Yarm footpath maintenance schemes - some good news

It isn't often I have had the opportunity to share good news regarding Yarm in recent times, but today is an happy exception.

I have now received confirmation of the areas which will have new footpaths laid throughout Yarm and Kirklevington during 2015/16. These are:

- Carew Close (full length)

- Forest Lane (various areas)

- Ryedale Close (full length)

- Larun Beat (from Lympton Gate to The Slayde).

These works are in addition to the resurfacing of Challoner Road (between Skirlaw Road and Meynell's Walk) already scheduled for this financial year.

Whilst we have a number of paths throughout the ward in need of resurfacing, Larun Beat has been in a serious state for disrepair for many years and is one of, if not the, worst in Yarm. This was one of the first issues I raised as a councillor, and I know councillors Andrew Sherris and Jennie Beaumont worked hard to raise this several times prior to my own election. Whilst it is sadly not the done thing for the old political parties locally, it would be wrong not to thank the aforementioned equally for their work in this regard.

Although no dates have been finalised for the work to be undertaken as yet, I will notify residents as soon as they are agreed.

If you believe any other areas are particularly in need of resurfacing - or at the very least some remedial work - feel free to drop me a line at mark.chatburn@stockton.gov.uk so we can endeavour to include them in future work programs.

Leven Park play area finally opens

After literally years of waiting, the new play area at Leven Park was formally opened for public use this morning.


The first children enjoying the new play area

The play area was subject to a thorough inspection by ROSPA over a couple of hours yesterday afternoon. As well as receiving a clean bill of health, the inspector was very complimentary of both the quality of work and the play area overall.

After a few little odds and sods were finished off by Care For Your Area first thing this morning, the play area was officially opened for use at 10:30.

The honour of being the first to use the play area went to local residents Brian and Margaret Moon, or more specifically to their young grandson, Alexander (pictured below).

(left to right) Cllr Andrew Sherris, Margaret Moon, grandson Alexander, Brian Moon, and myself

Despite the play area already being open there remains a final bench to be installed, but we are considering relocating this slightly from its planned position to benefit from the shade of the nearby copse of trees. A request has also been received for a dog tether to be sited nearby and we hope this is something we may able to provide shortly through our ward budget. Suggestions for any further improvements are, as always, welcome.

All that remains is to give thanks to Yarm Councillor Andrew Sherris, former Yarm Councillor Jenny Beaumont and particularly to (the camera shy!) Tony Raine of Stockton Council for their work and tireless dedication in bringing this scheme forward three years ago and seeing it through to a successful conclusion.