newsevents

Because of cuts in finances forced on local authorities, and a desire to try to maintain services wherever possible, Darlington Borough Council is promoting a scheme to encourage residents to be involved in helping to keep our streets, paths and open areas clean and tidy and free from litter. The Street Scene Initiative has already been launched in Whinfield and a number of local people are now giving a little of their time and effort to volunteer to periodically pick up litter in 8 areas of the Ward. All of the equipment required and relevant information is supplied, including a system for having the bags of litter removed afterwards.

If you are interesting in joining this band of volunteers to carry out such work for the benefit of the community where you live, please contact our 2 ward councillors with your details:

Cllr. Helen Crumbie tel: 462642 helen.crumbie@darlington.gov.uk

Cllr. Tom Nutt tel: 360953 thomas.nutt@darlington.gov.uk

Following ongoing problems with anti-social driving in Whinfield, it is planned to hold several SPEED WATCH events over the coming months. Residents who wish to take part in these must contact one of our two Ward Councillors to register interest:

Cllr. Helen Crumbie tel: 462642

Cllr. Tom Nutt tel: 360953

helen.crumbie@darlington.gov.uk

thomas.nutt@darlington.gov.uk

Whinfield Residents Association along with residents of Whinfield joined forces to pick up litter in Whinfield Ward which complimented DBC's 'The Big Spring Clean' campaign in April 2018. The main focus and areas covered in this clean up were Springfield Park, Sparrowhall Drive, Whinbush Way, Whinfield Road and Barmpton Lane. A total of 14 sacks of rubbish was collected.

Judith Murray from WRA said, "This is a really positive project which allows like-minded residents that care about their community to come together and help make it a better place for everyone". With austerity and severe cuts to Street Scene, littering has become a massive issue for our area. WRA is therefore committed along with our local Street Champions to help towards making the Whinfield Ward a more attractive place to live, work and play and as litter-free as possible. Litter picks are organised throughout the year by the association (please look for future dates on the WRA website/Northern Echo) and everyone is welcome to join us where all equipment will be provided. Please contact info@whinfieldresidents.co.uk for further details.

May 2018

Whinfield Residents Association hopes to plant many more spring bulbs in public spaces throughout the Whinfield Ward.

After receiving a generous donation of over 700 bulbs in 2017, members of the WRA braved the autumn chill to plant daffodils that, come spring, add a splash of colour to our area.

These bulbs have now flowered and going forward the Association is hoping to seek funding from charities to help us to purchase more bulbs which we aim to plant in public green spaces in our ward to add some welcome colour after winter.

We are working in partnership with Darlington Borough Council and if anyone would like to donate spring bulbs, offer a donation or their spare time for bulb planting please contact our secretary at info@whinfieldresidents.co.uk .

BE INVOLVED IN TWO VITAL CAMPAIGNS IN WHINFIELD

Time is running out for residents to submit their views on Darlington Borough Council's Draft Local Plan, which will dramatically affect Whinfield Ward as far as housing development is concerned. The consultation lasts until 2nd August and details about how to take part can be found on this website by clicking HERE.

A related issue, but apparently proceeding separately, is a forthcoming planning application for Elm Tree Farm which has been announced by Bellway Homes. To find out more, and details of a consultation, click HERE.