Category: In & Around

Responsible Dog Ownership Campaign Launches In Bowburn

By on 11th January 2016in In & Around

A campaign encouraging people to pick up their dog mess is to be launched in Bowburn…

 

Durham County Council, working in partnership with Durham Constabulary, Durham City Homes and local county councillor Cllr Jan Blakey, is behind the campaign which will see people encouraged to clean up after their pet and fined if they do not, and take advantage of free microchipping.

The campaign, which runs next week, will see patrols of dog fouling hotspot areas and a microchipping event.

The microchipping event takes place on Friday 15th January between 10am and 12pm at Bowburn Community Centre, Durham Road, Bowburn, DH6 5AT.

It offers people the chance to have their pet chipped before a change of law on April 6th, after which all dogs aged eight weeks old and over must be microchipped.

All dogs must be aged 12 weeks and over and have their up-to-date vaccinations to be microchipped at the event.

Proof of address showing residency in County Durham will be required.

Dog owners attending the microchipping event can join the Green Dog Walkers scheme.

Once signed up, dog owners take a pledge to carry extra dog poop bags to share to others who do not have one.

Throughout the week, the council’s neighbourhood wardens will be carrying out patrols in dog fouling hotspot areas.

Those observed failing to pick up after their pet will be handed an £80 fixed penalty notice.

If the fixed penalty notice is not paid, the offender will be taken to court and could face a maximum fine of £1,000.

Council officers, Durham City Homes and police will be talking to residents about responsible dog ownership, carrying out an estate walkabout and encouraging people to join the Green Dog Walkers scheme.

The campaign comes after local councillors raised concerns over the level of dog fouling in the area, having been approached about it by residents.

Cllrs Blakey, Mac Williams and Maria Plews have funded and helped organise the campaign.

Cllr Blakey said: “Dog fouling is a blight on communities, and we have listened to the concerns of the local people who have told us they have had enough.

“Through this campaign we are striving to reduce the amount of dog fouling in the community and in doing so enhance the local environment.”

Dog owners who cannot attend the microchipping event can sign up to the Green Dog Walkers scheme by downloading a form at www.durham.gov.uk/greendogwalkers, calling 03000 261 000 or emailing civicpride@durham.gov.uk.

Dog fouling can be reported online, in confidence, at www.durham.gov.uk/dogfouling or by calling 03000 261 000.

Willy Wonka Leads Kids To A Healthier Future

By on 10th January 2016in In & Around

Pupils from Peases West Primary School in Crook have enjoyed a Willy Wonka walk of pure imagination…

 

Caitlin Holiday, 10, won a MEGA Motion competition to decide the theme of a special walk by writing about having a lie-in while Roald Dahl’s Big Friendly Giant carried her to school in his pocket.

As her prize, however, she asked for her very own golden ticket and chose another Roald Dahl favourite, Willy Wonka, to join her and her classmates as they walked, cycled and scooted to school. Once there, the pupil’s enjoyed a tasty treat with a special assembly from Willy Wonka highlighting the benefits of healthy and environmentally friendly ways of getting to school.

The special day was the latest Durham County Council supported MEGA Motion event, which comes under the wider Local Motion campaign promoting sustainable transport throughout south Durham. The campaign aims to encourage children to walk, scoot or ride to school, and to make them aware of the health and environmental benefits from an early age.

As well as the fun walks, pupils earn points every time they use sustainable travel to get to school, aiming to collect enough points to become MEGA heroes by the end of the year.

Cllr Neil Foster, Cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “MEGA Motion is a brilliant scheme that encourages our children, in a fun way, to be healthier and more environmentally friendly every day. It’s great to see the kids enjoy such a memorable day, and we’d like to wish them all good luck in their quest to become MEGA Heroes!”

#DrummondPuddleWatch: The Internet Reaches New Heights

By on 6th January 2016in In & Around

If you didn’t think watching puddles would be entertaining, think again…

 

Every now and then, the internet surprises us. There are days when it gives us something new, and we think to ourselves… “Yes. I didn’t know I needed this in my life, but now that it’s here, I’m grateful.”

Today is one of those days, and I’d like to direct you all to #DrummondPuddleWatch, the North East’s latest (and finest) reality show.

The action takes place in Newcastle Upon Tyne, where a camera is currently live streaming footage of a perilously large puddle across a public footpath. Admittedly, the plot is predictable, as a good amount of the show is simply pedestrians trying their best to cross the puddle, but the stunt work makes it an entertaining watch.

The stream has close to 20,000 viewers, making it one of the most popular since Shia LaBeouf’s recent marathon of his own face watching his own movies.

So far, nobody has fallen in the puddle, but there’s more than a few wet feet.

Keep it up, guys.

Durham Council Offers Assistance As Flooding Continues

By on 6th January 2016in In & Around

Durham County Council is continuing to help communities across the county to tackle the impact of the continued rainfall…

 

Many areas are being affected by low-level localised flooding, and teams from Durham County Council have been out and about continuously dealing with various issues.

This includes responding to numerous reports of flooding on highways by clearing blocked gullies, pumping out water and providing sandbags where needed. There have been about 150 requests for sandbags countywide.

The council sent staff to Lanchester, which was one of the worst hit areas of the county.

The pre-planned emergency response saw council officers working with members of the Lanchester Flood Action Group to distribute sandbags and local farmers who pumped water from a beck from Front Street.

Cllr Brian Stephens, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “Our staff continue to work hard to respond to some very challenging conditions throughout the county.

“I am aware that the previous work we had done with the community in Lanchester in preparation for flooding was put into practice well, enabling local people to respond effectively themselves.”

A Met Office amber warning of rain remains in force until midnight, so residents are advised to be prepared for further problems with surface water flooding on roads and railways, as well as possible flooding to homes and businesses.

For the latest information on road closures due to severe weather, click here, and for all the latest school closures, click here.

Major Durham City Roadworks Begin January 2016

By on 5th January 2016in In & Around

Major works, which will mean easier journeys for everyone on the main route through Durham City, will start at the end of January…

 

Following consultation in 2015, Durham County Council’s £2.5m SCOOT system will see traffic lights installed on the Gilesgate and Leazes Bowl roundabouts during 2016.

The installation of the traffic lights will also see improvements to pedestrian and cycle facilities on both roundabouts. Although measures will be taken to minimise the impact on traffic, motorists should be aware that some disruption is likely while the work is carried out.

Work is expected to start at Gilesgate roundabout on Sunday 24th January and last until May 2016. The work will be carried out in seven phases and has been planned to reduce disruption to a minimum. Unfortunately various phases will still require traffic restrictions and some overnight road closures.

Further details of the work on Gilesgate roundabout are available at www.durham.gov.uk/gilesgate, and information about the Leazes Bowl work will be publicised closer to the starting date. Motorists are advised to keep up to date on the current traffic measures by using the website, and via social media using the hashtag #Gilesgate.

Towards the end of the improvements to Gilesgate roundabout, there will be an overlap with work commencing on Leazes Bowl roundabout to minimise the duration of delays. The project is expected to be finished by autumn 2016.

Once installed, the new traffic lights will be coordinated with those already in place on the Milburngate roundabout to better manage the flow of vehicles through the city. This will mean much more predictable travel through Durham City at peak times, making journeys easier for motorists and helping bus operators to plan services. It will also enable the council to more effectively deal with the impacts of incidents and planned events on the road network. The council hopes to start using the SCOOT system in 2017.

Cllr Neil Foster, Cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “Once installed, the SCOOT system should make journeys easier for everyone travelling to or via Durham City, improve the reliability of public transport services, and have a positive impact on air quality for local residents. Although we’re working hard to minimise the impact on motorists, we’d like to thank everyone for their patience for any disruption while this is carried out.”

Virgin Trains Offer 200,000 Cheap Rail Tickets

By on 5th January 2016in In & Around

If you’ve spent too much time soothing feuds between family members over the holidays, it might be time to bag yourself a bargain escape route…

A total of 200,000 cheap tickets are up for grabs from Virgin Trains along their east coast route from London to Edinburgh. At £5 for a single ticket between London and Leeds, £10 between London to Newcastle and £15 between London and Edinburgh, the bargains are eye-wateringly tempting.

Those needing that extra bit of nurturing after dealing with particularly irritating relatives should be able to justify upgrading to First Class. At just £40 for a First Class ticket all the way from London to Edinburgh, their deal will include the full package – including complimentary food and drink, free Wi-Fi and more spacious and comfortable seats.

George Shuttlewood, Head of Marketing for Virgin Trains on the east coast, said:

“All those who’ve spent the last two weeks with seriously annoying relatives have our deepest sympathy. We’re delighted to be able to offer a sharp exit with our super-cheap tickets.

“This is an excellent opportunity to save big on travel between Edinburgh and London, and many of our destinations in between. And with 200,000 seats available over the travel period, there’s plenty of choice.

“London is always our most popular destination, but with prices so low it’s the perfect opportunity to try somewhere new.”

The bargain seats are on sale from today until Friday 8th January, and only through this web page. All tickets are for travel from 5th January to 23rd March 2016.

All offers are subject to availability. As well as seriously beguiling bargains for off-peak week-day travel, some peak-time tickets are up for grabs as well as more limited (due to engineering works) but equally tempting deals for weekend travel.

Because the prices are already so low, no other offers or discounts can be used, including Railcard or child reductions. Once booked, no changes, refunds or break of journey can be made.

£5m Investment Helps Warm North East Homes

By on 2nd January 2016in In & Around

Thousands of homes across the North East are enjoying warmer homes thanks to ‘Warm Up North’, a landmark initiative being delivered by British Gas in partnership with nine local authorities…

Warm Up North has delivered £4.9m worth of energy saving measures across 3,690 homes since its launch in 2013.

Warm Up North tackles fuel poverty in the North East by helping to lower energy bills, and make it more affordable for residents to keep warm.

Local residents can benefit from a range of energy efficiency measures, including free A-rated gas boilers, subject to eligibility and survey, as well as cavity wall and loft insulation.

In addition to the cost and energy savings for residents, the programme has created annual carbon savings of nearly 15,000 (14,961.61) tonnes of carbon. To put this into perspective, one tonne of CO2 weighs as much as 10 baby elephants!

Although thousands of residents have already benefitted from new gas boilers and insulation, Warm Up North is urging residents in the North East who haven’t taken part in the scheme to get in touch to find out if they are eligible for help.

Graeme Stephenson, lead partnership development manager at Warm Up North, said: “Warm Up North has helped thousands of households, including homes in Northumberland, Newcastle, Sunderland and Durham, to become more energy efficient.

“As the weather gets increasingly cold, many local residents will be thinking about the costs of heating their homes, and I’d urge them to give us a call to find out if they could join the thousands of people who are already benefitting from our Warm Up North programme.”

For more information about this range of energy efficiency measures, including free A-rated gas boilers for eligible residents with an inefficient boiler, subject to eligibility and survey, and cavity wall and loft insulation, contact Warm Up North on 0800 316 4320 for the gas boiler offer, or 0800 294 8073 for all other energy efficiency measures. Alternatively, visit www.warmupnorth.com.

Waverley Train Station Waiting Room To Be Restored To Victorian Splendour

By on 1st January 2016in In & Around

Virgin Trains is to restore one of Waverley Station’s hidden gems, years after an intricate mosaic floor was uncovered by accident during upgrade works to its waiting room…

The original flooring, dating back to the Victorian era, had been hidden for decades following work by British Rail to modernise the area.

It is due to be restored to its former glory next year as part of a programme by Virgin Trains to refurbish and renew first class lounges and waiting rooms on the east coast route connecting Edinburgh to London.

The original flooring first re-emerged in 2014, when builders chipped away a section of concrete to reveal the ornate, colourful design that was a key feature of the original Victorian dining room.

A partial restoration was undertaken last year as part of a programme that also stripped away panelling to reveal the original walls and wooden ceiling.

Virgin Trains, which took over the east coast passenger franchise in March, has worked with Network Rail and the Rail Heritage Trust to complete the restoration of the waiting room and restore the mosaic floor to its former glory.

Sections of the mosaic design have been damaged or destroyed in the intervening years, and the work due to start this winter will involve replacing them with new, specially-designed tiles that compliment the original design.

Andy Savage, Executive Director of the Railway Heritage Trust, said: “Sadly, society went through a period when the glories of Victorian architecture were treated with scorn, or neglect, and BR’s alterations to the former dining room came into this category.

“The features were all left in situ, but modern flooring and ceilings hid them and damaged them. East Coast Trains approached us last year when they found what they had, and we were able to fund a partial restoration of the room, at a cost of £150,000.

“Despite this, much of the historic ambience of the room is still hidden, but East Coast made sure that it was not further damaged in the alterations. Although we were able to expose the ceiling and mosaic in the new public area, the available finances were not enough to do any repairs to the mosaic, and some areas had to be left with mortar in place of the missing mosaic tiles.

“I am delighted that Virgin Trains East Coast have been able to work with us so that we are jointly funding a further £25,000 worth of work to be able to restore the mosaic in the public areas, and this work should be done this winter.”

Jennifer Mearns, Scotland Station Manager for Virgin Trains, said: “We were amazed when we first saw the mosaic design hidden under the concrete flooring.

“It’s been exciting to work with Network Rail and Rail Heritage Trust to provide a reception area for our customers and people worthy of the Victorian architects who first designed the room.”

Ann Glen, author of a history on Waverley Station, said that the design may have been made by Edinburgh-based Italians who specialised in mosaics. “According to a North British Railway Company ground floor plan, made at the time of the reconstruction of Waverley station in the latter 1890s, the premises were designed as a ‘Dining Hall’,” she said.

“The plan for the concourse ‘offices’ was devised by Blyth & Blyth, the consulting engineers responsible for the station project. There is no indication on the plan as to the class of passengers who would use the premises.”

Council Provides Essential Winter Weather Tips

By on 29th December 2015in In & Around

Following the continued wintry weather, people in County Durham are being urged to stay warm, well and safe…

 

Durham County Council is reminding everyone that online resources are available at www.durham.gov.uk/warmandwell to ensure that no one is left out in the cold this winter.

As well as advice on staying healthy and looking after elderly or vulnerable neighbours, there’s also information on coping with the snow and ice. This includes everything from finding out the location of your nearest salt bin, to tips for driving in wintry conditions.

There’s also guidance on how to make sure your home is warm and energy efficient, including information about the Government’s Warm Homes Discount Scheme, whereby energy companies must offer extra help to their most vulnerable customers, with a possible one-off rebate of £140 on energy bills to those who qualify.

Cllr Eddie Tomlinson, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for assets, strategic housing and rural issues said: “With the winter weather well and truly underway, we’d like to remind everyone that a range of advice and information is available on our website to keep people warm, well and safe.”

Bishop Auckland Continues Local Improvements

By on 26th December 2015in In & Around

New signs have been installed to help the expected increase in visitors explore everything that Bishop Auckland has to offer…

 

With the ongoing improvements and additions to Auckland Castle, among many other exciting plans for the town, and the open-air, live action attraction Kynren due to open in 2016, Bishop Auckland is expecting large numbers of visitors from next year.

Funded and installed by Durham County Council, the signs will help people find their way around town, as well as pointing them in the direction of transport links and local attractions. The signs also include the estimated walking times to key locations to help people unfamiliar with Bishop Auckland.

The new network of signs includes five street maps, two notice boards – one advertising upcoming events, the other providing tourist information – and a finger post sign. These new contemporary signs have been designed to stand out from the other street furniture, and are consistently branded so people can spot them more easily than the ad hoc out of date signs they replaced.

Cllr Neil Foster, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economic regeneration and culture, said: “The coming year promises a real step-change in the future of Bishop Auckland, and a massive boost for the town in both jobs and the local economy. By installing these new signs, we hope to help make sure that the local businesses and residents of Bishop Auckland are first in line to feel the benefit of the increased tourism we’re sure these changes will bring.”

The design of the signs was decided upon following input from the Auckland Castle Trust, Newgate Shopping Centre, Bishop Auckland Town Council, and local members.

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