Community Issues

Tell us what needs fixing in Darras Hall and vote for the issues that matter most to you. When an issue reaches 200 votes we pass it on to the people who can fix it and publish their response here — some take a while to come back.

Open issues

Raise an issue
  1. 1

    Potholes left unfixed or badly repaired

    Residents report the same stretches of road being patched repeatedly without a lasting fix, alongside potholes that have simply gone unreported or unaddressed for months but also the difficulty of reporting on an app.

    Raised by Darras Index

  2. 2

    Sightlines at junctions

    Several junctions have visibility problems, made worse in places by broadband and telephony cabinets sited where they obstruct the view for drivers pulling out

    Raised by Darras Index

  3. 3

    GP access

    Getting a GP appointment is proving difficult, with waits reported as long as six weeks. Residents have also raised concerns that booking systems are too heavily reliant on technology, disadvantaging those who are less confident online.

    Raised by Darras Index

  4. 4

    Hedge maintenance

    Overgrown hedges at junctions and along footpaths are restricting visibility for drivers and pedestrians and narrowing usable pavement width.

    Raised by Darras Index

  5. 5

    CCTV and policing presence

    There is a widely shared view that CCTV coverage and visible policing in the area are insufficient to address concerns.

    Raised by Darras Index

  6. 6

    Speed and e-scooter use

    Concerns continue about vehicle speeds through residential streets and the use of e-scooters, particularly around safety for pedestrians and other road users.

    Raised by Darras Index

  7. 7

    Drug activity at Merton Way

    Residents have raised concerns about drug-related activity in and around Merton Way.

    Raised by Darras Index

  8. 8

    Access for older residents

    Getting into the village remains difficult for some older residents without a car, raising questions about local transport links and mobility support.

    Raised by Darras Index

  9. 9

    School run parking

    Parking around schools at drop-off and pick-up times is causing congestion and safety concerns. Residents have asked whether a drive-through drop-off system could work better than kerbside parking in these areas.

    Raised by Darras Index

  10. 10

    No pavements in Medburn

    Residents in Medburn have long raised the lack of any pavement provision, making walking along local roads genuinely unsafe.

    Raised by Darras Index

  11. 11

    No swing set or play park in Darras Hall

    Families have pointed out that Darras Hall itself has no play park or swing set, with the nearest options some distance away.

    Raised by Darras Index

  12. 12

    Bins blocking pavements.

    Wheelie bins are regularly left in the middle of pavements by collection crews instead of being returned to the roadside or property line, forcing parents with prams and wheelchair users into the road to get around them.

    Raised by Darras Index

  13. 13

    Gym trial membership

    New members on a four-week trial say they are unable to book classes because they are consistently full, undermining the value of the trial period.

    Raised by Darras Index

  14. 14

    Lack of EV charging in Darras Hall

    Residents looking to switch to electric vehicles say there is little to no local charging infrastructure.

    Raised by Darras Index

  15. 15

    Bridge in Ponteland Park next to Waitrose

    A resident raised concern that this is poorly constructed and quite dangerous in it current state. They noted the rotting wood and that there are screws hanging out of it which could cause injury

    Raised by Darras Index