March 2021 Progress Repor

Toilets/Café in Recreation Ground; the planning Application is ‘live’ on DCC website now and is being considered. Thanks to all those who have commented with their views. If/when the proposal is approved we will seek tenders from potential contractors to carry out this work.

Tennis Courts; the Working Group has continued to explore possibilities; including visiting two successful Tennis Clubs in the area to see what works best for them. We are seeking to find the best fit into our space, which is more difficult than expected as we need a larger area than at first envisaged. We also need clarification from Northumbria Water, as a drain runs across this area.

Plans for Angate Street Toilets are now to hand. The best scheme seems to involve enlarging the current ‘Gents’ entrance to allow an ‘Accessible’ facility, and creating a new ‘Gents’ entrance to the right of this. We must seek Planning Permission for this, so anyone can comment on the plans. We particularly welcome views from anyone who might use the accessible facility, in case any further adjustment is needed.

We have acquired additional features to complete the Carousel in the Play Area, and new benches for the Skatepark area. These will be installed in the next week or so.

Cherry tree planting? There is a national scheme, funded by the Postcode Lottery, to enhance cities by planting ‘Cherry Tree Circles’. This is based on the Japanese tradition of celebrating spring by following the cherry blossom as it spreads across the country. The scheme encourages similar planting in England's cities, with an eye to future tourism as well as 'prettifying' the urban landscape. 

This could be a way to create a special identity for Wolsingham (and Thornley?). We have several grassed areas in the villages, each of which could accommodate small groups of trees, as well as the Market Place, which has potential space for several cherry trees around it. This would mean that, for a few weeks each year, those passing through or living in Wolsingham would see an attractive and colourful display. It also provides blossom for bees, and fruit too. In about 5 years, they would become quite impressive.

This is just a first exploration of the idea, and whilst councillors are interested, it is not a formal plan. We are asking for any comments from residents, to gauge opinion. If you have any opinion about this idea, please let us know by email to wpcclerk@btconnect.com or by speaking to any of your councillors.

We are delighted that the St. Anne’s Centre will now be used for Covid vaccinations by Wolsingham Pharmacy from 25th March, on Thursdays and Fridays. Vaccination is by appointment only, and booking is through the NHS national booking system. This will be much more convenient for Weardale residents than the regional centre in Newcastle.

13th April will be the final meeting of this council. A new council must be elected on 6th May. We encourage you to vote, and to stand for election if you have an interest in enhancing our area. The necessary papers to stand for election can be obtained from our clerk, or from Durham County Council electoral services.

Since we were not able to hold the Annual Electors Meeting last year because of Covid, and since the national provision for ‘remote’ meetings ends on 6th May, we will hold our Annual Electors Meeting before the council meeting on 13th April, as a Zoom meeting. The link will be on our website at www.wolsinghamparishcouncil.uk

David Sugden

Chair of  Parish Council