BARNARD Castle must grasp every opportunity that comes the town’s way.
That’s the rallying cry from mayor Cllr Sandra Moorhouse ahead of the launch of a new initiative called Making Barney Brighter Together.
The project, led by the town council with the backing of traders, aims to come up with new ideas to promote Barnard Castle to both residents and visitors.
Making Barney Brighter Together will be launched at The Witham on Wednesday, January 9.
Cllr Moorhouse said the initiative had sparked wide interest since it was first outlined in November as a way of plugging the gap left by the now defunct Barnard Castle Business Guild – and not just from town centre traders.
“We have had a lot of responses from people. Those not involved in trading have also said they are delighted this is being looked at,” said Cllr Moorhouse.
“The general feeling is that whatever we are about to try to do is a good thing.
“We are not promising anything. We are trying to ensure there are really good lines of communication between people to take up any opportunity that comes along.
“We want to make sure we have a voice and that Barnard Castle is not forgotten.”
The launch of Making Barney Brighter Together, which takes place between 5pm and 6.30pm, will be an informal event. There will be a short video presentation after which those present will be invited to share their thoughts on how footfall into the town could be increased.
Cllr Moorhouse said: “We think we have got to make the town a destination. It’s got to have major attractions. It’s got the castle, it’s got the town – how do people feel about working on that to increase footfall?
“We are aware of poor signage – why, on the A66, are we not recognised with a brown (tourist) sign, whereas The Bowes Museum is?”
Cllr Moorhouse said she is keen for anyone interested to come along to the launch.
“What we have done is to invite any business. We have gone to the NFU, who are coming, Enterprise House and people who have holiday lets and B&Bs.
“We are working with the Bishop Auckland project and outreaching to anybody we think can help us. We are grasping at all these things just to show people what we might be able to achieve. We don’t want to lecture people but to talk and see if we can work together. We are open to anyone being involved.”
Anyone interested in attending the launch can email bbt@barnardcastletowncoun cil.gov.uk or call into the office at Woodleigh, on Scar Top.
