Hours of volunteering help transform parks

The results of hours of hard working volunteering are being enjoyed by residents across the town as four parks have been given a makeover.

More than 3,600 volunteering hours were pledged by companies as part of the Great Parks Auction, organised by Darlington Cares in February, to transform The Denes, Stanhope Park, Eastbourne Park and Fryers Field.

Thanks to the dedication of staff from the Darlington Economic Campus and Redde Northgate, work has started to spruce up Stanhope Park; Cummins staff have been hard at work at Eastbourne Park and volunteers from the Education Village, EE and the Darlington Economic Campus have been working in Fryers Field. EE has also been planning how to spend the 1,300 hours pledged to work in The Denes.

The companies are all working with the council and the parks’ Friends groups, to put their green fingers to the test rejuvenating areas that are most in need of care and attention. They have been weeding, cutting back plants and picking up litter as well as carrying out general repairs.

Libby McCollom, cabinet member for local services, said: “The hard work of the volunteers is already making a real difference to the parks – they look amazing.

“The Great Parks Auction is a brilliant way to get everyone working together to make our green spaces even more attractive to people of all ages. I hope everyone is inspired to visit the parks and to help keep them looking good.”

To find out more about the work of Darlington Cares, its members and volunteering opportunities visit www.darlingtoncares.co.uk