I got the best phone call last night . . .

"Hi Cameron, wanna come out for a bit crack?"
It's always pleasant to be invited out for a chat with mates - but this invitation wasn't from a fellow 40+ year old to discuss 40+ year old's stuff.  It was from a group of 16-18 year old lads who wanted to chat about what they can do to provide stuff for themselves and their contemporaries to do.

After 10 minutes of sitting on a step I began to see their point.  Actually, I wasn't sitting on a step.  There wasn't room.  Me and a couple of others had to squat on the street, whle others stayed straddling their bikes.
In Langley Park there isn't even anywhere for people to sit down!

The specific ideas the lads had was to set up a Martial Arts Class and a Rave at the local WMC.

Being a 40+ year old, I couldn't help be terrified by the idea of a Rave - ecstacy, dehydration, all night music, death . . .  All the stuff that was in the press when raves first started a couple of decades ago.
But to a 16 year old a Rave is just what we used to call a disco in the early 80s.
Us adults must not prejudice a young person's language with our misunderstanding.

The things they needed to make it happen was basically a letter to the "committee" and a room hire desposit.  Easy things for a 40+ year old to put together.  They could provide the music, the gear, the djs the everything else . . .
So we'll be getting together to do some more detailed planning.

They had even more experience of what is required to run a Martial Arts Class  - so I'm not sure exactly what I can do to help them wiith that except encourage and support them.

Sure there was a lot of smoking and swearing - but have you ever met with senior officials in a Local Authority? 

Us adults must be very aware of hypocrisy when judging the behaviour of young people.

So our Young People are "engaging".  They're even talking of getting the younger ones sorted out - of breaking the cycle - of being role models.

This is exciting news - cos these ain't graduates of Boy Scouts.  These are the lads that you would shy away from if you saw them coming towards you.

But they rang me.  They wanted a bit crack - with me.

It was the best phone call - and a very important night for Langley Park

No Excuses now for Dog Fouling

"Your dog's business is everybody's business" is the latest campaign to improve the quality of life in Langley Park

As of August 1st, if you buy dog food from any of the shops in Langley Park you will be offered a pack of dog poo bags, with a message advising that Neighbourhood Wardens will be patrolling at all hours, with the authority to issue instant £80 fines.

By having the bags offered every time they buy dog food, owners will be reminded of their responsibility - and hopefully the measure will create discussion of the subject across the village.

The initiative is being organised by local Community Group, We Are Langley Park. Group Secretary, Julie Eze said, “People are understandably hesitant to confront owners who allow their dogs to foul the pavement. But with every shop participating, and fines being issued, we hope the culture will change and those that still allow their dogs to mess on the footpath will be forced to mend their ways.”

Volunteer Litter Picker, Nic Andre said, “It’s not just the poo that is the problem. Some owners wipe their dogs bum and then discard the tissue in the grass verge - while others pick up the poo in a bag, and then leave the bag hanging in a bush. It really is unbelievable!”

Since notices were put up at the beginning of the year, there has been a marked decrease in the amount of dog mess left on paths, but some people still haven't got the message. But with the message being given every time people buy dog food, the group are confident dog fouling will become a problem of the past.

Now there is no excuse for leaving dog's poo on the path, those that do so will be under increasing pressure to change their behaviour. The We Are Langley Park website now allows residents to report those who do not pick up after their pet. The results will be passed on anonymously to Durham County Council's Neighbourhood Wardens who will be in a better position to issue fines.

The innovative approach has been noticed by Keep Britain Tidy who are watching it unfold as a Case Study.

For more information call 07979 64 69 98 or visit the website at www.wearelangleypark.co.uk

Langley Park Care Service

"Surely we in Langley Park are able to look after our own older people."

This is the idea that has led three people to start thinking about how!

A name has yet to be devised - and the service has yet to be designed in detail - but we are looking to offer Care Services, initially to the elderly.

The care providers would be people in the village who would enjoy the opportunity to get out and do something for others and meet new people into the bargain.

Indeed, some people may be care givers and care recipients at the same time. 

We are putting tgether a survey to find out what services people in the village need - and what services people would be able and willing to offer.

Ideas may include helping with shopping, a weekly chat over a cup of tea, lawn mowing - but it could be anything.

As the service develops we hope to extend to other people in need of care, regarles of their ability to pay.
.
If you want to help design the service from the outset, please get in touch on 07979 64 69 98 or via http://www.wearelangleypark.co.uk/

Coming Soon - Langley Park Community Bank

After a realy positive meeting with Prince Bishops Credit Union, we look to be on course to bring a Community Bank to Langley Park in the very near future.

Community Banks offer a much much much cheaper alterative to the expensive loans offered by door to door collectors and "pay as you watch" schemes.

But more than that they are a great way to start saving - while providing money to others to borrow.

And if you are a Derwentside Homes tenant the benefits are even greater . . .

To get this started we need some people from the village to help design the service and spare whatever time they can to get it running.

We have some already . . . but could do with more . . .  Is that you?  Call 07979 64 69 98 or contact us via http://www.wearelangleypark.co.uk/

Let's get ready to cut brambles

We have £5million Public Liability Insurance in place with BTCV, and a Stihl Strimmer in the lockup - so let's get this place tidied up.
Then we can bring out the lawn mower and get it ship shape.

Who wants to be first on the machinery - get in touch with Cameron on 07979 64 69 98 - email via http://www.wearelangleypark.co.uk/

Kids Garden Clubs

This is from Jonnie - our latest member:
"I am a Parent Support Advisor and work with parents and children from LP primary school. I run a little garden club every Wednesday lunchtime with the children I work with and it will run on certain days during the holidays. I could possibly extend these days to help out with any projects you have in mind. And hopefully Parents and children will get involved, but I can certainly do my best to promote your organisation from within my job role."


Maybe some parents and those keen on doing stuff for kids can get in touch with Jonnie.  Call me for his details.
cameron - 07979 64 69 98

Attention: Derwentside Homes Tenants

If you save £10 per month for 6 months with the Prince Bishops Credit Union, Derwentside Homes will top it up with £20.
Plus you get 6 months free contents insurance.

Phone Derwentside Homes for more info - 08458 505600

Draft "Newsletter" Published - Any comments prior to printing?

Click the link below for the first We Are Langley Park newsletter which we hope will be being distributed along with Esh Leaves later this month.

http://www.wearelangleypark.co.uk/docs/newsletters/Vol1July.pdf

It will be updated prior to printing, but would value any comments on the layout, content or anything else that you may like to share.

cg

Finance - Insurance Paid

Money Out:  £226.54 - Insurance

Balance: 610.46

Finance Statement

Monies Received:
 £400 - Area Action Partnership
 £1075.50 - Parish Paths Partnership

Monies Spent:
 £365 - Lawnmower
 £300 - Brushcutter / Strimmer

So people are apathetic are they?

"People" in general have been called apathetic by a few people recently - the reason seems to be because these "people" don't turn up to meetings.

Well Tina, Carol, Chris, Elise, Shannon, Wojtek, Jen, Jenny, Mihal, Rhianne, Charlotte, Maeve, Mick, Sophie, Ronnie, Steven, Kristy, Jo, Paul, Andrew, Agnieskia, Nic, Anne, Keith . . . among others . . . have all been out there this weekend doing stuff on their own or as part of a group to make Langley Park a cleaner, greener, more pleasant place to work, live and visit.

As far as I am aware none of them have attended any public meetings - but I wouldn't risk calling them apathetic . . .

Circular Cycle Routes from Langley Park

We have created a few Circular Cycle Routes starting from Langley Park on Google maps.

Short URL: http://tinyurl.com/27qfxag


Full URL: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?t=h&ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=100313294734815353864.000486b16d66ef6d5b8d4&ll=54.75118,-1.755753&spn=0.187045,0.614548&z=11
 

View Cycle Routes from Langley Park in a larger map

Stepping Up a Gear . . .

Langley Park is about to get some staff to work with us to make the village a cleaner, greener and more pleasant place to live, work and visit.

Thanks to Du service design who are providing Employers Insurance, We Are Langley Park is about to become a Placement Provider for BCTV Enterprises. 

We will be recruiting 2 people to work on projects that we in the village identify.

The first activity will be to go for a tour of the village, looking for areas to improve - no matter how big or small, whether it is public, community or privately owned, regardless of who currently is responsible.

This is our village.  And this is a golden oportunity to make a real impression on it.  To get it into shape for the future.

So look out for notices inviting you to come for a walk round Langley with notepads in hand.

A reminder request for patience

Since We Are Langley Park got started 6 months ago a whole bunch of new people have been in contact and got involved.

This is fab - and as a result the group is starting to make a real difference and gain a reputation for action and innovation.

This is also fab - but means a lot of people aren't aware of my original reason for starting it off.   A couple of years ago I had a stroke, which has left part of my brain not functioning (particularly my memory,. attention and concentration) - and litter picking was a suggested activity to help relax my weary broken brain.

I thought it worth raising now for new people to explain why I may not respond, or do the things I say I'll do without prompting.

I have an "assistant" who helps keep me on track - but sometimes I forget to tell her things (well, I would wouldn't I)

So please, if I don't do what I said I would do, I am not disrespecting you, I am not being lazy, or anything else.  I simply will have forgotten about it.

Therefore, please feel free to remind me.  I will not take offence.  Indeed, it will help greatly.

Thanks

Cameron

Council Staff get it . . . so encouraging

This from a Street Lighting Manager at Durham County Council:

"The iniatives setout seem a great idea for the upkeep of the village to combat the grafitti problems to existing street furniture and I certainly welcome your proposals. "

good eh?

Who wants to take up these ideas?

Ideas are now coming from every direction.

Here is a quick list of some ideas people have suggested in the last few days:

• Community Composting
• "The Bridges" Art Gallery
• Photo Competition
• Social Enterprise to Contract to do Grounds Maintenance
• Ecology Garden
• Retailers Association
• Pedestrian Priority in Wallnook
• Pedestrian Priority through Village Centre
• Café
• Flower Beds
• Develop and Maintain Stobilee Wetlands
• Signed Footpath to Ushaw College
• Alternate Cycle Route via Village Centre
• Recycling Centre in Car Park
• History Trail through Wallnook
• Develop River Bank leisure
• Paint Street Furniture
• Develop side Paths along Lanchester Valley Walk

All of these are do-able - all it takes is some people to pick their idea and champion it, drive it and work with others to make it happen.

The rest of us will give all the support you need - so what are you waiting for.

What are you going to make happen?

We Painted a Bridge - and walked back into a Community

On Sat 5th June, a dozen or so of us walked down the Lanchester Valley Walk towards Bearpark and painted a bridge.

The graffiti is now gone after 30 years, and the brambles are cut back to allow people to stop and rest in comfort.

But that is just a small part of the story . . .

Langley Park Profile
In a time of economic recession and the dreadful events in Cumbria, we are delighted Langley Park could provide the good news stories for the local media.
As a result, Langley Park was featured in a full page story in The Sunday Sun; an editorial piece in the Environment Section of The Journal; two picture stories in The Northern Echo and a piece in the Durham Advertiser; not to mention a front page appearance in The Durham Times.
This is in addition to a 3 minute piece on BBC Radio Newcastle repeated several times and mentioned on other BBC local radio stations.

Community Spirit
As a result of the press coverage and poster displays around the village, everyone seems to know what was going on - and almost talk as if they were there.
By citing the story we can show that we are the community - We Are Langley Park.  If we want to do something to improve where we live, we can do it.
And if we do it, others will muck in and help.

Beyond Langley Park
As it was such a glorious day, the Railway Line was busy with people cycling, horse riding and walking - all witnessing a group of locals literally getting their hands (and hair and clothes) dirty.  We made good contacts with "active citizens" in Witton Gilbert and Ushaw Moor - so while we as individuals can encourage each other within Langley Park, we can also encourage other groups to work together across our part of Durham.

A Different Demographic
Perhaps the most striking thing about the day was the type of people that got involved.  They weren't your typical "volunteers".  Indeed,  most were in their 30s, 40s and 50s. The new generation of adults who need to take on responsibility for leading the village into the future.

Political Benefit
One of the many passers by was a new Parish Councillor, who couldn't help be impressed by the turnout, the effort and the result.  He will report on the work to the Parish Council at their next meeting this week.

Relationship with Durham County Council
We have worked closely with various departments of DCC - but this went to a whole new level by actually working together.  They not only provided the paint and brushes, but Mark Oliphant (Countryside Ranger) worked up as much of a sweat as the rest of us.

And Beyond
Once we saw what is possible, the ideas came rushing in for more . . .

The initial Ideas Rush is being written up and will appear here as a new Post.

In the meantime, we have a top coat of paint to put on, so if you want to come down on a more ad hoc basis please get in touch via the main http://www.wearelangleypark.co.uk/ website.

cg

More Media Interest in Bridge Painting Day

Journal have just done an interview on us as a "group" for the Environment Section on Saturday - and BBC Radio Newcastle have just been down with me to the Bridge to record a piece for broadcast for tomorrow.

Now all we need are the people - cos every time I go down the bridge looks bigger!

cg

So who is coming to paint the Bridge then?

The weather forecast looks good - and we have had a good number telling us already they'll be coming on Saturday.

Chris, Jennifer, Vicky, Abbie, Stephen, Ray, Anne Marie, Gary and Mark . . . You?

Press pick up on Bridge Painting Story

Thanks to The Northern Echo, Durham Times and The Sunday Sun for their different angles to the Bridge Painting story.

(pic from Sunday Sun)

Here are the online versions if you misssed them in the papers:

http://www.sundaysun.co.uk/news/north-east-news/2010/05/30/looking-for-faces-behind-the-names-79310-26550786/

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/archive/2010/05/30/Durham+News+%28durhamtimes_news%29/8190969.Fresh_coat_of_paint_for_bridge/

http://www.durhamtimes.co.uk/news/8190969.Fresh_coat_of_paint_for_bridge/

Press Release - Bridge Painting Day

Volunteers from Langley Park are being invited to help celebrate World Environment Day on Saturday 5th June by repainting one of the Iron Bridges on the Lanchester Valley Walk for the first time in decades.

It will finally remove the names of many who are now adults that daubed the bridge with their names in years past.

The bridge in question is the first one out of Langley Park on the path towards Durham - and if sufficient people show up and enjoy the day, more bridge paintings will be planned.

The event is organised by We Are Langley Park and takes place during National Volunteering Week. It is one of hundreds of activities happening across County Durham to celebrate the launch of the County Durham Environment Partnership.

Julie Eze, Secretary of We Are Langley Park said, “Nowadays, we tend not to do that many things as a village, so this will be a great chance to meet new people, enjoy our nearby countryside and help improve our local environment all at the same time.”

Durham County Council’s Countryside Service are supplying the paint and brushes, so people just need to bring themselves in some old clothes. Drinks will be on hand to help people cool down or warm up, depending on the weather.

The paint will arrive at 10am and volunteers will be around until 4pm, so people can either make a day of it, or just lend a hand as they are passing.

For more information call 07979 64 69 98 or visit the website at http://www.wearelangleypark.co.uk/

Words for Railway Street Triangle

Use the comments box to add your Words to describe how you would like the Triangle at the end of Railway Street to look - and feel.

Langley Park Youth Centre

Langley Park Youth Centre, originally uploaded by weRlangleypark.

Every time I drive or walk past this building I do not just see an eyesore, nor do I see the delinquency of the kids that set it on fire and smashed it up . . . I see the failure of us adults to keep it open and running in the first place.

Langley Park: On doing and not doing

Home

‘We depend on our surroundings obliquely to embody the moods and ideas we respect and then to remind us of them. We look to our buildings to hold us. Like a kind of psychological mould, to a helpful vision of ourselves. We arrange around us material forms which communicate to us what we need – but are at constant risk of forgetting we need – within.
In turn, those places whose outlook matches and legitimizes our own, we tend to honour with the term ‘home’
We need a refuge to shore up our states of mind…”

Alain de Botton – The Architecture of Happiness


In praise of Railway Street

I chose to move here against all practicality…on the basis of an experience of discovery, taking a stroll up the lane, ducking through a slightly overgrown passageway, peeping at the rough stonework and immediately falling in love with the slight wonky-ness of the place.

My love of the aesthetic qualities of this place have not waned for a second, and this winter in Langley Park has been the most beautiful I can remember.

I have a notion that the good naturedness and community mindedness of the residents was somehow evidenced to me in the aesthetics of the street. I can find no other explanation for knowing this would be the first sense of ‘Home’ I have experienced in years.

I do not exaggerate when I say that living here has caused me to evaluate more deeply what impact the aesthetic qualities of public space has on our sense of wellbeing and belonging, and has directly influenced much of my current professional practice

Langley Park – improving our environment, whilst retaining what’s good.

‘We are Langley Park’ is a sustainable structure that has lightness, flexibility and capacity to evolve that will potentially allow it to work more intuitively and sensitively than large hierarchical organizations.

Already social connections are happening across that village that are allowing environmental improvements to happen, that are based not just on the physical appearance and practical use of spaces, but a psychological shift that comes from a sense of responsibility, belonging, and empowerment.

We have spoken a lot about what isn’t working in terms of our environment, and now I would like to prompt a more lively discussion about what IS working so that we can retain and develop it.

I have been considering the approach we might develop to the management of green spaces around the village.

I pulled on the thread of the deceptively simple question: ‘to strim or not to strim’… and ended up thinking about the underlying principles that I think it would be beneficial to explore.

Re-visioning values

Imperfect

Do Nothing

Idle

Slow

We are accustomed to the negative connotations of these words. I suggest a re-evaluation…

Wabi and Sabi

Wabi and Sabi reframes imperfection as Beauty.

It is a Japanese philosophy of life and aesthetics that has helped me to start understanding some of the qualities that draw me to spaces and places.
‘built on the precepts of simplicity, humility, restraint, naturalness, joy and melancholy as well as the defining element of impermanence.
Wabi Sabi … challenges us to unlearn our views of beauty and to rediscover the intimate beauty to be found in the smallest details of nature’s artistry.’  Wabi-Sabi: for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers: Leonard Coren

After long pondering of the ‘strimming’ discussion, I started to think abut the opposition if action vs inaction, and began to see the discussion as one essentially between Modernism and Wabi Sabi (or even Postmodernism?)

I feel that Railway Street has ‘Wabi Sabi’ qualities that are hard to define and perhaps these would be easily lost by over – enthusiastic tidying of greenery or surfaces.

Clean and ‘tidy’ are not the same. Clean is a lack of contaminants – such as dog mess, and litter.

Tidy has a huge range of interpretations, and the appropriateness of these levels or interpretations of ‘tidy’ depend very much on context.

They will shift when we are thinking about private and public space, or even urban / suburban / rural space or in-between spaces.

Idleness

We are excited with ‘We Are Langley Park’, and we want to see where we’ve been. Manicuring wild spaces in a ‘modernist’ approach is tempting as we are enthused by seeing the early fruits of community empowerment…

A modicum of idleness may also serve us well. The power not to intervene is also one we can assert.

Sometimes doing nothing is as important as doing something – it’s just harder to explain or justify it’s value as it is harder to measure…and our culture so often demands measurability.

The principles of “do-nothing” agricultural technique described The One-Straw Revolution by Masanobu Fukuoka could provide guidance to us in our approach to tending the wild spaces around that are at the boundary of the more urban and rural ‘scapes we inhabit (and the trickier in-between bits that some of us like ‘wild’ and others would prefer more ‘tame’ –both undoubtedly with good reason)

However, the ecological aspect of any intervention needs careful consideration. Our intentions are good, and our practice should match this.

‘What is done must be done properly and with sensitivity. Once the farmer has determined that a plot of land should grow rice or vegetables and has cast the seed, he must assume responsibility for maintaining that plot. To disrupt nature and then to abandon her is harmful and irresponsible.’ The One Straw Revolution: Masanobu Fukuoka:


Slow

The Slow movement is all about creating connection to place, cultural heritage, and each other.
http://www.slowmovement.com/

If we are concerned about a loss of momentum in ‘We are Langley Park’ in the process of deciding a design approach for our shared spaces... perhaps there are creative things that could busy our hands…making bird boxes, undertaking ‘appreciation activities’ such as foraging or photography expeditions…which allow us to gather our thoughts and feelings about what we value in our surroundings.

Applying a slower approach to design solutions should mean we end up with a more satisfying result that suits the very particular context of our village.

Eg: A fence is a quick fix for defining a boundary. Its ‘slow’ addition might be planting a native hedge alongside…which will mature slowly to provide beneficial habitats and the ‘soft edges’ valued in Wabi Sabi.

Activity / inactivity by design

I would like to propose that the application of ‘interim tidying’ in Langley Park is approached in a context sensitive way.

We can start with the more ‘straight forward’ sites, and in the meantime gather people’s responses to any site that are likely to be sensitive in terms of aesthetic / ecological impact.

Lets get to know each other and let us explore the things we love about being here, now…as well as the things that get on our nerves…that’s a starting point.

“Meanwhile, let us have a sip of tea. The afternoon glow is brightening the bamboos, the fountains are bubbling with delight, the soughing of the pines is heard in our kettle. Let us dream of evanescence, and linger in the beautiful foolishness of things.” The Book of Tea- Kakuzo Okakura

Jo



Wabi and Sabi reframes imperfection as Beauty.

The Wall is Safe

The wall that made up part of the old stone bridge at the entrance to Langley Park, sitting just beneath Dean Street, is a cause for concern for many locals.

We can be reassured by Andy Niven - Head of DCC Countryside Service - who wrote:

"I am aware of this bit of wall - it is part of the former bridge and an engineer inspected it for me about a month ago. He is confident it needs no immediate work but advises, if we aren't going to undertake any works in the foreseeable future, that we re-point it. As the wall will be part of the work we hope to do at this location to create an entrance feature and improve the Railway Path crossing, I don't propose to undertake any immediate works. However, Mark Oliphant is keeping a professional eye on the situation and we will carry out any necessary work if the situation changes."

Stobilee Wetlands

Just as you head over the road bridge leaving Langley Park along Kaysburn Rd there is a tiny path entrance. 
Go down it!
It takes you past a series of small lakes and ponds filled with wildlife - including an otter - then through the woods before bringing you out at Diggerland.

We went down there last night and took just one bin bag of cans away from the woods. We hope to return over the weekend to clear away the rest.

We have to get this pathway signposted - from the main road and the railway line.

Why do we like to keep these amazing beauty spots so well hidden?

Path Cleared - and kept clear

If you have ever been down the path running from Quebec Street to the Allotments via the side of the Sport Ground you will remember how it was always strewn with litter.

Well no more.

This is part of Gary's patch - and even on a random Thursday evening it was still clean and tidy.

Welcome Jo

Jo from Railway St has just joined up - here's what she says about herself:

"art practitioner, keen gardener, interest in space / place design, user design and sustainability in the broadest sense. Have worked with community groups as a practitioner, but as a fairly nomadic person, have never belonged to one .. its about time.
Happy to dig, build, plant, prune, litter pick, talk and make brews. "

Great to have you on board Jo.

cg

Renewed Sense of Community Sweeps Railway Street

The Railway Street entrance to Langley Park is about to get a make-over - which is great!

But not as great as the sense of ownership residents now feel over their local environment.

Legal issues notwithstanding over who actually owns the various pieces of land, the residents agreed that they would come together on the first Sunday in July to create a place they can be proud of, and jointly maintain.

In a meeting called by Kristy-Jo at No1, and chaired by her, concerns and ideas were raised and dealt with in a manner that left everyone motivated and enthused.

Residents working together,and taking responsibility for their own enviornment means we can all look forward to Railway Street becoming, and remaining, a clean, green and pleasant place to live and visit.

Green - but not Clean

The main entrance to Langley Park village centre, from the Railway Line, is an overgrown wasteland, covered in cans, bottles and dog mess.

No doubt it is also a haven for wildlife - like mice.

So although it is inviting to animals, it is not at all welcoming to humans passing by from Lanchester to Durham.

It may be green - but it is not clean, or pleasant.

The residents of Railway Street and Logan Street are being invited to a meeting on Saturday to discuss what to do with it and who is going to do it.

Leaflets will be put through everyone's door with the time and location.

See you there.
cg

Railway Street Resident getting mow-tivated

The idea that "if everyone looked after their own land, everywhere would be lovely" just doesn't work in the real world.

Some people can't look after their own land - either through disability or infirmity; or because they are not present and rely on their tenants.
Some people won't look after their own land - and while it is easy to judge them, we must remember that for some people it just isn't a priority.  Indeed, for some, getting up and going to work isn't a priority; so expecting them to maintain their own street frontage is perhaps a wish too far.

Then there are pieces of land that simply aren't owned, or for which the Council is nominally responsible.
To expect the Council to maintain the myriad pieces of street and land to the standard we want will cost a small fortune - on top of what we already pay (and in Langley Park, this is already at £2.5 million per year).

The only way we can live in the village we want, is for those of us that want it to be clean and green and pleasant to do it ourselves.

Which is why I was thrilled that a resident in Railway Street is taking on responsibility for clearing the triangular piece of waste land that backs on to the Railway Line - using his own time, sweat and mower.

Cheers

cg

Stone Bridge being steam cleaned

After being hidden for years under ivy and moss, the base of the original stone bridge is being steam cleaned by Durham County Council's Grafitti removal team.

March Update

It's been a while since I blogged - but Twitter is so much easier.  And my day job has been manically busy.

anyways - what's been going on? 

Well - the Kaysburn Rd Entrance is shaping up nicely.  The trees have been felled and the majority of the undergrowth cleared.
On Saturday morning our good friends from Wooden Design will be loaning us their flat bed transit to act as wheelbarrow to shift the felled and cleared logs.

We Are Langley Park and the Wallnook Residents Association are approaching the DCC regarding making  the LP end of Wallnook Lane into Pedestrian Priority.
This means it will, to all intents and purpses be a path / cycleway that cars will be allowed to drive down carefully.
We need imaginative ideas about how to design this - avoiding things like speed bumps and traffic calming chicanes.

More bags and hoops and pickers have been handed out - so hopefully people will start noticing the actual improvement we are creating.  And more importantly get the message that it is not the Council's Job - it is our village - it is our responsibility.

I am waiting for the Parish Council to confirm they have secured supplies of dog bags to stock up the local shops that have agreed to hand them out to those buying dog food.
Hopefully we can have this running after Easter.

cg

Nice to be recognised

This from the Area Highways Engineer we are working with:

"Just a quick email to compliment you on what you and the group are doing or trying to do.
It is heartening to see communities getting involved in their area and collectively trying to bring about improvements for all.
As you say Langley Park is a great area and the work of your group will make it even better."

cg

News Update

This is the email I sent to those on our mailing list:

Dear All,
What started in November 09 as a bit of therapy following my stroke is rapidly becoming a Movement - so at the outset, my personal thanks go to everyone who has offered support, or got actively involved.
The work below is being done because it is the stuff that interests and bothers those of us currently involved with We Are Langley Park.
There are huge swathes of the village currently not covered - but We Are Langley Park is about those of us that live or work here taking ownership and responsibility for the part of the village we live or work in. We Are Langley Park do not talk about "Them" - but "US".
This is our village. Councils can help (and have proved very willing to do so) but it is not their village. It is ours. We are Langley Park.

Here's the latest . . .


Village Centre

I don't know if you've noticed but the Front Street is virtually litter free - and has been for a week now.  It seems people are simply not dropping rubbish on the ground and the new bins are being used.  I stopped by the kids last night to say thanks.

Railway Line:
Kaysburn Rd to the Metal Bridges is now remaining virtually litter free.  The cans and tissues that were regularly dropped have now disappeared - and even the car park at Wallnook station is clear most days.
When the weather warms up, some of us will be going down and strimming the grass areas by the bridges and then repainting them.  If you want to come with us - or do some painting in your own time with your own friends, let me know and we can get you the gear.  Hopefully we can get some huge flat stones put down there to act as seats.
Bobby Robson Park to the end of the houses heading west is coming under control. with regular picks.  I am asking DCC if they can add a bag pick-up at that end of the village in addition to the one at Kaysburn Rd
Kaysburn Rd to Bobby Robson Park is the remaining problem stretch - though is being dramatically improved by the Probation Service lads clearing out the undergrowth where much of the litter gets trapped.
We are also looking to open up, maintain and signpost the entrances to the village from the Line.  Currently you could walk or cycle along the line and have no awareness that the village centre is even there - and if you did, you would not be encouraged to come in as you have to walk through a tiny, dirty path bordered with brambles and nettles.

Kaysburn Rd Entrance
The area between Wallnook Lane and Dean Street has already been improved.  The grass is cut, bushes cut back and the stone wall exposed.  DCC will be cleaning the stone wall in the near future now the snow has gone.  The redundant "Slippery Rd" sign has now been removed.
I have had site meetings at the Kaysburn Rd Entrance with The Area Action Partnership (AAP), Highways Dept, Countryside Service and Whittle & Jones to discuss the WALP plan which can be seen here: http://www.wearelangleypark.co.uk/docs/LPVehicleGatewayProposal.pdf
I have a further meeting with the AAP on Tuesday at 10am if anyone fancies coming down.
The Countryside Service are having a team meeting next Wednesday to determine when they can move the existing fencing.  As soon as the new fences are built we can move in and remove the old ones, and start landscaping the ground. 
We are in discussion with the Countryside Service about taking ownership of the closed Car Park.  Plans for this area are many and varied - but the opportunities are great.  Any thoughts you may have are welcome.

Riverside Ind Est to Langley Park Ind Est
I am hoping we have some people taking on responsibility for this stretch.  What could be one of the jewels in the village is one of the greatest eyesores.  I did about 25 metres from Diggerland and filled a bin bag.  Now the snow is gone this stretch is ready to be done. 

Kids Can

Kids drink beer.  This is a problem that we may not be able to solve - but there are 3 problems we can.

1.  The cans they leave

2.  These cans being land filled

3.  Nothing for the kids in the village. (though there may be something starting at Woodview soon)

The idea is to put a can recycling bin in the village - and all the money raised from the aluminium sale goes into a pot for the kids.  I am talking with DCC Recycling Officer today.

Dog Mess

The snow really showed up how much dog mess gets dropped and left in the village. It was shocking.  The campaign to rid Langley Pak of Dog Mess starts now. 

• Stickers are being put up throughout the village.
• As of next week, shops selling dog food will offer packs of dog poo bags to their dog food buying customers.
• Then the enforcement team will be operating in plain clothes to issue tickets.

Community Garden

Between Railway Street and the back of the Langley Park Hotel is what was a Community Garden - and what is now a dumping ground.  This is ripe for landscaping and making into a place for people to sit quietly.  Hopefully we can encourage the Young People of the village to help do this during the school holidays.

I am in discussion with the remaining members of the land owners - the now disbanded Railway Street Association - about handing it over to We Are Langley Park.

Wallnook Lane

The footpath near Kaysburn Rd has subsided - and the fence along the rest of the lane is in a pretty poor state of repair.  To fix these will be very expensive.

With the former chair of the residents association, I will be talking with Highways about possibly making a stretch of Wallnook Lane a Pedestrian Priority lane, with an advisory 10 mph speed limit - making the path unnecessary and opening up the lane to walkers and cyclists.

A gentleman has offered to litter-pick the entire lane regularly - and I will be dropping off his membership form and picker today.

What skills do you have?

- or do people you know have - that they can contribute. 

Designers, Photographers, Solicitors, Project Managers, Printers, Fund Raisers, IT gurus, Accountants, Fencers, Signwriters, Van Owners, Storage Owners, Painters, Leaflet Droppers, Journalists, PR People - all can have a role.

What Else?

Please share your ideas about what needs doing - and what you are doing about it.

I am redoing the website and replacing the discussion forum with a blog - http://wearelangleypark.blogspot.com/

If you want to blog about your exploits, let me have the link.

We have a Youtube site - http://www.youtube.com/WeAreLangleyPark

and are on Twitter - http://twitter.com/weRlangleypark

and Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=198380477877&ref=search&sid=731729304.1721659684..1

Also, if you have not joined as a member, please do so.  We Are Langley Park currently operates with zero money.  We are applying for funding to buy equipment, insurance and training - and the more members we have, the stronger our applications will be. (so maybe your spouse or partner could also join?)

I have attached an A4 sheet that you may like to print and cut and hand out to people that might want to get involved.

Thanks

I would like to thank the following 20 people who, in the last month, have either offered support or who have joined as members.:

Amber-Lea, Kayleigh, Karl, Nic, Gary, Chris, Jen, Anne Marie, Julie, Euchenna, Ikenna, Guy from Darcy Street, Kristy-Jo, Jenny, Jean, Gerry, Agnishkia, Guy from Wallnook, Woman from Wallnook, Tarquin.

Plus, Geoff from the Parish Council; Anthony from the Police; Andy, Andy(sic), Alec, Darryl, Mark, Gordon, Robert from Durham County Council; and Ken and Keith from Probation.

To those that have joined as members, I will be coming collecting your £1 as soon as the Co-operative Bank gives us an account number.

Meeting up for a pint or coffee?

A couple of people have suggested we meet up to get to know each other a bit.  As the only one that holds all the email addresses I guess I'm gonna have to suggest a time and venue.

How about next Sunday afternoon - 7th Feb.  If people say yes to that, I'll check which local pubs are open then.

Best Wishes

Cameron Gordon

Chair

We Are Langley Park

www.wearelangleypark.co.uk

0784 755 9694

Talking works

You can send out flyers, you can hold meetings, but nothing beats meeting people where they are.

This evening I stopped by the teenagers on the street to thank them for stopping dropping litter.  They do seem to struggle having sensible quiet conversations with adults - but that is probably because they have so little practice.

It seems the only time most adults talk to teenagers is either to mumble about them or shout at them.

They are what we created - and they seem quite happy to admit/boast about how much they drink and smoke.
It is an indictment on the community we adults have created that getting pissed in the bushes in the rain is better than anything else we have provided.

Dog Mess Campaign Update

Julie and I just popped in to see if the Dog Warden was in the office - and got to meet Gary and Belinda - Enforecement Officer and Boss - who are really keen to support our Dog Mess Campaign.

They will help publicise it, ensure we get the legal wording on our advanced notices and warnings - and will be able to go round in plain clothes.

Just got to check now with the Parish Council to see if they have sufficient suplies of dog bags - then we can be off and running in early Feb!

cg

Getting On With It

Today is the real start of making Langley Park a cleaner, greener and more pleasant place to live, work and visit.

Nick and Cameron got things going with 12 bin bag fulls of rubbish from around the village over the weekend.

The Community Payback lads have started clearing the undergrowth from the railway line behind Railway Street

The Diggerland Road has been swept and picked - thanks DCC guys!.

We have another new member - welcome Tarquin.

Wendy and Jean from Railway Street have been really supportive and we hope to bring the vacant land once owned by the Railway Street Association back into Community ownership.

More tomorrow

cg