Gardens contest: The Ingleby Barwick Garden competition is to be an annual event. The three categories for entries are: best front garden, best back garden and best container garden (tubs, hanging baskets and pots) Nominations/entries should be sent to the clerk of the council, either in writing to Paula Hall, 26 Wensleydale Grove, Ingleby Barwick, Stockton-on-Tees TS17 0QQ or by telephoning (01642) 308665. The closing date for entries is Friday, June 14. Judging will take place from the last week in June to the first week in July. Please note that the garden should be the resident's own work and not that of a landscape gardening firm.

Play area: Progress is continuing and plans for phase one improvements in the play area behind Safeway have been accepted by the residents association. It is hoped to progress with these as soon as possible with financial assistance from the parish council. The association hopes that the improvements will be in place for the summer. The competition to design a logo is taking place in Ingleby Barwick's primary schools.

Dog Bins: The new dog bins are now in place in Ingleby Barwick and the council hopes that there will be some improvements in the public spaces.