- I'm encouraged that the Vision is going to invest in the town's streetscape. The Town Council will keep Barney clean and tidy. We need retailers to help too.
- Councillor John Watson
- Build the suspension bridge. It will make Barney a destination town.
- Geoff, Barney businessman
- Barnard Castle Vision,
Teesdale House,
Galgate,
Barnard Castle,
DL12 9ELText VISION and your message to 07781474422, email us, or fill out this form.
Press release - funding announced
29/11/2007
One North East and Teesdale District Council have confirmed funding to undertake technical site appraisals, streetscape and transport work, to establish a retail distinctiveness network and a Vision information Point. The activity is the first phase implementation of the Vision’s wider objectives.
A lot of progress has been made since the publication of the Vision consultation report in May this year. Under the leadership of independent chair Deborah Jenkins, the Vision has published its aspirations for the town. These build on existing strengths and partnerships.
Deborah explains: Barnard Castle is a priority market town for investment in the region. This is a brilliant opportunity to lever in funding for the town to develop it as the rural service centre for the wider dale. Whilst the investment is targeted at Barnard Castle, the benefit will be felt across Teesdale. For example, projects to deliver next generation broadband and to provide facilities for farmers will have a benefit to people living and working further afield.
The public sector has made a commitment to direct resource to the town. We still have to justify their investment, so a lot of time is spent in developing business cases and demonstrating the need for investment in particular areas. Unfortunately it is not a blank cheque-book and the process takes time, but we are now at the stage to begin the key pieces of work that will lead to changes being implemented on the ground. Issues that are close to people’s hearts – such as the Castle lights will be addressed through the streetscape strategy, while the transport work will pick up on concerns such as car parking, mobility scooters and pedestrian access. Technical assessments need to be completed before we can draw up detailed proposals for development sites identified through the consultation and subsequent work.
The Vision is not a fixed programme. We are constantly looking to respond to and anticipate the needs of different communities of interest. We are encouraging people to contact us with their views either through our website www.barnardcastlevision.co.uk or by calling our freephone number 0800 107 6542. Copies of our brochure are available on request or from the Tourist Information Centres in Barnard Castle and Middleton-in-Teesdale.
