NEXT STEPS
Another building in Norton has had a facelift and become the new home of Next Steps Mental Health Resource Centre. Previously based in Newbiggin (Malton), the group has moved into Norton to bigger and better premises and to allow disabled access for its members. The group has received a lot of help from The Salvation Army, their new landlords, in restoring the building that until recently was still suffering from the after affects of the 2000 floods, with some members also lending a hand with paint brushes.
A new coffee bar has been created downstairs along with activities rooms and the upstairs has been converted into offices for Next Steps and Cambridge Centre staff and a computer suite for members to learn and use computer skills. Deputy Chair of the board of trustees, Norton Councillor, Di Keal said:
“The new premises are a huge improvement – they are light and airy, much bigger and most importantly will allow members with disabilities access to the centre”
“We are currently seeking funding for disabled toilet facilities to complete the project and hope that it will be well used by members new and old.”
Next Steps is also looking for more volunteers to help run the coffee bar. For further details contact the centre co-ordinator Mike Dixon on 01653 690854
CASTLE GARDEN
A five-acre public park for Malton and Norton has moved a step closer with the completion of a major conservation study into the site, along with a Business Plan for its future development. The site is a ‘scheduled with evidence of remains’ from the Roman Fort, Malton Castle and a Jacobean Prodigy House underlying the ground, so the creation of the park has to meet with stringent guidelines.
The plan is to create a natural parkland, based on historic records of earlier gardens on the site, with seating and pathways, a woodland walk and ‘arenas’ to be used for open-air theatre, music and community events.
The Derwent Riverside Project group that is planning the Castle Garden has already won backing from English Heritage, The Countryside Agency and Ryedale District Council, who currently own the site. The District Council is to carry out repairs to the walls to the site later this year and the group is now in the process of applying to the Heritage Lottery for funds to make the park a reality. Norton Councillor Di Keal, who has been working on the project for over 2 years said:
“This is Malton’s very own ‘Secret Garden’ – it is an area of land that not many people know exists and it will make a wonderful park for the people of Norton and Malton to enjoy for years to come.”
Anyone who is interested in joining the Derwent Riverside Project and becoming part of this exciting local initiative should contact Di Keal on 01653 694546 or Judith Orrell on 01904 758573
