Construction of Barnard Castle's 999 hub 'causing accidents'

PEOPLE in Barnard Castle claim construction of a new 999 emergency centre is causing accidents.
Residents say least three vehicles have been damaged on Wilson Street because of work being done on the building, which will accommodate police, ambulance, fire and fell rescue services under one roof. Wilson Street resident Dick Francis says people’s lives have been made a misery since work began earlier this year. He fears it will be “chaos” when it is finished as emergency vehicles struggle to negotiate the narrow lane.
Mr Francis, who owns a car workshop, says he has had to repair three vehicles that have suffered damage along the street. County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service says it is not aware of any collisions but chiefs have vowed to follow up on any that are reported directly to them. Mr Francis said: “People don’t report them and the police don’t want to know. They are only interested if someone is injured or if there is damage to property.
“The size of the equipment they are bringing onto the site is farcical. They can’t get their stuff in so they have to park in the street. There were three trucks in one morning – that is a real joke.”
He said the frequent obstructions were creating problems for residents and buses that use the route.
Mr Francis complained that a large articulated truck obstructed the road earlier this month after causing damage to trees at nearby Dunelm Court. Police were called following a dispute connected to the matter.
Andy Bruce, estates manager for the fire service, said: “We are aware of an occasion when Wilson Street was obstructed for a short time.
“This was caused by a delivery vehicle reversing into the site compound. Once the vehicle had carried out this manoeuvre the road was clear. Unfortunately the vehicle damaged a tree from Dunelm Court. The police attended at the time and no further action was taken.
“We appreciate that, as with all building sites, there will be a level of inconvenience to those living close by – we have been, and will continue, doing all in our power to mitigate this as much as possible.
“Examples of this include a residents’ evening on March 3 when we invited those living nearby to attend to voice any concerns and ask questions about the build. Only three households from Wilson Street attended this event.
“The construction company Robertson has also been sending out letters to residents ahead of any road closures on the street or anticipated disruption to try and minimise any inconvenience to residents.”
Mr Francis, who campaigned against the hub being located at the site before building began, believes
it should have been built elsewhere, possibly at Harmire Enterprise Park.
“I just think it is unfair to have it in a fairly tight confine next to one of the best museums in the world,” he said.
However, the fire service pointed out that the fire station had always been located there.
Mr Bruce said: “Construction of the quad station in Barnard Castle is taking place following a full consultation and planning approval process, which was agreed by Durham County Council in 2015. The Wilson Street site, the site of Barnard Castle fire station for many years, was chosen following careful consideration of a number of options in the area.”
He added that residents will have access to seven additional parking bays at the station. Work at the fire station is slightly behind the planned programme but is expected to be completed on schedule.