On Thursday 16th March , the Annual General Meeting of the Great Aycliffe Residents Association (GARA) elected its Officers and Committee members. Chairman: Syd Howarth MBE, Vice-Chairman: Cllr Ken Robson, Secretary: Cllr Arun Chandran, Treasurer: Barry Hutchinson. Committee Members : Cllr Martin Ashcroft, Cllr Derek Atkinson, Bill Curtis, Cllr Bob Fleming, Alan Lowe, David Lewis, Eddy Wood, Fr. Michael Whalen, Cllr Chris Wheeler. The Chairman in his report stated that a number of Residents Associations were now quite active on behalf of local residents. He cited the recent backing by GARA of residents opposed to the loss of amenity open spaces in which the Town Council led opposition to a planning application by Livin. The Chairman was working closely with David Lewis of the Neville Parade Community Centre seeking to set up a new Residents Association for that area.
A article on the front page of Newton News showed the need for it. The Treasurer’s report was received. Bill Curtis led a discussion on the problems with speeding at the Burnhill Way/Burn Lane roundabout junction and Cllr Martin Ashcroft informed members of action being taken, including the possible use of speed visors. The area is being monitored. Barry raised the issue of litter outside Argos. Alan briefed members on an incident at Simpasture Court which was a cause for concern and it was agreed to approach Ron Hogg PCC for more information. The issue of policing was raised with the level of response time not being what is expected. Parking issues in the town were also discussed.
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