TWO councillors have pooled their grant allowance to fund environmental enhancements in their ward.

Durham County Councillors for West Auckland Rob Yorke and Christine Wilson used neighbourhood budget, administered through Bishop Auckland and Shildon AAP, to improve a footpath at St Helen Auckland and create a low-maintenance garden outside Witton Park Methodist Chapel.

Cllr Wilson lives near the path, between Manor Road and an old railway line, and said it is a popular route for residents for dog walking and reaching shops and schools.

Yet at times, particularly during the winter, it has been impassable as its borders were overgrown and the path was muddy.

The £15,222 they put in paid for a 220m stretch of the path to be cleared and resurfaced so more people can enjoy getting outside, exercising and safely walking to the village’s amenities.

They also allocated £2,400 to the chapel project, which saw the congregation and property steward John Swinbank work with Groundwork North-East and Cumbria to create raised beds and planters with a wildlife theme.

The chapel opened a decade ago and was extended last year so the garden is the finishing touch to the outside approach.