Community Facilities

During the preparation of the Parish Plan, it was announced that the public use of the swimming pool at the Community College was to be ended, because of withdrawal of funding by Wear Valley District Council. Unsurprisingly therefore, over 75% of respondents listed keeping the swimming pool open as the most important community issue. Following the formation of a voluntary Community Trust, the pool should re-open for public use in May2005.

Community College – new  sports facility

Over the same period, the availability of the Parish Hall and Methodist Hall for community use ended. There has therefore been increased pressure on remaining facilities, with the Town Hall now effectively been utilised every evening of the week.

Although the residents’ questionnaire clearly expressed a preference for new facilities close to the centre, the Parish Council received the offer of a substantial financial donation for the development of new facilities in the recreation ground, and has therefore decided to go ahead with a new community centre there. This facility will offer flexible facilities for mixed usage.

New Community Centre taking shape

Once this facility is operational, consideration may have to be given to ensuring that both facilities (Town Hall and Community Centre) are used optimally to meet the needs of all residents.