Tag: durham county council

Chance To #HaveYourSay Over Future Of Sedgefield And Lanchester

By on 28th January 2016in Have Your Say

People at Lanchester and Sedgefield are being invited to help shape the future of where they live, work and shop…

 

Durham County Council has launched a consultation on new character appraisals which have been produced for the communities’ historic conservation areas.

An appraisal helps raise awareness of the special character and interest of an historic area. The documents recommend ways to improve a conservation area and to manage change, and also provide an interesting history and snapshot of the area.

The Lanchester appraisal includes proposed extensions to the designated boundary, changes to rules on external alterations to some properties, and management proposals. The Sedgefield document includes minor changes to the boundary, no alternations to the rules on external alterations, and management proposals.

Both appraisals are at the draft stage, and people who live, own businesses and shop in the two communities are now being encouraged to have their say.

Drop in information sessions are being held at Lynwood House, Lanchester, on Wednesday 3rd February 2016 from 2.30pm to 6.30pm, and Ceddesfeld Hall, Sedgefield, on Tuesday 16th February 2016 from 2.30pm to 6.30pm.

Staff from the design and conservation team, who are leading on the publication of the appraisals, will be in attendance.

Cllr Neil Foster, the council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “The purpose of character appraisals is to make sure that the unique characteristics and historic features of our conservation areas are preserved, whilst ensuring that they meet the needs of modern communities.

“I hope local residents and businesses will help us build a detailed picture of what is special about the area in which they live and work, by taking part in the consultation events.”

To find out more about the appraisals and to #HaveYourSay, visit www.durham.gov.uk/consultation, email design.conservation@durham.gov.uk or phone 03000 267146.

The consultation period for both documents ends on Friday 27th February.

2016 Big Spring Clean Calls For Volunteers

By on 27th January 2016in In & Around

Litter legends are being called upon once again to help spruce up their communities as part of this year’s Big Spring Clean…

 

LitterFree Durham, Durham County Council and Darlington Borough Council are teaming up for the sixth time to stage the annual campaign.

The Big Spring Clean brings communities together to ‘clean up and green up’ their towns and villages.

Over the last six years, thousands of volunteers have rolled up their sleeves and armed themselves with litter picks to rid their streets and open spaces of dumped rubbish.

This year’s campaign will be held from Monday 29th February until Sunday 17th April, and calls are being issued now for people to sign up and get involved.

Cllr Brian Stephens, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “We are delighted to support this excellent campaign. It is always fantastic to see residents come together and do something rewarding in their community.

“This is a great opportunity to make a real difference to where you live, and we would urge everyone to give up some of your time, whatever you can spare, and take part.

“Although most people get rid of their rubbish properly, we work hard to educate the minority who leave their litter lying around.

“Campaigns like the Big Spring Clean make a huge difference to the environment, and help us achieve our aim of making County Durham a safer, cleaner and greener place to live, work and visit.”

Gerald Lee, Chair of LitterFree Durham, added: “Every year more and more people in County Durham and Darlington pledge their time to this extremely worthwhile cause.

“We could not achieve the levels of success that we have without the support of groups, schools, partners and local residents, and we thank everyone for their continued support, including bus company Arriva and the Environment Agency.”

Anyone wishing to take part in the campaign will be supplied with equipment and support, and arrangements will be made to collect all bagged rubbish following litter picks.

Last year’s campaign saw 1,490 volunteers turn out in County Durham, with 147 litter picks carried out. Nearly 3,000 hours were dedicated to collecting a total of 1,458 bags of rubbish.

The Environment Agency also used specialist equipment to remove trees and debris from the River Wear in Chester-le-Street.

In Darlington, 489 volunteers gave up 529 hours of their time to carry out 28 litter picks and collect over four tonnes of bulky waste from rivers using specialist equipment provided by the Environment Agency.

It means that across County Durham and Darlington last year, nearly 2,000 volunteers dedicated more than 3,500 hours to collecting 2,013 bags of rubbish in total.

To take part in a litter pick in County Durham, email litterfreedurham@durham.gov.uk or call 03000 261 000 – in Darlington email litterfreedurham@darlington.gov.uk or call 01325 406 648.

Visit www.durham.gov.uk/bigspringclean for more information.

Litter problems can be reported at www.durham.gov.uk/litter or call 03000 261 000.

Free Half-Term Mosaic Workshop Is Perfect For Families

By on 27th January 2016in Lifestyle

The Heart of Teesdale Landscape Partnership is holding a free workshop to create collage mosaics during half term…

 

The family-friendly session will take place from 10am to 12.30pm on Saturday 20th February at Barnard Castle Methodist Church. The workshop is part of the Partnership’s Crafts and Skills in the Community programme, which aims to encourage the revival and use of traditional and modern crafts.

The activity is suitable for all abilities, and will give participants the opportunity to explore an array of textures and colours. Participants will work towards producing a nature inspired piece of artwork which could be used as a stepping stone or decoration in the garden. A simple nature motif will be chosen and then decorated with a selection of materials.

This workshop has been designed to guide total beginners through each stage of the process, so no previous experience is required. The workshop will be led by local artist, designer and tutor Anna Harding, who teaches art and crafts, leads community projects, and produces creative work in an extensive range of formats.

Anna said: “This workshop is a fusion between collage and mosaic, which uses a greater variety of textures, colours and materials than a standard mosaic. This in turn makes it particularly appealing for children to explore.”

This workshop is free of charge, but places are limited so booking is essential. It is suitable for children aged 5 years and upwards, however younger children are welcome at parent/guardian discretion. All children must be closely supervised at all times.

Please note this activity will involve the use of small objects, so it is not recommended for children under the age of 3. Protective clothing will be provided, but wearing old clothing is also recommended.

To book a place, contact Alex Sijpesteijn on 03000 260842 or email alex.sijpesteijn@durham.gov.uk.

Local Landscape Partnership Offers Free Historical Hedgelaying Course

By on 26th January 2016in Lifestyle

Outdoor enthusiasts can secure a place on a free hedgelaying course this February, thanks to a Local Landscape Partnership…

 

The Introduction to Hedgelaying course is being run as part of the Heart of Teesdale Landscape Partnership Field Boundary Programme, which is aimed at anyone keen to gain a greater appreciation of ancient rural crafts and practical conservation, and will take place at Deepdale Wood Nature Reserve, Barnard Castle on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th February 2016.

The two day course will go through the history and value of hedgerows, while explaining how to use and maintain traditional hand tools such as axes, saws and billhooks to manage the hedgerow. Participants will also get plenty of practice of hedgelaying in the local style.

Rebecca Beeston, a landscape officer at Durham County Council, said: “Hedgerows are an important landscape feature and wildlife habitat in County Durham. However, they are often at risk from neglect, damage or destruction.

“We hope by offering free introductory classes we can enthuse a whole new group of people who will help carry on these traditions.”

The course is being sponsored by the Heart of Teesdale Landscape Partnership – which is supported by Durham County Council – and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Booking is essential as places are limited. For more information and to book a place on the course, email landscape@durham.gov.uk or phone 03000 267 143. Anyone living in the Heart of Teesdale area will be given priority for places.

Works To Improve Durham Station Access Begin February 1st

By on 23rd January 2016in In & Around

Preliminary works which will pave the way for better links to Durham Station for cyclists and pedestrians are due to start on 1st February…

 

The £800,000 project – which includes a £600,000 funding award from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) – will see access improved to allow people to reach the station more easily via paths alongside the A691 (Framwellgate Peth). With the station linking Durham City to the North East Main Line, the scheme will increase sustainable transport links as well improving access to key employment sites in Durham City and beyond, providing a boost to the local economy.

The improvements will see a new path constructed for bicycles and pedestrians on the north side, as well as a set of stairs. The existing footpath on the south side will be widened to accommodate cyclists as well.

To allow the main work to go ahead in the summer, preliminary work will take place for around four weeks, starting on Monday 1st February. As well as some ground investigation work, this will involve the removal of trees around the intended sites for the new and expanded paths. Following completion of the project, new trees and wildflowers will be planted around the new layout.

During the work, the path leading to the station from Framwellgate Peth will be closed, with signed diversions directing people to the station via North Road. The path alongside Framwellgate Peth leading down to Durham will also be closed on the north side, however the path on the south side will remain open throughout. Pedestrians and cyclists are encouraged to use designated crossing points and to allow extra time for their journeys.

Cllr Neil Foster, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economic regeneration and culture, said: “With Durham City the economic powerhouse for the county and the station being a key gateway to the rest of the country, we hope these improvements will benefit business, tourism and residents.”

“As well as making the station easier to access, we also hope these improvements will encourage more people to reach it by walking or cycling, meaning a double boost for healthier and more environmentally friendly travel. We’d like to thank the public for their patience while this work is carried out and the improvements are put in place.”

The project is funded by the North East LEP as part of the North East Growth Deal from Government. The Local Growth Fund supports major capital investments to promote innovation, economic and skills infrastructure and sustainable transport across the North East LEP area. The works have been planned in conjunction with Virgin East Coast as the station operator.

Paul Woolston, chair of the North East LEP, said: “A key pillar of the economic plan is continued investment in projects to help businesses grow and be accessible. Improved access to key transport links is an essential part of the plan, and this Growth Deal funding for Durham Station is the latest step in achieving this.

“Durham is a popular destination with locals and tourists alike. The development will help improve access to the city for visitors, as well as enhance commuter journeys for those living in and around the area. It’s a hugely positive move that benefits everyone.”

County Durham Cracks Down On Public Smoking

By on 22nd January 2016in In & Around

A crackdown is being launched on smoking in County Durham bus stations…

 

Durham County Council officers are teaming up with bus companies Arriva and Go North East to send out the message that smoking will not be tolerated in the county’s stations.

The campaign, which runs until February, will see staff visiting bus stations and issuing fines to anyone caught smoking.

Since 2007, almost all indoor public places and workplaces, including vehicles, have been required to be smoke free by law.

Smoking is also prohibited in all enclosed or ‘substantially enclosed’ public places and workplaces, including bus stations.

But despite the law, some people continue to smoke in and around county stations.

A recent survey carried out at some of the county’s bus stations revealed that over 71% of people have seen smoking in or around the sites.

Public Protection Officers and Neighbourhood Wardens will be visiting stations at Durham, Consett, Stanley, Peterlee and Bishop Auckland while the campaign is running.

They will be reminding people that it is against the law to smoke in bus stations, issuing fixed penalty notices to anyone caught doing so, and providing advice and guidance on smoke free issues.

Information posters will also be displayed in the stations.

Arriva and Go North East are supporting the campaign by spreading the message among their staff, especially those who work in county stations.

Joanne Waller, head of environment, health and consumer protection, said: “Smoking in bus stations is illegal, and yet some people continue to do it.

“It is a health hazard and a nuisance to other station users, and we will be taking action against anyone we catch flouting the law.”

Details Of Gilesgate Roadworks And Closures Released

By on 21st January 2016in In & Around

Residents are being reminded that important works on the main route through Durham City will start on Sunday, which will result in easier journeys in the future…

 

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 are being taken to minimise the impact on traffic, motorists should be aware that some disruption is inevitable while the work is carried out.

Work on Gilesgate will be carried out in seven phases to reduce the impact on motorists. For the first phase, it will be necessary to close Gilesgate Bank in both directions between 7am and 7pm on Sunday 24th January.

The outgoing lane, heading up the bank, will then be closed every Sunday from 31st January for up to seven weeks. This will allow the road at the bottom of the bank to be widened, the existing traffic island to be removed and for the lights to be installed.

From Monday 25th January, the inbound slow lane of the A690 will be closed every day between 9am and 3pm for one week. Following that phase, one outbound lane of the A690 will then be closed, which will last for six weeks while the work is carried out.

As the project continues on Gilesgate roundabout, further closures will be needed, however these will all be carried out overnight or outside of peak times.

People can see full details at www.durham.gov.uk/Gilesgate, which also includes changes to bus services, links to traffic cameras that people can check before setting off, and tips to avoid delays. Motorists are also advised to keep up to date with the latest on social media using #Gilesgate.

The work at Gilesgate roundabout will last until May 2016, overlapping with the improvements to Leazes Bowl roundabout to minimise disruption. The project is expected to be finished by autumn 2016, and information about the Leazes Bowl work will be publicised closer to the starting date.

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.

Adrian White, Durham County Council’s head of transport and contract services, said: “While we’ve taken all measures to minimise disruption, as we are working on the main route through the city, residents should be aware that there may be delays.

“Once installed, however, the SCOOT system promises to improve journeys for everyone, and we’d like to thank the public for their patience while these important improvements are put in place.”

American Road Trip Exhibition To Open At Durham Art Gallery

By on 20th January 2016in Entertainment

Visitors to Durham Art Gallery are to be taken on road trip across America as the North East’s Cath Campbell unveils her new exhibition…

 

The artist, who studied fine art at Newcastle University, has seen her work displayed across the world.

But this January, her latest show, Canary Yellow With Royal Blue, will arrive in Durham, leading film fans on a dreamlike journey that follows in the footsteps of beat poets like Jack Kerouac.

“The phrase canary yellow with royal blue is part of a description of the location of the Six Gallery, San Francisco, which in 1955 hosted a poetry reading by a group of radical West Coast writers, who later became known as the Beat Generation,” said Cath, from Newcastle, whose exhibition includes two collections of films, projected onto free-standing screens.

“Each film is about an individual state, and is a collage of clips from amateur travel videos found on YouTube. The dialogue in each clip is translated by Google automatic captions, and the resulting subtitles are full of slight mistranslations that provide a disquieting and poetic quality to the narrative.”

Canary Yellow With Royal Blue, which is supported by Arts Council England, runs from 23rd January until 31st March 2016.

Normal admission charges – of £4.20 for adults, £3.15 for concessions, £2.10 for 4 to 16-year-olds and free for children under four years – apply.

Durham County Record Office Introduces Victorian Prisoners

By on 20th January 2016in In & Around

History fans will this week be taken on a journey back to the Victorian era inside the grim walls of Durham Prison to meet the ‘Guests of Queen Victoria’…

 

The 1851 census listed 226 people as being at her majesty’s pleasure in the city, and a talk this Thursday at Durham County Record Office will explore the justice system that led to their imprisonment, while examining some of their stories in detail.

Dawn Layland, education and outreach archivist at Durham County Council, said: “The Victorian justice system is fascinating, and this talk will take a look at it through the eyes of the people who were caught up in it right here in County Durham.”

The event is the first in a series of talks taking place on the third Thursday of January, March, May and August.

Future talks will feature topics including highwaymen and striking miners; letters to George Bowes; dirt, death and disease in Durham City in the 1900s; and “a bit of a historian and a philosopher: the Teesdale Hermit.”

Dawn said: “These talks are an easy and enjoyable way for local historians, or anyone with an interest in history, to find out more about our county’s past.”

The Guests of Queen Victoria talk takes place from 12.30pm to 1.15pm on Thursday 21st January.

Tickets, which cost £2, must be booked in advance by calling 03000 267626.

Free Road Safety Training Offered To Young Drivers In County Durham

By on 18th January 2016in In & Around

Young drivers in County Durham and Darlington can benefit from extra road safety training thanks to a free voucher scheme…

 

The Excelerate programme is designed to target the three main types of crashes young people are involved in by providing training at five key stages.

Durham County Council co-ordinates and delivers the training on behalf of the County Durham and Darlington Road Safety Partnership.

A new scheme has now been launched giving young people aged up to 25 the opportunity to download free vouchers to use for the training after they pass their driving test.

The vouchers, which have no expiry date, will also be available during 2016 from a number of outlets throughout County Durham and Darlington.

Paul Watson, road safety manager, said: “We would urge any young drivers who have recently passed their test to take advantage of the free safety training on offer. It’s free and can reduce the risk of accidents. We would also encourage any family members and friends of young drivers to let them know about the scheme.

“Nine per cent of all driving licences are held by young drivers, but according to research they are involved in 40 per cent of fatal road crashes on our roads.

“The Excelerate young driver course looks at the three main kinds of crashes involving young drivers, and works with them to help them protect themselves and others while they’re behind the wheel.”

Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg funds the Excelerate programme, and has lent his support to the voucher scheme.

He said: “Improving road safety is one of the key areas I am focusing on in my Police and Crime Plan.

“This is an excellent course for young people as it will help them to forge a sensible attitude to their driving, and prepare them for a safer future on our roads. This is also an ideal opportunity which parents can take advantage of and enrol new drivers in their family on to the free training course.”

For more information, and to download a voucher, visit www.exceleratedurham.com or www.durham.gov.uk/roadsafety.

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