Residents of Henknowle estate are benefiting from £233,000 worth of improvements including new kerbs, footpaths and landscaped areas.
Durham County Council and believe housing have worked together to deliver the improvements. Steps have been repaired or upgraded, new handrails have been installed, and new landscaped areas created, while a number of walls have been removed or rebuilt. The works were drawn-up following a public consultation held last year, during which views were sought from local residents and businesses.
Bishop Auckland and Shildon Area Action Partnership (AAP) allocated £75,000 towards the scheme from its Towns and Villages Fund. That was backed by a £95,000 contribution from the council and a further £63,000 from believe housing.
Cllr John Shuttleworth, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for highways, rural communities and community safety, said: “We’ve delivered these improvements in response to a number of concerns raised by residents and early feedback has been very positive.
“For example, one of the things people raised was youths throwing stones and debris from damaged walls, so we’ve taken out some walls and rebuilt others. It’s been a real partnership effort driven by the council, AAP, local councillors and believe housing. We’re hopeful the changes we’ve made will restore some pride in the neighbourhood.”
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
