GREEN RULING: The council is acting on the assumption that it owns the village green, after contacting a former clerk who has records from 1962. He recalled being asked to go to Durham County Hall to claim the land on behalf of the village.

But it is still unclear where the deeds to the land are held. Further inquiries are to be made and, if necessary, a fresh claim will be lodged to ensure the land remains in the ownership of the village.

The issue arose when the owner of Neasham Abbey discovered he held deeds for a section of land bequeathed to the village by a predecessor. He has offered to sell it for a nominal £1 fee, providing the parish pay the legal fees.

CARAVAN CONCERN: A letter was received from the borough council in reply to concern about the large number of caravans parked at Abbey Farm Cottage. Tim Wheeler, council services manager, said he had been assured that the caravans would be removed in the next few weeks.

CLEAR ROUTE: Pedestrians have a clear path at the Sockburn Lane-Teesway corner, thanks to the removal of a Give Way signput up by the highways authority.

RUMBLE STRIPS: The clerk has written to the highways department about the rumble strips on Dibdale Bank, which are so smooth motorists do not notice them.

* For a full report see Friday's Darlington & Stockton Times