BARNARD Castle’s band of volunteer workers celebrated recognition at the recent Teesdale Business Awards – by wrapping up and planting heather in the rain.
The workers form part of the town’s Christmas Lights group which was shortlisted as a finalist in the best community engagement section of the business awards.
Roger Peat, who co-ordinates the workers’ efforts, said: “Not a lot of people know that the workers are part of the Christmas Lights group.”
As well as helping out with the lights, the workers tackle a number of tasks helping to keep the town looking its best.
Last week they were out tending to the heather bed at the roundabout of Bede Road, Darlington Road and Staindrop Road thanks to a donation of 25 heather plants from Barney’s Morrisons store.
“This is a bed we have been maintaining for the last couple of years and it is devoid of ground cover,” said Mr Peat.
“It could still do with another 50-plus plants.”
“He added: “The bed is one of the first things people see coming into town.
“We keep the shrubs down so it does not impede drivers’ view, so the heather is ideal – and it is also resistant to salt.”
The heather bed also benefited from the donation of woodchips from Durham County Council.
The workers received six dumpy bags which had been collected from Romaldkirk church following storm damage to trees.
In addition to the heather bed, the wood chips will be spread around other areas, including the Remembrance Garden and Roman Way picnic site.
Next up for the workers is a joint litter pick with the Anti-Litter Bugs, E-Rotary, The Hub and The Witham.
It will take place from 11am to 1pm on Saturday, March 26.
The workers also plan to spruce up the rose bed on the corner of Thorngate.
Anyone who can spare a few hours and is interested in joining the workers or the Christmas Lights group can contact Mr Peat by email: roger_peat@hotmail.co.uk for more details.
