FOREWORD BY PAUL RYMAN – Vice Contents: Chair of Etherley Parish Council & Chair person of the Parish Plan Committee • FOREWORD
It is now over a year since your Parish Council decided to undertake work on a Parish Plan. A plan which we hope will draw together the views of the community • PARISH PROFILE and ideas on how the Parish may develop over the next 5 – 10 years. Preparation, consultation and the initial survey and analysis has been more complex and time • THE PROCESS consuming than was first envisaged, but I now have great pleasure in presenting this Plan, which I hope will provide a mechanism to make others aware of the • A SENSE OF HISTORY concerns and aspirations of those who live within the Parish, and help influence their decisions giving regard to community priorities and local needs. • KEY ISSUES The Parish Council cannot deliver, by itself, the objectives in the plan. These can only be achieved by partnerships by and within the community, supported • WHERE WE ARE NOW by other agencies. Active partnership and co-operation with our local authorities, neighbouring Parish Councils, local partnership and funding agencies will • ACTION PLAN be paramount if we, as a community, are to achieve the objectives set out in this plan.
I hope you enjoy reading the plan and thank you for your continued support in helping making things happen.
Etherley Parish Plan 1 Parish Profile
therley Parish is situated in Southwest County EDurham, 3 miles west of Bishop Auckland and spans a wide semi rural area.
The landscape surrounding the Parish is extensively agricultural with arable, cattle and sheep farming taking place on the fertile land. Surprisingly many of these areas have been the subject of open cast mining over the past 40 to 50 years and subsequently sympathetically restored to maintain the areas rural heritage.
A fine balance between maintaining the rurality of the area and making provision for further housing is evident and has ensured that new development has been both appropriate and necessary. Infill development has enhanced the villages of Toft Hill and Etherley and the recently completed Southfield Toft Hill and Etherley, housing estate has created an oasis of new homes for both existing residents and newcomers to the both very different in character community. but sharing a strong community spirit.
Strong Community:
t the central part of the Parish are the villages of AToft Hill and Etherley, very different in character but sharing a strong community spirit.
Housing at Toft Hill is predominately stone built terraced housing, built as typical two up two down to
2 Etherley Parish Plan the busy A68 road. The school is actively involved with village life and is central to our community. The school provides excellent facilities for the children of the Parish.
Properties located at High Etherley and Low Etherley consist of a variety of houses, cottages, terraced properties, older detached and semi detached houses and some historical buildings, including the Church, Methodist Chapel, Institute building, the former church hall and school house.
Throughout the Parish there are also two post offices, a village shop, four public houses and numerous small businesses as well as a number of small housing estates adding to the interest and diversity of our A labyrinth of rights of way exist community.
within the centre of the village and Adjacent to the eastern boundary of the Parish lie the two estates of Bankwell Drive and Witton Way built in across open farmland, most of which the early nineteen sixties and early nineteen seventies are maintained to a high standard to provide access for walkers. accommodate mining families in the past. Infill over recent years has included differing designs of property which have contributed to the compactness of the centre of the village. The large new development at Southfield provides new detached and semi detached dwellings and the layout of this estate is such that houses visible from the A68 are terraced to keep in line with the rest of the village. A focal point of Toft Hill is the village primary school situated alongside
Etherley Parish Plan 3 respectively. Despite these two estates being part of South of West Auckland the continuation of the Parish our village they actually lie in the neighbouring Parish includes terraced and detached properties, a hotel and of Evenwood and Barony. Close by is Phoenix Row a garage which all border the A68. which consists of traditional cottages built to accommodate the pit workers at Phoenix Pit which A number of farms are dotted throughout the operated in the early nineteenth century. surrounding agricultural land. A labyrinth of rights of way exist within the centre of the village and across To the south of High Etherley detached properties open farmland, most of which are maintained to a randomly border the A68 – at Spring Gardens a small high standard to provide access for walkers. group of stone terraced cottages and a public house exist and at West Auckland a very small number of modern houses, situated off the main road, fall within the boundary of Etherley.
4 Etherley Parish Plan Parish Location
Geographical Location: North East of the district.
ocated in the heart of County Durham, on the The unusual layout of the Parish boundary is such Loutskirts of Teesdale and on the borders of Wear that it encompasses Toft Hill, Etherley, Phoenix Row, Valley, Etherley Parish is uniquely situated within Spring Gardens, Hummerbeck, Bildershaw and part of beautiful countryside yet benefiting from excellent West Auckland. Basically the Parish of Etherley local services. developed along and around the A68, a former trunk road and primary route to the north and Scotland. Etherley Parish is the second largest Parish in Teesdale and is geographically located at the very
Etherley Parish Plan 5 The District: Barnard Castle, the main market town of Teesdale, is rich in history. Named after the Norman castle eesdale, a largely undiscovered corner of England around which the town was built, Barnard Castle has Tis located within the North Pennines Area of some fascinating shops and the addition of a lively Outstanding Natural Beauty. street market every Wednesday plus a monthly farmer’s market. A dale of waterfalls, wooded valleys, vast open spaces, picturesque villages and breathtaking scenery, Having the lowest population per square mile of any Teesdale provides a wonderful and exiting area for other District in England, Teesdale offers space and tourism and leisure. scope to live in tranquillity yet be within easy reach of major commercial and industrial centres. Some of the outstanding features of the dale include High Force, the largest waterfall in England, Raby Despite being located at the edge of the district, Castle, the home of Lord Barnard’s family since 1626, Etherley Parish prides itself on the contribution it The Bowes Museum and Hamsterley Forest. makes, both environmentally and economically to this However, the real attraction of Teesdale is the superb diverse and tranquil part of the country. open countryside and magnificent scenery throughout the dale. The Surrounding Area:
lthough, located in Teesdale, Etherley Parish has Athe benefit of facilities and services provided in Wear Valley with the market town of Bishop Auckland being located only a short distance away.
The town provides a wealth of services including excellent shopping outlets, restaurants, hotels, public
Etherley Parish
is the second largest Parish in Teesdale
and is geographically located at the
very North East of the district
6 Etherley Parish Plan houses, banks and a twice-weekly street market. County Durham - Sporting and leisure facilities are also plentiful with Land of the Prince Bishops: football club, cricket club, rugby club, golf club and a leisure centre in Bishop Auckland. raditionally a coal mining and industrial area of Tthe country, County Durham has transformed over Located in the centre of the market place is the the past two decades to become one of commercial ancient and beautiful Auckland Castle, the seat of the and economic importance. Since the closure of the Bishop of Durham. The surrounding parkland coal mines during the eighties and nineties and the provides a wonderful area for walking. loss of jobs in the steel and rail industries, the infrastructure has been put in place to attract new business thus ensuring that employment opportunities Sedgfield District/ Darlington: were created.
o the South East our Parish boundary adjoins Steeped in a wealth of history, much of which is TSedgefield and Darlington. centred upon Durham City with its’ Cathedral and Castle, County Durham prides itself on being the place to live and work.
County Durham boasts many delightful places and areas of interest across the entire county, from numerous museums to interest all tastes to beautiful open countryside to the west as well as the ever improving coast line to the east.
Etherley Parish Plan 7 The Process
The Consultation Exercise: The Process:
A consultation programme sought the views of all Based upon advice from the Countryside Agency, the those living in the Parish on what is important to steering group, consisting of Parish Council members, them and what, if anything, could be done to improve residents and representatives from local the environment in which they live. The steering organisations, and businesses, devised an action plan group devised and produced a questionnaire with achievable targets to be met. The timescale set containing 47 questions covering all areas of Parish was 18 months from initial registration with the life including, household details, facilities and Countryside Agency until completion and production services, the environment, transport and highways, of the final document. However, when the first 50% local authorities, crime and safety and other local of the grant was eventually received, little more than issues. A statistical analysis was produced based on one year remained to complete the whole process the 23% of questionnaires returned thus providing a which included: production of the questionnaires, clear picture of the issues in the Parish requiring analysis of the data, report writing and collation of action and forward planning. information and finally printing and production of the plan.
Not surprisingly residents highlighted many of the same issues, for example:
• the need for more road safety measures within the Parish • the need for dog waste bins • a greater police presence • a more efficient highway and pathway maintenance programme
Feedback from the questionnaires also provided vital information about the views of residents on certain issues, for example:
• the percentage of residents who use local shops • views about further housing development • views on promoting tourism • views about the Parish Council and local representatives • views about local places of worship
8 Etherley Parish Plan The stages in this process were identified as The Questionnaire: follows: The steering group agreed that the most effective • An invitation was extended to all residents to attend method of seeking the views of residents was by an open meeting to seek support for producing a producing a relevant questionnaire to be completed by Parish Plan. Posters were issued and fliers delivered each household within the Parish. The steering group to each household to promote this project. As a sub divided into working groups to consider the result a small but acceptable number of residents questions that they felt should be included in the attended the meeting. From this initial meeting a questionnaire. It was finally agreed that a total of 47 steering group was formed with the task of devising questions should be included divided into 2 sections: an appropriate and relevant questionnaire to be distributed to all residents of Etherley Parish • Household Section • Prior to submitting an application for funding, • Personal Section advice was sought from the Countryside Agency and Groundwork The personal section covered all aspects affecting • An application for funding was submitted resident’s daily lives, including: • The steering group identified the appropriate questions for the questionnaire • Transport • A competition was organised at Toft Hill School for • Road Safety the children to design a unique logo for the • Local Maintenance – pavements/roads questionnaire and Parish Plan • Housing • The questionnaires were printed and delivered to all • Crime and Safety households in the Parish • Local Services • Collection points were posted in various locations • Play Areas around the Parish and the incentive prize for • Social Facilities returning a completed questionnaire was agreed • Local Government • The work continued with a sub committee • Places of Worship • A 23% return of questionnaires was achieved • Dog Fouling problems • Questionnaires were collated and analysed • The countryside and surrounding area electronically • Data from the questionnaires, photographic images, The questionnaire was accompanied by a covering reports on background, history, location etc. was letter, once again giving residents the reasons for the examined and used to enable the sub committee to production of a questionnaire and asking for support. consider the contents of the Parish Plan. As agreed an incentive prize was to be awarded for • The sub committee commissioned the services of a returning the questionnaire and residents were local printing company to give advice on the informed of this in the letter. production of a comprehensive, relevant final document.
Etherley Parish Plan 9 A Sense of History
‘Etherley Parish is an ecclesiastical parish some three miles west from Bishop Auckland, which includes the scattered village of Etherley and the
agricultural hamlet of Morley’ 1923 Today the population of Etherley Parish stands at 2431 inhabitants with all dwellings having piped water, bathrooms and inside toilets. Not so very along This description of Etherley Parish was written in the ago, fifty years infact, the picture was very different short historical book by Brigadier-General Conyers with a parish population of 1835 - over 40 dwellings Surtees in 1923. The book further describes the area without piped water, 365 dwellings using outside as being ‘rich in coals, freestone and other minerals, toilets and a staggering 405 dwellings with no with coalfields chiefly worked by drifts from Escomb bathroom. and Witton Park and is sparsely populated……’.
Further confirmation of this broad picture of our parish can also to be found in the ‘History of Durham’ by Mackenzie and Ross published in 1834 where it states
‘Etherley Parish is a hamlet of scattered houses, having a colliery, school, three public houses and a few tradesmen……’ Early statistics taken from the 1851 census list the population as comprising of 482 males and 479 females inhabiting 214 dwellings. At that time, surprisingly, there were a total of 30 uninhabited dwellings within the Parish.
10 Etherley Parish Plan At the time of the 1851 census the majority of the working population was employed locally, primarily in coal mining and agricultural work. Before this time few traces of coal mining activity were evident and the scattered farms were characteristic of the predominant occupation in the area.
Early in the 19th century Shortly after there were three local pits in 7.00a.m. on 27th September operation, owned by the 1825, twelve wagons of coal left the Phoenix Pit Stobart family, these being and were hauled up Etherley Incline by a stationery the Mary Ann Pit, the Jane engine at the top. They were then lowered to St. Pit and the George Pit. The Mary Ann is said to be the Helens and joined by a further wagon loaded with oldest of the three collieries. sacks of flour. The wagons were led by horses across the flat and hauled up to the Brusstleton Engine At that time transportation of coal was expensive and House and finally lowered into Shildon. inefficient and in 1821 an act of parliament was Waiting at the Masons Arms Level Crossing was ‘The authorised to begin construction of what was to Locomotion’ and the wagons from Phoenix Pit and become the World’s First Passenger Railway: The Witton Park were added to the train. Darlington/Stockton Railway. In 1825 the Jane Pit Although provision for only 300 passengers was was used as the terminus for the line which started at made, upwards of 500 people boarded the train. On Witton Park Colliery, followed the inclines at Etherley arrival at Darlington, six wagons were detached and and Brusstleton, continued via Shildon and coal was distributed to the poor of the town, two Darlington and ended on the banks of the River Tees further wagons were added to the train and it at Stockton. continued to Stockton to complete the day’s festivities. By 1843 the rail line had extended in such a way that coal was then transported by locomotives via Bishop Auckland therefore the need for the original inclines no longer existed and Etherley Incline was finally closed.
Etherley Parish Plan 11 Etherley Incline: agriculture to coal mining as the principal employment. This inevitably led to an influx of Today English Heritage has categorised Etherley newcomers requiring homes – some new properties Incline as an ancient monument and as such is were built by private enterprise, but more often protected. The Incline is designated as a public houses were built by the colliery companies in a style footpath and from Low Etherley to Greenfields that typified the mining village of the time. However, makes a pleasant area for walking. It is, however, despite Etherley and Toft Hill being in a mining area fascinating to remember that Etherley was linked to a the style and characteristics of the properties being momentous and historical event in the development of built certainly did not suggest this. A reason given rail travel in the country. for the distinct difference between Etherley and other colliery villages was that Henry Stobart, owner and With the birth of the railway came cheap and efficient head of the local mining company, made his home in transport and as a result coal mining in the area the village of Etherley and the majority of the houses expanded rapidly. New collieries were sunk at in the village were reserved for officials, clerical staff Etherley and in the surrounding areas and as a and others working at the residence of Mr. Stobart. consequence there was a marked change from Mr. Stobart eventually became known as the squire of the neighbourhood.
Coal mining continued to dominate the area for the next 100 years and mines were sunk and operated until the early part of the twentieth century. The George Pit, latterly known as Old Etherley Colliery, closed in 1917 and the closure of Jane Pit in April 1925 caused the loss of 255 jobs and was one of many economic disasters to befall the area.
Since the closure of local pits the only link with the coal industry has been a succession of surface mines. Southfield surface mine located at Brusstleton is the only operational mine within the Parish and nearing completion
Around the mid nineteenth century several important developments took place within the Parish. Due to the development of the railways and the continued expansion of coal mining there was a steady increase in the population and as a consequence provision of additional housing and places of worship was made. The growth of Methodism in the area resulted in the Toft Hill Wesleyan Methodist Chapel being built at Quarry Heads. This opened in 1829 costing £240 and seated 150 people. The building was eventually replaced by Methodist Chapel located on South Road
12 Etherley Parish Plan which opened in 1861. In 1832 St. Cuthbert’s Church – also existed at Toft Hill. Anglican church was built costing a meagre £700 and was later restored in 1867 and 1901. Evidence of the In 1864 The Etherley Literacy Institute was built importance of the Stobart family, the principal costing £500 – this building consisted of a large landowners and colliery owners at the time, can be lecture room, reading room, recreation rooms, library found in the church in the form of a stained glass and bathroom. The library held 400 volumes of high- window placed in memory of John Henry Stobart and class literature and for a small membership cost of the church clock presented in memory of William one shilling per quarter, residents had access to these Culley Stobart. books – quite a privilege in those days. A further place of worship – the Primitive Methodist
Etherley Parish Plan 13 A little earlier the National School was built in 1833 and most up to date elementary school in the County and 187 pupils attended from the villages of Toft Hill of Durham making Etherley , for the moment, the and Etherley. In 1915 the new Council School at Toft proudest village in the county’. The opening of the Hill opened with the capacity to accommodate 300 school was a great occasion attended by three junior and secondary school children. The school was generations of villagers. The infant school, which was described in a local newspaper as being ‘the latest located at Low Etherley, closed in April 1965. After this date infant and junior children were educated at
14 Etherley Parish Plan Toft Hill School and secondary aged children travelled to schools in Bishop Auckland. The Diocese took over the National School building and it became St. Cuthbert’s Church hall for many years until it was recently sold and converted into a private dwelling house and private day nursery.
Educational establishments were well out numbered in those days by public houses in the villages of Toft Hill and Etherley – five in total – The Sportman’s Arms, The Three Tuns, The Dog and Gun, The Crossed Keys and the Black Bull as well as a Workmens Club situated at Toft Hill. Only three public houses remain, The Dog and Gun at Etherley and the Three Tuns and Sportsman at Toft Hill.
Etherley Parish Plan 15 16 Etherley Parish Plan In October 1936 residents were proud to see the Curiosities: opening of the Community Centre at Toft Hill by Sir. Henry Pelham. In those days centres were known as service clubs providing opportunities for craft, An interesting tale……In the 17th Century, Etherley woodwork, upholstery etc. With the onset of the had an evil reputation down to the activities of a Second World War the centre became a source of certain ‘Sir William’. During this time Sir William led recreation and profit. Women’s groups met to provide a resident band of marauders both male and female - activities which were helpful and practical and this band were in the habit of blackmailing calculated to make a better home life. In 1939 the neighbouring landowners and actually ventured to local newspaper was so impressed with the work of despoil some of the burgesses of Bishop Auckland. It the Women’s Group that it ‘strongly advised husbands would appear that Sir William imitated the ways of in Toft Hill and Etherley to urge their wives to join up’ ‘Robin Hood’ and frequently ensured that property taken from poorer inhabitants of the parish was Since those early days the centre and its land (Quarry returned to them. After being imprisoned for a time, Field) has continued to offer a central location for a Sir William returned to Etherley where he was again variety of clubs, events and activities and remains an captured, tried at Newcastle and was finally brought important part of the community. to the gallows for his deeds.
On 15th August 1940 residents of the Parish had first hand experience of the Second World War when the German Luftwaffe visited the region. During the exercise 60 explosive bombs and 100 incendiary bombs were dropped in the area. Sadly one person was killed and one house hit and a number of cattle killed in the surrounding fields.
Etherley Parish Plan 17 Ode to Joe Piker (circa 1869)
Joe Piker was a miner, Joe wasn’t male, but female, Hewing coal beneath the ground; All those years she’d lived a lie. He worked in nearly all the pits To reveal her true identity ‘round Toft Hill, - his home town. She had to wait until she died. And when the local farmerts They say she had been jilted Would need a willing hand, By her lover, whom she killed Joe Piker was their first choice Some where in the border town To help them on the land. High on the Cumbrian hills. She donned her lover’s clothing They knew him in the Black Bull, A pub just down the street Then made haste, to flee Where drinking was his masterpiece, To work and live at Toft Hill, A drinker hard to beat; A man forever she must be. And when it came to marriage They laid her in St Cuthberts He hadn’t one, but two. In the church yard, in her grave; The first one quickly left him, But she never got a tombstone, The second lived him through. Because they didn’t know her name!
After forty years of working Anon. ‘round this town upon the hill And drinking with the local lads Joe died at the age of 72 years. He died, after being ill. But when the women ‘laid him out’ And stripped him of his clothes Naked, laid upon the bed Joe’s sex was then exposed!
18 Etherley Parish Plan Key Issues
Of the 1200 questionnaires distributed to households, General Information: 304 were returned. Information from the questionnaire included the Analysis of the questionnaires resulted in a number of number of people residing in each household, their key issues being highlighted that cause concern for age group and gender (i.e. the total number of adults residents in the Parish. Whilst looking at this data it and children, the number of males and females and is important to remember that the information relates their ages as reported in this questionnaire). to the views of a proportion of the population of the Parish. Therefore the data given below, unless otherwise stated, represents the views of 25.23% of households.
Etherley Parish Plan 19 The collected data also shows the length of time residents have lived in the Parish. Despite relatively recent residential developments the statistics show that more than 50% of residents have lived in the Parish in excess of 15 years.
Transport issues:
The questionnaires revealed that most residents use their own transport to travel to work – 77.7%, with a small percentage – 14.6% using public transport. Car ownership is obviously high within the Parish which poses specific problems particularly associated with parking.
The high ownership of cars is further reflected with 82.4% of all residents, working and retired, indicating that their main means of travel is by car.
Statistics also show that residents have difficulty accessing public transport with 20.7% saying they often experienced problems. The actual figure for Car ownership is obviously high residents who regularly use public transport is 12.9%. Figures further revealed that of those residents who use public transport 46.5% feel that existing services within the Parish are reliable. However 26% of those who use public transport felt that the bus routes are poor. There
20 Etherley Parish Plan was also concern expressed about access for those Road Safety and Traffic with disabilities with 22.8% responding that this is not adequate. The perceived extent of traffic problems include congestion, speeding, poor air quality, noise, A more flexible bus service which includes a good problems with parking and poor road maintenance. network of routes is essential to satisfy the needs of Not surprisingly the points identified are a concern for residents, particularly the elderly. residents. This issue needs to be examined and workable solutions found to address the problems.
The statistics show that there are a number of ‘danger spots’ within the Parish where road safety is a major issue.
Etherley Parish Plan 21 The questionnaire showed that there is recognition of A number of other road safety measures where the road safety issues which effect everyone. 85.9% identified which residents consider could alleviate of residents felt that speeding was a major road safety road safety concerns including: traffic calming; issue. The following chart shows how residents feel pelican crossings; improved parking facilities; and traffic problems can be addressed. speed cameras. Measures to provide further car parking facilities need to be considered, however, car owners must be encouraged to park in such a way that due care and attention is afforded to pedestrians, push chairs and the disabled.
Etherley Parish is also included in a timetable to have the Matrix Speed Indicator installed in the village. The Indicator has proved to be a useful road safety tool assisting in reducing traffic speeds at Toft Hill.
residents felt that speeding was a major road safety issue.
As the chart to the right shows, the majority of respondents consider that a by pass would be the main means to address traffic and road safety concerns. Etherley Parish Council, supported by local residents, has for many years campaigned for a by pass at Toft Hill and is confident that this would create the solution to many of the existing traffic problems.
22 Etherley Parish Plan Environment:
The questionnaire gave residents the opportunity to comment on a variety of environmental matters within the parish.
Generally residents expressed that they were reasonably satisfied with the condition of the roads, pavements, grass verges, street lighting and public toilets. Figures did reveal that residents would like facilities for disabled people to be improved ie. further dropped curbs to allow wheel chairs better access.
Over 83% of those residents who responded to the questionnaire stated that the condition of the surrounding countryside was very important to them, including the hedgerows, meadows, farm land and woodland areas.
In response to the question about what residents Statistics also revealed that 59% of consider to be the most important elements of the local environment, the analysis identified these as shown in the chart below. residents would not like to see any further housing developments within the Parish.
Etherley Parish Plan 23 A major concern of residents is the lack of dog waste bins with a staggering 95% of residents expressing that this service should be provided and would improve the environment.
Improvements to the rights of way were also identified including further way marking, better signage, user friendly styles and better maintenance during the growing season. 95% of residents expressed major concern of the
lack of dog waste bins of respondents supported the local shops for their convenience, despite only 10% indicating that local shops gave value for money. Local Services A future issue which could affect local residents is the Whilst major shopping is available within 3 miles of review of rural post offices currently being Etherley Parish at Bishop Auckland, good use is made undertaken. Toft Hill and Etherley have been in the of local shops and services. 59% of residents fortunate position of being able to maintain two post expressed that they liked to support the local shops offices for many years and the future of both these and post offices. The statistics also revealed that 50% establishments is by no means certain.
24 Etherley Parish Plan Leisure and Entertainment and places of Collective Worship
The village benefits from having a thriving Community Centre with a number of clubs and organisations using this facility. The questionnaires revealed that more needs to be done to promote the activities and events taking place at the Community Centre, the Cricket Club and the local school. Residents revealed that they use a variety of methods to obtain information including 39% using the village notice board, 72% using the local post offices and shops with the remainder using local churches, the Crime and safety: local school and the Community Centre. The perception of crime can often be different from There are two churches in the village and the statistics actual crime, and statistics reveal that a high from the questionnaire show that these are poorly percentage of residents consider criminal actities and attended with between 3% and 9% of residents using anti-social behaviour a cause for concern: the churches on a regular basis. Over 74% of residents indicated that they felt a greater The questionnaires also showed that residents did not police presence was needed in the Parish and almost feel that enough was being done within the parish to 70% indicated that more activities for young people provide social activities, particularly for young people. would help to address problems of youth nuisance.
Further to this issue, 80% of residents felt that a play area should be provided in the village for children, Health issues: with only 4% stating that they did not want this. A figure of 79% of residents responded that they had no major health issues, with the remainder (21%) stating that they have health issues and disabilities which affected their day to day living.
Etherley Parish Plan 25 Where we are now
The purpose of a Parish Plan is primarily to highlight groups, donations and grants, events such as the issues that the questionnaire has raised and to carnival and fairs and hiring out the centre for special illustrate how these issues can be considered and occasions. Recent events have included the annual addressed in the future. Recognition must be given to carnival, Christmas fayre, balloon race, car boot sale achievements within the Parish and the need to build and an audience with Paul Daniels. All these events upon the existing facilities and services for the whole raise money, together with the rents received, to keep community. the centre open and to benefit the whole community.
The Key Issues, although relevant and important, can sometimes obscure the good practice and work, which goes on week after week, and it is reasonable and fair to identify those areas that are a real credit to the Parish.
Toft Hill Community Centre:
One of the points highlighted from the questionnaire was the lack of information and awareness of the work of the community Centre.
The management committee of the centre is Toft Hill and Etherley Community Association and is responsible for the day to day running of the centre. The management committee is responsible to the Trustees as the body which oversees the Community Centre. Currently the small management committee consists of 4 of those Trustees. They meet on a monthly basis to discuss the running of the building and to arrange and organise a variety of fund raising events to help maintain the centre.
Currently a village hall grant is received annually from Committee member’s work very hard to secure grants Durham County Council – this sum is well short of the for improvements to the building and facilities. They actual amount required to keep the centre financially are currently looking at ways to raise sufficient funds viable, and is constantly under threat of withdrawal. to replace the main hall floor and refurbish the toilets. Funds to make up the shortfall are raised in many Together this work will cost in excess of £10,000! ways, for example, hire charges for the numerous user
26 Etherley Parish Plan Grants have been received from the following Toft Hill Primary School organisations: As with other villages, the local school is recognised as • U.K. Coal Southfield Surface Mine one of the most important features in Etherley Parish. • Community Fund Over the years pupil numbers have remained • Teesdale Village Halls Consortium constant, which in the present day climate of parental • Teesdale District Council Arts Development Fund choice, is evident that the school is successful and • Etherley Parish Council popular. • Awards for All Primary schools are now classified as community schools which is particularly relevant within a village The committee is also very grateful for the many context. Strong links between the school and other donations received from individuals and organisations local organisations are important and every effort is – apart from the many small donations; larger made to ensure that the school maintains a high donations have been received from the Dog and Gun, profile within the parish. the Sportsman’s Leek Club and Dawn Smilie from Tatters and Curls. The questionnaire has highlighted the real concern about traffic safety outside the school, both morning It is important to emphasise that the centre exists for and night. Obviously road safety issues are of residents of all ages and the committee welcome paramount concern to the governing body and enquiries for further use of the centre. recently under the direction of the head teacher the
Etherley Parish Plan 27 school has become involved with the ‘Safer routes to The project has gone through a number of stages school’ project, instigated by the Local Education including pupil and parent questionnaires, steering Authority at Durham County Council. group meetings and putting proposals forward in the School Travel Plan. The Travel Plan has now been A 'Safer Route to School' project aims to enable more agreed with Durham County Council and the next children to walk, cycle or take public transport to stage is for their highway engineers to visit the area school by improving travelling conditions on their and discuss the options with the head teacher, route to school and in the vicinity of the school. This governing body and the Parish Council. It is hoped can be achieved by making changes to the highway, by that over the next few months work to improve the reducing traffic speeds and volumes, reallocating road children and parents’ safety outside the area of the space, providing safe crossing points and at the same school will be started. time raising awareness of transport and health. The basis for a successful 'Safer Route to School' project is the development of a School Travel Plan.
28 Etherley Parish Plan Health and Care Services: section, the council has campaigned for many, many years for a by-pass to help alleviate many of the traffic The Parish is fortunate in having two G.P. practices problems that exist. operating for residents. Until recently, three G.P. surgeries existed, two with independent practices and The Highway Authority will not commit to this one visiting GP with a weekly session held in the development as unfortunately it represents the most Community Centre. One practice has since closed. expensive scheme. Furthermore the scheme fails to Patients using the Toft Hill practice are able to obtain meet all the criteria, in particular, that it will not medication from the surgery, therefore avoiding the impact upon economical development in the area. journey to a chemist at St. Helens or Bishop Auckland. Realistically, therefore, it would appear that the by- pass will be dropped from the list of recommended Crime and Safety: major road developments in the County Durham area.
Etherley Parish Council has forged strong links with The Parish Council has therefore sought the advice of the local police to ensure that the safety and security the Highway Authority on how alternative road safety of residents is placed very high on the agenda. measures can be introduced and implemented, thus ensuring that every possible opportunity is taken to The questionnaire highlighted the concerns of improve the local environment. residents as outlined in the Key Issues section and periodically there appears to be an escalation of In consultation with the incidents which are of concern.
The local police support the view that a higher police Highway Authority, presence has a reassuring effect upon the community. In direct response the police have recently appointed a number of Police Community Support Officers to a range of road safety measures assist the Community Police Officer within the Parish. Although the powers of the PCSO’s are limited, they have been discussed do provide a uniformed presence that ultimately has a positive effect in reducing the number of youth nuisance related incidents.
Road Safety and Traffic In consultation with the Highway Authority, a range of road safety measures have been discussed and Etherley Parish Council considers road safety one of agreed, each to be considered upon the impact it will the most important areas of responsibility it make and then prioritised. These include: improved undertakes. As already mentioned in the Key Issues anti skid road surfacing; improved signage; rumble
Etherley Parish Plan 29 strips, greater speed management to include greater and a better level of service to combat this problem, use of the matrix speed sign and a pelican crossing. including Parish Dog Wardens.
To further strengthen the links with the Highway Representation has been made to Teesdale District Authority, a representative from the Parish Council Council by a group of Parish Councils within the Dale. has attended the Highways Members Area Panel It is the aim of all the supporting Parish Councils to meetings which focus specifically on Traffic bring pressure to bear on the District Council to Management, Public Transport and Highway provide a solution to the serious dog fouling problems Maintenance. In this way Etherley Parish is able to that exist across Teesdale. maintain the high profile that has been developed over the years. Etherley Parish Council is in the The Parish Council is totally process of organising a series of Evidence must be meetings with colleagues in submitted to support any committed to the view that the other Parish Councils in order to proposed road safety create an action plan and a way scheme in order that each forward. can be assessed to ensure District Council should provide that it will have a positive effect. For this purpose dog waste bins Rights of Way: the Parish Council has formed a working group For the past 11 years the Parish to produce a road safety Council has been in partnership survey for submission to the Highway Authority. An with Durham County Council which provides the excellent working relationship has been developed funds to manage and maintain the footpaths. with the Highway Authority and several consultative meetings have already taken place. Results of the questionnaire show that local resident care and value the countryside in which they live. Etherley Parish is fortunate to have a labyrinth of Environment public rights of way giving access to the countryside. Year on year the pathways included in the scheme has The local environment plays a very important part in increased resulting in good quality pathways giving the life of all residents and the questionnaire revealed access to the open countryside. the concerns of local people. The Parish Council received a special recognition A major concern is the problem with dog waste. The award for the commitment given to this important Parish Council is totally committed to the view that work. the District Council should provide dog waste bins
30 Etherley Parish Plan Other Environmental issues: litter bins throughout the village with more robust and traditional fixtures. For a number of years the Parish Council has employed staff to maintain the grass verges and bus Provision of a children’s play area is also a shelters and to carry out other local maintenance development for the future. Sure Start is currently work. working with communities in Teesdale alongside other agencies, including, 2D and Groundwork West The upkeep and attention paid to grass gutting has Durham, on a variety of environmental projects proved to be a sound investment over the years, with including play areas. Having direct and indirect residents indicating that this work has improved the access to a number of other funding streams, Sure overall appearance of the Parish. Start has indicated that they have the capacity and the willingness to undertake this work within Etherley Without the focal point of a village green, it is Parish. important that our grass verges are protected in order to preserve the rural character of the Parish. It is Support from Sure Start is phased and Toft Hill is essential that residents respect our verges so that the currently in phase 3 for funding to be released in very high standard of work carried out is reflected in 2005/2006. Consultation with local residents their appearance. regarding location, design, requirements, etc. will form part of the process and Sure Start hope that a The questionnaires further revealed that the majority steering group of local residents will forge ahead with of residents (59%) would prefer not to see any further this project. The Parish Council, whilst supportive of building development within the Parish. It is this project, is not directly involved and believes that therefore vital that all steps are taken to ensure that input from the community is very important. any applications for new development or extensions to existing buildings are looked at with sensitivity and Sure Start Objectives: due consideration for the surrounding area. It is also • To improve children’s ability to learn, by important to ensure that development is retained improving access to good quality play and within the Teesdale Local Development Plan. The learning opportunities Parish Council has a responsibility to consider all • To strengthen families and communities planning applications for development within Parish.
The Parish Council is also responsible for the maintenance of bus shelters and seats and has recently secured funding from Durham County Council and UK Coal to start a programme of replacing shelters and seats. Funding has also been secured to increase the number of public seats and
Etherley Parish Plan 31 Parish Plan - Action Plan Parish Plan – Action Plan
Key issue Action Required Action By Timescale Funding if applicable
Road Safety Issue Implementation of the Safer Governors of Toft 2006 Durham County Routes to School Plan Hill School Council
Safer Road Surfaces Durham County Summer 2005 Durham County Council Council
Rumble Strips and more Durham County Summer 2005 Durham County signage Council and on going Council
Regular installation Matrix Durham County Durham County Speed Indicator Council Council Supported by Durham Constabulary
Produce Road Safety Survey Etherley Parish 2005/2006 Council
Crime and Safety To further support residents Durham Constabulary Ongoing Fear of Crime to alleviate the fear of crime Youth Nuisance Increased police presence Improved Response
Children’s Play Identify possible area for Sure Start/ 2006/2007 Sure Start Area creative play. Community Groups Other fund providers Secure Funding. Develop Play Area
Bus Shelters Secure funding for Etherley Parish To begin DCC/UK programme of replacement Council Summer 2005 Coal/other fund providers
Additional public Secure funding for Etherley Parish To begin Etherley Parish seating & litter programme of replacement Council Summer 2005 Council/UK bins Coal/other fund providers
Dealing with Dog Planned series of meetings Etherley Parish To begin Fouling with other Parish Council Summer 2005 Councils/TDC
Bring pressure to bear upon Teesdale Parish April 2006 TDC TDC for the installation of Councils Other fund Dog Waste Bins providers
Improved Rights To further expand the Etherley Parish Year on year Durham County of Way network of Parish Paths Council improvements Council
Local Services Support to Maintain Post The Whole Continuous Not applicable Office Facilities in Community Etherley Parish
Local Community Improved communication and Toft Hill and Continuous Not applicable Centre advertising of activities etc. Etherley Community Association
32 Etherley Parish Plan