" Working together to nurture a thriving and balanced economy and community "

Middleton Plus is a community-led Development trust established in 1998 which works to support and develop projects which help contribute to a sustainable future for the communities of Upper Teesdale and Middleton. It is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. The Trust was formed in response to a village appraisal carried out in 1996 which identified issues of particular concern to local residents. Its membership brings together a wide range of local organisations. The Trust is led by a voluntary Managment Committee made up of elected representatives of a range of these organisations which include:

• Middleton-in-Teesdale and Newbiggin Parish Council
• Teesdale District Council
• Middleton Working Men's Club
• St. Mary's Parish Church
• Middleton Methodist Church
• Bishop Auckland College
• Middleton Friday morning group
• Middleton Community Association
• Teesdale Heritage Group
• Middleton Carnival Committee

A further four members are elected at the AGM.

Since its establishment Middleton Plus has been involved in a range of community projects including:

• Establishing a Tourist Information Centre in Middelton in Teesdale
• Restoration of the historic Bainbridge Fountain
• Organisation of a series of local walking festivals
• Production of local walks leaflets

The Managment Committee is currently chaired by Joanna Tait who represents Bishop Auckland College. She is supported by Vice-Chair Madeleine Sutcliffe, an independent member.

The Trust employs three members of staff:

Lucy Jenkins, Trust Manager

Shirley Lind-Jackson, Administrator

Susan Semple, Events Organiser

The Trust has an office within the Tourist Information Centre in Middleton-in-Teesdale and can be contacted there:

10 Market Place, Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham, DL12 0QG.
Tel: 01833 641000.
Email: tic@middletonplus.myzen.co.uk

What is a Development Trust?

There is a network of Development Trusts across England. In principle they exist to support the regeneration of their local communities. The Development Trust Association describes a Trust as:

• Community owned and led
• Cultivating enterprise
• Building assets
• Securing community prosperity

Further information about the Development Trust Association can be found at www.dta.org.uk