Tag: durham county council

2016 Adult Learning Courses Are The Perfect New Year’s Resolution

By on 21st December 2015in Lifestyle

Thinking of making your New Year’s resolution to learn a new skill, brush up on your maths or English, or get qualified for a whole new career?

 

Durham County Council’s Adult Learning and Skills Service offers a wide range of courses, and details can be found in its new Spring 2016 Learning Guide.

As well as helping people boost their skills, confidence and job prospects, courses offer the chance to meet new people, and many can also lead to nationally recognised qualifications.

This year’s classes include Maths and English at all levels up to GCSE equivalent, Information Computer Technology courses, and vocational qualifications in subjects including Childcare, Health and Social Care, and Business and Administration.

The service also offers apprenticeships at intermediate and advanced level in a wide range of employment-related areas including Business Administration, ICT, supporting teaching and learning in schools and customer service.

There’s also a range of self-improvement courses including Starting Your Own Business, Confidence Building, and Family Fitness.

Most courses are held in community venues, where they offer a friendly and welcoming learning environment. However, some are also available online, offering people the chance to learn at a time and place that is convenient for them.

Cllr Maria Plews, Cabinet member for leisure, libraries and lifelong learning, said: “If you’re looking to make a positive change in the New Year, our courses are an ideal place to start. Meet new people, feel more confident in your skills, get the new job you deserve, or start a whole new direction in life. With courses on getting back into work, setting up your own business, or a recognised qualification to take you onto a new level in your career, there really is something for everyone.”

With courses starting in January, people are being encouraged to enrol now. The Spring Learning Guide is available to download at www.durham.gov.uk/adultlearning.

For further information on courses and how to enrol, contact the Adult Learning and Skills Service on 03000 266 115 or email alss@durham.gov.uk.

Durham County Cricket Club Announce 2016 Super Sunday

By on 18th December 2015in Entertainment

Durham cricket fans are getting themselves in a spin over DCCC’s announcement regarding next year’s Super Sunday…

Following the announcement this summer that Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground is set to host the second Spring Investec Test between England and Sri Lanka (27th-31st May 2016), Durham County Cricket Club has today unveiled the third test day will be dubbed ‘Super Sunday’ – offering spectators a family-friendly day of International Cricket with a distinct local accent.

David Harker, chief executive at Durham County Cricket Club, said: “Super Sunday is going to be just that – a brilliant day, excellent food, drink and of course, some top-class cricket! The test match will be a great advert for cricket in the region, but Sunday in particular will be an occasion with real carnival atmosphere, whether you’re a regular at the ground or not.

“We have long-hosted high-profile cricket matches right here in the heart of the North East, and it is always an honour to do so.”

It’s estimated that the second Spring Investec Test between England and Sri Lanka will have an overall economic impact of £1.5m, highlighting the value of hosting international sporting events. Full details about what’s on offer to spectators across Super Sunday will be confirmed in the New Year.

David added: “The five-day Investec Test Match will bring the thrill of international sport back to the region, and will also be an exciting preview to a series of international matches set to take place in the coming years, including the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. We hope Super Sunday will allow us to add to the already exciting cricketing experience with fantastic local fare and entertainment.”

Tickets are now on sale for what will be the first Test Match at the ground since England dramatically won the Ashes in Durham in 2013. It is the only opportunity for fans to see England compete internationally in the region in 2016, and special early-bird ticket prices are available until Christmas.

Visit www.durhamccc.co.uk/international-cricket/ for more details and to buy tickets.

Changes To Bin Collection Dates Over Christmas Period

By on 16th December 2015in In & Around

There will be changes to some bin collections over the festive period in County Durham…

 

The changes, during Christmas and New Year weeks only, affect rubbish and recycling bins which are normally emptied on a Friday.

Collections which would have been due on Friday 25th December will instead take place on Monday 28th December.

And collections due on Friday 1st January will be carried out on Monday 4th January.

All other collections, including those due on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, will not be affected.

Normal collections will resume on Tuesday 5th January.

Residents are also advised that Durham County Council’s bulky waste collection service will not operate between Monday 21st December and Monday 4th January.

People can arrange to have their real Christmas tree collected free of charge by contacting the council on 03000 261 000 before Friday 8th January.

People can check their bin collection dates by entering their postcode on the My Durham section of the council’s website.

Further Plans For Future Of DLI Museum Proposed

By on 16th December 2015in Local Biz

Councillors have received reassurance that plans for the future of the DLI collection will provide a fitting and lasting tribute to the regiment…

A special meeting of Durham County Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Management Board heard details of how the authority plans to continue to honour the region’s military history at a time when it must find nearly another £140m of savings from its yearly budget.

In a near two hour session, the council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, arts and culture Cllr Neil Foster, corporate director for neighbourhoods Terry Collins, head of culture and sport Steve Howell, and chair of the DLI Trustees James Ramsbotham, moved to allay many of the fears expressed since the move away from the collection’s current Aykley Heads home was announced in October.

Through both a comprehensive presentation and responses to questions, the meeting – which was open to the public – heard that:

  • The council is continuing to consult with campaigners, veterans and other interested parties about what can be done to honour the regiment going forward.
  • Durham County Council has received backing for its plans from the Army Museums Ogilvy Trust, which said the authority’s plans “demonstrate a clear commitment to the collection.”
  • The DLI collection will be kept together, not broken up, and be more publicly accessible than before.
  • This will include a free exhibition on the History of the DLI – compared to a £5.45 adult entry fee for the current museum – lasting for at least five years.
  • The proposals will also include a new, not currently available, “on demand” service for families who wish to see artefacts at Sevenhills.
  • Moving the collection will allow curators to spend more time focussing on their work, rather than having to deal with an ageing building, meaning they can concentrate on bringing the DLI story to the widest possible audience.
  • With the museum vacated, the building will be assessed and – if appropriate – declared surplus to the requirements of the council’s culture and sport department. At that stage, it would then be considered for other alternative uses – but there are no current plans for the site or the building. There is a strong aspiration to maintain the landscape.
  • The site of the DLI Museum will see memorial benches remain, and the council is open to exploring whether a new permanent memorial could be created at Aykley Heads.
  • Discussions have taken place over ashes which have been scattered near to the present museum, with a range of options for how to sensitively handle those remains being explored.
  • As part of the proposals, the council has made a commitment to the DLI collection to invest £70,000 a year in funding for at least five years, at a time when it must find nearly £140m more in annual savings. That would include education officers being kept on to take the DLI story into classrooms.
  • An extensive programme of events, including plays, musical performances and an interactive theatrical experience, have been commissioned alongside the already announced ‘History of the DLI’ and ‘Somme 1916’ exhibitions in the next 12 months.
  • The art gallery currently housed alongside the collection will see exhibitions taken on a county wide tour in 2016, while a permanent home is found for it.

James Ramsbotham, the chair of the DLI Trustees, said he felt a “very heavy responsibility” to do the best for a collection that “means so much to so many people,” but that the plans offered a “sustainable and exciting future.”

“There is a much wider story to tell,” he said. “And if we want to continue to engage people, we have got to do something more dynamic to bring people back again and again.

“We need to refresh and be forward looking, much like the DLI was.

“We need to move away from a building that is in the wrong place and look to do things better; to do something that will ensure the DLI lives long in the hearts of the county.”

 

Cllr Neil Foster said: “Necessity is the mother of invention, and you’ve only got to look at the challenges we have now and the continued financial pressures in the years to come to see we have to go out and be innovative.”

The DLI collection includes over 4,000 medals, 1,100 uniform related items, 2,600 examples of weapons and ammunition, more than 400 pieces of equipment, and over 400 relics, as well as extensive records and documents.

Steve Howell, the council’s head of culture and sport, said: “We are keeping the DLI collection together. I’ve had a lot of letters about it and heard the rumours that we are looking to split the collection up, but that is absolutely not true.

“We’ll be retaining and maintaining it as a single collection, regardless of where it is on display. That is how many national collections work – items go out, they are used to tell their stories, and then they come back.

“It’s not just going to be put in a box in Spennymoor, it is going to be maintained with proper curatorial skills so the story can continue to be told and live on.”

The meeting also heard further details of plans for events linked to the DLI and the current World War One centenary.

Steve said: “These are things we would never be able to do in the museum, and are not something we could do while we have to spend so much on the current building.”

Discussions will also continue, with public input, as to what is included in the free, five year History of the DLI exhibition on Palace Green, around future exhibitions, and about what happens after the initial five years.

The plans have been backed by the Army Museums Ogilby Trust (AMOT), an organisation that supports and promotes 139 regimental collections, including that of the DLI, which said it would work with all the interested parties and help where it can to create a secure future for the collection.

In a statement AMOT said: “We believe Durham’s proposals demonstrate a clear commitment to the collection.

“Durham has been generous over many years and we know there is the will to make sure the DLI has a secure future.

“Durham is unusual in the length and depth of support it gives, and this will remain the case with future arrangements.

“Durham’s proposals are quantifiably better than those for other collections at risk.”

Updates on how work is progressing will be presented back to Overview and Scrutiny in both three and six months’ time.

To hear from those campaigning to save the DLI Museum, read their stories here:

Have Your Say: Household Poll On Devolution Agreed

By on 14th December 2015in Have Your Say

Residents eligible to vote in County Durham will be asked for their views on the North East’s devolution agreement via a postal vote in January…

 

A pack, including information on the agreement from Government to the North East Combined Authority, and questions prepared by Durham University, together with details on how to take part, will be sent to all people registered to vote in the county.

The approach was agreed by Durham County Council members at a meeting of Full Council on December 9th, and will be funded from the council’s revenue contingency budget.

The proposed devolution agreement was negotiated with Government by the North East Combined Authority, which is made up of the seven councils covering Gateshead, Newcastle, North and South Tyneside, Northumberland, Sunderland and County Durham.

It would see decisions about transport, investment, funding, skills training, business support, housing and strategic planning being made in the North East instead of in London.

It would also bring an additional £30m a year over the next 30 years, which would be pumped into the regional economy through investment, job creation, transport improvement and more targeted skills training.

The proposed devolution agreement which has been signed is conditional on further public consultation, the Government’s spending review, legislation passing through Parliament, and agreement by each of the seven councils in the Combined Authority.

The results of the poll in County Durham will not be binding, but they will help to inform the county council’s decision.

Cllr Simon Henig, Leader of Durham County Council, said: “Consultation with residents is really important to us. It’s vital we understand how decisions affect people, and the devolution agreement contains some really big changes for the region.

“It includes decisions about transport, investment, funding, skills training, business support, housing and strategic planning being made here in the region.

“However, the Government has since made it clear that any devolution agreements will also involve the creation of a regional elected mayor to oversee and be accountable for those decisions.

“I would therefore encourage everyone who is eligible to vote in the county to let us know what they think via this poll once they’ve received the information pack from mid-January.

“Responses can be made via post or online, with feedback brought to our Full Council meeting at the end of February.”

The questions devised by experts at Durham University are:

  1. The Devolution Deal would mean that more decisions about spending on public services would be made in the North East, rather than by the Government in London. Do you think that devolving some power and resources to the North East would:
  • Be a step in the right direction?
  • Make little or no difference?
  • Be the wrong thing to do?
  • I don’t know.
  1. If we agree the Devolution Deal we would have to have a North East Elected Mayor. The Mayor would be directly elected by voters across the North East area and would chair the Combined Authority, made up of Council Leaders. It’s not yet clear how powerful the Mayor would be. If the Deal goes ahead, how powerful should the Mayor be? Do you think the Mayor should be someone who:
  • Has quite a lot of power and influence – perhaps coming to be seen as someone who represents the voice of the North East area?
  • Has limited power and influence – someone who chairs the Combined Authority but does not have a major role representing the area?
  • I don’t know.
  1. The Devolution Deal would only cover some issues – some aspects of business support, post-16 education and training, transport, and housing. If the Deal does go ahead, do you think we should then try to get additional powers and resources devolved to the North East?
  • No, I wouldn’t want to see more devolution
  • I’m not sure. It depends, let’s wait and see.
  • Yes, I would like to see more devolution.
  • I don’t know.
  1. The Devolution Deal is intended to improve our economy and create more and better jobs. But do you think it will make much difference? If the Deal does go ahead, do you think it will:
  • Help to bring more prosperity and more jobs to County Durham?
  • Have little or no impact on prosperity and jobs in County Durham?
  • Lead to less prosperity and fewer jobs in County Durham?
  • I don’t know.

The paper agreed by county council members can be viewed here.

Pupils Rewarded For Their Recycling Efforts

By on 13th December 2015in In & Around

Pupils at a County Durham school have been rewarded for their efforts to promote recycling…

 

The children at St Benet’s RC Primary School, in Ouston, took part in a competition to design posters earlier this year.

The posters were aimed at encouraging people to recycle at home and to help people understand what can be recycled and which recycling container should be used for different items.

The competition was part of Durham County Council’s Bin it Right campaign, and the design by pupil Sophia Winship, 8, was chosen as the winner.

Sophia’s design has now been printed onto reusable cotton bags, which have been presented to all pupils and members of staff at the school.

The school also received a new litter bin – to help keep their school grounds tidy – which has Sophia’s winning design printed on the lid.

The bin is made from recycled plastic milk bottles, and was donated by Marmax Products Ltd.

People can find out more about what they can recycle at www.durham.gov.uk/whatgoeswhere.

Police And Fire Services Agree Landmark Deal To Work Together

By on 12th December 2015in Local Biz

A landmark deal has been signed by Durham Constabulary and County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service…

The “Statement of Intent” sets out the two organisations’ intentions to work more closely together and to enhance co-operation and collaboration.

They hope this will further improve the already excellent service they provide to the public, as well as saving them money.

Police and Fire already work well together operationally, and share estates and facilities such as a joint station at Newton Aycliffe and training centre at Bowburn.

But this deal marks a step change in how they will work together.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Ron Hogg, said: “The people of County Durham and Darlington already benefit from having outstanding Police and Fire and Rescue Services.

“I believe there is great potential for closer collaboration to improve services even further, and to help us manage through the tough financial times that are ahead. I am committed to making swift progress with the Fire and Rescue Authority so that we can achieve improvements and savings quickly, for all our benefit.”

Chair of the County Durham and Darlington Combined Fire Authority, Councillor Michele Hodgson, said: “We already have a very constructive relationship between the fire and rescue service and police in this area. Providing an efficient and effective emergency response for the communities of County Durham and Darlington is our number one priority; any proposals that aim to help us do this must be carefully considered.”

 

Stuart Errington, Chief Fire Officer for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We welcome this opportunity to explore all of the options for collaboration. There is a strong base to build on as we already have strong relationships, and work very closely with the police operationally, in training, on special projects and by sharing facilities and expertise. We will consider any proposals which will safeguard frontline services and, when and where appropriate, support further collaboration.”

Chief Constable of Durham Constabulary, Mike Barton, said: “Stuart Errington and I have worked closely together for several years. This puts our working together on a more formal footing, and will allow us to improve the service we provide to the public.”

Councillor Joy Allen, Chair of the Police and Crime Panel, said: “Partnership working between emergency services is second to none in the region. This statement of intent formally cements these productive and professional relationships, which will deliver tangible benefits to both services, and more importantly help protect valuable front line services.”

Areas on which the services will look to collaborate include estates and assets, control room, safety initiatives, training, back office functions, and community engagement.

Click here to view the Statement of Intent.

Durham Councillors Complete Course To Prevent Extremism

By on 11th December 2015in Local Biz

Councillors in County Durham and Darlington have been taking part in a course designed to raise awareness about extremism…

 

Members of the Durham Police and Crime Panel have completed an e-learning course called Prevent.

The course forms part of the Government’s wider counter-terrorism strategy, which places a new requirement on local councils and police forces to support efforts to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and violent extremism.

It aims to raise awareness and understanding of how some people might be vulnerable to radicalisation, how to recognise when this is happening and what should be done to prevent the situation escalating.

Cllr Joy Allen, chair of the Durham Police and Crime Panel, said: “We’re very lucky that County Durham and Darlington are generally very safe places to live. However, councils have an important role to play in combating extremism.

“In light of the current heightened awareness around the world, it is everyone’s responsibility to be vigilant.”

Cllr Jane Brown, Cabinet member with responsibility for councillor development at Durham County Council, said: “We’re encouraging our councillors to take advantage of the Prevent e-learning course.

“We work in the heart of our communities, and this course can undoubtedly assist in identifying potentially vulnerable residents who may be at risk of being drawn into terrorism and violent extremism.”

Members of the panel who have completed the online learning course were presented with certificates by Durham Constabulary’s Deputy Chief Constable Steve Watson.

Deputy Chief Constable Watson said: “In our efforts to combat extremism in all its forms, law enforcement agencies rely to a huge extent on the intelligence provided by local communities.

“We welcome the involvement of the Police and Crime Panel, spreading awareness and learning about these issues can only be a good thing.”

Call For County Durham To Donate Unwanted Furniture

By on 11th December 2015in In & Around

A call for people to donate unwanted furniture has been issued in County Durham…

 

The County Durham Reuse Forum, a partnership between five local charities and Durham County Council, is urging people to pass on unwanted items which could be used by other people.

The forum is hoping that people getting new furniture and household items delivered in time for Christmas will consider giving their old items to charity.

As well as providing low cost furniture to local people, the forum also provides training and volunteering opportunities and helps to reduce waste – with more than 140 tonnes of furniture reused so far this year.

Anyone with furniture they are looking to donate can contact one of the five charities which make up the forum.

Contact details are:

  • Consett YMCA. Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 4.30pm. Tel: 01207 588 302.
  • County Durham Furniture Help Scheme, Chilton. Monday to Friday, 9am – 4pm; Saturday, 9am – 1pm. Tel: 01388 721 509.
  • East Durham Partnership, Horden. Monday to Friday, 9am – 4.30pm (Wednesday late opening until 6pm); Saturday 9am until midday. Tel: 0191 586 8493.
  • Haswell Mencap Furniture Enterprise. Monday to Friday, 9am – 3pm. Tel: 0191 516 0957.
  • Woodhouse Close Church Furniture Project. Tuesday and Thursday, 9am – 2pm. Tel: 01388 602 935. (collection within an eight-mile radius of Bishop Auckland)

All of the charities collect unwanted household items, such as beds, furniture and electrical items, free of charge if they are reusable and in good condition.

Upholstered items, such as sofas, chairs and beds, should be clean, without tears, and must have the current UK fire safety standard labels attached.

All electrical items should be working, be free from rust, reasonably clean and have intact seals.

Items will need to be checked before collection is agreed and if there is any reason why an item cannot be accepted, this will be explained.

For further information on which household items can be donated and purchased via one of the charities, please visit www.durham.gov.uk/reuse.

Durham Council Pledges To Continue Meetings Over DLI Museum

By on 10th December 2015in Local Biz

Durham County Council has pledged to keep meeting with veterans and campaigners as it develops how best to continue to honour the Durham Light Infantry…

 

Speaking at a meeting of full council on Wednesday morning, the council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration and culture, Cllr Neil Foster, said meetings have already taken place with many who share strong views on the future of the DLI collection.

He said the council will continue to listen to people who want to help bring the story of the men and women who served to the audience it deserves.

Cllr Foster said: “In adopting this report, the Cabinet members recognised the heritage of the DLI regiment must not only be maintained and preserved for future generations, but honoured as widely as possible.

“We also recognise, as a city containing a World Heritage Site, that it is also important to provide an excellent cultural offer, both for the benefit of our own residents and the many thousands of tourists who come to visit us each year.

“However, we must also recognise that what we have done before may no longer be appropriate or sustainable, and we must therefore look for opportunities for how we can make the most of what we have.

“In consultation with the DLI Trustees, whose role is to do what is best for the collection, and in partnership with Durham University, we have sought to find a new way of telling the DLI story – a way that will take it to the heart of the World Heritage Site, with its more than 600,000 visitors a year, and give it the far greater audience it rightly deserves.

“In addition, we have been working with Army Museums Ogilby Trust, the recognised authority in this area.

“We have already met with many of those who have strong views on the future of this museum, and welcome the opportunity to meet others in order that this can help shape the future of the collection and how we exhibit the many important artefacts it contains.

“We understand there has been significant public concern about the proposed changes, particularly with the idea that we are seeking to lock much of the collection away from public view, but that is simply not true.

“Durham County Council – as one of the few local authorities still funding a regimental museum – is committed to multiple exhibitions over the next five years to showcase much of what is currently on display, as well as many items, photos and stories which aren’t.

“At the same time, we want to provide a new, more suitable home for those items not included in exhibitions, with a publicly accessible research facility at Spennymoor at which curators, conservators and volunteers will be able to study and work on items.

“Both of those are longer term commitments to the DLI. Work is well underway on an exciting programme of events for 2016 that further explore and commemorate the role of Durham men and women at war.

“Rest assured that we are very aware of the importance of the DLI both to the history and people of the county and beyond.

“And we believe our plans which we are developing with the input of many will offer both a fitting tribute to those who served with the regiment, and ensure the continuation of the collection for many years to come.”

The DLI collection is set to move from its current home at Aykley Heads in April, by which time the first of the exhibitions on Palace Green, looking at the involvement of Durham people in the Battle of the Somme, will be open to the public.

A five year exhibition on the History of the DLI will follow later in the year, with further temporary exhibitions on different topics related to the regiment, and a linked programme of events marking the World War One centenary also planned.

To discover more about the county’s involvement in the 1914 to 1918 conflict, visit the council’s archive, museum and archaeology services’ Durham at War website, www.durhamatwar.org.uk.

To hear from those campaigning to save the DLI Museum, read their stories here:

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