Welcome to the Village Park Residents Association. Thornaby on Tees

Your residents group for the Village Area.

Membership is free to every household in the Village Area.

(Supported by Stockton Residents & Community Groups Association)

If you see any Anti Social Behaviour no matter how small call Neighbourhood policing on 302930

The VPRA News Blog (click here for past months)

Your VPRA at work reports for May 2009

 Click here for CFYA Bin and Recycle Collection Days

31.05.2009 Litter Picking

VPRA reps out today collecting bottles and broken glass from around the Play Trail in the park and up by the Airman’s Statue

29.05.2009 Parkview Care Home-

Contacted SBC to discover the latest about Parkview Care Home. One or two residents have
been in touch to report that people in "yellow jackets" with Theodolites have been on the Parkview Care Home site.
The VPRA can now reveal that the men  have been on site measuring the land ready for a possible new development. This is not set in stone, but preliminary research for a future possible sheltered accommodation. We will let you know when there is some more final news.

29.05.2009 Neighbourhood Policing

Thornaby Police are to have post boxes in some shops through the town so residents can anonymously let police know of any problems in the area. Evening Gazette Story

28.05.2009 Summer In Bloom

VPRA reps have cleared the Jolly Farmers layby bed ready for planting up with this summers display. A small amount of planting has been done with the bulk being planted in about two weeks time.The small traffic sign beds have been planted with Sunflowers and Foxgloves.

28.05.2009 Park Cricket

Thanks to CFYA and VPRA children and adults will be able to have a knock about this summer on the cricket strip that has been cut on the Village Park football pitch. It is only there for fun and no organised games will be played on it as there are no boundary markings.

27.05.2009 Victoria Park Community Hall

The VPRA attended the AGM of the Old People's Welfare Hall on Peel Street. A new board of Trustees has been formed with the aim of ensuring a long and fruitful future for this much loved facility. A new chairman, vice chair and secretary were elected along with the committee. The decision was also made to change the name of the facility to "Victoria Park Community Hall" which will be presented to the charity commission.

The VPRA will providing an internet web site and the facility to enquire on line via its own independent web site, which is now online.
Watch this space for more news.
 

26.05.2009  Thrive Meeting

VPRA invited to a meeting of community and voluntary sector groups with Thrive,  during June to discuss how
we can all work to tackle the effects of high interest rate. 

The agenda items are

• Buy As You View (draft leaflet attached) and
• Job Centre Plus with the possible addition of
• an example of the benefits of community organising to local people in Stockton

• We will be using live testimony from people in all of these items, as well as any media reports Thrive has recently contributed to.
  
  The aim of the meeting will be to:

• Build support for Changemakers Stockton - A broad-based organising foundation
• Build pressure on key players who can make a change on these important issues

25.05.2009 Black Bobbies Nature Reserve.

VPRA reps had a Bank Holiday meeting with SBC's Chris Ridley ( a good friend to the VPRA and our community)today, to discuss the maintenance of the paths on Black Bobbies Field and the Horseshoe Bend (AKA The Holmes, if you work for the council). Residents had
expressed concern about the manner in which the paths had been cut back last year with more popular routes not having received attention they wanted them to get. Chris was keen to please locals, knowing that these locations are popular with people from across the town as well as locals.
The next few weeks will see Chris returning to carry out litter picks in the Thornaby Woods area and Basselton Wood. Anyone, regardless of where they live can get involved and help out if they wish. This work will also include clearing out the beck and removing the scrap and rubbish mentioned earlier. Young Offenders will be doing some of the donkey work.
 

24.05.2009 Friends of Tees Heritage Park

FTHP are holding another walkabout at Egglescliffe on Sunday 7th June meeting at Pot and Glass pub at 11.30. There will be a local historian giving the tour and then back for lunch at the pub if you wish. Pre booking is neccesary, click the website link above for information.l

23.05.2009 Parking

The VPRA have been contacted by a number of residents, disabled and less able bobied and others concerning the dangerous parking outside the Village Primary School.

Today, SBC's Mick McClone spoke with VPRA reps about the possibility of the group and SBC working together in order to bring this situation to an end. The site will be visited
 next week, during half term, to ensure all required lines and signage are in place and clearly visible before a the Enforcement Team will begin ensuring that abusers of the parking area and public footpaths are dealt with. Whilst parking was a grey area, this includes parking across pavements and footpaths, councils have been given rights
under the 1991 Road traffic Act to deal with situations such as the dangerous parking on pavements etc opposite the Jolly Farmers, which develops around school "home time". It was perhaps serendipitous that an article was  carried in this weeks Herald and Post, which details the council's new drive to deal with such parking... or was it.

22.05.2009 Park Play Trail

The paint damaged section of the play trail has now been repaired and the entire trail is marked as planned.

21.05.2009 Muga Area Grass

CLS have made a much better job of clearing the stones and glass from the new soil areas.They have also re seeded the whole area.

21.05.2009 Play Equipment Safety Check

SBC Officer Tony Raine was in the park today accompanying the ROSPA inspector, checking out the new play equipment around the Play Trail. Dedicated lads because it was pouring down while they were doing it.

20.05.2009 Thornaby Wood

E mail received today form Countryside Rangers to say they will be removing the motorbike and Asda trolleys from Thornaby Wood as reported at the weekend by VPRA on June 1st when they are next scheduled to have a working party in there. The working party apart from the two rangers are volunteers so if you fancy helping out then watch this space towards the end of the month for more details

20.05.2009 Park Update

CLS back in the park today to do remedial work on the newly grassed areas around the MUGA. Grading all the soil again to remove the majority of stones and glass that should have been done when it was first put down. Shame because the grass was growing well but on a Health and Safety note it had to be done.

19.05.2009 Safer Stockton

VPRA reps attended the meeting held in the Golden Eagle by the Safer Stockton partnership. attended by representatives of residents groups, councillors and members of the public. A number of questions were asked about various aspects of Policing and the way Justice is carried out.

19.05.2009 Park Update

VPRA rep removed broken pats of bottles and tin cans which appear to have been set deliberately in the grass along parts of the new play trail. CFYA and Thornaby Police to be informed of this idiotic prank before someone or a dog is badly cut.

18.05.2009 Thornaby Show

VPRA reps attended this afternoons show meeting. Show date is September 6th at Harold Wilson Playing Fields.

VPRA reps asked if our display stand could be in the Horticulture Tent again this year due to involvement organising the Horticultural Show. After lengthy discussion it was agreed that this year all Residents Groups could have a table for display in the Horticulture Tent. This helps with security as well as filling up space.

The schedule for Flowers and Veg is online here in PDF form  for you to download.

17.05.2009 Play Trail

Looks like the Play Trail Artists have finally got the last of the decals down with the two long sides now marked along with the yardage markers around the path. It makes the full circuit approx. 600 yards

16.05.2009 Bees Again

For the third time in two weeks VPRA have had to call in a Bee Expert to collect a swarm which keeps forming around the Millbank Lane area. Free Bees to collect.

15.05.2009 Sir Nigel Gresley

The VPRA cameraman was out this afternoon in the winds and rain to get a rare picture of the old steam train as it was travelling through Thornaby on route to York from Grosmont.

After its trip to Thornaby today it is hauling a special express on Saturday from York to Edinburgh along with Tornado which was through Thornaby yesterday. Tornado is hauling from London Kings Cross to York then Sir Nigel is taking over.

Full size pictures without watermarks are available free to anyone wanting them, email

15.05.2009 Holmes and Middlefield

Do you live in that area, if so they now have a new residents group who meet at South Thornaby Community Centre.               Contact:- Secretary. Janet Metcalfe 

Like the VPRA they meet regularly and have invited guests from organisations such as CFYA, Tristar, Fire and Police.                    Local Councillors also attend their meetings.

Next meeting is May 28th 2009, at South Thornaby Community Centre Time: 6-7 pm

15.05.2009 Bus Service Changes

Arriva are changing the 17 service to run more buses through to Ingleby Barwick and then on to Stockton through Preston Farm and Bowesfield with a 30 minute journey time for centre to centre. Provisional timetables are available by clicking on our Village Voice page until Arriva get theirs online. A link to all Arriva changes is here,.

14.05.2009 Yorkshire Day

The next Yorkshire Day meeting is 22/05/2009 at 2 pm in the Town Hall. Anyone wishing to be involved is welcome to attend.

14.05.2009 Thornaby Show

E mail from Thornaby Town Council Town Clerk to say Thornaby Show Meeting is on Monday 18/05/09 at 2 pm in Town Hall. Anyone interested in being involved is welcome to attend.

14.05.2009 Tristar ROAP

VPRA rep attended tonight’s Tristar ROAP meeting discussing the way forward for council tenants in Thornaby

13.05.2009 Thornaby Town Mayor.

VPRA reps attended tonight’s AGM and Mayor making. Councillor Geoff Green was voted in unanimously as mayor with Councillor Ian Dalgarno being appointed Deputy Mayor.

The outgoing Mayor Councillor Mick Eddy presented Geoff with his Mayoral Chains along with the Mayoress Chains which Geoff presented to his wife Celia. Geoff in turn presented Mick with his retiring Mayor’s Medal.

13.05.2009 Stainsby Councillors

At the request of Stainsby Ward Councillors we have added contact details for both of the Thornaby Councillors. This will help anyone throughout Thornaby picking up an easy route to any Stockton Borough Councillors.

13.05.2009 Tristar Walkabout.

2 VPRA reps attended today’s Laburnum area walkabout along with reps from Tristar, Police and CFYA . Two hour walk around the estate and only a couple of issues requested to deal with. VPRA had already reported one to CFYA and was in hand. Another was a lady in Hawthorn Avenue had a bath and toilet dumped on her front lawn during the night .She had not reported to Police or CFYA. VPRA reported this to CFYA at lunchtime  on return from walkabout.(Mail from CFYA this afternoon to say was in hand between them and Tristar) Another was broken fences in the cut to Lilac Avenue , Tristar have this in hand.

12.05.2009 Park Views.

Some pictures taken in the park today showing the various play equipment and some of the tree lined areas in blossom.

12.05.2009 Park Litter.

VPRA rep reported that dog walkers have been leaving bags of dog excrement in and around the area of the litter bin by the kiddies play park. This is totally out of order especially as there are 3 dog bins all placed at the exits. CFYA once again responded quickly with the area cleared within the hour. 

12.05.2009 Eastern Area Highways Strategy Meeting.

VPRA rep attended last nights strategy meeting along with Ward Councillors, Town Councillors, SBC Officers, and representatives from community groups in Thornaby, Hilton and Ingleby Barwick.

VPRA requested an update on the outstanding road hump in Laburnum Avenue. This is still to be installed but is being held up as Laburnum is in line for new tarmac as part of Highways repairs, this is due in the next two months.

VPRA put forward a number of schemes for funding this year.

Firstly, safety railings outside of the park gates on Thorntree road. This was accepted and should happen fairly soon.    

Secondly, Fordy Grove grass verge to block paving, this was asked for earlier in the year and part of the funding is to come from SBC Highways pot, half will be paid for and laid this year and the balance later.

Thirdly , Upper Green Lane Traffic problems, was discussed and this is already in discussion between VPRA, SBC and Father Mark from St. Peter’s Church. In the short term VPRA asked that the road markings be re marked.

VPRA also supported Holmes and Middlefield  Residents Association with their request for a light controlled crossing on Trenchard Avenue around the Spitfire Pub Area. A feasibility study is to be funded and brought back to the October meeting. In the meantime VPRA rep suggested that the two groups meet up to talk to residents in Sherwood and Wychwood areas. This is to happen in the next week or so.  

VPRA also supported request from Councillor Sylvia Walmsley for investigation into parking problems around the town centre and Grenville Road area opposite. Residents are complaining that they cannot park outside their homes because of people employed by companies on or near the centre using the public roads to park.

VPRA also supported schemes for Ingleby Barwick ,Maltby and Hilton.

11.05.2009 Twitter Button

The twitter button has moved back over to the left hand side of the page as we try to iron out some problems in bringing the twitter pages direct on to this page to save you leaving this site. It will probably be done by Wednesday. If you prefer to visit the twitter site then why not bookmark it as a favourite then you can access it at any time. There are problems with some browsers and links to Twitter so copy and paste the following in to your browser  www.twitter.com/vpra

11.05.2009 SCEN Meeting

VPRA rep attended this afternoons Stockton Community Empowerment Network meeting over at the Salvation Army in Stockton.

A packed meeting chaired ably by James Hadman from SRCGA began with the usual minutes from previous meeting and went on to have a discussion and slide show by Stockton Primary Care Trust about their new website which will be coming online soon. This will be very helpful for anyone who can switch on a PC or Laptop. More information will be posted with links as soon as we get it.

11.05.2009 Park Tents

The tent and mess that appeared in the park yesterday has been taken away by CFYA and the area cleaned up once more. Thanks to CFYA folk for the help. We still have someone who seems to be setting deliberate traps around the play trail, broken bottle bases have been pushed down into the grass along with a couple of snapped tin cans, set sharp end up these will cut children’s feet or dogs paws.

10.05.2009 Play Trail Decals

Another area of the park play trail was marked up this morning towards the gates at Millbank Lane. Unfortunately the rain forced the artists to abandon work for the day, the tarmac needs to be dry to allow the decals to be burnt into it.

10.05.2009 Camping in the Park

Youths had erected a tent in the park last night and left it in there this morning. Full of water as they had not put the waterproof top on. Remnants of a fire and broken cups and glasses points to it being very local. VPRA reps tidied the mess this afternoon and put everything inside the tent to hopefully make it easier for CFYA to clear away in the morning.

Overnight camping is not allowed in parks but erecting tents to use during the day in summer months is accepted providing any mess is tidied away when going home. 

10.05.2009 Litter Picking

VPRA reps out this morning litter picking up at the Airman Statue and in the Village Park . Broken Large Lambrini bottles smashed on the footpath in the park, same place as the day before. Annoyingly dog walkers and a couple of parents with kids were just walking round the glass, no attempt to even push it out of the path.

09.05.2009 Play Trail Evening Update.

Work has progressed with one full side completed and smaller markings in place on one other.

09.05.2009 Dangerous Corner

The junction on Upper Green Lane near to the church is causing a lot of problems and minor accidents for car drivers. Right of way bears to the right towards the church and Richardson Road. Cars coming down from Basselton lane are not slowing and stopping at the junction. Father Mark from St. Peters has asked VPRA to mention the problem at the Eastern Area Highways meeting next week. It maybe just the case of road markings and a give way sign will improve the junction rather than anything drastic. Picture courtesy of thornaby.org.uk

09.05.2009 Play Trail

The artists are in the park today to begin laying down the decals for the play trail. As long as its ry they should make good progress.

09.05.2009 Manhole Cover

The manhole cover first reported on here 14/03/2009 has finally been replaced with a new heavy duty one.

08.05.2009 St Peters Church.

Following reports of vandalism over the past couple of weeks all of the drain pipes have now been painted with anti vandal paint and signs put up as warnings.

08.05.2009 Village Green

A number of youths wandering or swaying would be better term on the Green this evening. Half bottle of vodka from somewhere although obvious not old enough to buy it themselves.

07.05.2009 Village Park

VPRA committee  members had meeting in the park this afternoon with SBC officers to discuss the snag list for minor problems after the latest round of renovations and discussing ideas for the next set of works to take place once funding is secured.

06.05.2009 Redcar Road Rent Office

In reply to residents questions last night and this morning about the former Tristar Rent Office, VPRA can report that there are no immediate plans for the 2 converted houses. Tristar report that SBC are considering options to possibly rent the building as offices or even convert back to homes again. Although in the present economic climate there is no money for this

The question of kids playing football and dog mess was also mentioned and Tristar have pointed out that technically this is Private Property so people should not be using it. Don’t think dogs will understand that comment. We will keep residents updated once we have more information..

06.05.2009 Airman’s Statue

The two large rose beds either side of the Airman`s Statue are looking very well and healthy.Varieties are Glad Tidings and Princess of Wales. There was a bit of die back on the POW with a few dead bushes removed and hopefully will be replaced this Autumn.

06.05.2009 Park Update

CFYA asked to cut the grass around the borders and the small football pitch. Thanks to Nige Clark the Horticultural Manager an operator was there within half hour and work done by 10-30 am. Just as well because Dave’s new mower broke down as he was finishing and he had to wait for the recovery wagon to come for it. He did get a swap for a push mower so the exercise will do him good. CFYA have pointed out that at present they are not scalping the grass and have the blades set higher than previous years. This is hoped to save scorching and keep a bit of moisture in the ground.  

There is some unusual colour coming out around the park as the next slide shows near the bowls club fence.

06.05.2009 Blackpath

CFYA informed of a couple of problems on the Blackpath. Firstly there is a large strand of barbed wire laying in the grass, looks like it has come off the back of a fence in Fordy Grove.

There is also some overgrown trees and bushes which are blocking sight lines from the shops. As this is part of a route to and from schools it is important to have the best sight lines possible. 

05.05.2009 VPRA Meeting Report

A very good attendance at tonight’s meeting, the room was full with over 40 residents and speakers in attendance. main topic was SBC/Tristar and the state of the houses in the forgotten area between Redcar Road  and Northumberland Road. Council tenants in this area have not had any work done to their homes although nearby estates have had new windows, doors heating etc. The only thing they will be getting in the near future is external painting.

There is no money available at present from SBC until the matter of Stock Transfer is addressed. Council tenants are urged to vote whether it is for or against the transfer when the time comes. It is still a way off at the moment. More meetings will be facilitated by VPRA  to try and help explain any issues that Stock Transfer throws up. Your Home, Your Say.

Michelle Legg our local PCSO urged residents to ring in any crime or suspicious behaviour to Neighbourhood Policing on 302930. If there are no reports then police think all is quiet.

05.05.2009 Park Update

Running repairs to part of the rubber matting done by VPRA rep today. The growing grass is actually pushing some of the mats apart. Cable ties added to joints to support the areas concerned.

04.05.2009 VPRA Meeting

VPRA reps out tonight leafleting parts of the area to invite Tristar and Council tenants along to Tuesdays meeting. A part of the meeting will be given over to Tristar to explain what is happening with stock transfer etc.

Spotted this unusual sight while out in the area. Some great talking points to come here.

04.05.2009 thornaby.org.uk

Our sister site about Thornaby has had a quick update tonight with more work planned over the next couple of days to bring it into line with this site. Watch out for Thornaby Twitter and Blog.

03.05.2009 Damaged Fences

VPRA rep noticed this broken fence on Thornaby road this morning, partly due to age and disrepair  and vandals pulling at it. The angle of the picture does not show the actual angle it was hanging over the path.

The fence was hanging dangerously across the pavements and people were walking by and ignoring it. It was put in as safe as possible position and loose planks put out of the way.

While this may not seem a serious problem it could have fallen on a small child or a visually impaired person could have had a nasty fall because of the way it was hanging across the pavement.

03.05.2009 Pictures

It has come to our notice that a number of pictures taken by VPRA reps have been used on a Thornaby site without credits being given to either vpra.org.uk,vpra.co.uk or thornaby.org.uk where they were lifted from. Because of this all new pictures will be watermarked with the VPRA logo. The originals are available for anyone who wants them , it only takes an e mail to our webmaster to obtain them .

03.05.2009 Village Park Report

VPRA reps checking the park this morning, after a wet night still plenty of children having an early morning play on the new trail as well as other parts of the park.

Football game on the go on the big pitch between Beckfields and Iceland Teesside .Looked a decent game early on. Beckfields from Ingleby Barwick are currently top of their league.

02.05.2009 Drunken Youths

Residents complaining about 4 drunken youths up by the Airman’s Statue at 5 pm today. Problem is they never contacted the police but one lady had confronted them herself and another informed a passing VPRA rep. No sign of them in the area at 5-15 pm, last seen struggling into Greenwood Estate.

If you do see anything like this or vandalism PHONE THE NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE ON 302930. You will get action and a call back from the Neighbourhood Policing Team, if you do not report such offences then the police cannot help or build up a pattern of problems in the area. 

01.05.2009 Village Park

Children and teachers from the Church of England Primary School under 5`s were in the park this morning using the play area as part of their contribution to Barnardo`s Big Toddle . A comment from one of the teachers was “we love this play park, it is clean and safe with everything we need for our regular visits. Wish there were more people like the Village Residents  who care for the area”

01.05.2009 Next VPRA Meeting

If you are coming along to our meeting on Tuesday 5th May at the Robbie Ack then why not pop into the Green Spaces session that SBC are running. Its in the centre from 3-15 pm till 7-30 pm. Your chance to say what you think about green spaces, parks, allotments etc.  SBC Website for info

01/05/2009 Sunflower Day

Today is International Sunflower Day, plant your Sunflower Seeds today and be part of the World action.

VPRA will be putting seeds in hedgerows along with planting up some grown plants on the Lower Green.