Just seven empty shop units in Barnard Castle town centre (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Just seven empty shop units in Barnard Castle town centre

3:26pm Friday 1st March 2013 in News By Stuart Laundy, Reporter (Barnard Castle & Teesdale)

VACANCY RATE: Just seven out of Barnard castle's 118 town centre shop units are currently empty – a vacancy rate of 5.9 per cent. According to the Barney Guild, the town's traders' group, interest has been expressed in four empty shops, with possible opening dates in March and April.

BACK ON BOARD: Chairman Alastair Dinwiddie and director John Atkinson have were re-elected to the management board of Teesdale Community Broadcasting, which operates Radio Teesdale at the organisation's annual meeting. The meeting was told Keith Jones had resigned as a director.

COFFEE MORNING: Middleton and Teesdale Silver Band are holding a coffee morning at the Masonic Hall, Middleton-in-Teeesdale, on Saturday, March 9 from 10am-noon in aid of band funds.

ONLINE BOOST: A new website dedicated to shopping in Barnard Castle – www.barnardcastle.co.uk – is being developed. The search is currently under way for a designer and developer for the site. An activity trail, taking visitors from the Bowes Museum to the castle via the town centre is also being developed.

WALK ON: A part time paths officer is to be based with the Heart of Teesdale Landscape Partnership team in Barnard Castle. Recruitment for the post has begun.

TASTY TREAT: A Chilli for Chile night is being held at Gainford Village Hall on Friday, March 15, starting at 7.30pm. As well as food, there will be music and dance. Tickets are £10 and all money raised will be used to support underprivileged children in Chile.

ANNUAL EXHIBITION: Entries are now being accepted from artists with a connection to Gainford for the village's annual exhibition, which will be held in the village hall on May 3 and 4. Further details and entry forms are available from Patrick Langdon, email gainfordart@yahoo.co.uk

PARISH COUNCIL: The next meeting of Whorlton and Westwick Parish Council will take place in the village hall, Whorlton, on Monday, March 11, starting at 7pm.

MEET MONEY: Barnard Castle Town Council has agreed to give a grant of £100 to the organisers of this year's Barnard Castle Meet. This year's two-day event will take place on May 26 and 27.

ARMCHAIR EXERCISES: A new armchair exercises class is being launched at the Barrington Lodge Care Home on Tuesday, March 12. Anyone is welcome to go along, especially the elderly and disabled. Sessions cost £1 and start at 6pm. For further details, contact 01388-662322.

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