Agenda item

(i)            Joint report of the Assistant Chief Executive and the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Economic Development.

(ii)          Presentation by the Partnership Manager.

The Committee received a joint report and presentation of the Corporate Director Regeneration and Economic Development and Assistant Chief Executive which provided an update on progress made by the Heart of Teesdale Partnership (for copy of report and slides of presentation see file of minutes).

The Partnership Manager proceeded to give a brief overview of the partnership and updates on the various projects that had been undertaken such as Scar Top and mini golf course, Barningham lime kiln restoration and Flatts Wood. In addition various other projects had taken place which had also been very successful such as ArtScapes.

In relation to current projects the committee was informed that Teesdale Views was a t project  celebrating views in Teesdale using photography , with an exhibition of works due to take place at Woodham Gallery during the Festival of Views.

Other current projects included historic landscapes and a field barn survey project which recorded unused buildings in the partnership area. Landscape Discovery was also an important project which sought to encourage people to explore landscapes.

With regards to the future of the partnership it was reported that three further projects were to be started:

·         InvesTeesGate, to creat ownership of the local environment.

·         Creative Media – which was focused around digital interpretation.

·         Creating disabled access to areas used for recreational activities.

In order for these projects to progress it was noted however that match funding in the region of £200k was required, however it was hopeful that this would be forthcoming in the very near future.

The Partnership Manager in conclusion advised that the ultimate legacy for the partnership was yet to be determined, however it was noted that the legacy was expected to extend some 10 years past the implementation phase.

Councillor Adam queried whether any training had been delivered in the partnership area on dry stone walling. In response the Partnership Manager advised that the partnership had established a field boundary programme with training which would be ongoing for 2 years.

Councillor Jewell raised a query regarding the legacy of the partnership and raised concerns that plans for this were not already in place. In response the Partnership Manager advised that she agreed that the legacy strategy could have been developed earlier  however members should be reassured that this was in hand.

In addition Councillor Jewell commented that the project was very localised and wondered whether it was possible to encourage people from outside the area to take part. In response it was reported that the partnership were not permitted to perform direct marketing, however the partnership did work with Visit County Durham and publicity did go out via Corporate Communications.

Resolved:

That the content of the report and presentation be noted.