A new attraction for the High Street in Langley Moor has been officially opened by a local schoolgirl after the community came together to make improvements. Bethany Arthurs, 3, of Langley Moor Nursery School cut the ribbon to officially open the Boyne Place outdoor community area.

The project was progressed by the Friends of Langley Moor (FOLM) community group who worked closely with local county councillors, Paul Taylor and John Turnbull, Pam Sinclair from Mid Durham AAP ,the Parish Council and Durham County Council. Julie Anson, Durham County Council’s Community Economic Development team leader, assisted the group with the design of the site. Funding of £57,583 was secured from Section 106 funds, which are financial contributions to the local community made by developers, agreed as part of the planning process.

The outdoor area’s new features, installed by the county council, include new seating, paving, planters and a noticeboard promoting local businesses and events. The land was previously an unloved and rarely used walkway between the Front Street retail area and a supermarket car park.

Danny Bone, chair of the FOLM, said:

“We’re delighted with the new area, it’s been totally transformed. We hope that it encourages residents and visitors alike to come and enjoy it and take the opportunity to visit our local shops and businesses.”

The Chairman of the Council, Cllr Cecilia Wharton, officially opened the newly refurbished play area at Broompark on 18th May. Local Unitary Councillors, Parish Councillors, representatives from Mid Durham Area Action Partnership and Durham County Council also attended the event as well as the Headteacher, staff and most importantly the children from Silver Trees Primary School.

Funding for the £45,000 project has been sourced from local Unitary Councillors, Mid Durham Area Action Partnership and Section 106 monies. The area is proving to be very popular with families therefore the Council would appreciate if car users visiting the site could park at the hard standing car park next to the green porta cabin in the adjoining football field. This would prevent any problems with cars blocking residents’ drives at nearby Alderdene Close.

The Parish Council and the residents would gratefully appreciate your co-operation. The local Councillors hope the community continues to enjoy the new facilities at the site.

Broompark play area launch 18 May 2015 Chairman & children from Silver Trees Primary

A Community Garden project which opened in September 2010 is looking to attract more visitors. The garden was created by Brandon Village Residents’ Association, who have transformed a former derelict allotment into an amenity that can be enjoyed by the whole community – young and old alike.

The area boasts a wildlife pond, wild flower meadow, raised vegetable beds, fruit trees, greenhouse and seating areas. The Garden Committee, along with other volunteers, spent hundreds of hours clearing and preparing the land, planting, and building paths, fences and walls.

The team is keen for the wider community to enjoy this wonderful and unique space. Private viewings can be made for individuals or groups by contacting Tom Sharples on 07710359584.

The garden can be seen below and on the Brandon Village website:

Brandon Community garden 2012