Tag: durham county council

Week Long Roadworks Begin On A688 Over Weekend

By on 12th February 2016in In & Around

Drivers will be diverted as a week of resurfacing takes place on the A688 Spennymoor Bypass…

 

Resurfacing of the carriageway will begin on Saturday 13th February 2016, with lanes closed as Rainton Construction carries out work on behalf of Durham County Council.

John Reed, the council’s head of technical services, said: “These vital works are part of our continuing highway capital maintenance programme to maintain the condition of the highway network.”

The resurfacing is expected to be completed by Sunday 21st February.

During the works westbound traffic will still be able to use the A688, however eastbound traffic will be directed to use a signed diversion.

Garden Waste Collection Service Deadline Approaches

By on 9th February 2016in In & Around

Residents in County Durham wishing to receive garden waste collections this year are being reminded to sign up now…

 

Durham County Council offers 17 fortnightly collections between spring and autumn for an annual fee of £20.

Householders can subscribe at any time during the year, but to receive all collections in 2016 they should sign up by 14th February. Collections will start in March for those signing up by this date.

Cllr Brian Stephens, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “More than 47,000 residents are already signed up to receive garden waste collections in 2016.

“For those who haven’t yet subscribed, we would like to remind them that they need to do so by February 14th if they want to receive all 17 collections this year.”

Everyone who signs up for the service will receive a pink sticker for their garden waste bin and a calendar giving details of this year’s collection dates.

Those who signed up for three years in 2015 will automatically receive their sticker and calendar.

To find out whether their property is eligible for the collections, and to sign up, people can visit www.durham.gov.uk/gardenwaste or telephone 03000 26 1000.

A series of roadshows are being held around the county to enable people to find out more about the garden waste collections.

Details of the roadshows are:

 

  • Tuesday 9th February – Stanley Asda. 9am – 1pm
  • Thursday 11th February – Chester-le-Street Leisure Centre. 4pm – 6pm
  • Friday 12th February – Seaham Asda. 9am – 1pm
  • Saturday 13th February – Durham Market. 9am – 3pm

Garden waste collections in Teesdale are provided by Rotters, working in partnership with Durham County Council.

Residents in this area should contact Rotters to make arrangements for collections by visiting www.rotters.org or by telephoning 01833 690 022.

Farmer Handed £2,000 Fine For Felling Ancient Trees

By on 9th February 2016in In & Around

A farmer has been ordered to pay out more than £2,000 after he cut down trees in an ancient woodland Conservation Area, blocking a public footpath…

 

Leslie Ford, 71, of Hollinside Farm, Whickham, was fined £2,322.31 by Peterlee magistrates following a prosecution brought by Durham County Council.

The court heard authority officers received several complaints in April 2015 about Ford felling a number of trees in ancient woodland classed as a Conservation Area and owned by the council at Bryan’s Leap in Burnopfield.

The ancient woodland is at least 400 years old. The felled trees, which were mostly Oaks, were around 100 years old.

In cutting down the trees, Ford had blocked a public footpath which runs through the woodland.

The farmer, who owns fields adjoining the woodland, pleaded not guilty to three charges of damaging trees in a Conservation Area, and one of obstructing a public footpath.

Appearing for trial on Friday 5th February, he denied felling the trees, saying vandals or trespassers must have been responsible. Ford also disputed the trees were within the Conservation Area.

However, magistrates found him guilty of all charges and handed him the fine, which will be paid to the council to cover the costs of clearing up the felled trees and bringing the case to court.

Adrian White, Durham County Council’s head of transport and contract services, said: “Ford’s actions in cutting down trees in an ancient woodland and blocking a footpath were reckless and caused lasting harm to a site which is protected by law.

“We welcome the fine handed out by the court, which should act as a warning that we will not tolerate damage like this.”

Clayport Library Brings World Of Harry Potter To Life

By on 8th February 2016in In & Around

Children had a spellbinding time as they visited Durham’s Clayport Library to enjoy the wizarding words of Harry Potter…

 

Youngsters from Nettlesworth Primary School in Chester-le-Street and library staff dressed up as wizards and witches, wrote their own spells, and took part in a colouring competition to mark the second annual Harry Potter Book Night.

Linda Dobson, Durham County Council’s principal library manager, said:  “It was fantastic to have so many young Harry Potter fans come to the library to share their love of the series of books with us. It turned out to be a spellbinding morning of fun.”

There are seven books in the Harry Potter series, and all are available at most County Durham libraries.

But Linda said you don’t have to have a special event if you want to visit your local library and share your love of Harry Potter – or any other books.

She said: “At our libraries, you can just come along and find out more about Dumbledore, Hedwig and all of the other wondrous characters who have encouraged millions of young people worldwide to pick up a book.

“And, of course, children and their families can also discover some of the other 750,000 great titles we lend for free.”

This half term the fun continues at Clayport Library with a free storytelling session from Darlington author and illustrator Liz Million.

The creator of the much loved children’s books Not So Silly Sausage and Elephant Rides Again will be at the library on Tuesday 16th February between 2pm and 3.30pm.

The session is free, but places are on a first come first served basis.

For more information about libraries in County Durham, visit www.durham.gov.uk/libraries.

County Durham Record Office Holds Half Term Family Event

By on 6th February 2016in In & Around

Families are invited to honour fallen First World War soldiers, make medieval-style illuminated letters, create cameras, and discover how Durham County Record Office cares for the region’s history…

 

The archive, which is based at Durham County Council’s Aykley Heads headquarters, is holding its seventh annual Family Fun Day this half term.

Education and outreach archivist Dawn Layland said: “This is a family fun day with a difference. It’s a great chance to find out about local history, and our fun activities are coupled to a rare opportunity to explore the Record Office and our archives as a family.”

On Friday 19th February, from 9.30am to 12.30pm, families will be given the chance to discover what the Record Office offers and find out more about the heritage of County Durham.

There will be lots of activities, including:

  • Making your own pinhole camera
  • Having a go at historic jigsaws
  • Making an illuminated letter like those found in medieval manuscripts
  • Making a remembrance card to commemorate a fallen soldier of the First World War
  • Seeing the strong rooms where the archives are kept
  • Playing with historical toys, and for younger children, dressing up.

Entrance to the fun day is free, and you do not have to book, but children must be accompanied by a parent or carer at all times.

Nominations Open For County Durham’s Chairman’s Medal

By on 5th February 2016in Have Your Say

There’s a new look to County Durham’s top award, as big-hearted people who’ve made a difference in their communities are being sought for the Chairman’s Medal…

 

A new category has been introduced with special emphasis on honouring the county’s outstanding young people. The Chairman’s Medal is awarded by the Chairman in recognition of significant achievement and outstanding effort in all walks of life.

It’s the highest honour the council can bestow, and Area Action Partnerships (AAPs) are looking for countywide nominations in the run-up to a major presentation later this year.

Cllr Jan Blakey, Chairman of Durham County Council, will double the award recipients from 14 to 28 when she announces the names of the successful entrants in May.

The Chairman has introduced a new Young Person’s Medal to rank alongside the Chairman’s Medal, and nominations can be made for both categories in each of the 14 AAP areas.

The medal has been County Durham’s top civic award since it was introduced in 2007, and Cllr Blakey will hold ceremonies just before her term of office ends in May to honour chosen ‘individuals for voluntary effort’ or ‘outstanding charitable organisations’.

The Chairman is working with the AAPs to find people and organisations that have gone above and beyond to make a difference, and in particular is keen to highlight the Young Person’s Medal.

Cllr Blakey, said: “I am certain we will have many outstanding entries to be considered for both categories.

“We have some wonderful young people throughout the county who richly deserve recognition for the selfless work they do – work that very often goes unnoticed, but is so vital to the individuals or communities it helps.

“I want this presentation event to be a celebration of the achievements and effort that people of our county put in every day. We do care about what they do, and I can’t over estimate the value that we place upon these people.

“I am writing to all AAP forum members and voluntary organisation partners to ask for nominations, and there are no fixed guidelines – anyone can nominate someone.”

The deadline for nominations for both the Chairman’s Medal and the Young Person’s Medal is Monday 14th March, and completed forms should be forwarded to: The Chairman’s Office, Durham County Council, County Hall, Durham DH1 5UL.

For more information, call 03000 267 202, visit www.durham.gov.uk/ChairmansMedal, or email chairmansoffice@durham.gov.uk.

#HaveYourSay Over Pelton Fell Community Council

By on 4th February 2016in Have Your Say

Residents in Pelton Fell are being given a further opportunity to have their say on the proposal to create a community council…

 

A second round of consultation has been launched following a petition by Pelton Fell Community Partnership, calling for the creation of an independent community council.

Pelton Fell currently has no parish or community council.

A community council has the same powers as a parish council, however, it would be known as a community council as it reflects the style of the parish for that area.

An initial round of consultation was carried out last year, as the responsible body for parish boundary reviews.

A total of 900 questionnaires were sent out in September, asking households whether they wanted a community council or no change. Residents were given six weeks to have their say, and a total of 110 responses were received (a 12% return).

Of those, 56% were in favour of creating a community council (6.87% of the total households consulted), and 5.33% of the total households consulted were against.

The second round of consultation is now underway, with feedback forms sent to residents, which they can complete and return.

Further information has been provided to residents about what a community council would look like if it was established, including council size and the precept that would be set for its first year. Written representations and any comments or queries can also be sent by email to durhamcgr@durham.gov.uk.

Feedback forms have also been sent to other statutory consultants, including the local MP, councillors, the Chester-le-Street and District Area Action Partnership, and County Durham Association of Local Councils.

The deadline for all responses is 2nd March.

Colette Longbottom, our head of legal and democratic services, said: “This consultation is extremely important for the area, and we would encourage as many people to respond as possible.”

Further information about the review is available online at www.durham.gov.uk/communitygovernance.

Primary School Pupils Participate In ISS Science Project

By on 4th February 2016in In & Around

Budding scientists from Witton Gilbert Primary School are preparing for a delivery that’s out of this world – 100 seeds from space…

 

The school will be taking part in the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Rocket Science Experiment.

The national project, which is run in partnership with the UK Space Agency, aims to encourage pupils to think about how plants might grow in space and to help them understand the difficulties of living, growing and eating in space.

In September, 2kg of rocket seeds were flown to the International Space Station (ISS) on board the Soyuz 44S.

The seeds will be held in microgravity for six months, and British astronaut Tim Peake will be in charge of them during his time on the ISS.

The seeds will come back down to earth in April, and Witton Gilbert Primary School will be one of the lucky recipients.

The school will then grow the space seeds alongside some seeds from here on earth to find out if there have been any differences in growth.

Nobody from the school will know which seeds have been to space and which have stayed here.

Pupils will care for the seedlings, record their growth and observations over seven weeks, and enter the information into a database. Once all the data has been collected, the results will be analysed by professional statisticians.

Leading scientists from the RHS and European Space Agency will interpret the results and draw possible conclusions before publishing the finds on the RHS Campaign for School Gardening website.

Paula Nelson, Witton Gilbert Primary School head teacher, said: “We are delighted to be taking part in Rocket Science. It will be an exciting way for our young scientists to contribute to a national experiment, and share their learning with the whole school community.

“Hopefully their experience with the project will encourage them to get involved in growing plants, and also inspire them to find out more about future careers in STEM subjects including horticulture, plant science and the space industry as a whole.”

For more information about the Rocket Science project, click here.

The ISS can be tracked here, and you can follow the project on Twitter with #RocketScience, and on Facebook.

Durham PCC Calls For Local Opinion Over Crime Prevention

By on 2nd February 2016in Have Your Say

The Institute of Directors in the North East is bringing together all three of the region’s Police and Crime Commissioners, to allow the region’s business community to actively participate in the debate on crime prevention and enforcement…

The event, which is open to all business people, will be held in the Durham Centre at Belmont Business Park between 4pm and 7pm on Thursday 25th February. It will include talks by the region’s three PCCs; Vera Baird QC, Ron Hogg, and Barry Coppinger, alongside experts on cyber security, human trafficking, and slavery. The three PCCs will also lead seminars to hear the views of business people from their respective areas.

David Cliff, Vice-Chairman of the IoD in the North East, who is completing a four year study into Police and Crime Commissioners, said: “Businesses in the North East are rightly concerned about crime. On average, one in three are affected by economic crime each year. On top of age old concerns about the security of their premises and employees, there are modern issues like cyber-crime, which costs the UK £27 billion a year, and workplace bullying.

“Good policing provides a stable environment for our businesses to operate in, and is at the heard of cohesive communities, so getting our PCCs and business leaders together is a positive thing for the North East as it can boost both our security and prosperity.

“Ron Hogg, Police and Crime Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington, said: “It is really important that businesses tell us what their priorities are for reducing and preventing crime. The nature of crime is changing, and this will be an excellent opportunity to plan together how to address it. I hope as many business people as possible are able to attend.”

To book tickets for the event, which cost £10 plus VAT and are free to IoD members and their guests, email Sukie Ranken on iod.northeast@iod.com.

Help Needed In Search For 1966 County Durham Footballers

By on 29th January 2016in Have Your Say

An appeal is being made to help find members of a County Durham youth football team that beat the Germans in their own back garden the day after England won the World Cup…

 

As part of an exchange with County Durham’s partner area of Kreis Moers (now known as Kreis Wesel), a team of under-18s from schools and youth clubs across the county defeated their German counterparts on 31st July 1966. With the 50th anniversary this year, Durham County Council’s International Office is trying to help two of the players track down their former teammates so they can hold a reunion to commemorate the victory.

As well as being key players for the team, Graham Comer and Brian Hopkins were best friends in 1966, and remain so nearly fifty years later.

With the exchange arranged months in advance, neither of them dared to dream that England would reach the final, let alone against Germany and go on to win. But on 30th July 1966, the group found themselves watching the match on a big screen in a dance hall in Rheinhausen, cheering England on alongside over 100 Germans students.

Graham, a former physics teacher who is now semi-retired (though still working part time at Tanfield School), said: “The atmosphere was good natured but fraught at times – especially when Germany equalised in the 89th minute! Our hosts were extremely gracious in defeat, though, and when we all went back to the homes of the families we were staying with, they insisted that we sat at the head of the table in celebration of England winning.”

The real match, however, was still to come, and the boys lined up the next day against the Kreis Moers team, determined to do as well as the national side.

And they did, with a solid victory, although exactly how solid is slightly uncertain some 49 years later. Graham and Brian are certain that they scored six and won, with Brian getting two goals – one a tap-in after a free kick from Graham came back off the bar – and think the final result was County Durham 6-4 Kreis Moers.

Graham continued: “With the fiftieth anniversary coming up, we’d love to be able to have a reunion with the other lads from the team, so we’re hoping they see this, or someone they know does and gets in touch with the council so we can make it a reality. It would be great if we could all get together again after so many years, and even better if one of them can remember the final score!”

Brian Stobie, Durham County Council’s international officer, said: “We’re delighted to try and help reunite the team. Over the years we’ve arranged many collaborations and exchanges with our partner area in Germany and across the world which have strengthened County Durham’s international standing, and given unique learning experiences to hundreds of young people.”

People with information about the team and their current whereabouts are asked to email the council’s International Office at international@durham.gov.uk.

County Durham and Kreis Wesel have a long history of exchanges and collaborations. Recent projects include pupils from Park View School visiting Germany in autumn last year researching employability and language skills. Pupils from Germany also memorably visited their counterparts at Seaham School of Technology to re-enact the First World War’s Christmas Day truce football match in December 2014.

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