Darlington Borough Council Message Board

Conservation and Restoration

Alex17 — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:10:34 GMT

Conservation and restoration of all important historical buildings,monuments in Darlington should be developed - we don't want to look back in 50 years and think why didn't we save these important places.

Forum: Sustainable Communities Act

Sustainable Living

Alex17 — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:08:22 GMT

Implement grants for Solar/Wind and other environmentally friendly systems and insist on any new builds including them in their designs and builds.

Forum: Sustainable Communities Act

Chewing Gum and Smoking

Alex17 — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:07:27 GMT

We need to follow other bold towns by adopting a smoke free and chewing gum free town centre. The mess that they create is disgusting and we should take a stand and set an example for further towns to follow!

Forum: Sustainable Communities Act

community pubs

Be — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:50:15 GMT

That government take the necessary steps to pass a new law to enable community pubs to trade on a level playing field by prohibiting irresponsible promotion of alcohol as a loss-leader. That government take the necessary steps to pass a new law to prohibit restrictive covenants that prevent any future use of a property as a 'local service' as defined by the Sustainable Communities Act.

Forum: Sustainable Communities Act

plastic bags

Be — Thur, 25 Jun 2009 14:30:39 GMT

Could we get all town centre retailers to sign up to become a plastic bag free town? Some of the larger retailers like Primark are already leading the way by switching to paper bags.

Forum: Sustainable Communities Act

DOG CONTROL

darlogurl — Thur, 14 May 2009 16:25:51 GMT

Being a dog lover but with a 10 year old son with a severe dog phobia the law to keep dogs on a lead would be very much welcomed in my household - nobody realises the devestating impact on family life with a phobia of this kind. We cannot go to a park, any open space, the beach and even walking down the street is a very stressful event. A law to keep dogs on a lead should be passed - it is not always about the dog owners and their needs.

Forum: Dog Control Orders

Not Keeping A Dog On A Lead

blondmusic — Mon, 11 May 2009 13:17:05 GMT

Regarding the proposed offences under the Dog Control Order I agree with the majority of proposals but I do have questions about 1 of the proposed offences.

Not Keeping A Dog On A Lead concerns me particularly as I am a dog owner and I do like to allow my dog off her lead so she can have a run around. I only let her off the lead when there are no other dogs around and they are no childrens parks. I believe it would be unfair to force owners to keep a dog on a lead all the time. Dogs do like some freedom so they can have a run around and play fetch among other games.

I am a responsible dog owner and I am happy to keep my dog on a lead around roads and schools but I like to be able to let her off the lead sometimes.

I would like to know if this Dog Control Order is introduced if there are any specific places where owners will be allowed to let dogs off the lead and if so where?

Forum: Dog Control Orders

No bag...

mrburton — Thur, 07 May 2009 09:40:46 GMT

Along with the five offences;

1) failing to remove dog faeces

2) not keeping a dog on a lead

3) not putting, and keeping, a dog on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer

4) permitting a dog to enter land from which dogs are excluded

5) taking more than a specified number of dogs onto land

it should also be an offence not to have with you the means to clear up after your dog.

m burton

Forum: Dog Control Orders

Dog waste

grahamwookie — Wed, 06 May 2009 16:16:00 GMT

I would like to see more dog waste bins on our streets around Clifton Road. There are secruity cameras in operation so why is there still dog waste on the street.

It's disgusting when you consider the children playing and running up and down the street.

We would like bins please.

Forum: Dog Control Orders

Hounded out?

hcg — Tue, 05 May 2009 22:33:29 GMT

Where can we find out details of precisely from which areas of Darlington the Council is proposing to exclude dogs altogether and in which areas they are to be kept strictly on leads? I'm told some towns and cities have imposed blanket bans on dogs in public places - is this what's proposed for Darlington? Are responsible dog owners (the majority) and their pets to be punished for the behaviours of the minority of irresponsible people who don't pick up after their dogs and don't control them? (They infuriate me, too, by the way). Does the Council propose to designate areas where dogs CAN run free and get the fun, exercise and socialisation which is so essential to their good health? What we don't want is for dog owners to be increasing their carbon footprints by having to drive to an open space to ensure their pets are adequately exercised.
I'd like to see this consultation event much more widely and prominently publicised - and detailed plans available in advance so we can be sure of a fair and well-informed debate. I'd also like to know the nature and number of complaints the Council has received to prompt this action.

Forum: Dog Control Orders

car park wardens

lykewake — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:51:41 GMT

Will the existing towns car parking wardens be re trained for these new positions?

Forum: Car parking enforcement

Car parking enforcement

DBC1 — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 10:07:28 GMT

This forum gives people the chance to talk about the introduction of Civic Parking Enforcement (CPE) in Darlington.
The introduction of CPE means that the Council will take over the powers for parking enforcement from Durham Police, and will issue fines (called a penalty charge notice) where a parking contravention occurs.

The Council wants your comments on how CPE will work as well as your views on the future provision of parking in and around the Borough.

You are also invited to comment- on any particular parking problems you experience or areas of the Borough where parking is difficult.

To find out more about CPE and to read the documents under discussion log onto http://www.darlington.gov.uk/ConnectingwithCommunities/Talking+Together/CPE.htm

You can post your comments and questions here on this forum, or you can give your views by attending a Talking Together event on Wednesday April 22 at the Dolphin Centre from 5pm to 7pm. This will give people chance to talk to councillors and council officers about CPE.

Forum: Car parking enforcement

Budget Proposals

johnt — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 16:27:16 GMT

Dear Sir,

On behalf of the FOSP, I would like you to reconsider the closure of the aviary in South Park. Our request is based on the

premises that we do not believe that the actual cost of running the aviary is 35K and on the tremendous popularity of the aviary.

As a group we are very proud of South Park and put in lots of effort to support it. We carry out significant gardening tasks in

the park and also raise funds to improve the fabric of the park (installation of several picnic tables for example). These efforts were rewarded

at the last two Northumbria In Bloom Competitions with Silver Gilt Certificates for efforts in community projects. At our last committee meeting,

which was attended by management of the park (Robert George) it was agreed that we would make further efforts to raise funds to offset

the cost of the aviary and to support the continued running of them.

To assess the public's support for the presence of the aviary, we have organised a petition. This has been signed by several hundred

people to date. Everyone approached remarked how shocked they were by the proposed action and how important the aviary is to South Park. The

pleasure it gives to both young and old is very apparent when you see the number of visitors it attracts. It has been suggested that pound for pound

it is the best tourist attraction in Darlington.

As to the costs, our observations have shown that over the years the aviary is staffed by between a third and a half of an employee and the

current park employees confirmed this at our last meeting. So the actual costing is significantly less than that quoted in the budget savings document.

If this could be reduced further by the Friends efforts I hope this would mean the aviaries could be kept open.

Please reconsider your proposal, as the aviary is a very important asset to South Park and the Community of Darlington,

Yours Sincerely,

John Throw

( Chairman FOSP )

Forum: Budget proposals 2009/10

South Park

RRichy — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 15:59:59 GMT

The proposal to cloise the aiv ery in the park is a shame. The Aivery with birds and animals at one time have given much pleasure to many people over decades. Having lived in Darlington for most of my adult life the Paerk and the various attractions have become symbols oif the town.

Visiting the park today a Sunday and very cold.the Aivery was a centre of attraction to many young and old. Many gtravel from outside the town to see
the aivery.

Please keep the Aivery it is part of the park and Darlington In order to gain some revenue why not make a nominal charge to see the fireworks.

Forum: Budget proposals 2009/10

Haughton Cycleway

p0w12 — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 10:27:04 GMT

As is necessary for the council to make cuts in certain areas, might I suggest that this proposed cycleway is not a propority and should be shelved.

Forum: Budget proposals 2009/10