Last May, Labour Party Councillors John Clark and Derek Atkinson were elected to represent Simpasture, on Great Aycliffe Town  Council.
Apart from representing the interests of our electorate, when attending GATC meetings, one of our collective pledges was to visit every home in Simpasture ward – within the first year – to either make ourselves known or to leave a contact calling card.
This pledge has very nearly been achieved. We have also willingly delivered Phil Wilson, our MP’s, constituency issue leaflets to Simpasture ward households. We receive contacts from constituents, either by phone or to our dedicated GATC email addresses. As a result the following issues have been resolved.
A new road sign will be erected in Ritson Road, probably early February 2014. This replaces one damaged by a vehicle. We were also concerned about the condition of a road sign in Mertz Road. This will also be replaced. We were contacted by residents from Lee Green, about chronic parking problems, caused in part by the unusual configuration of that area (oddly, no actual footpath running alongside the front entrances of many of their gardens).
Councillor Derek Atkinson met with representatives living in Lee Green and then passed on their concerns to Aycliffe West Labour Party DCC councillors, Eddy Adam and Kate Hopper.  They arranged for a site visit, during November. This is a live issue and a number of options  are under consideration.
Some residents of Lee Green were at November’s Simpasture PACT meeting, held at Simpasture Court Meeting Room.  Residents of Lee Green and Emerson Way contacted us about the garages in Lee Green/Emerson Way. They had heard rumours that these garages were to be demolished, with the land being used for housing.
Councillor Atkinson contacted DCC Planning Department who had not received any planning application from such as Livin. As several of the garages are privately owned, any proposed development would not be straight forward. We have also dealt with  concerns from residents in Finchale Road, Bowes Road and Moule Close.
One or both of us regularly attend the Simpasture PACT meetings. These meetings (advertised in the Newton News)  give Simpasture residents regular feedback and the opportunity to meet and liaise with the police and other representatives of our community, including councillors from GATC and DCC.
The next Simpasture PACT meeting will take place on January 14th 2014, starting at 630 pm. We would love to see you there. Current issues include illegal parking in and around the Simpasture shops area and street lighting.
The police have worked to resolve  parking problems, issuing parking tickets where appropriate. Much of their responsibilities re parking  have now passed to the Parking Enforcement Officers (tele: 03000 263985).
It is to be determined how effective they will be. If Simpasture residents have any problems or issues that need attention please contact either Councillor John Clark (johnclark.labour@gmail.com), or Councillor Derek Atkinson(derekatkinson.labour@gmail.com   or tele:301395). Thank you and a Merry Christmas to one and all! Derek Atkinson and John Clark (Councillors).