Barnard Castle developer hits back at graffiti artist with a grudge

VANDALISM of a potentially award-winning housing development in Startforth has been described as disappointing by the developer.
It is the second time that someone has used graffiti to protest the conversion of the former White Swan pub, on The Sills, into homes.
In the latest incident a marker pen was used to scrawl “Save our historic pubs from parasite developers” on the front door of one of the new homes.
Police are investigating the incident, which developer Karl Everitt said happened between Saturday, November 5, and Sunday , November 6.
He added: “To be honest this isn’t the first time it has happened.
“Obviously it’s disappointing that an individual deems it necessary to vent their frustration by vandalising what is now a resident’s front door but unfortunately this is the mentality of people today.”
Ironically, at the same time that the White Swan was being redeveloped, Mr Everitt’s company AKV had taken over a dilapidated inn up the road in Barnard Castle and transformed it into the Black Horse pub.
He said: “Funnily enough we didn’t get any vandals writing on any doors thanking us for doing that so it’s strange this has happened.”
The developer went on to say that the riverside development was attracting a lot of interest with one apartment sold and another potential sale agreed.
He has also received confirmation that the conversion is likely to be recommended for a Local Building Control Authority (LABC) award.
He said: “This is great for us as a company and, obviously, Barnard Castle as this is the second development we have done in the town to receive an LABC recognition.”
He thanked Barnard Castle police for their swift attention and advice.
Sgt Simon Rogers, of Teesdale’s neighbourhood police team, urged anyone who witnessed the incident or may have information about the vandalism to dial 101.