“Chilton has come a long way since its humble beginnings, when the coal underneath its surface brought about a growth and expansion starting back in the 1870s which still goes on today in many ways, despite the demise of the pits – and all under one banner we call progress.” These are the words of the late Brian Turner in the opening chapter of his book Chilton, Windlestone and Rushyford, An Industrial and Social History.
Brian, who was born in 1934 and raised in Windlestone, goes on to talk about progress; “The improvement in the quality of life through housing, modern conveniences, education, leisure, the environment and importantly the people, groups and organisations using their voice to elect councillors to represent them and allowing [the community] to discuss and decide their own future.”
It therefore seems fitting to exhibit a small portion of Brian’s photographs and notes at the launch of the next phase of deciding Chilton’s future: developing the Chilton Neighbourhood Plan for 2025 -2035.
The Neighbourhood Plan is a new way for communities to have a say in the future of the places where they live and work. It gives us the power to produce a plan with real legal weight that directs development in our local area. Working alongside the Durham County Council Local Plan it can give us a say in choosing where we want new homes, shops and offices to be built, what those new buildings should look like and what infrastructure should be provided to support our community and help us address some of the challenges we currently face.
Cllr Sue Reece, Neighbourhood Plan Lead, said “We have a proud heritage, a strong community spirit and, through this planning process, a real opportunity to shape a vision for Chilton that not only meets our needs today and also makes sure we will flourish in the future.
“To find out more about Neighbourhood Planning, how you can be involved, have your say on Chilton’s future, and have a unique opportunity to view Brian’s artifacts, come along to the Public Meeting, Thursday 7th November 6pm, Chilton Community, Sports and Social club.”
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
