Town needs more friends (From The Northern Echo)

Town needs more friends

8:50am Thursday 9th September 2010 in

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COMMUNITY and sports groups will be asked to get involved in a new organisation that aims to improve a town.

The Friends of Bishop Auckland group has been created to drive forward projects in the town such as environmental schemes or facility improvements.

Bishop Auckland Town Councillor Ann Golightly called an inaugural meeting at the Four Clocks Centre on Tuesday night.

She had been inspired by impressive floral displays, parks and sports amenities in neighbouring communities and wants to see similar achievements in Bishop Auckland.

Though there was a low turn out from members of the public interested in joining the group, Coun Golightly said she remained optimistic that more people would get involved as word of its work spreads.

She hopes a new group working independently, but supported by the council, could attract funding and help to realise residents’ aspirations.

A survey by the council, which highlighted demand for facilities particularly for young people and the elderly, could shape the group’s objectives but members would initiate projects.

It could apply for grants, enlist volunteers for gardening, litter picks and sprucing up existing facilities and appeal for sponsorship and donations by local businesses such as DIY stores and supermarkets.

Coun Golightly said: "I hope the group could help turn the town around, put it on the map.

"Instead of a depressed rundown town we want it to be a town people want to come to, to attract visitors and people to go round saying wow what a pleasure to be there.

"I make a desperate plea for people who love the town as much as we all love it to get involved, to make it glorious again.

"Groups, clubs, organisations could send just one representative and things would start moving."

Mayor Lesley Zair (corr) said the town council has a small budget and is new compared to neighbouring town authorities so cannot provide the same level of amenity, but the general public could make a difference.

Phil Davies from 2D, which supports the voluntary sector in Teesdale and Wear Valley, drafted a proposed constitution and will help with set up and funding dvice.

He said: "I can write to contacts such as sports clubs asking them if they have a representative to join, it will be in their interest."

The next meeting will be at the Four Clocks Centre, Newgate Street, on Tuesday October 12, 6.30pm.