I would like to provide a general update regarding the Town Centre and our continued progress to improve the local environment for all who visit. Last year during the summer we hosted 3 very successful summer events prior to our main Christmas Event, these were very well supported by the town and I hope to do something similar this year working with Great Aycliffe Town Council starting in July as part of the Aycliffe Festival. Should any groups or individuals like to be involved at any time over the summer please contact my office on the number below or GATC on 01325 300 700. Regarding future developments in the centre I can confirm we have a new retailer Petite Boutique, specialist in children’s wear, opening soon just opposite Boyes and further interest in other units around the centre.
To address the recent growth in the pigeon population can I advise that we have a fully comprehensive management plan in place which was working and had seen a decline in the population however we do currently have 2 to 3 people who live in the town who have chosen to provide food to them which has resulted in the pigeons nesting in the centre and being able to feed there meaning they continue to be a problem for visitors. We are using CCTV and other methods to identify those who are feeding the pigeons and will advise DCC Enforcement Officers of any information we collect to allow them to progress further. Going forward we will continue the works to the clock tower including fully refurbished clock faces and mechanism, improved groundworks around the tower and further works to the car parks leading from Stephenson and St Cuthbert’s Way including new centre signage. I hope the above is of interest to everyone and please contact me on 01325 300 605 should you have any queries on the Town Centre. Bryan Haldane, Centre Manager
