Tag: durham

North Road Improvements Resume

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Darlington Building Society Supports North East Homeless Charity

By on 5th January 2017in In & Around

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tickets On Sale For Spring Shows At Gala Theatre

By on 20th December 2016in Events

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By on 17th December 2016in Events

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

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

A short distance away Mary Slaughter was not so fortunate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Man Faces £1,000 Bill For Abandoning Car

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

 

ADVERTISERS