Over the last few years I have been working to get improvements to Pity Me Front St. As I am sure many residents will be aware the road surface, footpaths, kerbs and parking areas are in a poor condition and in need of work.

I can now confirm that working with officers in highways and regeneration departments at Durham County Council I have been successful in bringing together a substantial amount of funding to carry out significant improvements. This funding includes money from the neighbourhood budget I am allocated as a councillor.

It is proposed to carry out the following works in the coming months, some of which is being done separately to the main scheme.

1. Patching work is about to be carried out on the carriageway to improve the surface and reduce the vibrations caused by traffic, which many residents have complained about. This is due to start in the next week or so and the areas being repaired can be seen by the white markings on the road.

In addition a large stretch of the road will be completely recoated to further improve the condition. The extent of this area is also marked with white paint at either end. This work is likely to be carried out in June or July.

2. The main part of the proposed scheme however is to rebuild all the parking bays and footpaths from the entrance to The Avenue, down Front Street for over 300 yards as far as the entrance with Acorn Croft. To make sure that a proper long lasting job is done, this will require digging out and resurfacing the parking area and replacing all the old kerbstones and where necessary the drainage system.

The footpath will also be replaced and new drainage channels put in along the entire stretch. To keep the historic look of the street front it is also proposed to place the grey ‘scoria’ bricks to the back of the pavement to create an edgeline.

3. The council lighting department is proposing to replace all the old streetlights which are past their natural life and is suggesting placing them on the other side of the road. This would then free up more space for parking, tidy up the look of the street and reduce the glare which some residents have in their front rooms from the current lighting.

4. We are also looking at improved disability access where the pavement is currently higher than the parking area. And I have asked for assurances that all utility companies are properly consulted to make sure that if any pipes or cables need replacing they are done at the same time.

Once completed the whole look of Pity Me Front Street will be vastly improved. The enclosed link to the map below shows more detail. As this is an initial plan, some of the aspects may change.

Work is currently pencilled in to start in April or May, however I would like to hear from anyone who has any questions, concerns, suggestions or comments about the proposals as soon as possible so that the Council can take on board any residents issues.

I have delivered letters to the residents in the houses where the work is to be carried out to make sure anyone without internet access or awareness of my website has been notified. I also explained the proposals to the Parish Council at last nights meeting.

Initial plans: CM566_03. Engineering Layout.Rev O