SAVE OUR PARK
DEAN BANK RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
June 2004
Dear Councillor
Dean Bank Residents Association would like to ask for your assistance regarding the Ferryhill Town Council’s ‘submission to Sedgefield Borough Local Development Framework (draft version)’ in which they disclose their proposals for considering the sale of public open spaces e.g. recreational parkland for the development of dwelling house.
At the last Residents Association meeting held on 10th May 2004 a resolution on the above was moved from the floor and unanimously agreed by those present that:-
“Our elected Councillors from all Councils support the decision of this meeting that the Dean Bank Recreation Park remain as a permanent Recreation facility for all of the people of Ferryhill as was intended by the Miners who funded it and entrusted it to the Ferryhill Town Council, for the peoples heritage.
In addition, Ferryhill Town Council invests in the Park as stated by them and as requested by the people of Ferryhill.
(Please refer to the attached edition of our Community Newsletter for May 2004)
prior to the reasons for our request and your consideration, can we draw your attention to the following sources of information available to us all from ‘Public Libraries’ ‘Councils’, ‘The Internet’, ‘Newspapers, etc.
FERRYHILL COMMUNITY APPRAISAL
Commissioned by -The Ferryhill Community Partnership
- Accepted by The Ferryhill Community Partnership year 2001
Sections taken from the Appraisal which relates to Dean Bank Park are noted under item 6.1.3 – Children’s Play and states:-
The Dean Bank play area is very good.
There is a need for play areas to be safer (CCTV and Park Keepers/Supervisors were suggested).
There is a need for more play areas for younger children.
The issue of children’s play is often fraught with difficulties. Many parents want play areas to be close to home, so that children can be nearby and avoid having to cross busy roads. On the other hand many residents do not want to see play areas near residential areas due to the potential for noise and nuisance.
Small, unsupervised play areas can be easily open to misuse and cause problems with neighbourhoods. Careful consideration that the Partnership along with Sure Start and the Town Council, focus on the need to extend, improve, make safer and increase usage of existing provision to accommodate the comments outlined above.
Item 10.4 – Key Project Areas regarding Ferryhill Athletic Football Ground states:-
“Action – To develop the former Ferryhill Athletic Football Ground as a sports facility for the whole of the town.
The potential grant from the Football Association to be used as a lever to obtain other monies to enable a wide range of sports facilities to be developed”.
As can be seen the Appraisal does not:-
 Refer to selling public open spaces but only redeveloping the former Ferryhill Athletic Ground.
 Confirm if the Football Association would give grant money for projects that were not solely for football and how match funding would be achieved.
 Substantiate the sustainability of the facility e.g. with the production of a viable business plan.
The Appraisal also states the following:-
 The top three facilities used by the people of the town – Library 58% - Leisure Centre 50% - Dean Bank Recreation Ground 45%
 The involvement of local residents and the building of commitment and partnership, is more important than the actual appraisal report itself
Dean Bank Regeneration – “Towards a Brighter Future”
- Commissioned by Sedgefield Borough Council and Three Rivers Housing Group…
also known as the ‘Options Document’
- Received by Dean Bank Residents Association in 2003
This report states and identifies:-
 The regeneration proposals must have the approval of the existing local community.
 Strengths – Active and enthusiastic Residents Association.
 The Residents Association is active in promoting changes in Dean Bank and works with the Local Authority and Three Rivers to address local residents concerns. Meetings of the group have attracted up to 70 people, which is a major achievement and indicates the level of local interest in the area.
 Land identified for the initial new build phase of housing to allow decanting from the first phase of demolitions.
NEIGHBOURHOOD RENEWAL STRATEGIES
- Commissioned by Central Government and Local Government e.g. Durham County Council, Sedgefield Borough Council, Sedgefield Borough Local Strategic Partnership (LSP).
The purpose of the Government’s National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal published in January 2001 is to tackle the gap between the most disadvantaged areas and others in terms of better health, lower crime rates, better educational attainments, increased employment opportunities, attractive housing and more vibrant communities.
Local Neighbourhood Renewal Strategies have been produced and all of the key agencies involved in the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) have committed to adapting their services, where necessary, to work to the advantage of those neighbourhoods experiencing greatest difficulty.
Dean Bank and Ferryhill Station are recognized as areas of disadvantage in the Sedgefield Borough Local Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy (2002 - 07).
COMMUNITY STRATEGY
- The Sedgefield District Labour Party Manifesto sets out their commitments to the citizens and communities of Sedgefield Borough for the next four years (2003 – 07). The Manifesto was prepared for the Borough Councils elections in May 2003 and is based on 10 key aims, which will form the basis of their program and actions for the years ahead.
(Please see attached copy).
SEDGEFIELD LABOUR MANIFESTO
- The Sedgefield District Labour Party Manifesto sets out their commitments to the citizens and Communities of Sedgefield Borough for the next four years (2003-2007). The Manifesto was prepared for the Borough Councils elections in May 2003 and is based on 10 key aims, which will form the basis of their programme and actions for the years ahead.
DEAN BANK RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION STRATEGY DOCUMENT – January 2004
(Please see attached copy).
“YOUR PARKS”
- Commissioned by the Urban Parks Forum.
This highlights the substantial value of parks and green space in society. It covers a broad range of significant benefits including the urban environment, community, ecology, education, play, sport and economic factors.
THE VALUE OF PUBLIC SPACE
- Produced by CABE (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment)
(Please see attached copy of article).
FERRYHILL TOWN COUNCIL’S – SUBMISSION TO SEDGEFIELD LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
(Draft version – 29th March 2004)
- Produced by Ferryhill Town Council
- Presented to Ferryhill Community Partnership – 19th April 2004 (not fully discussed)
- Discussed by Dean Bank Residents Association – 10th May 2004 (not fully discussed)
The document states, “A new Park is to be established running north to South through the heart of Dean Bank to replace the old Dean Bank Recreation Park”
Ferryhill Town Council needs to clarify specific issues regarding the proposed Park and Football Centre, e.g.:-
 Will an alternative Park be built before the existing one is demolished?
 To what standard will the existing Park be maintained?
 The location?
 Their size?
 Where they will be built?
 What amenities/facilities will they have?
 Who will be able to use them e.g. young, old, families, people with dogs, community groups etc?
 When will people be able to use them e.g. times/days
 What access will there be e.g. roads, paths etc?
 What parking arrangements will they have?
We are concerned that we may lose an established large Park, which was passed on for our heritage. It is on record as being very good and well used and has wonderful views across beautiful open countryside with its associated wildlife.
WE fear its replacement will in no way match the existing Park. This would apply even further if the Park had been properly maintained recently and was improved as stated in the TOWN COUNCILS first edition of ‘Ferryhill Town News’ (August 2003).
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On the 5th April 2004 – Mr. R. Prisk of the Regeneration Section, Sedgefield Borough Council gave the Residents Association a presentation on the proposed regeneration of Dean Bank; he informed us that no plans existed at present for demolition and new housing but that Sedgefield Borough Council have designated Dean Bank as a priority area for regeneration due to its qualifying criteria based on various reports. It was also made clear that as and when monies became available things may move very quickly (nothing more specific could be given on timescale in maybe 5 – 10 – 15 years.
Rightly or wrongly fear and confusion have grown. People are concerned that events may move more quickly with Sedgefield Borough Council and Ferryhill Town Council due to certain events, which may be to our detriments.
WE AS RESIDENTS NEED TO BE PROPERLY CONSULTED SO WE MAY PARTICIPATE AND CONTRIBUTE IN THE PROCESS OF IMPROVING DEAN BANK.
That is what we are here for and is what the majority of consultation documents strongly support
WE WANT A SAFER, HEALTHIER, MORE ATTRACTIVE STRONGER AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY FOR DEAN BANK – PLEASE HELP US.
We have based our report on known facts at this point in time. We have concerns regarding a number of issues which could have a negative impact on the future regeneration of Dean Bank, e.g. such as health, environment, housing, social, economic, community capacity building and sustainability.
WE WANT the PEOPLE of DEAN BANK, FERRYHILL and ELSEWHERE to have PRIDE in the PRESENT and FUTURE DEAN BANK.
As our elected members will you please consider all of the issues and if you could personally confirm in writing as to whether you support the Dean Bank Residents Association resolution. If you feel you cannot support it please would you give us your reasons so we may consider them, as we are obliged to inform and consult with our members and community. A reply would be appreciated for our July meeting.
Yours Sincerely
Secretary – Dean Bank Residents Association
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Appendix 1
List of information sources used in the report:
 Dean Bank Residents Association Newsletter (No.4) – May 2004.
 Ferryhill Community Partnership Appraisal
 Dean Bank Regeneration – “Towards a Brighter Future”
 Sedgefield Borough Local Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy
 Sedgefield Borough Community Strategy
 Sedgefield District Labour Party Manifesto
 Dean Bank Residents Association Strategy Document (January 2004)
 “Your Parks” – Urban Parks Forum
 “The value of Public Space – Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment”
 Ferryhill Town Council’s “Submission to the Sedgefield Boroughs Local Development Framework (draft version” – 29th March 2004)
 Ferryhill Town Council’s “Ferryhill Town News”
 Mission statement of Durham County Council
 “Our shared Vision for the Future” – County Durham Strategic Partnership.
SUMMARY OF CONCERNS REGARDING FERRYHILL TOWN COUNCIL’S PROPOSALS IN THEIR SUBMISSION TO SEDGEFIELD BOROUGH LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
(Draft version – 29th March 2004)
 No full and meaningful consultation has taken place
 No evidence has been provide to substantiate the sustainability of their proposals and how they will be funded
 There are a number of discrepancies in their submission e.g.
Section 4, states – “A new Park is to be established running North to South through the heart of Dean Bank to replace the old Dean Bank Park”.
Section7, states – “All existing play areas should be retained with additional ones identified as a result community consultation”.
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Section 1, refers too – The development of a football centre on the former Ferryhill Athletic Ground and adjacent land.
Section 7, states – “A large sports complex should be encouraged incorporating the former Ferryhill Athletic Ground, Dean Bank and the land in between these two sites”.
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The proposals appear contrary to expert advice and recommendations contained within commissioned reports and independent sources. This could be significantly detrimental to real quality of life issues for our community e.g.:-
1. Amenities/facilities
2. Environmental quality
3. Wildlife
4. Availability and distribution of open space
5. Community Heritage
ALSO
 The Ferryhill Community Appraisal (2001) does not refer to selling public open spaces but only redeveloping the Former Ferryhill Athletic Football Ground.
 In the first issue of the Ferryhill Town News (August 2003) the Town Council states:-
“It has been agreed that the priority major projects for the forthcoming year should be the development of a football academy in the Dean Bank area adjacent to the Park and including the former Ferryhill Athletic Ground, as well as the redevelopment of Dean Bank Park.
The enclosed questionnaire in the above newsletter made no reference to the proposed housing or sale of any land for housing development and did not refer to any relocation of the Park, but did ask what people wanted to see in the development of the Park e.g. new facilities, retention of existing facilities and their improvement.
RECOMMENDATIONS
 Reconsider the expert advice and recommendations contained within commissioned reports and independent sources.
 Carry out full and meaningful consultation with the community and provide all necessary information and facts.
 Ensure we have democratic debate.
 Provide evidence to substantiate and support proposals.
 Ensure process is open and transparent.
 The Miners intentions should be honoured for past, present and future generations of their and our community.
 Invest in the Park as stated
 Thank you for taking the time to read this report; we look forward to your reply.
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Residents Association Meeting 10th May 2004 – Dean Bank Primary School
Mr. C. Young, Head of the Primary School welcomed the residents to his school and thanked them for the support his staff and himself had received. The support he felt had gone a long way in helping encourage the positive decisions that were being made for the refurbishment of the Dean Bank Primary School. – Proposals include:-
School changes:………..
Boundary walls on the North and East side of the building: Including the positioning of up-lighting accentuate the Architectural features: re-siting of collection bins and planting of two trees.
As well as the above the school is to be completely re-wired by the Local Education Authority at substantial cost with the most modern lighting installed and lowered ceilings in the entrance way.
Corridor traffic Management – Officer of Durham County Council –
Councillor C. Magee and the Officer assessed the route on the corridor and it was anticipated that a vast amount of the problems identified by the residents of Dean Bank and others will be dealt with whilst the Corridor scheme is ongoing.
Both Schools on the Corridor had applied for ‘Safer Routes to School’ – a team from the County Council would be visiting both Schools to address various issues that may help in the overall problems. A good deal of emphasis would be on parents and getting children to school. Also more speed checks to be carried out.
Large Scale Voluntary Transfer (LSVT) – Presented by Officer o f Sedgefield Borough Council –
Government has given approval for Sedgefield Borough Council to debate with Council home tenants the possibilities of transferring their properties to a Housing Association – (Sunderland Housing Association) – The consultation will be extensive over the next few months. Consultation on a one-to-one situation has been promised, with the end of the process resulting in a ballot of all Council Tenants in April 2005. if the ballot is in favour of transfer, the creation of a Local Housing Group will be set up by the Council (this will be a non profit making organisation). The firm Priority Estates Project have been employed to give independent advice to Council home tenants – a free phone number will be available as part of the forthcoming consultation. Decision if the tenants will be decided by a majority vote……(three Council home tenants attended the meeting). Whilst only Council tenants can vote, such a transfer will have impact on all people living in Dean Bank.
Ferryhill Town Council Submission to the Sedgefield Borough Local Development Framework….(Draft Version)
The Leader of Ferryhill Town Council (Councillor A. Denton) took questions on the above document – he stated that the Ferryhill Town Council would not enter into disposal of section of the Dean Bank Park if the people of Ferryhill were not in agreement.
Dean Bank Recreation Park:- Mr Denton stated that the Town Council intends to organise a vote through a questionnaire. If it is decided that the people agree to the disposal of the Recreation land for housing, a proposed alternative Park (through the heart of Dean Bank) would only go ahead if land is made available by Sedgefield Borough Council under the proposed regeneration programme in the future (no dates given).
The Town Council Leader again stated that the decision to relocate the Park was following the request of the Residents Association to have a Park on the PRAXIS site!!!!!
DEAN BANK RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION: AGAIN CONFIRMED A DECISION OF 2000/2001 THAT THE PEOPLE of Dean Bank were totally opposed to the development of dwelling houses on the PRAXIS site and had put forward an alternative – to develop a play area on this site, which would be in addition to the existing Recreation Park and the allotments were not under threat from Ferryhill Town Council at the time the Dean Bank Residents Association made the proposal for an extra play area.
Mr. Denton was reminded that in the first issue of the Ferryhill Town News (August 2003) the Town Council states:- “it has been agreed that the priority major projects for the forthcoming year should be the development of a Football Academy in the Dean Bank area adjacent to the Park and including the Former Ferryhill Athletic Ground, as well as the redevelopment of Dean Bank Park”
The enclosed questionnaire in the Ferryhill Town News (August 2003) made no reference to the proposed housing or sale of any land for housing development and did not refer to any re-location of the Park, but did ask what people wanted to see in the development of the Park, e.g. new facilities, retention of existing facilities and there improvements.
Mr. Denton was asked if the Town Council intends to start a re-development programme on the Park, he stated no monies were budgeted for such re-development and that the only expenditure would be to comply with the necessary Health and Safety Standards. It was pointed out that Mr. Denton’s statement was contrary to the statement in the Ferryhill Town News (August 2003).
Mr. Denton and Councillor Mrs. P. Crathorne also present at the meeting were unable to answer this point.
Wind Turbines – as suggested by the Town Council could not be located along Merrington Road, and would have to be in the valley near the Plantation (old pit heap).
A resolution was moved and unanimously agreed by the people present that:-
“Our elected Councillors from all Councils support the decision of this meeting that the Dean Bank Recreation Park remain as a permanent Recreation facility for all of the people of Ferryhill as was intended by the Miners who funded it and entrusted it to the Ferryhill Town Council for the peoples heritage”.
In addition:- Ferryhill Town Council invest in the Park as stated by them and as requested by the people of Ferryhill.
The Chairman thanked Councillor Denton for his presence at the meeting and also thanked the Residents present who had given support to the Association (The Residents Association need the people to tell us how they see our problems and solution).
For interest: Ferryhill Community Appraisal – January 2001 identified the top three facilities used by the people in the Town – Library 58%, Leisure Centre 50%, Dean Bank Recreation Ground 45%.
The next meeting of the Residents Association is on Monday 7th June at 7.00pm in the Institute.
DEAN BANK RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
‘Introduction to Strategy Document’
At our recent Annual General Meeting on the 5th January 2004 it was agreed to accept the attached information sheet as our proposed first Strategy Document.
This Strategy Document will help us focus our attention on a number of the main issues of concern and interest to the people of Dean Bank as established in various public consultation documents and exercises.
The Strategy Document will be reviewed as and when considered necessary.
If you have any comments or suggestions for improving the community please do not hesitate to contact the Residents Association at 26 Faraday Street or better still please come to our meetings which are held on the first Monday of the month at 7.00pm in the Literacy Institute.
WE CAN ALL HELP TO IMPROVE DEAN BANK IF WE ALL WORK TOGETHER.
PLEASE GET INVOLVED THIS IS OUR CHANCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
**************WE NEED YOUR HELP **************
DEAN BANK RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION – INFORMATION SHEET 1 – JANUARY 2004
(This first information sheet is quite expansive and obviously all of these issues will have to be dealt with on a rolling programme basis)
Dean Bank – Neighbourhood Renewal/Regeneration:
We thank you for your interest in ‘helping’ to take Dean Bank forward in a way the people want.
To help to bring you up- to-date can we give a brief summary of some important points:-
Background
Central Government through its Policy on Neighbourhood Renewal is attempting to improve the lives of people living in disadvantaged communities by giving them the opportunity to compete equally with other communities in respect of better health, lower crime rates, higher educational attainments, increased employment opportunities, attractive housing and more vibrant communities.
Consequently monies have made available to local authorities and their partners to implement and deliver these improvements.
Dean Bank has been recognised within the Sedgefield Borough Local Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy as a disadvantaged Community.
The Government monies being dealt with at present are known as Single Regeneration Budget Monies 6 (SRB6).
The ‘body’ acting as Secretariat to the SRB6 monies is the Regeneration Section within the Sedgefield Borough Council.
The Officers who liaise direct with the public (us) on behalf of the Secretariat are Mr. Andy Coulthard and Ms. Vicky McCourt.
THE CORRIDOOR – Year 1 (April 2003 – March 2004 – The Bridge to Siemans St. Corner
Although partly within its final stages (rules of SRB6 designate that monies must be spent within ‘a year’ – the years are laid down as April to March). We would welcome discussion on finer points.
Decisions have yet to be made on the allocation of the monies for the following two more years funding.
Issues that have already been brought forward, (which affects some and all parts of the Corridor) as points for discussion but need the views of the people:-
1. Siemans Street corner – to hold a ‘feature’ (this could be from activities involving the public and donations).
2. The mural on Peter Clark’s corner. (Peter Clark has expressed ‘No mural’).
3. A co-ordination of colour/plantings etc. Throughout the ‘Corridor’.
4. A gateway/signage – feature near the bridge. (The entrance to Dean Bank).
5. The anticipated new lighting poles to be incorporated in our new co-ordination of colour.
6. Plantings to be more presentable and manageable than the present bushes.
7. Prominent buildings be accepted as our heritage as highlighted with façade lighting.
8. Improved School crossing arrangements.
9. Improved Scout hall façade (as item1)
10. Improved School façade/frontage.
11. Improved railings to the bridge.
12. Improved shopping area – paviors/lighting/railings.
13. Improved lighting of alleyways.
Regeneration
Other Community issues remain as yet unanswered and are of importance to our every day living.
CAN WE HELP OFFICERS OF ‘THE AUTHORITIES’ UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEMS?
CAN WE COME UP WITH ANY SOLUTIONS/SUGGESTIONS?
1. Traffic management – shops, schools.
2. Improved parking facilities.
3. Improvement to ‘Charlie’s site. (Owen Street, Dean Bank).
4. Praxis Site.
5. Recreation – Dean Bank.
6. Improved Youth Facilities.
7. Future of Primary/Secondary Schools.
8. Housing Options/Master Plan.
WE WOULD LIKE ALL AVAILABLE AND FUTURE RESOURCES USED TO CREATE A SENSE OF IDENTITY AND A SUSTAIANABLE COMMUNITY FOR THE PEOPLE OF DEAN BANK, THIS CANNOT BE ACHIEVED WITHOUT THE PEOPLE GETTING INVOLVED AND TELLING US HOW THEY SEE IT.
Dean Bank Residents Association.
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