Tag: featured

County Durham Town Masterplans Updated

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

North Shields Culture Hub Gains Charitable Status

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More Foster Carers Needed In County Durham

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Society Lends A Helping Hand At Dementia Cafe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What’s On In Chester-Le-Street And Durham

Durham City’s Traditional Christmas Festival

If you’re set to be anywhere near Durham City over the weekend of Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th December – and why wouldn’t you be? – you really need to get to down to the Traditional Christmas Festival, which will take place across various venues in the historic centre.

Based principally around the Cathedral and Castle, the event will provide excellent opportunities for Christmas shopping, alongside festive entertainment.

So, where to head first? Here at IN&AROUND, we are certainly looking forward to the Craft and Gift Marquee on Palace Green, where more than 190 stalls are planned, although there will also be plenty of activity in the Cloisters of Durham Cathedral, where more than 30 regional food and drink producers will be present.

All of this is without us even mentioning the outdoor markets in Durham Market Place and Millennium Place, or the more than 50 additional traders in the Market Hall.

Oh, and there’s also set to be a wide range of family entertainment and activities, including live music performances and bands, live reindeer, Cathedral carol services and the Saturday afternoon Children’s Christmas Lantern Procession, which will see children leading a procession to the Cathedral for the St Nicholas service.

Please note that these details are not final and could change.

Christmas Market, the Bowes Museum

For a modest cover charge of £2.50, visitors to one of the region’s most esteemed museums can enjoy not only free admission to the museum itself, but also a feast of festive food and creative craft stalls, together with use of the Santa bus ‘park and ride’ facility.

Taking place from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th December, the event presents the perfect opportunity for visitors to sample quality produce – including breads, cakes, cheeses, gourmet scotch eggs, speciality hot chocolates, local beers and more – from some of the region’s finest suppliers.

Alternatively, you might look to pick up a quirky gift from an assortment of fascinating locally made jewellery, wreaths, ceramic and glass art, leather goods, toys and upcycled furniture. There will even be stalls for your dog!

Nor will there be a shortage of entertainment, with seasonal singing provided by the popular group No Added Sugar, and Barnard Castle Band and the Andreas Ensemble also on hand with a festive repertoire. Even Smooth Radio will be on site right through the weekend, playing festive music and offering gift wrapping master classes.

Throw in Christmas craft activities and the opportunity for your child to visit Santa in his grotto and even receive a gift from him (all for £5), and it becomes even more obvious that if you visit just one Christmas market this year, it should be this one.

Seann Walsh: One for the Road

Given how he stormed his last gig at Stockton’s Arc a few years back, it’s unsurprising that this dishevelled comic with the eye for the absurd is primed for a triumphant return to the same venue on 9th December.

For someone known as ‘the Lie-in King’ with a penchant for staying in watching Sky Sports News, the Lewisham-born stand-up has shown remarkable stamina in building up his career to date, being nominated for the Foster’s Comedy Award and appearing on the likes of 8 Out of 10 Cats, Live at the Apollo, The Jonathan Ross Show, Alan Carr Chatty Man and Tonight at the London Palladium.

Walsh is also quite the sight to watch live, pacing the stage and working the room as he makes good use of his well-attuned observational mind to drive his audience to hysterics. Described as “Unquestionably the best observational comic of his generation” by The Guardian and “This generation’s Dylan Moran” by Time Out, Walsh is a man you won’t want to miss when he brings his brand new, perfectly delivered show to the North East.

10 Things Not To Forget This Christmas

The festive season may be a time of fun and plenty (in theory, anyway), but there’s a huge amount of preparation that goes into a truly successful Christmas. Here are 10 of the things that you really shouldn’t allow to slip your mind if you are to avoid those last minute ’emergencies’.

  1. Planning

This is the single most important thing not to forget. After all, with everything from the office Christmas party to your children’s nativity play to think about, you’ll be overcome with anxiety if you fail to follow such basic steps as putting together a ‘to-do’ list and spreading out those essential duties over the coming weeks in your diary.

  1. Christmas cards

This is the time of year when you suddenly seem to remember all of those family members you never actually meet, and you won’t want to be the only one in the family not to have sent them a Christmas card. So, make sure you make a list of all conceivable recipients to avoid repeat trips to the card shop when someone else pops to mind.

  1. Postal costs

Sending off presents to your far-flung relatives can get pretty expensive. To alleviate this, look for gifts that are light, non-breakable and easy to wrap, and include your Christmas card to the recipient in the same package to save you having to buy another stamp.

  1. Budget

It seems that we all plan to be frugal over the festive period, but so often find ourselves plunging into our overdrafts due to that costly present that we hadn’t initially expected to buy, or that party where we overspent on the sherries. So, by all means, agree a budget with your family – not too strict, and not too costly – but then stick to it.

  1. Tidying up

Those weeks of calm before the Christmas celebrations are the perfect period in which to declutter your home – not least to make space for everyone set to descend on your humble abode. Put last year’s unwanted gifts on eBay to raise present-buying funds, find a cupboard for all of that wrapping and make a flattering space for the Christmas tree – accounting for height and not just width!

  1. Food and drink

This aspect of your Yuletide shopping threatens to be such a headache with all of the queues – unless you take steps to avoid this, such as ordering online for home delivery or purchasing all non-perishable products well in advance. The turkey’s a natural essential, so order yours well ahead of time for collection on the 23rd.

  1. Stress management

With so much to plan, buy and organise, it’s easy to become overwhelmed – but don’t shirk your duties. Instead, practice effective stress management techniques such as breaking down everything that you have to do into smaller, less daunting chunks, or delegating tasks to other people where you can. Are the kids helping out enough with the washing up, for instance?

  1. Fashion

You won’t want to lag behind anyone in the style stakes at your Christmas party. Get an instantly glamorous look by pairing a statement necklace with a lightweight knit, and for your footwear, opt for a medium heel or a block heel with a platform to ensure the utmost comfort on the festive dance floor. Nor will a tasteful handbag go amiss for completing your look.

  1. Everything you need for wrapping

Sellotape, scissors, wrapping paper that isn’t embarrassingly out-of-date… they’re all the kind of things that you might expect to already be in your cupboard due to all of that shopping you did last year. However, you should always double check far in advance. Don’t forget those labels either, and make sure everything’s wrapped up ahead of the last Christmas posting dates.

  1. A smile

If you’re the host of the Christmas party, you’ll need to remember to provide the best possible hospitality, including that all-important festive cheer. Try to avoid those heated debates about politics or who should have brought the food course – unless all of that’s your “thing”, of course.

Teaching Assistant Dispute in County Durham Update

The following statement is issued following a third round of productive talks with Unison regarding seeking a solution to the current dispute involving the terms of employment for teaching assistants in County Durham.

John Hewitt, Corporate Director of resources at Durham County Council, said: “I am pleased to say these talks have been positive and productive and an agreement has been reached which means tomorrow’s industrial action by Teaching Assistants in Unison has been called off.

“We are clear that an equal pay risk exists that needs to be addressed. However it is also important to properly examine aspects of the employment of teaching assistants which merit further review given some of the information which has come to light recently.

“We have agreed to undertake a review of teaching assistants’ role, function, job description and activities within the breadth of school activities, to establish whether current job descriptions adequately describe the role being undertaken.

“This review will not re-open the single status agreement currently in place. The timescale for its completion is by the 1 September 2017.

“To enable this to take place, as an act of good will, we have agreed we will suspend the dismissal and re-engage process while the review is undertaken within the timescale above.

“This is a very complex situation and it has also resulted in us having further discussions with other recognised trade unions. We look forward to working with these trade unions on the way forward and very much appreciate Unison’s decision to call off tomorrow’s planned action.”

Tarmac Sending Trainees To Sim Academy Simulation Training Event

Tarmac, the UK’s leading building materials supplier, will join forces with Sim Academy to send two of its trainees to an innovative simulated training scheme…

The organisation, which currently employs 6,000 people at over 400 locations across the UK, is working with the Academy to road test the new scheme before an official launch later in the year.

Sim Academy is offering simulated training exercises using its state-of-the-art machinery to achieve realistic and engaging experiences across the agriculture, construction and mining sectors.

The scheme negates the need for on-the-job training in dangerous industries, meaning that employees and machinery can remain in operation while new recruits are trained off-site.

The equipment can be adapted to simulate a range of industry machinery such as track excavators, wheel loaders, tower cranes and articulated hauliers, delivering a safe and environmentally-friendly alternative to on-the-job training where one-on-one vehicle time can be limited.

Simulation training is already used in industries such as air travel and medicine.

Speaking of the new training scheme, Mr X, a spokesperson for Tarmac UK, said: “Bringing simulation into the construction industry is a really interesting concept, and we’re excited to be sending two of our trainees to experience the simulators first hand.

“Training new recruits on-site can be demanding – not only for our employees who have to take time out of their schedules, but for our existing fleet which has to be taken out of operation during training exercises.

“A simulated, off-site alternative is a great idea, and we’re excited about what this means for the future of training at Tarmac”.

Mick Gray, who is an experienced educational facilitator, will head the Sim Academy project.

With decades of experience working with organisations such as Caterpillar, UK Coal and managing his own training solutions firm, Competency Training Solutions, Mick will be able to offer his skills and expertise to trainees looking to meet the industry’s competency requirements.

Speaking of his new venture, Mick said: “I’ve always been interested in finding new ways to improve the safety and efficiency of training employees in using machinery, so simulation makes sense.

“It’s great to see businesses such as Tarmac take an interest in our brand new simulation training. We’ve already had a lot of enquiries regarding our open days, but we still have spaces available if you want to see what Sim Academy can do.”

Sim Academy is holding open days between 10th and the 14th of October to showcase its innovative training solutions. To find out more or to book a place, visit simacademy.co.uk.

Lord Lieutenant Commends Newly Qualified F. Jones Apprentices

Apprentices at Teesside’s award winning specialist work surface manufacturers, F Jones Cleveland, received distinguished approval for their hard work, when they were awarded their vocational certificates by the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire…

The Lord Lieutenant, Mr. Barry Dodd CBE, Her Majesty’s representative in the County and charged with upholding the dignity of the Crown, visited the Middlesbrough based company to present 16 members of staff with their Intermediate Level Apprenticeship qualifications.

Mr. Dodd CBE, who is also Chairman of GSM Group Ltd, spoke highly of the accomplishments of the young F Jones apprentices.

“You should all be incredibly proud of yourselves”. He said: “It takes great determination to go out there, find a job and then push yourselves to study and do further training. Your achievements here clearly illustrate the practical value of learning and I’m sure this experience will be of enormous help in ensuring you have the right tools to go on to even greater success in your chosen careers”.

In the three decades since its foundation in 1982, the Company has developed into the largest and most successful of its kind in the UK; a genuine market leader, pioneering many of the logistical and fabrication techniques that are now considered industry standard.

Chairman, Mr. Fred Jones, credits much of this success to the highly skilled and motivated workforce and the company’s close links with local government learning organisations. “Our aim is to give young people access to a pathway to employment through training”, he said. “F. Jones Cleveland has been running successful training courses since 2007 with all but two of our current team having come through an apprenticeship or training to work schemes”.

The Company prides itself on creating and maintaining strong community links, working with local organisations and people to build its workforce and goes the extra mile for apprentices by supporting and providing literacy, numeracy and IT training, private healthcare, banking, and in-house financial support schemes to ensure young people have the best possible opportunity for success.

Speaking about the event which took place at F. Jones Cleveland’s state-of-the-art, 60,000 square ft factory in Riverside, Mr. Fred Jones said: “It was a privilege to have the Lord Lieutenant visit and join us in support of the young apprentices here at F Jones Cleveland.  The presence of the Lord Lieutenant gave emphasis to the value of their achievements and made the occasion even more significant and memorable for us all. Everyone has worked incredibly hard for these qualifications, and what better recognition than to have our honoured guest present their certificates to them.”

To find out more about F. Jones visit www.fjonesltd.com/.

Fascinators Are Odds On Favourite As North East Women Prepare For Ladies’ Day

Ladies from across the North East are being encouraged to dress to impress for Redcar Racecourse’s Ladies’ Day with superb designer prizes up for grabs…

The Teesside racecourse’s annual Ladies’ Day Premier meeting, on Saturday June 18th, is always a glamourous occasion and this year won’t disappoint, as thousands of women will don their most fabulous outfits for an afternoon at the races.

In keeping with the tradition of Ladies’ Day there are fabulous prizes to be won for the ‘Best Dressed Lady’ and the ‘Best Hat’, which have been kindly donated by Market Cross Jewellers, Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty, Lynne Young Chic Hats, and Eastwood Photography.

Amy Fair, Redcar Racecourse’s general manager, said this is one of her favourite Premier meetings of the season as it’s always a magnificent event.

She said: “With fascinators, dresses, bubbly and glamorous prizes to be won, what more could a girl want? This is the most highly anticipated event of the racing season and we’re looking forward to welcoming ladies from across the region to Redcar Racecourse.”

“This is the perfect event for social racegoers and racing enthusiast alike. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a great excuse to get dressed up, then you need to attend Ladies’ Day.”

Competition ‘spotters’ will mingle with the crowds throughout the afternoon and select the ten finalists for the hotly contested ‘Best Dressed Lady’ and ‘Best Hat’ competitions.

The lady judged to be the ‘Best Dressed’ will be invited to represent Redcar Racecourse in the Go Racing In Yorkshire Grand Final at Doncaster Racecourse on Saturday 22nd October.

The prizes for the ‘Best Dressed’ ladies are: (1st) A Gucci necklace and bracelet and £150 gift voucher from Market Cross Jewellers, and a cut and blow dry voucher from Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty; (2nd) Links of London necklace, Chlobo pearl star ring, Chlobo pearl bracelet, and £100 gift voucher from Market Cross Jewellers; (3rd) Daisy heart necklace, Swarovski slake bracelet, £50 Nomination gift voucher from Market Cross Jewellers. All three placed winners will also receive Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty gift packs.

The prizes for the ladies with the ‘Best Hat’ are: (1st) Bespoke fascinator and matching bag from Lynne Young Chic Hats, a makeover photoshoot for two from Eastwood Photography, and a gel nails voucher from Orange Kerr Hair & Beauty; (2nd) Lola and Grace collier crystal necklace from Market Cross Jewellers; (3rd) Michael Kors logo stud earrings from Market Cross Jewellers.

Racegoers are being encouraged to put on their best accessories for a chance to win one of 20 #TopSpot goodie bags on the day.

The racecourse has teamed up with local charity Teesside Hospice to showcase a ‘Dress For Less’ fashion show after the 2nd race at 2.05pm. All of the outfits have been sourced through the Teesside Hospice shops proving that you can look fabulous without spending a fortune and you’ll be supporting a great cause at the same time.

In the run up to the big day, Redcar Racecourse is also giving one lucky racegoer the chance to win a VIP day for four. The winner and their three friends will receive a three course meal with wine in the Voltigeur Restaurant, VIP Grandstand Admission badges and racecards, and a luxury gift, all with an estimated value of more than £500.

Anyone who wants to be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize should head over to Redcar Racecourse’s Facebook page and follow the instructions.

Amy added: “Ladies’ Day is always an incredible event and winning a VIP day at the races would make it extra special for any racegoer.”

Alongside the seven races, local performing arts company, Page2Stage, will help to deliver another grand day with entertainment for all the family, including appearances from princesses Snow White, Cinderella, and Rapunzel.

Admission prices on the day start from £5 per adult with free admission for accompanied children aged 17 and under. The admission gates will open at 11am and the first race is scheduled to start at 1.35pm.

Parties of 10 or more can also save over 20% when they book their Grandstand or Course Enclosure admission tickets in advance.

For more information visit http://www.redcarracing.co.uk/ and to enter the Ladies’ Day VIP competition, visit https://www.facebook.com/RedcarRacing/.

Facebook & Twitter: @Redcarracing

2016 remaining Premier meetings:

Saturday 18th June Ladies’ Day

Sunday 17th July Help for Heroes Family Fun Day

Saturday 6th August Caribbean Carnival Day

Saturday 27th August Ladies’ & Gents’ Evening

Saturday 1st October Totepool Two Year Old Trophy Day

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