Skip to: Site menu | Main content


 

 


 

Riverside - Yarm

This is an area that has been a bone of contention since the erection of the Flood Defence Wall which was the responsibility of the Environment Agency. The Agency were required to achieve an acceptable standard before Stockton Borough Council would adopt the area.  They were also required to pay Stockton Borough Council for the maintenance for two years.  This did not happen and the area became overgrown and lost.  Yarm Town Council eventually asked contractors to cut the grass in summer months so that a pathway could be used by residents or visitors to enjoy walking along the river bank.  Prior to 2005 Marjorie Simpson encouraged Stockton Borough Council Officers to continue meeting with Environment Agency to secure planting as per the original Flood Defence Planning Permission.   October 2004 there was a glimmer of hope when various bushes and trees were planted.  Since May 2005 meetings have continued to take place and Steve Nelson Cabinet member for Environment has kindly informed Marjorie that they are hoping  that the Legal Department will soon be in a position to have an Agreement signed by all parties. 

Although one of our new councillors is claiming credit for arranging this over ten months we must disappoint him by saying it has taken seven years of hard work to get to a point where it is hoped that an Agreement will be signed.  It is unfortunate that the EA allowed the Fishing Platforms to fall so badly into disrepair that they have had to be moved and if they do not take care of the remaining platform and jetty then this will also need  either renewal or extensive repair but Stockton Borough Council will not adopt it until it meets their standards.

Care for your Area have cleared litter from this area for many of the years since the erection of the Flood Defence Wall even though it was really the  responsibility of the EA.  November 2006 after a riot by youths from a neighbouring area Marjorie asked once more for the assistance of CFYA and reported the incident to the police and also asking SBC for the patrol of  enforcement officers.   She has asked residents to report every incident to the police and not to be satisfied with one person reporting but ensure everyone who has problems rings 326326 so that the police know this is a “hot spot”  that they should visit.

[ Back to top ]