of non-resident spaces, on-street parking here on the terrace would become less attractive.

Dealing with the non-resident spaces, some of you will recall the 'Yellow Card' scheme proposed a few years ago. With the reduction of 'free spaces', a scheme like this has enhanced attraction.

Under the scheme, residents with permits to park are invited to take a 'free space' should one be available. The resident then has the option of placing their numbered card on the dashboard, indicating that, if asked, they will make their space available to another resident or their visitors. Simple as that! This way, we take control over parking on the terrace, rather than surrendering the terrace as an overflow car park for the town.

So, what else came out of the hearing? First, an agreed concession that alcohol sales will cease 30 minutes after the start of the last screening, or 2.30am, whichever is the earlier. Second, that alcohol sales are to be restricted to those who have purchased a cinema ticket. Third, that Vue Entertainment will post signs reminding customers of their proximity to a residential area and the need for consideration.

Some might say that we have wasted our time with our objection. Would they be right? Only time will tell, and much depends on the measures of control exercised by Vue Entertainment Ltd. If they get it right, we may be less affected than we thought; if not, your collective action in collecting evidence and re-organising our parking arrangements could become critically important.