Village Greens, Dogs & the Churchyard: A Springtime Reminder
Spring has arrived in Heighington once again – daffodils glowing, greens looking bonny, and children doing exactly what children should do: running, laughing, and returning home with grass stains that tell the story of a good day.
But, as the little ones enjoy their freedom, a familiar grumble returns from parents and residents around the Greens… dog fouling. Yes, that old chestnut.
To be fair, many dog owners are brilliant – bags at the ready. But a few seem to believe their dogs are blessed with magical disappearing droppings. Sadly, they are not. Even the tiniest trace can end up on a shoe, a hand, or – worst of all – a freshly washed school uniform.
So, by all means, let your dogs enjoy the Greens, but please don’t let them decorate them. If nature calls, take your four‑legged friend out of the village first. Everyone will thank you.
Dogs & the Church Cemetery
A gentle reminder: the churchyard is consecrated ground. It’s a place of peace, reflection, and remembrance – not a canine convenience stop. Families should feel confident that the resting places of their loved ones remain undisturbed. Please help keep it that way.
School Aycliffe Path – Job Done
After a fair bit of chasing, over a long period of time, Street Scene have cleared the grass from the path down to School Aycliffe – and they have done a brilliant job. A special thank you to our own Alexander Carr, who was very much involved. Thank you Street Scene and Alexander.
St Michael’s Monday Drop‑In
A heartfelt thank you to Ruth Lee and her wonderful helpers who make Monday afternoons such a warm, welcoming haven. The Drop‑In has been running for an incredible 20 years, fuelled by kindness, conversation, and the occasional raffle where people often win the prize they donated.
Thanks also to Christine Houghton and Allison Cunliffe for the home‑baked cakes that put the icing – sometimes literally – on the afternoon.
2pm – 4pm every Monday. All welcome. Free entry or voluntary donation.
Play Area Equipment – Funding Secured
Good news: over £19,000 has now been paid into the Parish Council by DBC to repair the play equipment in the Sports Field. This follows my meetings with council officials to ensure S106 funds were directed for use by the Parish to improve the Play equipment in the Sports Field. The Parish Council will now place the order with our supplier.
Hopelands Parking Bays – The Saga Continues
The quest for additional parking bays in Hopelands rolls on. Costs have come in at more than double the S106 money that I negotiated with Bellway. I am in talks with DBC and they are looking positive, but I’m still waiting for confirmation. As ever, more work for me to do. If you’d like further details, please get in touch.
Hopelands Court Parking – A Polite but Firm Word
A resident of Hopelands Court recently received abuse after reminding a school parent that the Court’s parking bays are for the residents who live there – many of whom have mobility or breathing difficulties. The Council may say the bays are for general use, but common sense says otherwise. Hopelands residents themselves have always respected this, never parking in the Court. So, to the small number of school‑run drivers who try to get as close to the gates as possible:-
Please do not enter Hopelands Court and please do not park on the yellow lines.
To those few parents who park in Hopelands Court – please think and respect the residents living there.
Damage to Darlington Bus stop bench
Over the past week there has been a great deal of discussion on the Village WhatsApp group and our Facebook page following the circulation of a video showing a young lad repeatedly jumping on a bench until it broke. As you would expect, this prompted a wide range of views on how those involved should be dealt with.
I have since met with two of the fathers and their sons who were present during the incident. We had a long and honest conversation about what happened, why it happened, and what should happen next. I can report that both boys apologised without hesitation and showed genuine remorse. The father of the boy who caused the damage came to see me immediately, accepted his son’s responsibility, and arranged for the bench to be repaired. The repair was completed on Saturday morning – less than 48 hours after the incident.
My thanks go to the resident who acted quickly to take photographs and the video and passed them on to me. Because of that prompt action, the young people were identified swiftly and the damage was put right just as quickly.
I want to emphasise the importance of reporting any crime or incident – either directly to the Police or, if you feel more comfortable, to me. Most of us now carry mobile phones, many homes have CCTV or doorbell cameras, and there is a very good chance that anyone causing damage or mischief will be identified.
So, a message to parents: please remind your young ones to think before they act. And, to the young people themselves: take heed – you will be seen.
Cllr Gerald Lee (Heighington & Coniscliffe Ward).