Handy idea put forward by Middleton-in-Teesdale Parish Council

A VILLAGE handyperson, a community pool car and an electric car charging point were some of the ideas explored by councillors in the upper dale as they prepared for their next budget setting.

Middleton-in-Teesdale and Newbiggin Parish Council discussed what the community wanted and what they hoped to achieve within their 2018/19 budget during this month’s meeting. A list of previously suggested projects were brought to the table. Cllr John Miller said: “Some of the ideas are already ongoing. I don’t think we can do them all.”

Included was the installation of an electric car charging point. Parish chairman Cllr Adam Hearn said: “I think the place where it would probably be best would be the Hill car park. We would not want it right next to the road because they are not the prettiest of things. To put one in would cost the best part of £5,000 I think.”

The introduction of a ride sharing mobile app for residents to use was also suggested. Cllr Lynne Oxby said: “That is good but if people share lifts we will lose the buses. We did try hard to keep those buses.”

Similarly, the idea of a community pool car was met with reservations.

Cllr Hearn said: “Rather than people owning their own car, they can book this car. It is a scheme which is operational in other places. You pay to rent the car but it is not a profit-making operation.”

Cllr Nickie Hough said: “My only thoughts are its practicalities. Someone will have to sort the insurance and things.”

Another idea was to redevelop the River Terrace picnic area. Seating throughout the village was also a priority.

A suggestion was made about asking residents if they would be interested in adopting a village bench which would give them the responsibility of maintaining it.

Meanwhile, providing education courses was crossed off the list. Cllr Nickie Hough said: “I don’t think that is what we are here for. It is only going to benefit a few people.”

The idea of trying to get better broadband and mobile coverage in the upper dale was acknowledged but it was agreed the only thing the parish council could do was offer its support. Councillors agreed that next year’s budget should focus on the maintenance of footpaths, seating

refurbishment, parking including the exploration of a long-term solution and new interpretation boards.

The possibility of having a casual volunteer pool,

as well as a community handyperson service, will also be explored as well as work to officially become a dementia-friendly parish. The handyman would offer basic services such as fixing a lightbulb for elderly people.

Replacing bollards around the village green and installing an electric car charging point will be reconsidered at a later date.

Parish clerk Judith Mashiter said: “I will work out the costs for this for 2018 and then we will need to work out the cost per council tax payer and see if it is acceptable.”