Tag: county durham

Panto Improv For Grown Up’s

By on 15th December 2016in What's On?

It’s panto time at Gala Theatre – but audiences are encouraged to leave the kids behind for a very different Christmas show this Friday.

For one night only, The Suggestibles will be taking over the Gala stage on Friday, 16 December for an evening of panto improvisation aimed at grown-ups.

The Newcastle-based comedy improv group will be staging their own pantomime but with no script, no score and no kids.

The off-the-cuff, off-the-wall show will see audience suggestions turned into spontaneous scenes, skits, stories, sketches and songs.

Expect the unexpected but previous performances have included goodies, baddies, fairies, soppy love songs, scary bits and bags of sweets.

This is the first time The Suggestibles have appeared in Durham and to mark the occasion, they will be joined by special guest Niall Ashdown. A member of the Comedy Store Players, Niall was a regular on Whose Line is it Anyway?

Tickets for the performance, which starts at 8pm, are priced at £17.50.

To book, visit Gala Theatre box office, call 03000 266 600 or go online at www.galadurham.co.uk

New Road Opens In Leadgate Following Major Works

By on 15th December 2016in In & Around

A new road linking Leadgate to Villa Real has now opened, making life easier for motorists and aiming to boost local businesses.

The major £2.4 million Durham County Council scheme has seen the old Villa Real bridge – which had to be closed due to its poor condition – demolished and a new road layout put in its place. Due to the narrowness of the bridge the old layout only allowed traffic to flow in one direction at a time causing a bottleneck for users of the route. The demolition of the bridge has also removed ongoing maintenance costs.

The new road layout is a direct, two lane carriageway linking Front Street in Leadgate and Villa Real, allowing for traffic to flow in both directions. As well as the new and vastly improved road, the scheme has also seen new bus laybys installed. Crossing islands for pedestrians and cyclists using the coast-to-coast route have been added with this section of the popular route also being widened and improved.

Cllr Neil Foster, Cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “We’re delighted to officially open the new road and complete this major investment in the area. The improvements will mean a much better flow of traffic, making life easier for motorists and supporting local businesses by improving access to shops and housing.

“Once again we’d also like to thank local residents and businesses for their patience while this work has been carried out. It has been a lengthy and complex scheme to bring forward but we hope that everyone will now be able to appreciate all of the benefits the new road brings.”

It is hoped that the new layout will promote the local economy with potential investors and visitors previously deterred from visiting the area by the congestion caused by the old bridge.

 

Cabinet To Discuss More 20mph Limits Around Schools

By on 11th December 2016in In & Around

A successful scheme to introduce 20mph speed limits on roads near County Durham schools could be extended.

Part-time limits are already being put in place near more than 30 schools across the county following the launch of the initiative in 2014.

Now members of Durham County Council’s Cabinet are being asked to approve a list of 33 more schools to be included in the scheme.

The schools have been selected based on factors including traffic speeds, accident data and potential risk to pedestrians.

Cllr Brian Stephens, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “Lower speed limits have now been implemented at almost all of the schools chosen for the first phase of the scheme.

“This is not only ahead of schedule but also under budget. That’s why, earlier this year, Cabinet was able to agree that the money we have left should be spent on doubling the number of schools covered by the scheme.

“Our aim is to improve road safety and promote a healthy and active lifestyle by encouraging more people to walk or cycle instead of using the car.”

The project is funded by a one-off Public Health Grant of £952,850 and is accompanied by an education programme which aims to make children more road aware, promote cycling and walking and increase speed awareness among motorists.

Cabinet meets at County Hall on Wednesday, 14 December.

If the recommendations are approved, part-time 20mph speed limits would be introduced on roads near the following schools:

 

Annfield Plain Infant School, Annfield Plain

Annfield Plain Junior School, Annfield Plain

Byron Sixth Form College, Peterlee

Chester-le-Street C of E Primary, Chester-le-Street

Cockton Hill Infant and Junior School, Bishop Auckland

Consett Academy, Consett

Delves Lane Primary, Consett

Easington Academy, Easington

Easington Colliery Primary School, Easington

Framwellgate Moor Primary, Durham

Framwellgate School, Durham

Green Lane C of E Primary, Barnard Castle

Neville’s Cross Primary, Durham

New College, Durham

Our Lady and St Thomas RCVA Primary, Willington

Our Lady of the Rosary RCVA Primary, Peterlee

Our Lady Star of the Sea RCVA Primary, Horden

Pelton Community Primary, Pelton

Ropery Walk Primary, Seaham

Roseberry Primary and Nursery School, Pelton

Sacriston Primary, Sacriston

Seaham Harbour Nursery, Seaham

Shield Row Primary, Stanley

Shotton Hall Primary, Peterlee

St Bede’s Catholic Comprehensive School, Peterlee

St Bede’s RCVA Comprehensive School, Lanchester

St Joseph’s RCVA Primary, Stanley

St Leonard’s Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Durham

Tanfield School Specialist College of Science and Engineering, Stanley

Teesdale School, Barnard Castle

The Academy at Shotton Hall, Peterlee

Whitworth Park School and Sixth Form College, Spennymoor

Willington Primary, Willington

New framework Targets Business Boost

By on 11th December 2016in In & Around

Durham County Council’s Cabinet will be asked to endorse a new framework to help grow the county’s private sector when they meet next week (14 December).

The Business and Enterprise Framework will focus on supporting the private sector to improve the county’s economy as a whole. Created by the County Durham Economic Partnership (CDEP), it aims to create an online portal that the private sector, and organisations which support it, can use to maximise resources to add further value and productivity. In doing so, the CDEP hopes to help increase the number and quality of jobs, improve access to the market and encourage more innovation across the county.

Set up in 1994, the CDEP is the strategic partnership for regeneration and economic development in County Durham, comprising over 60 public, private and voluntary sector organisations, including the council.

Analysis has been carried out to identify eight specific industrial sectors across the county as well as mapping to determine geographical clusters of businesses and employment hotspots. Alongside work to recognise competencies that are key to the sector, such as financial awareness and management skills, this will allow the information and resources made available online to be specifically tailored to the needs of the private sector.

Cllr Neil Foster, Cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “The new Business and Enterprise Framework is taking an innovative approach with the aim of creating more and better jobs for the people of County Durham.

“Historically the county has had a smaller private sector than the rest of the country so by providing an online resource specifically targeted at supporting the sector we hope we can not only create jobs and add value to those that already exist, but improve the economy for everyone.”

Cabinet will be updated on the work carried out on the Business and Enterprise Framework and be asked to endorse the creation of the portal when they meet at County Hall at 10am on Wednesday, 14 November.

Coffee, Crafts And Cards At Spennymoor Library

By on 10th December 2016in Events

Coffee, crafts and card-making are among the Christmas activities at a County Durham library.

Spennymoor Library is hosting a series of festive special events over the coming weeks.

On Thursday, 15 December, there’s a Christmas coffee morning between 9.30am and 11.30am, with warm drinks, nibbles and a tombola.

Youngsters can make their own Christmas tree decoration at a craft session on Tuesday, 20 December. Starting at 10.30am, the session costs £1 per child and places should be booked in advance.

Free Christmas card-making workshops are also taking place from Monday to Saturday throughout December.

For more information on any activities, contact Spennymoor Library on 03000 269 531.

County Durham Town Masterplans Updated

By on 10th December 2016in In & Around

Durham County Council’s Cabinet will hear the first half of an update on recent successes and future plans for towns across County Durham when it meets next week (14 December).

The masterplans are the council’s regeneration framework for each major town in the county and Cabinet will be asked to approve updated versions of the plans for Consett, Crook, Newton Aycliffe, Durham City, Chester-le-Street and Stanley when they meet. This will be followed by masterplan updates for Peterlee, Seaham, Spennymoor, Shildon, Barnard Castle and Bishop Auckland which are due to go to the next Cabinet meeting in January 2017.

The updated plans profile each of the towns, detailing investment and work across the county as well as plans for the future. In addition to highlighting the range of activities undertaken by the council – including improvements to town centres, highways, education and health provision – they also identify the development of new businesses, housing and community facilities.

If approved by Cabinet the adopted masterplans will continue to evolve, with the council’s Area Action Partnerships continuing to play a key role in shaping them to ensure that they reflect the priorities of local residents.

Cllr Neil Foster, Cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “The updated masterplans are key documents, setting a clear way forward to bring even further investment and improvements to towns throughout the county.

“The masterplans show how the council has invested millions of pounds, right across County Durham, and encouraged even more investment from the private sector; boosting business, safeguarding and creating new jobs, improving education and transport and creating new housing and community facilities.

“Future plans are just as exciting, with the development of Forrest Park in Newton Aycliffe aiming to create over 3,000 jobs and boost the economy by nearly half a billion pounds and a major private sector investment promising a total redevelopment of the riverside in Durham City. Major retailers are planning new supermarkets in Crook and Stanley and we will continue to invest in our roads and schools as well as targeting support for businesses and high streets countywide to improve the local economy.”

Among a range of other success stories and future plans, Cabinet will hear how Consett has benefitted from over £600,000 of public realm works to improve the town centre and encourage more shoppers. Looking forward, Dunlop BTL will be expanding operations into the area following a £2.2 million investment which will see the creation of around 60 new jobs and the company take over the former KP Crisps factory.

As well as a range of targeted business improvements in the town centre, works to a new pedestrian area in Crook will support the development of two new supermarkets which are both due to open next year. The town can also look forward to nearly £1 million of investment in Crook Primary School next summer.

In Newton Aycliffe Hitachi continues to go from strength to strength with the £82 million vehicle manufacturing facility now established. The recently announced council plan to prepare the 52 hectare Forrest Park site for private sector investment – following a successful £13 million funding bid to the Local Enterprise Partnership – aims to create over 3,000 jobs and add nearly half a billion pounds in Gross Value Added to the local economy.

Durham City has seen the successful relocation of the Passport Office and National Savings, keeping jobs in the county, to the new Freeman’s Reach development. This freed up the Milburngate House site for redevelopment and, alongside the redevelopment of The Gates, is due to completely transform the riverside area, creating restaurants, cinemas and housing. The council has also recently consulted on designs for the new bus station as part of the ongoing regeneration of North Road, one of the key gateways to the city, creating a pedestrianised area and freeing up a potential site for a major retailer.

Significant improvements have been delivered to the road networks in Chester-le-Street, increasing traffic flow, reducing congestion and improving air quality. As well as major National Pinch Point Fund improvements to Junction 63 of the A1(M), works have also been delivered in line with the Local Transport Plan which has benefitted the A693 Drum Industrial Estate roundabout and the A167/A693 Northlands Roundabout.

Continued support for the town centre will see targeted business improvements carried out to shop fronts to enhance the look of the main retail area and encourage more trade. Housing has also been boosted in the area with Cestria Homes’ new development The Elms, which includes an extra care facility, as well as Chapter Homes also considering development on Newcastle Road.

Targeted business improvements have also played a major part in measures taken in Stanley with £389,000 of council and private investment in recent years. 23 businesses have been supported with funding targeting town centre firms to regenerate derelict and underused properties. As well as continuing this approach with a focus on the South Moor and Craghead areas, proposals for a new supermarket are also expected to provide a boost to the regeneration of the top end of the town. The council will also be looking to implement its Landlord Accreditation Scheme in the area to ensure better quality housing is available to tenants.

Cabinet will hear about the work carried out so far and be asked to approve the updated masterplans when it meets at County Hall at 10am on Wednesday, 14 November.

 

North Shields Culture Hub Gains Charitable Status

By on 9th December 2016in Events

A NEW cultural arts destination in North Tyneside has been awarded charitable status by the Charity Commission after a 3-month bid assisted by Jesmond-based accountants Robson Laidler.

The Exchange North Tyneside Limited, housed within a stunning grade II listed building on Howard Street, offers space and networking opportunities for the arts and cultural sector.

As a result of the new charitable status The Exchange can now claim tax back on donations towards its future development, as well as able to apply for various charitable rate reliefs, gift aid and charitable grants.

The charity can now deliver even more projects alongside already successful events such as, theatre performances, monthly art exhibitions, youth drama and musical theatre clubs, baby and toddler story adventure groups, live music, poetry readings and open mic sessions.

Artistic director at The Exchange Karen Knox said: “Thanks to Robson Laidler, we now have the ability to make donations go further, either by getting tax relief on them or claiming it back through gift aid. Now that we have been granted a charitable status we can improve facilities, equipment and funding to support and benefit creativity in North Tyneside.

“Our vision is to support arts, culture and creativity by delivering an inspirational environment  where skills and knowledge can grow. We actively engage with companies and individuals to help them develop personally and professionally and stay connected.”

Robson Laidler director Michael Moran, who assisted with the bid said: “Here at Robson Laidler we work closely with over 50 local charities and the not-for-profit sector. We were delighted to assist The Exchange with their charitable registration process.

“The Exchange can now benefit financially and the local community can benefit from a growing creative outlet. It is a valuable service for the people of North Tyneside and we are delighted that the Charity Commission has concurred with our view on this.”

The Exchange has already been host to a number of charity events such as an art exhibition in aid of Save the Children, the Musicians Against Homelessness live music event in aid of Crisis, the North Shields Fishermen’s Heritage Project and Age UK’s Age Takes Centre Stage charitable tea dance.

The Exchange continues to develop from strength to strength and has already gained its first funding from Northstar Ventures Fresh Ideas Fund which will go towards developing the theatre space, investing in equipment and improving services.

More Foster Carers Needed In County Durham

By on 9th December 2016in Lifestyle, Uncategorised

The number of foster carers in County Durham continues to rise – but more prospective parents are needed to help provide a loving home for looked after children.

Councillors will next week hear how Durham County Council’s fostering service has seen an increase in the number of potential foster placements – but that the number of children in care continues to outstrip that supply.

A report to Cabinet, on December 14, will set out four main priorities for the service over the next year, including recruiting more foster carers to ensure that children remain in County Durham communities; and developing its Foster Xtra scheme that supports children with some of the most complex needs.

Margaret Whellans, the council’s corporate director of children and young people’s services, said: “The majority of our looked after children are placed within our fostering service, but it is increasingly challenging to manage the growing demand for placements.

“Our foster carers tell us that nothing gives the same feeling of love and warmth as fostering and by working with us you could make an enormous difference to a child’s life.

“We know that there are many myths that surround fostering and so we would encourage people to find out the facts before they rule themselves out.

“You don’t need any special qualifications – just a genuine interest in caring for young people, patience, understanding and a sense of humour – and we can offer you training and specialised support along the way.”

For more information about fostering with Durham County Council visit www.durham.gov.uk/fostering.

Society Lends A Helping Hand At Dementia Cafe

By on 8th December 2016in In & Around

Darlington Building Society’s Lynn Marriott swapped banking for baking to volunteer at a local Dementia Café.

The Society encourages its staff to commit to two working days per year to carry out voluntary work in the community and Lynn, a customer service consultant at its Bishop Auckland branch, used one of her days to volunteer at the Memory Lane Dementia Café hosted at Cornerstone Christian Centre in Evenwood.

During her day volunteering, Lynn, who lives in Evenwood, served the café’s patrons some of her home-baked goodies, spent some time listening to their stories and joined in with activities which test skills affected by dementia, such as hand and eye co-ordination and numeracy.

In addition, the Society has made a £100 donation from its Community Fund, which was established to support local causes as part of Darlington Building Society’s 160th anniversary celebrations.

Dementia Cafes provide a safe and supportive environment for people with dementia and their carers to socialise, take part in activities designed to help delay the onset of dementia, and is also a chance for those with dementia to get information and advice from others with similar problems

Lynn said: “Darlington Building Society encourages all of its staff to take time out of the business to support local organisations. As I only live down the road from the Dementia Café I’ve seen how popular the sessions are and I wanted to use my volunteering day to support this fantastic local initiative

“I had a great time and got to speak with some very interesting people. It was fantastic to see how much the cafes benefit people living with dementia and their carers.”

What Does Donald Trump’s Shock Presidential Victory Mean For The UK?

By on 8th December 2016in In & Around

In the initial planning process for this month’s issue of IN&AROUND, we intended to devote our current affairs section to a rather more mundane subject, albeit one of undoubted importance – the grammar school debate.

However, with the surprise rise to the presidency of one of the most talked-about figures of recent times, we couldn’t help but divert our attentions towards a certain Mr Trump and what his new position as the most powerful man in the western world means for the UK.

How will the ‘Special Relationship’ evolve under Trump?

Much has been made down the years of the US-UK ‘Special Relationship’, which takes on a new complexion in a world that has seen the shock poll victories of not only Mr Trump, but also the Leave campaign in the EU referendum.

Given outgoing President Barack Obama’s comments about the UK being at the “back of the queue” for trade talks in the event of a Brexit vote, with Mr Trump’s defeated opponent Hillary Clinton having also voiced a preference for Britain to remain in the EU, the American Apprentice star’s ascendancy should be good news for a post-Brexit UK seeking a trade deal with the US.

Indeed, Mr Trump declared the Brexit vote a “great victory” and was quickly pictured in the aftermath of his win with UKIP leader and key Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage. However, with the latter having said that Trump’s team has “reservations” about Theresa May’s government, it is yet to be seen quite how ‘Special’ the ‘Special Relationship’ will continue to be in the months and years to come.

Big implications for British foreign policy, too

There could be a big change in the balance of power in Europe and the wider world as a result of Mr Trump reaching the top job, with knock-on effects for the UK.

The president-elect has called for warmer relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, for instance, suggesting that it could be “a good thing” in the fight against ISIS. However, security experts have voiced concerns over comments by Mr Trump indicating a tolerance for Russia’s aggression in Eastern Europe.

He has also denied claims that he grilled a foreign policy advisor with whom he was working as to why the US could not use nuclear weapons. He has expressed contradictory views on nuclear weapons in public, describing them as the “single biggest problem” facing the world, but also suggesting that he would “never, ever” rule out using them.

A less globalised approach to defence and security

Although Mr Trump has been accused of isolationism, he has described his foreign policy stance as being about “Americanism, not globalism” – suggesting, for example, that Nato countries failing to pay their dues into the military alliance could be left unprotected by the US in the event of an invasion by another country like Russia.

This would not have a direct effect on the UK, which has met its Nato spending target. However, it has been suggested that a stronger Nato would be best for the UK as it leaves the EU. Former senior policy advisor to 2008 Republican presidential candidate John McCain, Kori Schake, has said that he thinks Mr Trump will “quickly discover how much the US gets from our allies and how important their contributions are to what the US tries to get done in the world. It’s pretty lonely out there without Nato allies.”

At the very least, certain diplomatic wounds will need to be healed in the wake of Mr Trump’s unexpected triumph, not least after he was criticised by both Mrs May and now-Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson, over his suggestions last year that parts of London had become so radicalised that police did not dare enter. Whatever the coming months and years hold for the UK with Mr Trump in the White House, they are sure to be gripping ones for anyone invested in the broader direction of the western world.

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