A PIECE of County Durham history has been secured for future generations to enjoy by a group of dedicated volunteers and solicitors.

The Victorian Tees Cottage Pumping Station, in Darlington, began supplying cleaner drinking water to the town in 1849. Residents previously relied on wells, rainwater tubs and hand pumps.

Over the years, the Scheduled Ancient Monument has suffered structural problems, asbestos contamination and break-ins, but a team of enthusiasts and local companies have restored the site to its former glory.

The pumping station is now a popular tourist attraction and countless more families will be able to visit the site as volunteers maintaining it have signed a 50-year lease with owner Northumbrian Water.

For about four decades, the volunteers have operated the site on a verbal tenancy-at-will basis, which fails to offer the same levels of security as a written tenancy.

The volunteers decided to use Darlington law firm Latimer Hinks to represent them during the process.

Rosanne Tweddle, a senior solicitor at Latimer Hinks – a supporter of the ‘I’m Backing Darlington’ campaign – advised the volunteers on the terms of the lease and completed the agreement.

Phillip Doran, chairman of Tees Cottage Pumping Station, said: “We are extremely grateful for Rosanne’s expertise in helping to secure our long-term future.

“This lease provides us with a solid basis from which we can continue running, maintaining and preserving this much-loved example of North-East industrial heritage for future generations.”

The Coniscliffe Road station is one of the few locations left that houses its original electric and gas water pumps, along with Victorian steam-powered beam pumps of European significance.

Ms Tweddle, of Latimer Hinks, said: “It is a privilege to be able to help to secure the future for another great Darlington institution allowing it to continue to be a valued part of the town for generations to come.

“Tees Cottage Pumping Station is a piece of living history which played an important role in the town’s development.

“These dedicated volunteers and Northumbrian Water should be congratulated on their efforts to preserve this much-loved Darlington landmark.”

Tees Cottage Pumping Station, off Coniscliffe Road, Darlington, is open to the public ten days a year and also hosts school visits for children.

For more information, teescottage.co.uk