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| Pictured with Roberta (centre) and the village model are (left to right) Jessica Moor, Toni Jennings, Laura Convery, James Ness, Ryan Hart and Joe Leech. |
Newbiggin - a model village
Over 400 local people turned out to see the model of the regeneration plans for the village.
That was the fantastic response to the final round of consultation before the publication of the master plan for village regeneration.
The scale model, shaped by earlier discussions about Newbigginís future, first went on display at the St. Bartholomewís Centre before youngsters at the County Middle School had their say
Newbiggin Life Project Manager, Roberta Buchanan, is delighted with the response and says: "I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to get involved with this project. The more local input the better the chance of real success for the village."
The main points of proposal to date include over 60 new homes for the Manley's Field and Cumberland Avenue areas, a vibrant redevelopment of Collingwood playing fields, environmental enhancements at Woodlea Field, a new gateway feature at Spital Farm, modernisation work in the village centre and improvements for Memorial Park and the heritage centre.
If the school pupils get their way, the exciting regeneration plans will be on the slippery slope, for the retention of a hill used for sledging was among their top priorities.
"Keeping a hill was a key request so we will endeavour to do that," added Roberta: "But the youngsters had many other bright ideas about developing leisure facilities in the village. They are also keen to see a general tidying up too - removing litter and graffiti. Their enthusiasm was tremendous and I was delighted with the positive attitude they showed."
Deputy head teacher at the school, Barry Linn, added: "I was born and brought up in the village and it is clear it is no longer the vibrant thriving place it once was. Newbiggin LIFE presents an opportunity to restore community pride. It is important that local children are involved in the process. They are the future of the village so they must know and understand what can be achieved here."
Many villagers have been involved in the development of the plan throughout the process. Others have made their contributions through a series of focus groups and events like the model display which brought everything together to show how all the pieces of the jigsaw fit.
Comments and views gathered will now be presented to the project board. It is hoped a final master plan will be completed in the next few weeks.
