The Bank Top Community Partnership was established in October 2003 with the formation of a Steering Group.  This group worked hard to develop a Constitution that was formerly adopted at the Inaugural General Meeting in April 2004. 

A Management Committee of 12 residents and 3 non-voting co-opted members managed the Partnership for the following year. They met on a regular basis and were incredibly successful in their first year of management.  Strong partnerships have developed with the local community, including church groups, the police, residents groups and voluntary groups. 

The Partnership has adopted an Action Plan - pdf document.

The Partnership is committed to improving the local environment, in particular the area of Eastbourne Park.  A sub group has been formed called Friends of Eastbourne Park.  This group has met regularly since May 2005 and in partnership with Darlington Borough Council has already made a big difference to the park.  New picnic benches and bins have been placed next to the play area.  Volunteers have been involved with planting out summer and winter bedding and have planted lots of spring bulbs.  New seats have been installed and dead plants and overgrown hedges have been removed.  Funding was obtained for wildlife boxes and these have now been installed.  The group are planning community events in the Park to encourage more people to use the Park.  A café facility was opened in July 2007 and a new play area was developed and opened in November 2007.
The group is actively seeking new members particularly from local residents and users of the park. 

Long term the Friends are working with Groundworks Trust and the Lascelles Community Partnership to develop the park and the adjoining open space into a complementary feature offering facilities and activities for all age groups.

Are you a resident of Bank Top? Do you want to get involved?

To find out how to get involved in Bank Top projects, contact Norman Maltby, Community Development Worker, Darlington Borough Council, Maidendale House, Burnside Road, Firth Moor, Darlington, DL1 4SU, telephone  01325 358794 or email norman.maltby@darlington.gov.uk

Feedback Form: If you have any questions, comments, or complaints you would like us to deal with please let us know.  If you provide your contact details someone from our section will contact you.