It's good to talk together - have your say on life in Darlington

The Council’s budget proposals were among the hot topics discussed at the second round of Talking Together events held in January and February.

The six events gave residents the chance to speak to councillors, senior council staff, police and health service professionals about issues which affect them.

More than 200 people attended the events, and their views have already made a difference. After hearing what local people had to say about the budget proposals, plans to cut Trading Standards and Pest Control serviceshave been dropped, as well as proposals to cutgrants to Parish Councils. Residents’ views on plans to withdraw a £132,000 subsidy which paid for two bus services to rural parts of the Borough have also been abandoned. Instead the Council will work with bus companies and local people to reduce the costs, so services to villages continue.

Councillors considered all of the feedback from the Talking Together events at a Council meeting on February 28. Other decisions made as a result of the Talking Together events include a review of traffic management in Middleton St George. Eight resident volunteers are working with councillors and council staff, as part of the review. Another issue raised at Talking Together events was speeding traffic near Gurney Pease School. The police are investigating the problem.

The next Talking Together events take place in April and May. Children are also welcome at the events. At each one there will be children’s activities and games, as well as party food. If you have a burning issue you want to discuss, come along and have your say. You can make a difference.