Tag: county durham

Deadline For Primary School Place Applications Approaches

By on 5th January 2017in In & Around

Parents in County Durham are reminded they are running out of time to apply for primary school places for their children.

The deadline for applications for the next academic year, which starts in September 2017, is Sunday 15 January 2017.

Cllr Ossie Johnson, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “In our county we benefit from many schools with superb facilities and dedicated, talented staff, and we hope that through our admissions system people can express their preferences and see children enjoy a happy and successful education.

“We know that the decision of where to send your children is a big one, and can be difficult, but we would urge parents to make sure they apply by the deadline as a late application greatly reduces your chances of getting into your preferred school.”

Applications can be made online, at www.durham.gov.uk/schooladmissions, or by post.

Forms can also be requested by phoning 03000 265896 or by writing to the School Admissions and Transport Team at Durham County Council, County Hall, Durham, DH1 5UJ.

If posting, the forms should be sent back using signed for or special delivery services.

Offers of places will be made to parents on 16 April 2017.

If you apply online you will receive an offer email. If you apply by post you will receive an offer letter. These should arrive by no later than 16 April.

Landlord Accreditation Scheme Racks Up Century

By on 5th January 2017in What's New?

A scheme to support landlords and protect tenants across County Durham has reached a new landmark.

Durham County Council’s Landlord Accreditation Scheme has welcomed its 100th member, Paul McFarling, bringing the total number of properties covered by the scheme to well over 2,000 across the county.

The project sees landlords working with the council to ensure they offer quality accommodation and gives tenants peace of mind that their landlord is registered with the local authority.

Paul said: “Being accredited means that people looking to rent can see that I’m a reputable landlord who offers good quality, well managed accommodation. There are so many programmes on television these days showing rogue landlords using dodgy practices that it’s a brilliant and easy way to reassure people looking to rent.

“By working with the council I also get a range of support and advice, like being kept up to date with all of the latest changes to legislation, so it’s something I’d definitely recommend all landlords consider joining.”

Landlords who sign up to the voluntary scheme agree to work in line with a code of practice which ensures that tenants can rent with confidence. In return their properties are advertised on the Durham Key Options website – the online portal for social housing – giving them access to a waiting list of potential tenants. They also get access to a tenancy referencing service, receive updates on changes in landlord legislation and can apply to the council’s empty property loan scheme, which has so far provided nearly £1.5 million to bring long-term empty homes back into use across the county.

Cllr Eddie Tomlinson, Cabinet member for strategic housing, said: “Our Landlord Accreditation Scheme is making a real difference in County Durham and we’re delighted to welcome Paul as our 100th member.

“It provides help and support to ensure landlords can offer quality homes but it also gives tenants peace of mind, knowing they’re renting from someone who adheres to a code of practice enforced by the council.”

“With landlords also getting access to our empty homes loan scheme it’s helping to bring hundreds of long term empty properties back into use, improving housing and entire communities across the county.”

Prospective tenants can rent with confidence knowing that the council inspects the properties on offer, that their tenancy is protected by a written agreement and that they may qualify for a deposit guarantee scheme.

Landlords can find out more about the scheme and how to sign up by visiting www.durham.gov.uk/landlordaccreditation

Tenants looking for accredited landlords can find properties at: www.durhamkeyoptions.co.uk.

North Road Improvements Resume

By on 5th January 2017in What's New?

A major refurbishment of a key area of Durham City will restart in January.

Improvement work started in North Road in October as part of a Durham County Council scheme. Although all shops remained accessible during the works, the project also included a planned suspension to support traders over the busy festive period.

Following this, the work will resume as scheduled on Wednesday, 4 January.

The improvements will see the road layout altered to improve traffic flow and make the area safer and easier to use for pedestrians. New paving will also be installed using a more attractive and durable stone with wider areas created for outdoor seating.

John Reed, Durham County Council’s head of technical services, said: “Following the planned break to support businesses on and around North Road over the Christmas period, these major improvements are now set to get underway again.

“We’d like to thank retailers, residents and shoppers for their continuing patience while we work to make North Road more attractive, safer and easier to use for everyone.”

While the work is underway, diversions to buses and the relocation of the taxi ranks will resume. More details on the changes can be found at: www.durham.gov.uk/northroad.

The improvement work is part of a £1.84 million programme to upgrade roads and footpaths around Durham City over the next two years.

Darlington Building Society Supports North East Homeless Charity

By on 5th January 2017in In & Around

Darlington Building Society in Stockton is helping to tackle youth homelessness in Teesside after giving its support to a local charity.

The Stockton High Street branch of the Society has supported the Youth Homeless North East (YHNE) charity, by making a donation from its community fund to allow the charity to purchase important items including hygiene products and warm clothing.

Working in collaboration with partners throughout the region to bring about change, YHNE has the ultimate aim of eradicating homelessness amongst young people through the promotion of best practice, influencing policy and strategy, and working with young people to help them overcome barriers to housing.

Linda Masterman, Customer Service Consultant at Darlington Building Society, said: “When the branch heard about the work that Youth Homeless North East does with youngsters in Tees Valley, we wanted to help and put it forward to receive a donation from our community fund.

“It does fantastic work helping to keep young people safe and off the streets, so we’re pleased to be able to give them our support.”

Kieran Platts of Youth Homeless North East said: “We’d like to thank Darlington Building Society for its support. It’s important for us to have the backing of organisations, like the Society, which have a passion for giving back to the community.”

Tickets On Sale For Spring Shows At Gala Theatre

By on 20th December 2016in Events

A new production of Willy Russell’s classic play Educating Rita is among the highlights of another packed season at Gala Theatre.

The spring programme at the Durham City venue also includes a varied and exciting line-up of comedy, music, film screenings and much more.

Intelligent, funny, and as relevant today as it was when it was written in 1980, Educating Rita is a modern classic. Hairdresser Rita is unhappy in her job. With a thirst for knowledge, she signs up for an Open University course in English Literature, where her tutor Frank is a middle-aged alcoholic. Forming an unlikely bond, brash Rita and academic Frank begin to inspire each other.

The Gala-produced show follows September’s critically acclaimed The Fighting Bradfords, which was the venue’s first theatre production outside of its pantomime for six years.

Educating Rita runs from Tuesday, 4 April to Saturday 8 April, with a two-for-one ticket offer for Gala members on opening night.

There’s more live theatre in February, with The Empty Nester’s Club. Mum Vicky shares her story of empty bedrooms, fresher’s flu, boyfriends, long goodbyes, motorway service stations and trips to Ikea. She also tells how she fought back to be the woman she is today.

Presented by the John Godber Company and Theatre Royal Wakefield, who return to Durham after last year’s Shafted!, The Empty Nester’s Club is at Gala Theatre on Monday, 6 February and Tuesday, 7 February.

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) presents The Tempest via the big screen on Friday, 3 February. The production sees Simon Russell Beale return to the RSC after 20 years to play Prospero in a ground-breaking and unforgettable show.

On a distant island a man awaits. Robbed of his position, power and wealth, his enemies have left him in isolation. But this is no ordinary man and no ordinary island. Prospero is a magician, able to bend nature to his will.

There’s a second RSC screening on Wednesday, 26 April with Julius Caesar. As the race to claim the empire spirals out of control, betrayal turns to violence in Shakespeare’s epic political tragedy.

The new season also brings more screenings from the National Theatre’s NT Live programme. Game of Thrones star Lucian Msamati takes on the role of Amadeus on Thursday, 2 February, while The Affair’s Ruth Wilson stars as Hedda Gabler on Thursday 9 March.

Spring also brings music to Gala Theatre with songs and sounds to suit all tastes.

The Pitmen Poets share songs and stories on Sunday, 5 February and there’s a chance to relive the music of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr on Saturday, 25 February with The Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular.

Elkie Brooks, one of the most popular singers the UK has ever produced, performs on Sunday, 5 March. With numerous hit singles and million-selling albums, Elkie promises an evening that will be a treat for fans new and old.

Also taking to the stage are the Yamato Drummers, who will be captivating audiences with an explosive visual spectacular on Tuesday, 11 April, while guitarist and singer-songwriter Chantel McGregor, showcases a bigger and bolder rock sound on Thursday, 13 April.

There are also plenty of laughs lined up with a gaggle of top class comedians set to entertain audiences over the coming months.

Susan Calman celebrates her 10th year in comedy with a brand new show, which she brings to Gala on Sunday, 12 February.

And, later in the month, on Friday, 24 February, audiences can expect a heady mix of spontaneous stand-up and outlandish musical talent courtesy of Alex Horne and The Horne Section.

In The Sound of Mucus, showbiz legend Count Arthur Strong pays tribute to one of the best musicals he can remember, recreating the salient and poignant moments for the audience’s enjoyment. Demand for tickets has led to a second date being added, with the show now running on Wednesday, 22 February and Thursday, 23 February.

Publican, politician and philosopher Al Murray – The Pub Landlord embarks on a common sense campaign to re-Great Britain in his brand new show at Gala on Saturday, 18 March, while Lee Nelson is back on the road, visiting Durham on Sunday, 30 April.

Other comedy highlights include Love Island narrator Iain Stirling (Monday, 27 February), Mock the Week’s Andy Parsons (Sunday, 23 April) and writer, journalist and DJ Danny Baker (Wednesday, 8 March).

Fans of Gala’s regular The Comedy Store slot, meanwhile, can snap up a season ticket. Valid for three shows (Sunday 29 January, 26 February and 16 April), it means a saving of £2 per show.

The new season at Gala also includes plenty of fun for all the family with a selection of shows aimed at younger theatre-goers.

Sponge is a fabulously kitsch adventure for babies aged from six months to children under four and their grown-ups. At Gala on Friday, 24 February and Saturday, 25 February, the show is infused with audience participation, improvisation and multi-sensory experiences.

Dare you take on the dangers of Dinosaur World? Grab your compass for a journey across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing and remarkably realistic dinosaurs. The whole family can enjoy the interactive show on Saturday, 15 April and Sunday, 16 April.

The Scarecrow’s Wedding is at Gala on Tuesday, 18 April and Wednesday, 19 April. From the creators of The Gruffalo, this truly heart-warming show is bursting at the seams with style, wit, drama and wedding bells.

Robin Byers, Durham County Council’s service manager for place and experience, said: “Gala is well established on the touring circuit for many of the country’s top comedians, musicians and performers, and each season we try to select the very best of that work for our audiences.

“We feel we have a really strong season this spring, and we know it will appeal to our regular Gala customers, as well as bringing new people to the venue.”

To view the full spring programme and book tickets, visit Gala Theatre box office, call 03000 266 600 or go online at www.galadurham.co.uk

Adults Only Sleepover Announced For Newcastle’s Great North Museum: Hancock

By on 19th December 2016in What's On?

The Great North Museum: Hancock in Newcastle has announced that it will host an ‘adults only’ sleepover for the first time early next year.

The ticketed event on Saturday 4 March 2017 is part of the new Great North Nights programme of late events at the museum.

Visitors will get the chance to bed down next to the museum’s iconic exhibits, including its Egyptian mummies and T. rex, as well as after-hours access to the forthcoming exhibition Bones: Skeleton Secrets of the Animal World.

There will also be live music from North East band The Cornshed Sisters, a cash bar, late night DJ, food and activities led by the museum’s experts.

Caroline McDonald, Manager at the Great North Museum: Hancock said:

“We’re excited to try something new with this event and allow visitors to live that dream of spending a night at the museum.”

“We have had youngsters stay overnight in the past but this is our first sleepover designed solely with grown-ups in mind. I’m pleased that we’ll be able to show the museum in a different light.”

Tickets for the sleepover are limited and priced at £75 (plus booking fee) for adults and £70 (plus booking fee) for concessions. The price includes a complimentary welcome drink, hot buffet dinner, late night snacks, all entertainment, activities and breakfast the following morning.

Musical headliners for the night The Cornshed Sisters are four singer-songwriters who weave together pop, folk, protest, ballad and gospel music into a unique and distinctively English style.

Following the release of their debut album ‘Tell Tales’ they performed a live session for Marc Riley (BBC Radio 6 Music), toured the UK with The Futureheads, appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Loose Ends and played Glastonbury acoustic stage in summer 2016. Their second album is currently being recorded and produced by Peter Brewis at Field Music’s Studio on the banks of the river Wear.

Tickets for Great North Nights: Grown-up Sleepover are available now via www.greatnorthmuseum.org.uk

Save Yourself From Debt This Christmas

By on 18th December 2016in Lifestyle

In the run-up to Christmas, Durham County Council is encouraging everyone to speak to their local credit union to avoid giving themselves the unwanted gift of debt this year.

With weekly payment stores charging several times the actual value of goods, and payday lenders offering easy money at exorbitant rates of interest, people are being encouraged to save themselves from unfair and unmanageable debt.

The council is working with Prince Bishops Community Bank and the North East First Credit Union, the two main credit unions for County Durham, to help spread the word that they can offer sensible loans and effective savings to their members.

Cllr Neil Foster, Cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “Christmas is meant to be a time of happiness and joy but with parents feeling under immense pressure to buy their children the latest toys and gadgets it can also be a time of great stress and worry about money.”

As part of its support for the credit unions, the council has funded a new Apprentice-themed promotional video to alert people to the dangers of using weekly payment stores. It highlights how a loan from a credit union could save Christmas shoppers £1,000 by allowing them to buy a £500 iPad outright instead of signing up for weekly payments and eventually shelling out over £1,500 for the same item.

Cllr Foster continued: “The video highlights just one of many stories we’ve heard as part of our ongoing work with the credit unions. A loan from a credit union can stop you having to pay three times as much for the same item at a weekly payment store or save you from paying hundreds of pounds in interest payments on short-term payday loans.

“This year we’re desperate to encourage people to give themselves a truly merry Christmas by talking to their local credit union instead. They lend money to their members even if they’ve got a poor credit history but they won’t charge over the odds to do so. And if you’re looking for someone to save with, you can help your local community at the same time by saving with a credit union, knowing you’ll be helping to put loan sharks and people that prey on the vulnerable out of business for good.”

People can save with confidence with County Durham’s credit unions as, like all banks and building societies, they are regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority, the Financial Conduct Authority and are part of the Bank of England’s financial compensation scheme. They currently have over £3 million deposited with them and council staff alone have saved and borrowed over £750,000 with credit unions over the last 3 years through a salary savings scheme.

People can see the video and find out more about their local credit unions at www.durham.gov.uk/financialhelp. Also on the website is a link to a host of information for anyone having trouble managing their money or dealing with debt.

Discover The North East’s ‘Luckiest Woman’ At Durham County Record Office

By on 17th December 2016in Events

Standing in the kitchen of her small, County Durham pit village home Barbara Mortenson had the luckiest of escapes.

With her children and Danish husband Carl in bed upstairs, at 10.30pm on a clear summer night, a 3in wide shell demolished part of the family’s back yard wall, drilled a hole clean through the kitchen wall, flew past her, across the room and landed near the front door – but failed to explode.

A short distance away Mary Slaughter was not so fortunate.

Walking through the New Seaham colliery yard with her cousin, the 35-year-old from Hebburn was hit by another of the 39 missiles launched from a German submarine that had surfaced 1.5 miles away. She would die from her injuries the next day.

Their contrasting stories are among the subjects of Durham County Record Office’s first talk of 2017, which takes a look at one of the less well known incidents of the First World War.

Education and outreach archivist Dawn Layland said: “If you are familiar with the history of County Durham you may know that Hartlepool was bombarded by the German fleet in 1914, but many may not know that Seaham also came under enemy fire in 1916.

“In the colliery village of New Seaham, 1.5 miles inland from Seaham Harbour, the quiet of a July evening was shattered by a German submarine attack.

“Staff at the Record Office have built up a huge wealth of knowledge about the archives we hold and the history of the county, and our Third Thursday talks are our chance to share that knowledge.

“The first talk – Coastal Seaham Investigation: Submarine Bombardment – is a great story.

“Come and find out about the luckiest woman in County Durham.”

The talk – which costs £2 per person – will be held on Thursday 19 January 2017, from 12.30pm to 1.15pm at Durham County Record Office at County Hall in Aykley Heads.

Further talks, titled “Relieving the Monotony”: DLI Regimental Journals, 1857-1968, and “From Idea to Act of Parliament”: Local Legislation in the Eighteenth Century , will follow on the third Thursday of March and May.

To book a place call 03000 267626 or for more information visit www.durhamrecordoffice.org.uk.

 

Man Faces £1,000 Bill For Abandoning Car

By on 16th December 2016in What's New?

A man who abandoned a car at the roadside in County Durham is facing a bill of more than £1,000.

Luke Edward Quinn was prosecuted by Durham County Council after failing to pay a Fixed Penalty Notice for dumping the vehicle.

Magistrates in Peterlee heard that a neighbourhood warden from the council was on patrol in the Waterhouses area, near Esh Winning, in July of this year when he discovered a car at the side of the road on Button’s Bank.

The vehicle, a blue Chrysler Neon, was full of rubbish and the passenger side window was broken. A DVLA check revealed that it was untaxed.

The car was seized by the council the next day, when a second check identified Quinn, of Beechfield Rise, Coxhoe, as the owner.

The 25-year-old was issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice for £200, which remains unpaid.

Quinn did not attend court and was found guilty in his absence. He was fined £660 and ordered to pay £280 costs and a £66 victim surcharge.

Ian Hoult, Durham County Council’s neighbourhood protection manager, said: “If you no longer want your car it is important that you dispose of it correctly.

“Abandoned vehicles are not only unsightly, they can also cause a danger to other road users. And, as this case demonstrates, it can also prove incredibly costly if you do not get rid of a vehicle responsibly.

“We would class a vehicle as having been abandoned if it has been in the same location for a significant period of time. Such vehicles are often unsecured and are damaged or vandalised, for example, with broken windows or flat tyres. Sometimes grass may also have grown around them.”

To report to an abandoned vehicle, visit www.durham.gov.uk/abandonedvehicles

For help to dispose of a vehicle, visit www.cartakeback.com

Howlands Park And Ride Site To Reopen

By on 15th December 2016in In & Around

Durham County Council’s Park and Ride site at Howlands in Durham City will reopen from the 15th of December.

The site has been closed since Tuesday, when a collapsed sewer meant that the access road to the site had to be shut. Although work was planned for the New Year, the situation deteriorated suddenly and the council was advised there was no choice but to close the road. This meant that the Park and Ride facility also had to shut.

A temporary access point has now been put in place to allow the site to reopen from 7am on Thursday, 15 December.

Adrian White, head of transport and contracts, said: “Although there was no danger to the public, the collapsed sewer meant that access to the Park and Ride site, and therefore the facility itself, had to be closed.

“We have worked quickly to put a temporary access in place so Howlands can reopen while the repair works are carried out. We’d like to thank the public for their patience during this time.”

Full details on the council’s Park and Ride service can be found at www.durham.gov.uk/parkandride.

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