PEOPLE in Barnard Castle are to be gifted a piece of police-owned land after winning a battle to have it declared a green.
Confirmation that the open space in front of the old police station at Bede Kirk would be given to the community was offered by Durham Police Crime and Victims’ Commissioner Ron Hogg during a public meeting last week.
The site was to have been sold for housing, but Barnard Castle Town Council successfully applied to Durham County Council to have it declared a green.
Mr Hogg explained that he had been forced by law to put the police station and the land around it up for sale.
He also had to challenge the town council’s bid to have the open space for the same reason.
He said: “I went through that process because I have to use taxpayers' money to the best effect.
“A decision was made. I have to say I was massively disappointed with the decision because if you look at the legal advice it was inconceivable that decision would be made.
“However, it has been made and I respect that and I congratulate you on your campaign. You were successful and I recognise that.”
He added he had considered taking the matter for judicial review but decided against it.
Mr Hogg said: “I decided to honour your views and took the decision to work with you. That is the best way forward.”
Now he plans to “gift” the parcel of open space to the town and to put the old police station up for sale. He said a number of parties were interested in the building.
The gift was welcomed by those attending the meeting, but they worried that it had become overgrown and posed a potential fire hazard.
Mr Hogg said a licence would be granted in the meantime which would allow the town council to maintain the area.
Town mayor Cllr Sandra Moorhouse said the town council would take a final decision on the land on July 16, following which there would be another public meeting to decide how best it could be used.
