Ponteland is changing; probably faster than at any time in its history. There are concerns that some of the proposed changes are not in keeping with our rich heritage and that we are losing the village character which we still value and enjoy. There is a need to promote high standards of planning and architecture and to secure the protection and improvement of features of both historic and public interest in the area of Ponteland and Darras Hall.
Within our community there is a deep sense of civic pride and involvement, which has been revealed recently, and many residents have expressed their views at public meetings and through the press. Some of Ponteland’s residents have relevant expertise in the architectural, planning and development, building and heritage fields that could be used to the benefit of the community. They, and interested residents, could help to shape our future and influence planning decisions.
It is to further these aims that a Public Meeting is to be arranged to set up a Ponteland Civic Society. A member of the Civic Trust from London will attend to explain the aims and objectives and how we can progress. A date has not yet been fixed but it will be as soon as possible and will be widely publicised.
By Muriel Sobo
