Amenity

Wolsingham town is widely regarded as a very pleasant settlement to visit and live in.

Seen from above, the settlement forms a cruciform shape extending along the compass points. Consequently, all parts provide easy access to open countryside and the surrounding fells. Most of the settlement is low –rise building, finished in stone. Most newer infill developments have been built in a sympathetic style. Exceptionally, the eastern approach provides the only industrial aspect, with some derelict land in the vicinity of the steelworks. Residents commented on the requirement to clear up derelict areas, and this is also mentioned in the “Weardale Task Force” action plan. The Task Force have suggested that this area is improved, and spare land utilised for a mixed use housing and high-tech industrial development. Our questionnaire would seem to support improving this area, and with improving employment opportunities (see “Employment” )

Market Place

The central core area around the market place was substantially re-furbished in 2003, and the questionnaire showed widespread support for this. Future development should therefore seek to preserve or enhance the centre of Wolsinghamin keeping with this refurbishment. In particular, residents appreciate and wish to see further floral displays.

Residents also appreciate the facilities offered in the recreation field. Following a generous donation, the Parish Council are rebuilding the Recreation field Pavilion as a Community Centre during the currency of this plan, further enhancing this facility (see also “Young Peoples Facilities”, and “Tourism”).

Particular concern was expressed concerning litter and dog-fouling. Since the questionnaire was conducted, Wolsingham School and Community College have positively dealt with litter problems associated with their site, and both Primary and Secondary schools have run projects concerning litter and dog-fouling.

Dog and litter bins at the Riverside

A sub-group of the Parish Plan Steering Committee undertook an unannounced midweek survey of litter and dog bins. They concluded that with one or two exceptions, there was an adequate supply of bins in the requisite locations. However, with a bin emptying cycle of once per week on Mondays, there were signs by midweek of overfilling. The District Council should therefore give consideration to undertaking a second clearance on Fridays. This will ensure no overflows, and in the summer tourist season particularly, will provide a pleasant environment in the recreation field and picnic areas (see also “Tourism”).

The Government has announced its intention to bring forward legislation to give powers to Parish Councils to “spot-fine” people who drop litter or allow their dogs to foul, and given the strong views expressed by residents, the Parish Council will give serious consideration to how these powers may be economically applied in Wolsingham, once details have been released.

The Parish Council has provided a “Dog Walk” in the recreation field, and encourages dog owners to use this. New powers may enhance the Council’s ability to enforce the bye-laws on walking dogs without leads in the rest of the Recreation field.