Residents in Etherley Dene are already enjoying new seating and planting installed near the Masons Arms, alongside a second bench and flowerbeds at Rockingham Drive, following work led by local County Councillor Stephen Gray.
The improvements have been introduced to provide welcoming places for residents to rest, meet, and enjoy the area’s green spaces, something that has been missing in parts of Etherley Dene for many years.
Councillor Stephen Gray, who represents West Auckland, is pictured with his dog Evie and local resident Barry Metcalfe, whose idea helped inspire the installations at both locations.
Barry welcomed the improvements, explaining that the seating has made a real difference to his daily routine. He said the bench is ideal for a short morning walk and has already become a popular stopping point for dog walkers as well as many other local residents.
Cllr Gray said: “It’s great to see some investment coming into Etherley Dene. As an unparished area, it can sometimes be overlooked, so it’s important that we continue to bring forward improvements that support the local community.
These are simple additions, but they are already making a difference, giving people somewhere to sit, chat, and enjoy their surroundings.” Both seating areas are already well used and are expected to become valued features of the neighbourhood, supporting community wellbeing and encouraging more people to make use of local green spaces.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
