Egglescliffe community project finished for Remembrance day

Residents from Egglescliffe, near Yarm, came together for a community project to create a barrier remembering the town's historic connections to the war.

The project, on Stoney Bank, was led by the Egglescliffe Area Residents Association (EARA) in collaboration with Eaglescliffe East Councillor Stefan Houghton. 

The barrier links Yarm Road, near Yarm Bridge, to Egglescliffe Village. 

It prominently displays the name "Stoney Bank" and is adorned with poppies in homage to the nearby Egglescliffe War Memorial. 

Fabricated by local business Guardian Gates, based in Crathorne, the design reflects the path's significance as both a heritage site and a scenic route. 

Stoney Bank footpath dates back over a century, originally established by local landowner and businessman John Smith to connect Yarm Station with Egglescliffe Village. 

The path is widely used by residents and visitors and remains a valued piece of local history. 

A resident of Egglescliffe said: "That is amazing workmanship and an improvement for the area. But more importantly (for me), I'd like to say that this is a beautiful tribute to all our soldiers (fallen and present) and personally it has really warmed my heart to see this in our area."

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EARA Chairman Shane Sellers noted the association's long-standing commitment to community projects and enhancements. 

He said: "Stoney Bank is a popular route, and improving it aligns with our ongoing community efforts, including supporting local amenities like the Egglescliffe War Memorial." 

Councillor Houghton praised the project, adding: "I’m delighted with how this scheme has worked out. What started as an idea mentioned during a regular EARA meeting turned into a considerate design. Thanks to Bill from Guardian Gates, ideas became a reality.

"I’m also grateful for the financial support received from a local business which helped to make this happen.

"What has been achieved is undeniably an improvement from the bland barrier that was there before.

"Recognising heritage should be encouraged, so for anyone using this ancient footpath who didn’t know its name will now.”

There are also plenty more memorial features in the area that all tie in to the new barrier at the bottom of Stoney Bank.

Other memorial features in the area enhanced further by the new barrier at the bottom of Stoney Bank (Image: Cllr Stefan Houghton) Other memorial features in the area enhanced further by the new barrier at the bottom of Stoney Bank (Image: Cllr Stefan Houghton) Bill Mayhew of Guardian Gates was also pleased with the outcome, he said: "Although my business mainly manufactures gates, I was delighted to be asked to help with the Stoney Bank project as it is about residents and a councillor wanting to make their area better.

"I know Stoney Banks is one of the few ways to walk into Egglescliffe, so I appreciate why the project aimed to draw recognition to the footpaths name while adding more interest. I’m pleased to have managed to build and install the barrier in time for Remembrance Sunday.