County Councillor Liz Maddison provides an update on recent activities:
I have had a recent walkabout with a representative from Barratts following concerns raised to me by residents of Burton Woods.
The light not working close to no 20 Gibside Way on phase 5 has now been added to their works program. The 3 lights also in phase 5 that are powered by solar are also on the list to be corrected.
The litter and overgrown grassed areas at the bottom of Farnley Close to Dalemain Close will be reported to their grounds maintenance contractor, Livin for action, as will the litter and weeds between Farnley Drive and Ripley Close next to the bridleway. Some areas where weeds have grown may be within the property curtilage of individual owners or the housing provider; all identified areas will be checked and a plan put in place.
The open space on Rokeby Way where newts had been found, has had grass cutting restricted, however I raised this unkempt land and height of the weeds as a significant concern to residents. This will be looked at to see what is possible. More trees have been agreed to be planted in this open space.
An area of rough grass in the gap behind Dalemain Close and next to the field is to be added to Greenbelt’s regular maintenance program and the overgrown pathway behind Farnley Drive at nos 28-44 checked for ownership and raised with the responsible organisation to maintain.
Repairs to fencing and improvements to the road surfacing at entrance grom Whitworth Road will be undertaken when works commence on the protected right hand turn.
Some drains were highlighted; these are already in their plan to review prior to the Council adopting these.
I was advised that 2 sections of dropped kerbs on Gibside Way had also been marked for upgrade as part of the adoption process for phase 5. The damaged sign and barrier at Gibside Way entrance also in phase 5 was also noted.
Livin have now undertaken work on the overgrown bushes on Princess Court but despite several requests to replace damaged trees in front of King William Grange and clean up the rough patch of land at same location, this work remains outstanding. A further reminder has been sent.
Bushes in some council owned areas in both Divisions are still outstanding for cut back; Clean and Green have been asked if they can speed up this work as this growth has created some dark areas. An area on High Street and Church Street, Byers Green has been highlighted to the landowner.
I have raised a number of concerns over many months regarding the intended traffic control on Durham Road prior to the school opening. Regrettably the road markings have still not been added and there is no school crossing patrol in place.
I have been on this road at the school opening and closing times in the last week and reported some issues back to the Council for their monitoring and review, including parking on yellow lines at junctions and over kerbs, at these busy times. The police have also been in attendance.
Double yellow line markings identified last year in other areas of the town on walkabout have also been delayed in implementation, with legal notices now published to move this work on.
Following my objection on 19th August to a proposed TRO plan for a bus lane towards the 4 lane ends junction at Grayson Road, I have been advised that nothing will progress on this until there has been a full consultation with residents.
This plan, if implemented, has the potential to affect motorists using Grayson Road. I will provide an update when more information is provided.
Concerns have been raised regarding the crossing over the A688 dual carriageway from Merrington Lane towards North Park. Carriageway works are planned near the junctions and roundabout at this crossing.
Work has restarted on Cheapside end of Festival Walk. This work and the clearance of the old Library site is still on target to complete this year.
New signage that I requested earlier this year to warn motorists of hidden exits onto Whitworth Road has now been installed; a sign warning of wild deer on this road is currently on order.
Spennymoor litterpicking group have been out cleaning up litter on the Auckland Way. We were all delighted that some children came along too and did an excellent job in spotting the litter that we missed! Well done!
On the same day as this litterpick someone decided to flytip at the bottom of Jackson Street but this too was spotted and was removed quickly.
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