Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth on an opportunity regarding the development of Weardale Railway and of a request from The Auckland Project to support its future development (for copy see file of minutes).

Councillor Shuttleworth, County Councillor for Weardale, referred to previous Cabinet reports on Weardale Railway and he provided his views on providing further financial assistance to the company. 

He pointed out that paragraph 30 of the report referred to a Cabinet report dated 2009 and he stated that he was not aware of that report and had not been able to find it.  He requested clarification from the Head of Legal and Democratic Services.  Councillor Shuttleworth then asked what the economic benefits would be, to the local community, of providing a further £2.128 million pounds to the Weardale Railway.

Councillor Marshall thanked Councillor Shuttleworth for his question and explained the economic benefits including that the project aims to further increase the number of visitors to Bishop Auckland.  He added that the railway would become an important part of a growing network of visitor attractions which, in turn, would increase footfall and benefit the Weardale and Bishop Auckland areas.  The project would provide sustainable employment for local people and the ambition is also to improve sustainable transport arrangements for the people of Bishop Auckland, Shildon, Weardale and the wider area.

The Head of Legal and Democratic Services agreed to confirm the position with regard to the report to Cabinet dated 2009, and, to provide a copy of the report to Councillor Shuttleworth and Cabinet members.

In moving the report, Councillor Marshall stressed the importance of the council supporting such an innovative project which aims to boost the visitor economy.  Councillor Napier spoke of the significant benefits the project would bring to the community and the wider area.  Councillor Patterson added her full support to the initiative, to bring much needed private and public sector investment into Weardale. 

Resolved:

That the recommendations in the report be approved.