|
Ward Councillor's News
|
|
Happy Christmas
| |
May I wish all residents of the Sadberge and Whessoe ward a very happy
Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous 2008.
| |
Added: 25-Dec-2007
|
|
|
Ward Surgery
| |
My next ward surgery will be held from 6-30pm to 7-30pm on Tuesday 29th
January in Brafferton village hall. I can also be contacted on 332820
or via brian.jones@darlington.gov.uk.
| |
Added: 2-Dec-2007
Updated: 25-Dec-2007
|
|
|
Beacon Hill
| |
A further planning application has been submitted following the rejection of
the application for an agricultural training centre. The plans are for
a more traditional farm, leaning towards organic produce. While the plans
are an improvement on the previous application, there are still concerns about
the need for temporary living accommodation.
| |
Added: 25-Nov-2007
|
|
|
Newsletter
| |
I delivered a newsletter in Sadberge this morning. It was a lovely day
to be out and about, quite chilly at first, but it soon warmed up. It was
good to be able to talk to so many residents and I hope the newsletter is of
interest.
| |
Added: 4-Nov-2007
|
|
|
Ward Surgery, November
| |
My next ward surgery will be held from 6-30pm to 7-30pm on Tuesday 27th
November in Bishopton and Redmarshall School. I can be contacted on
01325 332820 or via brian.jones@darlington.gov.uk.
| |
Added: 4-Nov-2007
|
|
|
Planning matters
|
The application for the caravan on land at Lea Close was heard by the planning
committee on 17th October and planning permission was refused. I fully
supported the objections of Sadberge parish council and the Campaign to Protect
Rural England. I believe this was the correct decision and look forward
to the removal of the caravan in due course.
I anticipate that a new application for Beacon Hill will be submitted in the
near future. I will update as soon as possible.
| |
Added: 16-Oct-2007
Updated: 21-Oct-2007
|
|
|
Traffic calming, Middleton Road.
| |
There have been encouraging reports from residents and the parish council that
the new speed limits on Middleton Road are having a positive effect. I
will continue to monitor the situation and hope that drivers will be more
responsible in the future. However, this matter is not yet finished and
I will continue to work with the parish council to reduce the speed of traffic
on all roads in the village.
| |
Added: 16-Oct-2007
|
|
|
Ward surgery - October
| |
My next ward surgery will be held from 6-30pm to 7-30pm on Tuesday 30th October
in Brafferton village hall. Alternatively, I can be contacted on
01325 332820 or via brian.jones@darlington.gov.uk.
| |
Added: 16-Oct-2007
|
|
|
Planning Committee - Update
| |
My complaint about problems with the planning committee, mentioned below, was
featured in the Northern Echo yesterday (18th Sept.). It seems there are
going to be some changes according to Cllr John Williams, Leader of the
Council. Planning officers are to review procedures for public
involvement at meetings to give members of the public who wish to speak a
better hearing. Good news indeed. I look forward to some meaningful
changes - watch this space.
| |
Added: 19-Sep-2007
|
|
|
Planning Committee
|
I attended two planning committee meetings in Darlington town hall during
August. At both meetings it was clear that objectors to planning
applications were not happy with the system and this led to angry words.
The matter was discussed this week at the meeting of the Darlington
Association of Parish Councils and Parish Meetings (which I chair) and it was
agreed to write to the chairman of the planning committee to request that the
rigid procedures be reviewed to enable a fairer and more flexible system to be
introduced for objectors.
At present, an objector has a maximum of 3 minutes to present their views.
Following this, an officer from the town hall can take as long as is
necessary to rebut those views, and in the case I was involved with, that was
almost 10 minutes. The objector has no right of reply and can take no
further part in the debate. I believe that to be grossly unfair.
| |
Added: 14-Sep-2007
|
|
|
St. Andrew's Park
| |
The new housing estate on the former Sadberge school site will be known as
St. Andrew's Park.
| |
Added: 10-Sep-2007
|
|
|
Beacon Hill
| |
You may have seen in the local press this week the story and pictures of the
problems faced by Mr & Mrs Lee at Beacon Hill following the rejection of the
planning application for an agricultural training facility near their home.
I have been asked what my involvement is as ward councillor and I can
respond by saying that I have worked closely and constantly with Mr & Mrs Lee
to try to resolve the situation. I have had many lengthy telephone
conversations with the landowner John Littlefair and I have written to him
today to express my misgivings about his actions and to request his cooperation
in ceasing what many Sadberge residents see as intimidation. I sincerely
hope Mr Littlefair will realise that the opposition to his planning application
came from many residents and not just from one couple, and that he will try to
build bridges with the people of Sadberge.
| |
Added: 31-Aug-2007
Updated: 1-Sep-2007
|
|
|
Sadberge School Site
|
Planning permission has been granted for a residential development comprising
16 houses on the site of the former Sadberge Primary School. Although it
was anticipated that the application would be approved, I attended the
Planning Applications Committee on Wednesday to request some amendments.
I requested, and it was approved, the inclusion of a full wheelchair/disabled
access ramp from the new estate onto the open space (the former school playing
field). Vehicular access wil also be included. The request for a
temporary one way system in Norton Crescent was rejected on the advice of the
highways officer. However, I spoke to the developer after the meeting and
they have agreed to operate a one way system (anti-clockwise) for site traffic
for the duration of the construction period.
A further request to provide parking places for those who may use the open
space area was also rejected on the advice of the highways officer.
The name of the new estate is expected to be announced shortly and will be
chosen from the entries in the competition held by Reiver Homes.
| |
Added: 31-Aug-2007
|
|
|
Postal Voting for Mayoral Referendum
|
Anyone who is on the electoral register for Darlington can apply for a postal
vote for the Mayoral referendum being held on 27th September. Application
forms are available from elections@darlington.gov.uk. Please provide
name(s) and address and an application form(s) will be posted to you.
Applications must be returned to Darlington town hall by 5pm on Wednesday
12th September.
If you have a PERMANENT postal vote you will automatically receive a postal
vote for the Mayoral referendum.
Further information about the
Referendum can be found on the council website at www.darlington.gov.uk or
via the elections team on 01325 388351.
| |
Added: 14-Aug-2007
|
|
|
Traffic calming, Middleton Road.
| |
The new 40mph 'buffer zone' has now been implemented. The existing 30mph
limit at the southernmost entry to the village has been replaced by a 40mph
limit, and the 30mph limit has been moved to the area of the 'ribbleprint'.
The system is designed to produce a stepped reduction in vehicles speed
as they enter the built up area. The Legal Order is now complete and I
will be requesting police enforcement now that the system is in place.
| |
Added: 7-Aug-2007
Updated: 1-Sep-2007
|
|
|
Ward Surgery
| |
My next ward surgery will be held from 6-30pm to 7-30pm on Tuesday 25th
September in Sadberge village hall. Alternatively I can be contacted on
01325 332820 or via brian.jones@darlington.gov.uk.
| |
Added: 5-Aug-2007
Updated: 23-Aug-2007
|
|
|
Ward Newsletter
| |
I have recently delivered a ward newsletter in Sadberge containing information
from the borough council and including events in and around Sadberge as viewed
from my role as ward councillor. A copy of the newsletter is now posted
on this web site. I would appreciate any feedback that could help me
improve the content of future newsletters.
| |
Added: 22-Jul-2007
Updated: 30-Jul-2007
|
|
|
Ward Surgery
| |
My next ward surgery will be held in Brafferton Village Hall at 6-30pm on
Tuesday 31st July. Although I am available on 332820 or via
brian.jones@darlington.gov.uk, I always look forward to meeting and speaking to
residents face to face.
| |
Added: 8-Jun-2007
Updated: 11-Jul-2007
|
|
|
Planning application, Beacon Hill
|
The planning application for the Agricultural Training Facility at Beacon Hill
will be discussed at the Planning Applications Committee meeting on Wednesday
30th May.
Unfortunately, I will be away on holiday from 27th May and so will be unable to
attend the meeting. I have however submitted my written objections to
this application and I know I will be supported by the parish council, the CPRE
and many residents.
| |
Added: 18-May-2007
Updated: 24-May-2007
|
|
|
Local elections
|
I would like to thank the residents of Sadberge and Whessoe ward for
re-electing me with a large majority (82% of the vote). I will carry on
working to the best of my ability to resolve whatever problems come my way.
A disappointing note was the poor turnout of only 42%, a figure which was
largely reflected across the town.
| |
Added: 5-May-2007
|
|
|
Buses in Sadberge
|
Services 17 and 97 have been re-tendered and awarded to Proctors of Bedale.
The new contracts working on the same timetable as previously are due to
start on 1st July. However, as JSB are unable to continue with service
97, Proctors will start the 97 contract on 29th April.
The good news is that Proctors intend to operate low floor buses and have
ordered new vehicles for delivery in June. Obviously the combination of
the low floors and the built up bus stops will make access so much easier.
| |
Added: 25-Apr-2007
|
|
|
Land at the rear of Laurel View
| |
I recently commented on the state of the site at the rear of Laurel View and
the fact that it is an eyesore. The report that followed in the Northern
Echo was met with some disdain by the developer, Howard Developments.
Responding on their behalf Mr Howard said "All of these things have come
to a head because it is election year." I find that comment very strange
given that I have been working for at least a year to have the site tidied up,
and meetings have already taken place on site with Mr Howard and the
enforcement officer in an attempt to sort the problem out. Mr Howard then
goes on to blame other people for the rubbish on the site. The residents
of Sadberge simply want the site tidied up to be in keeping with the rest of
the village. I will continue to press for this to happen, election year
or not.
| |
Added: 8-Apr-2007
Updated: 9-Apr-2007
|
|
|
Local Council Elections - May 3rd
|
You have until April 18th to make sure your name is on the electoral register,
which makes you eligible to vote at the local council elections on May 3rd.
April 18th is also the deadline day to register for a postal vote.
If you want to check if your name is on the electoral register, or if you would
like to register for a postal vote please call 01325 388351 or visit
www.darlington.gov.uk/democracy
BE HEARD ON MAY 3rd
| |
Added: 1-Apr-2007
|
|
|
Caravan on land adjacent to A66
| |
The removal date has been and gone and the caravan is still on the site.
The owner has lodged a further appeal which has prevented the eviction
being carried out. Let's hope this 'playing the system' doesn't go on for
much longer.
| |
Added: 29-Mar-2007
|
|
|
Traffic calming, Sadberge.
|
Millie Scaife and I recently met with borough council highways officers to
discuss traffic calming measures in the village. We came away
disappointed and unable to put up a strong enough argument for the
installation of chicanes etc.
The facts are that there have been only 3 accidents in Sadberge in the past
5 years, none of them serious in terms of injury. Surveys of traffic
speed showed very strongly that the average speed on all roads is not much
above 30mph (excluding of course the occasional 'flyer'). Having viewed
the speed of traffic on numerous occasions, I was extremely surprised by the
readings.
In short, we have left it that the final phase of the plans agreed last year
(40 limit, extra signs etc.) will be installed in the near future and then we
will take it from there.
If anyone wishes to discuss the matter further or to view the survey results I
am happy to meet up to do so and I'm sure Millie will be willing also.
| |
Added: 29-Mar-2007
|
|
|
Ward surgery - April
| |
My next ward surgery will be held in Bishopton and Redmarshall school between
6-30pm and 7-30pm on Tuesday 24th April. All Sadberge and Whessoe ward
residents can contact me at anytime (within reason) on 01325 332820 or via
brian.jones@darlington.gov.uk. All matters are discussed on a totally
confidential basis. If you prefer I can call to see you by mutual
arrangement.
| |
Added: 29-Mar-2007
Updated: 1-Apr-2007
|
|
|
Sadberge Parish Council
| |
I will be attending the meeting of Sadberge Parish Council at 6-30pm on
Tuesday 6th March.
| |
Added: 3-Mar-2007
|
|
|
Ward surgery - March
|
My next ward surgery will be held between 6-30pm and 7-30pm on Tuesday 27th
March in Brafferton village hall.
I am available on 332820 or via brian.jones@darlington.gov.uk
| |
Added: 3-Mar-2007
|
|
|
Caravan on land adjacent to A66
| |
On 28th February Darlington Borough Council served a notice on the owner
giving him 28 days to leave the site. If he fails to do so the council
will enforce the notice by removing the dwelling from the site.
| |
Added: 3-Mar-2007
|
|
|
Local Council Elections May 3rd
|
You have until April 18th to make sure your name is on the electoral register,
which makes you eligible to vote at the local elections on May 3rd.
April 18th is also the deadline day to register for a postal vote.
If you want to check if your name is on the electoral register, or if you would
like to register for a postal vote please call 01325 388351 or visit
www. darlington.gov.uk/democracy
| |
Added: 28-Feb-2007
|
|
|
Traffic calming, Middleton Road.
|
I have recently contacted the Head of Highways at Darlington Council with
regard to the lack of effective speed management on Middleton Road. It is
almost a year since changes to the present system were proposed and agreed, yet
nothing has happened. In short, I have said that the present measures are
simply not working, in particular the 'ribbleprint' has made no difference at
all to the speed of traffic on that road. Indeed all the residents I have
spoken to believe the 'ribbleprint' to be an expensive joke. (And it's
breaking up already).
I have suggested that before any further expenditure is incurred on the new
proposals, that we totally revisit the situation with a view of installing at
least one 'pinch point' or 'chicane' to provide a physical barrier that will
mean traffic will have no choice but to slow down to an acceptable speed.
I will be meeting highways officers in early March and will discuss the
problems of excessive speed on all roads in the village. I will keep
residents informed.
| |
Added: 18-Feb-2007
|
|
|
Ward Surgery - February
| |
My next ward surgery will be held between 6-30pm and 7-30pm on Tuesday 27th
February in Sadberge village hall.
| |
Added: 3-Feb-2007
|
|
|
Sadberge Parish Council
| |
I will be attending the meeting of Sadberge parish council at 6-30pm on Tuesday
6th March.
| |
Added: 3-Feb-2007
Updated: 18-Feb-2007
|
|
|
Planning application, Beacon Hill.
|
The anticipated planning application on land near Beacon Hill has been
submitted to the Borough Council. Ref. 07/00023/FUL.
The application is for an Agricultural Training Facility including the erection
of a livestock and agricultural storage building. A stockpersons
dwelling. Construction of a 2 storey building for educational purposes
and provision of a stable building with outdoor riding school, welfare
facilities and creation of a duck pond.
I will be liaising closely with both the planning department and Sadberge
parish council on this matter.
Comments should be sent to the planning department at Darlington town hall.
| |
Added: 27-Jan-2007
|
|
|
Bus service 17
| |
I have raised the matter of the poor service and the poor condition of the
buses being used on this service. The bus company has been spoken to and
the situation is being monitored. However, if you have any information,
or if you know of anyone who has had a problem or complaint, please let me know
so that I can follow it up on your behalf.
| |
Added: 20-Jan-2007
|
|
|
Sadberge Village Hall Association
| |
I am the Darlington Borough Council representative on the above association and
will be attending the meeting to be held at 7pm on Wednesday 10th January.
| |
Added: 6-Jan-2007
|
|
|
Parish Council
| |
I will be attending the Sadberge Parish Council meeting at 6-30pm on Tuesday
9th January.
| |
Added: 6-Jan-2007
|
|
|
Merry Christmas
| |
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all residents in Sadberge and
Whessoe Ward a very happy Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous new
year.
| |
Added: 22-Dec-2006
|
|
|
Bus service 17
| |
I have been informed about a problem with the above service which is now
operated by Compass Royston. Buses are breaking down and not being
replaced leaving a gap in the service. I have passed this complaint to
Darlington Borough Council who subsidise the service, but I would like to hear
from anyone who has experienced problems.
| |
Added: 22-Dec-2006
|
|
|
Ward surgery - January 2007
| |
My next ward surgery will be held at 6-30pm on Tuesday 30th January in
Bishopton and Redmarshall school. However, any Sadberge and Whessoe ward
resident can contact me at any time (within reason!) by telephone on 332820 or
by email at brian.jones@darlington.gov.uk. All matters are discussed on a
totally confidential basis. If you prefer, I can call to see you by
mutual arrangement.
| |
Added: 22-Dec-2006
Updated: 3-Feb-2007
|
|
|
Ward Surgery - December 2006
| |
My next ward surgery will be held in Brafferton Village Hall at 6-30pm on
Monday 18th December. But Sadberge residents don't need to travel that
far - just give me a call on 332820 or send an email to
brian.jones@darlington.gov.uk. All matters are discussed on a totally
confidential basis and I will call to see you by mutual arrangement if you prefer.
| |
Added: 3-Dec-2006
Updated: 8-Dec-2006
|
|
|
Beacon Hill lay by
| |
The 'abandoned' trailers have now been removed, although I note that one has
now appeared in the lay by on Middleton Road. Seperate legislation is
required to remove the containers and that is being investigated.
| |
Added: 3-Dec-2006
|
|
|
Sadberge School site - have your say.
|
A Community Information and Consultation Day will be held in Sadberge Village
Hall between 3:30pm and 6:30pm on Wednesday 13th December. The school
site is surplus to the requirements of the Borough Council and this is
part of the Planning and Development Brief to decide the most suitable
development of the site. The Brief will set out the preferred use of the
site and this is your chance to give your views before the site is sold to a
developer. The developer will have to prepare proposals for the site in
accordance with the Brief.
Make sure you have your say.
Further information is available on the
Darlington Borough Council web site.
| |
Added: 3-Dec-2006
Updated: 7-Dec-2006
|
|
|
Parish Plan - Services
| |
The Parish Plan meeting held on 27th November was well attended,important
points were raised and discussed and these will be followed up as part of the
Plan. Coincidentally, I had already arranged to walk around the village
the following morning with Carol Carter, our Street Scene supervisor, so we
were able to pick up on some of the points straight away such as the broken
dropped kerbs, the bus shelter and the amount of dog fouling. The amount
of dog fouling surprised me, there were several 'lots' in Norton Road, Norton
Crescent and Abbey Road, one lot only 4 yards from a dog bin! The
Environmental Wardens will prosecute if they can be provided with evidence of
those responsible. Darlington Community Safety Partnership can be
contacted on 346831.
| |
Added: 3-Dec-2006
|
|
|
Ward Surgery
| |
My next ward surgery will be held in Sadberge village hall from 6-30pm to
7-30pm on Tuesday 28th November. If you have anything you would like to
talk to me about, please call in. I feel much happier with visitors than
without!
| |
Added: 21-Nov-2006
|
|
|
Beacon Hill lay by
|
I have received several complaints about the 'abandoned' trailers, storage
containers etc. in the lay by at Beacon Hill. I have forwarded
photographs to the relevant officer of the Borough Council and hope to have the
matter resolved in the near future. I also arranged for the removal of
some fly tipping from that lay by and also the lay by at Little Burdon on the
A66.
The Borough Council has a dedicated number for litter and fly tipping removal
- 388777.
| |
Added: 21-Nov-2006
|
|
|
Caravan adjacent to the A66
|
One of the regular topics of conversation I have with residents is the
situation with regard to the caravan on land north of Lea Close near to the
A66 flyover. Residents will no doubt recall that planning consent was
refused and an enforcement notice was served to cease using the land for
residential purposes and to remove the caravan and the dog kennels and
compounds. An appeal was launched but a Planning Inspector dismissed the
appeal but varied the period for compliance giving the Appellant 18 months to
vacate the site. That time elapsed in October 2006 but the appellant has
since appealed on other grounds. The situation is now with the legal
department and it would be wrong of me to comment further until a decision has
been reached. I will update as soon as I can.
[UPDATE.] Sadberge parish council has recently written to the Borough Solicitor
complaining at Darlington council's failure to take timely and effective
enforcement action to have the caravan removed. I written to the Borough
Solicitor in support of the parish council.
| |
Added: 21-Nov-2006
Updated: 18-Feb-2007
|
|
|
Sadberge reservoir
|
Some months ago, following the planning application to landscape the reservoir,
I was told that there was a 'bunker' under the reservoir that was reserved for
the 'Top Brass' at Darlington Council in the event of a nuclear attack. I
must admit that I became quite excited by the prospect of being able to go back
in time and to uncover some recent history.
I spoke to several residents and the information was quite encouraging, talk of
training sessions for air cadets, regular inspections to ensure
telecommunications equipment worked, etc. I even walked the site (with
some difficulty) and found a likely looking door for access.
Sadly, it was not to be. An aerial photograph from Northumbrian Water
showed the location of the 'bunker' to be in the field to the west of the
reservoir and enquiries with the farmer using the land revealed that the bunker
had been filled in some 9 or 10 years ago.
The planning application is still outstanding with no indication of how things
will go. I will of course pass on any information as soon as I receive it.
| |
Added: 18-Nov-2006
|
|
|
Welcome!
|
Hello and welcome to my small contribution to the Sadberge web site. I am
grateful for the opportunity to be able to pass on relevant information to the
residents of Sadberge in this way.
Since I was elected in May 2003, I have maintained a contact with both the
Parish Council and the Village Hall Association by attending meetings and
social functions on a regular basis. I believe this is beneficial to all
parties concerned because we share not only information, but also a like minded
attitude towards working for the benefit of Sadberge residents. I have
also held regular ward surgeries in the village hall as well as being available
by telephone or email.
I will post anything on this site that I believe to be relevant to residents
and would be grateful for feedback - good or not so good!
| |
Added: 18-Nov-2006
|
|
