Building Communities by Social Media

A number of readers ask how to build a functioning community like ours here in South Terrace.

The honest answer is that it is not possible to build a community unless others want it, and someone acceptable to the majority of residents comes forward willing to spend time to manage and nurture it.

Given the first two factors, here is my personal recipe for community building. Bear in mind that all communities will be different - having different needs and objectives - so any plan needs to be flexible and responsive.

STEP 1
'Be clear as to the community you want to build'

A big mistake is to be too ambitious about community building. Start small. The process has to be 'bottom up' rather than 'top down'. This means that you will need to seek out those within your community who have similar aspirations and talk things through together.

We in South Terrace were initially brought together by development at the adjacent supermarket. The shared concerns effectively determined the nature and size of our community. We styled ourselves as the 'South Terrace Residents Group' and confined membership to the 24 houses and 8 cottages in the terrace.

This transpired to be a wise move. It ensured sufficient numbers - with sufficient shared objectives. If a group is expanded to include people with different and possibly conflicting interests, your group will be doomed.

STEP 2
'Ensure that membership is simple, easy and undemanding'

A common mistake when building a community is to imagine that others may have the same enthusiasm or commitment as you. I regularly hear of organisers 'handing out tasks' and having expectations. This is fatal. Those that want a higher level of involvement will come forward, but most community members simply want others to take the strain.

Here in South Terrace, we said, "You are automatically a member, unless you say no". Nobody objected. Each prospective member received an information sheet through their door, explaining the purpose of the group and requesting their name, email address and telephone contact number.

Over the next three weeks, slips were returned and we were able to build our confidential data base, including every household on the terrace.

STEP 3
'Give members an immediate sense of belonging'

We accompanied formation with membership of Neighbourhood Watch, Darlington. This offered a number of advantages. First, this was something that most residents trusted, and from which they perceived an immediate security benefit. Second, membership was reinforced by the 'gift pack' from NHW - with marker pens, stickers, note book and police contact numbers. Additionally, the early appearance of our Neighbourhood Watch lamp post notices gave an immediate sense of benefit.


STEP 4 
'Keep members updated and informed'

Most groups start well, but decay over time. Residents move away or die and incomers are not informed and recruited. Of those that stay, some lose the sense of belonging due to inactivity.

To combat this, we have made good use of social media. First is our Facebook group. Using our data base of email addresses, it was a simple task to send a group message inviting residents to join the Facebook page. Of 32 homes, we achieved a Facebook group membership of 18. Bearing in mind the demographics of our community, this was a high level of involvement.

It turned out to be pivotal in creating a sense of community. Members regularly visited the page, posted and 'liked' the variety of postings - including security information from Darlington Police, local events and happenings, members' birthdays and terrace news. Our group combines information sharing with 'news sheet' content, and this is well received. On settings, it is a closed group - to give members more privacy, and of course, we moderate every posting to avoid conflict. If you get it right, members will use the Facebook group to send messages and share thoughts.

Second, we have a Messenger group for instant messaging. Some groups prefer 'WhatsApp', but our residents chose this platform, probably as we were all existing Facebook users by way of social media. This way we can instantly seek support and assistance and share information and news.

Third, we used this blog - for those that did not have or want a Facebook account, and for outreach beyond the closed social media group. The blog has been successful in providing a platform for more in-depth review, comment and analysis.

Fourth, is Twitter. As a community, we don't have a Twitter account, but as group manager I occasionally tweet key concerns to a wider audience.

STEP 5
'Protect your data'

Every group organiser becomes a data user by virtue of the fact that they have personal data relating to members, e.g. names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses. It happens that I can encrypt and protect this information, but for others, simple steps are necessary.

First, ensure that any group emails sent to members are sent to your primary email address, and that all other recipients are added as 'Bcc' - blind copy. This avoids email addresses being visible amongst the group.

Second, only send emails that are necessary. People hate getting unsolicited emails in their in-box. Over a period of one year, I may email at most twice - and sometimes not at all. The simple rule is 'only email if no other option is available'.

Third, ensure that the privacy settings for your Facebook group are sufficient to protect your members. Set up your group as a 'closed group' - meaning that only members of it can see the postings. Permit members to post to the group page, but require admin approval for postings. These options are all available under the 'Edit Group Settings' button.

Fourth,
Always ask permission before revealing the identity of a member of your group.

STEP 6
'Keep your group topical'

There is nothing worse than discovering that the last shared event, news story or security information was a month or more ago. If nothing is happening locally, find something of interest.

Our recent postings include links to 'FixMyStreet', Darlovelo, Making Darlington Safer, The Back Lanes of Darlington, Financial Conduct Authority, and the Barker & Stonehouse Crossing.

Additionally, we will include local news items, such as members' birthdays, births, marriages and deaths, departures and arrivals, lost animals and details of town events if relevant.

STEP 7
'Chose your assistants'

If you go to the trouble of setting up a community group, don't allow it to become a 'free for all'. If you are a sensible organiser who is popular locally, your community will adhere, simply because you have taken this initiative. In such circumstances, it is unwise to allow the group to be diverted by division. Set your brief, your mandate, manage your group and moderate any contributions according to your ethos. It is wise to have other members as moderators - especially for social media groups - but ensure that you select them and that you manage the page to avoid anything too controversial appearing there.

STEP 8
Remember - communities are not virtual - they have to be real

We organise a handful of events throughout the year. They may be simple like 'The Best Garden' competition - judged on photographs; more substantial such as a litter-pick or lane clearing; or ambitious such as a street party. I find that it is the parents of children who are most likely to contribute here. After all, communities are underpinned by families, and the best legacy we can offer is a sense of community inclusion to children and young people. So, in picking events - think of what will interest the families in your street, and play to this strength.

South Terrace news roundup 2019

Travel to Buenos Aires last year precluded a 2018 end-of-year news roundup here on the ‘South Terrace blog’, but at popular demand, here is our summary for 2019.

First, a big welcome from all on the terrace to new members of the group, Greg Williams (14), Julie Sellers (7) and Helen Pearson (13), and a farewell to Sarah Hutchinson (4). Congratulations to Dave and Hannah (7) on their May wedding.

Probably the biggest 2019 achievement as a community is the completion of our new pedestrian crossing at Feethams South. We launched the ‘Barker & Stonehouse Crossing Facebook page’ in October 2015, closely followed by a petition that received 252 signatures in just over 2.5 hours. Since then, despite the crossing having been fully funded by Persimmon and passed by planning, there was political prevarication, requiring intervention from Jenny Chapman MP. Now with widespread support and persistence, the crossing has been installed and it opened on 4 December. Many thanks to the residents that gave their support and time to this enterprise.

When the council introduced a garden waste bin service, our small front gardens and paved yards meant that South Terrace residents could hardly justify its 35 GDP annual cost. So a group of residents clubbed together to share the cost of a bin. With 7 paying members in 2019, the collaboration has been successful, and we propose to continue the project in 2020. If you are not currently a member of the group and wish to join, just let me know.

On 23rd February we held our third South Terrace back lane clearing and litter pick. The day was fine, with a gazebo, tea and cake provided at Sainsburys lane end. Events like this are more than just tidying the lane. They are about community-building and cohesion. It is suggested that we repeat the event in 2020, so do get involved whatever your role. Just attending to share a cup of tea provides a big incentive for the organisers.

May 2019 saw our annual South Terrace Garden in Bloom competition, won this year by no.23, with the urban entry at no 22 as runner-up. Features of the competition are - the inspection date is random, every garden on the terrace is included, and that we have no rules! So 2020 could be your year to win. Was it a coincidence that May was also the month in which Murray McLaren published his feature on South Terrace with a delightful photograph of our gardens?

On the topic of gardens, we should not forget the Gerald Lee Pocket Park, just round the corner from Feethams South in Victoria Road. Our community garden inspired projects in Darlington and across the country. If you are not already a member, do join the group here. Many thanks to the children Ed (22), Ellie and Tom (9) for their planting efforts in the park on 4 August.

Residents continue to raise concerns about the width of parking spaces on the terrace. These were reduced in 2017 as part of the new arrangements. Whilst this is a problem, it seems that the council is unlikely to reverse the changes. For those with larger cars, do bear in mind that we have two large new unrestricted spaces in Feethams South. If you see one free, it might be useful to park there to optimise the permit spaces?

Other events of 2019 involve two stray cricket balls and the prospect of extended mesh fencing at the club boundary. This caused controversy for our group, but the upshot (if you will excuse the expression) was that the club will leave fencing as it is, and take more care on match days. On 8 March, the miniature Tornado returned to the roundabout. On 11 May we erected our new Neighbourhood Watch Signs thanks to Darlington Police. On 2 July we were again visited by the Air Ambulance, and in September speed and parking restrictions were introduced in Greener Drive.

A word about our Messenger group. Of all of our community initiatives for the terrace, this I suspect has been the most successful. We currently have 21 members: residents and their close relatives. Rarely a week goes by without a message, keeping residents up-to-date with developments and in contact with each other, and the ‘parcel collection service’ has proved effective. A massive advantage of the service is that it is instant, but this also may present a drawback. Do remember that the Messenger group is largely for messages, not comments (which are more suited to the Facebook group).

For 2020

1. Following several attempted burglaries of homes and break-ins of vehicles, security on the terrace is of paramount importance. A suggestion has been made that we should investigate the idea front-of-terrace security cameras, perhaps with a security feature for the back lanes. I will post the idea on our Facebook group for your suggestions.
2. A number of residents have supported a proposal for an annual ‘Terrace Residents Photograph’. I love the idea of this and sense that it would provide a fascinating historical social record.

End of Year Roundup for South Terrace

Its the time of year for an end-of-year terrace roundup.

2017 has been a year of change. The terrace, normally fairly static, has this year been unusually fluid, with departures and new arrivals, and currently with three homes currently awaiting new families. We have said goodbye to a handful of old friends, and a offer a warm welcome to those that have joined us. What is great to see is that the ‘terrace culture’ has not only survived intact, but is flourishing.

So here are our most prominent developments during the year.

2017 has seen the inauguation of our 17 strong Terrace Messenger Group - originally to assist preserve and advertise parking spaces - but now offering a wide range of instant messaging for warning information and requests for services. Recently, we have added and parcel delivery service. Do bear this in mind in the lead-up to Christmas. After consultation, we are staying with ‘Messenger’ rather than ‘WhatsApp’, but will keep this under review. We encourage residents to use this service for messages that have general relevance for the terrace.

On the topic of parking, most of us consider that our new on-street parking arrangements have worked well. Due to our proactive approach - preparing a plan and sending it to the council - we jumped the queue and got our chosen arrangement early. The three hour slots have proved invaluable for deliveries and service visits, and the reduced number of well managed ‘free spaces’ have been sufficient to keep at least one parking place available. It remains vital that we continue to keep control of our limited unrestricted parking spots. By doing so, we have seen a dramatic reduction in the use of the terrace as a public car park, with possibilities for our longer stay visitors.

2017 has also seen the inauguration of our sister group on Facebook ‘We live in Feethams’ currently with 26 members. This group straddles the new Feethams Green estate and South Terrace, providing a hub for topics of shared-interest. We urge you to join by following the link above.

Probably the most successful event of 2017 has been the development of the terrace ‘Junior Group’. Community building starts at an early age, when memories are made. Stephanie and I propose that for 2018 we put our minds to a summer programme for the children, to include a street party which we shall host. We have spoken about this before, but not taken the plunge. I sense that this coming year, with a new crop of residents, it would be timely.

Stephanie and I want to thank you for your support this year, and look forward to continued success for our community in 2018.

South Terrace Co Junior Team

What memories have you of your childhood?

Did you grow up surrounded by family, friends, other children, or alone? Of E Nesbit's 'The Story of the Treasure Seekers', were you Dora, Oswald, Dicky, Alice or Noel, or the youngest, Horace Octavius? (If you haven't read this classic - you should, whatever your age).

More to the point, did your parents send you out to play; and if so, what memories do you have of playing in your street?

As you can tell, this is another blog dealing with the issue of 'community'. Here in Darlington, as elsewhere in Britain, children are growing up without experiencing being part of a local community. Arriving home from school, children face the trials and distractions of homework, television and the internet, laminated to the protective parent who sees risks around every corner. It is now quite possible for a child to spend a whole 16 hours per day in their home.

The long summer holiday is now at hand - for some, arrived already. Six to seven weeks of home life, perhaps with the two week interregnum of a family holiday away. As an adult, six weeks passes in a blink; for children, it stretches almost to infinity. 

Providing for local children is not just the responsibility of parents. It is a community deal. We 'pay back' for the freedom of our own childhood by making a safe, interesting and accommodating community. Those of us with time to spare should alocate part of it to this end.

So, what can you do for your junior community? Here in our well-organised South Terrace we have been addressing this issue. And this is what we have come up with. For those with other ideas, please add your comments to this blog, or for South Terrace residents, visit our closed Facebook group to add your thoughts.

1. Safety First

We know the risks for children, just as increasingly children know the risks themselves. But vigilance is key to their protection. Whilst South Terrace 'bookends' of nos 22 and 8 and 9 provide a high level of oversight, all residents should be ready and prepared to pop out of their home to observe and report the persistent presence of strangers, or to raise any issue concerning traffic and risk. Additionally, we are incepting a 'Mobile contact list' to enable instant messages to and from all residents.

2. Get to Know

It is one thing being active in street affairs, but another to get to know your community's children by name - who is who, and where they live. The benefits are exponential. We get to know our community's children, and they get to know us. Remember that protection is a 'two-way-street' when socially aware children look out for their own community.

3. Join In

With the closure yesterday of South Terrrace back lane west, South Terrace's Junior Team took charge of moving resident's bins for collection. It was gratifying to see the collection of parents and others who joined the event, some as organisers, others simply as observing supporters. Over the next few weeks we shall be arranging a series of events for children, and ask that as many residents as possible participate.

4. Creative Thinking

Fresh ideas are always welcome, without them we will simply repeat the tried and tested events. We are looking for a range of new activities and projects that will hold the interest of 4-11 years olds. Add your ideas to the comment section below.

Research shows that people who live within the embrace of a local community are safer, enjoy better physical and mental health, and are happier. So, what is stopping you enjoying the benefits of being a part of your community?

Visit South Terrace Twitter

South Terrace blog revived

Did you know that here at South Terrace community we are unique in having our own Facebook group, instant Messaging and blog? And from today, we have added our own South Terrace Twitter account.

The huge advantage of linking through social media is that communication can be instantaneous - as we are finding through our Messenger service. It offers options to stay in touch, to receive news, or simply to dip in and out as we chose. Better than the neighbour's 'knock at the door', you simply don't have to be in if you don't want to be disturbed.

Most of us lead fairly private lives, and for some, living here on the terrace is just something that is, rather than something particularly cherished. But whatever your feelings, staying in touch is great for community. For those living on their own (even if they are not using social media) our small attempts at community building give them a sense of safety and security.

Today we have welcomed Linzi to our Facebook group. But we still have some small gaps in the terrace that are not linked. Pop along to the South Terrace Facebook group, see who is there, and who is not, and see what you can do to link them in. The contact may be a fellow resident's relative or friend who would love the opportunity to be able to send a message to pass on, or ask for a local call to be made to avoid worries or concerns.

The tragedy at Grenfell Tower reminds us of the importance of staying in touch, and enabling private messages to be exchanged without having to search for email addresses and phone numbers. A small compromise in privacy may for you be the one thing that provides future peace of mind.

Twitter.com/southterracedar

Building community - staying safe

Children of the 1950's - I am one - must guard against romanticising the past. The sun was not always shining, cinemas full, deep pools of the Tees clean for swimming, shops characterful, people friendly, back lanes tidy and safe.

But Darlington people had then one strength which they appear now to have lost - they greeted one another, they spoke, they knew their names.

Experimentally, reminding myself of childhood journeys, as I walked across Stanhope Park to meet Stephanie from the hairdressers I greeted those that I passed. For most, eye contact was seemingly impossible; and some declined to speak or respond as they scurried by. It taught me a lesson - about myself and about others. I realised that acknowledging each other wasn't something I could demand on tap. We cannot simply turn the clock back to the halcyon 50's and 60's. We have slipped too far, away from the embrace (or otherwise) of community.

When speaking of community I boast that in 'my special terrace' we know each other - or at least 'of each other'. We are linked by a shared sense of belonging as well as our closed Facebook group and instant Messenger service. This way we stay informed, and to a large degree, inclusive. Yet we are one of few such communities, a small minority of Darlington people.

Investigation of the 'Manchester bombing' reminds us of how invisible people can be whilst living alongside others. Residents, disturbed by massive police activity outside their homes, took out their smart phones to film the houses of neighbours they did not know. "I have seen someone coming and going, but that's about it", they report to a Sky news reporter, then to retreat into their house and their anonymity.

As election politics heats we are told about police numbers, resources, budgets. "Policing is our priority - we are going to ensure a safer society", they say. But are the politicians missing the entire point of what makes community? We need police responses to feel safe, but we also need to look to ourselves and ask some simple questions. When did we last take responsibility for anything within our own community? When did we introduce ourselves to a neighbour, undertake a litter-pick, organise a local event, support a neighbourhood watch scheme?

If we want a safer community, we have to work to earn and retain it. It requires effort, but mostly its free. And it results in people knowing people; and people being known by people. Whilst challenges to our society appear to be coming from within our communities, we should address this, and come up with our own sustainable solutions rather than seeing it as 'someone else's problem'.

Crown Street Library revisited

As a Quaker, and library user, today I revisit the issue of the Crown Street Library - probably for the last time.

A resolution in council has been passed. Although the outcome seems unpopular, a democratic process has been followed. We vote for our town managers; and they manage. I observe - in passing - that few of their critics have put themselves up for election; which tells another tale.

Supporters of Crown Street will recall my assistance to the 'library remain' groups, my orchestration of the penultimate demonstration in Feethams. It could not be said that I had been other than actively encouraging of the remain campaign.

However, for what seems an age, I have been asking about 'the Plan B'. "What to do if the campaign doesn't succeed?", I asked. Then, as now, there was a resounding silence to the question.

When managing any campaign, its leaders should consider all eventualities. It is called 'scoping the problem'. You review alternative scenarios, and create a route map to follow as events happen or circumstances change. That this campaign may not succeed was always foreseeable. Whilst never a part of the campaign's management team, I am yet to hear of any viable alternative to the mantra 'Keep the library at Crown Street'. Do I sound critical? Well, yes, on this occasion, I am.

In the Crown Street Pease building, the town has a prize. It's beautiful, it's unique, it's listed, it was given by a Darlington Quaker under a restrictive covenant as to use as a library for the benefit the people of Darlington, it is in a key position in the town, it is loved.

When the last book leaves the last shelf, and boards are placed across the windows, what is our civic plan for what remains? Do we sit by whilst neon signs are put up by J D Weatherspoon to announce another 'pub-grub dinner, or are we happy for the doors to open onto more shops, showrooms or offices?

I am of the view that there is a sound community plan out there that could keep the Pease building in profitable, or at least self-sustaining community-private partnership.

Our forebearers, the old Quakers, planned thus. They looked to what the town needed, they worked out a viable commercial plan, they organised themselves, and they went for it. 

Now is that March moment for the Pease Library building. Industrialists, commercial managers, lawyers, accounatants, book shop owners, community groups, faithful Darlingtonians - what would be your Plan B for Crown Street?

Post Script - is Crown Street dead?

"Over 3000 library users completed the council’s survey, and 91% of them disagreed or strongly disagreed with the library moving to the Dolphin Centre.
Almost 7000 people have signed the petition against the move.
Almost 1000 people attended the protest against the move".
Gemma McDonald, Chair of the Community Libraries Steering Group 

Visit Darlington Library - Keep it at Crown Street and you will see the library debate played out - Darlington council determined to move the library to the Dolphin Centre; the people of Darlington that care, vociferously opposing the move. Visit 'The Library Campaign' and you will see the problem nationwide.

My love for the Crown Street library and the heritage that it encapsulates, is well known and appears in my previous blogs. I reflect on the tragedy of yet another public building succumbing to 'cuts' - or should that be 'mismanagement of public funding'? I note the irregularity of a Labour council hemorrhaging support for public services, and wonder whether they consider they were elected for this toxic cut? I note the lack of tangential vision from our governing council, and their incapacity to contemplate the alternative plan.

My understanding has been that Edward Pease endowed the library project with the intention that his bequest was to provide a public library for the children of Darlington, and that the resulting land and building were thereafter subject to a restrictive covenant for use as a library.

Having viewed the Land Registry entry for the library, and inspected a 1983 statutory declaration, it is clear that a covenant, whilst lost in local government reorganisation, probably subsists.

Now the council's intention is clear:

• To pass an early resolution on the proposed budget savings in their entirety.
• Proceed over time, to reduce Crown Street's function: close the computer room / exhibition room/ library / reference section at Crown Street - by withdrawing services slowly so that the use of the 'building as a library' withers and ceases. 
• Re-deploy, seek voluntary redundancies over a period of time, then serve notices on the remaining library and associated staff.
• Close and board the building, having relocated all amenities elsewhere.
• Then give notice to remove the covenants on the basis that the library as envisaged by the Pease family, has been successfully relocated in modern, sustainable, affordable premises.
• Having demonstrated that it is no longer be used as a library (the library and education sections having been relocated), put forward an irresistible case for the removal of the covenants, such as they were.
• Offer the building for sale, subject to the Grade II listing, but free from covenants.
• Use the capital received on sale to off-set the costs of removal to the Dolphin Centre.

But, let us consider the covenants. 

Referring to legal advice given to the council, paragraphs 55-61 of the Cabinet Report say:

55.   Upon his death in 1880, Edward Pease bequeathed the sum of £10,000 which was used to build the original library building that eventually opened in 1885. The Council has obtained a copy of the Will in which the bequest was made from the Probate Registry and it states that the £10,000 bequeathed by Edward Pease was ‘for the education of the poorer classes’ and could be used to either establish or found a free library or Elementary School scholarships for both boys and girls in the Borough of Darlington. 

56.   1983 statutory declaration was made by a former Assistant Borough Solicitor about the loss of deeds (possibly during local government reorganisation) in 1974. The statutory declaration indicates the property was thought to be subject to a restrictive covenant that it should be ‘used for purposes of a public library forever’. If a covenant subsists, it applies only the northern part - the land on which the library sits was conveyed in three separate tranches between 1885 and 1930.  

57.   Searches undertaken of adjacent land in Crown Street have not disclosed any land owner who has the benefit of a covenant in respect of the Crown Street property. A search has been conducted on the Charity Commission website and there is no reference to any charitable trust in respect of the Crown Street building. No one has come forward during the consultation with any documentary evidence that clarifies the position. Officers have contacted members of the Pease family during the consultation period.

58.    Land Registry records show the Council as the freehold owner, but reference is made to lost deeds and documents and that restrictive covenants imposed before 9 September 2010 are still enforceable.  

59.    On the evidence currently available there does not appear to be any restrictive covenant capable of being enforced.  

60.   As matters stand there remains some uncertainty over the existence and nature of any obligations in respect of the Crown Street building. However, concerns about a covenant will not hinder the proposed move from Crown Street. The Council is not required or compelled to provide a library service from Crown Street. 

61.    Any future options for Crown Street will need to take account of issues identified in respect of the property as well as any addition information that may become available. 

So, there is a question concerning the covenant. 

As a lawyer I cannot quite understand how the council's advisor leaps from the findings, to paragraphs 59 and 60? If there is, or may be, a restrictive covenant relating to Crown Street, why is it incapable of being enforced?

Why is it not possible for those that seek to challenge the position, to challenge the council on this assertion?

This lawyer wonders whether s.84 Law of Property Act 1925 may be relevant to the removal of restrictive covenants from land - a not especially easy or quick process - and an expensive one for the council when contested. 

The questions that I would like to ask policy makers are:

1. By what process, and on what timescale does the council propose to remove library, exhibition centre, reference and computer facilities from Crown Street? 
2. Have existing library and support staff been notified of these proposals; if not, when and by what means was it proposed that they should be notified?
3. What precise facilities have been identified to accommodate the library, reference and computer facilities in the Dolphin Centre, and on what timescale? Will the archives (housed elsewhere) continue to be available to the public?
4. What is the council's current plan for the Crown Street building? 
5. Does the council propose to seek a removal of the existing restrictive covenants, when, by what mechanism,and over what timescale?
6. If by application under s.84 Law of Property Act 1925, why defer this application?
7. From whom has the council taken legal advice as to removal of covenants? Will they publish that advice so that the public can inspect it?

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