Calls to protect 'precious' Bede Kirk green area after Barnard Castle police station sell-off

A “PRECIOUS and irreplaceable” copse should be covered by a preservation order.
Members of Barnard Castle Town Council’s resources committee supported calls for 29 trees at Barnard Castle police station, in Bede Kirk, and the adjacent green area to be protected.
With the police due to take up residence at the new emergency services quad base, in Wilson Street, the existing station, which sits in a 1.37 acre site, is currently up for sale.
Former town councillor John Watson called on current members to act now and save the trees from possible destruction once the site is sold for redevelopment.
In a letter to the town council, he wrote: “The green area fronts Harmire Road. It represents an important environmental feature.
“It is well liked by most residents and appreciated through the seasons of the year. Surviving green areas in Barnard Castle are precious and irreplaceable.”
Mr Watson said Bede Kirk, the site of the police station, was also historically significant.“Originally, it was the site of an ancient church, acknowledged as being of Saxon origin,” he said.
Its remains were absorbed into the construction of a farmhouse which later became derelict and was acquired by Durham Police for a station to replace its former base in Queen Street.
Over the years, former police properties which became surplus to requirements were sold and a small area of land developed for housing.
With the likelihood of further development at Bede Kirk, Mr Watson said it was vital to protect the landscaped area and the trees.
“The landscaped area and trees occupy an elevated site fronting Harmire Road,” he said.
“Seven trees are located along the western boundary, the remaining 22 along the western edge of the access road to the police station.
“A few of the trees are less substantial than others, having lacked care since planting.
“Maintenance of the green area has been largely confined to grass cutting, however, collectively they contribute to an attractive environmental feature.”
Mr Watson said the council had an “absolute obligation” to protect the town’s environment.
At a meeting of the town council’s resources committee last week, mayor Cllr John Blissett proposed that an application for a tree preservation order covering the
Bede Kirk trees should be made.
Cllr Frank Harrison seconded the proposal, which was then agreed by committee members.