GETTING TOGETHER: Phyllis Wood and Elaine Oliver meet up with friends at the new social seating arrangement on Staindrop’s village green
GETTING TOGETHER: Phyllis Wood and Elaine Oliver meet up with friends at the new social seating arrangement on Staindrop’s village green

A PLAN last year to install socially-distanced seating on a village green has come into fruition – albeit almost two months after Covid-19 social distancing laws were relaxed.

Staindrop Parish Council discussed plans for the seating in October last year, which would allow residents have a chat outside while still keeping a safe distance and plans were quickly drawn up and sent to Durham County Council.

During their meeting in February this year, the parish council had hoped the seats would be installed by March when up to six people or two households could meet up outside.

However, delays at county hall meant the project dragged on. The three benches, placed in a horseshoe shape, were eventually installed late last month.

Cllr Ed Chicken said: “Durham County Council installed them and paid for the two depicting deer, an acknowledging the link to Raby Park, and the commemorative one was bought by a generous resident who wishes to remain anonymous.”