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Durham County Council
Rewards for top young green champs
30th July 10 2:35pm
Young eco-champions across County Durham are taking a well-earned summer break after excelling in a school recycling campaign, aimed at making the county altogether greener. ‘Recycling Rewards for Schools’, run by Durham County Council, caught the imaginations of pupils across the county, with 158 primary schools taking part. It began in March this year and ended on 30 June, with prizes awarded at schools throughout July. Cabinet member for environment and leisure, Cllr Bob Young, says it’s been hugely successful:” This scheme has seen over 1,800 pupils, their families and friends get involved, with almost 9,000 householders making recycling pledges.” “It is fantastic to see how enthusiastically so many people have supported our young residents in their very own campaign to preserve and protect our environment.” To recognise and celebrate the pupils’ achievements, end of term assemblies and prize giving ceremonies have been taking place across the county. Pupils have been awarded lanyards made from recycled fabric and medals for collecting pledges and the highest performers were presented with school champion trophies. Top of the list was Yohden Primary School in Horden, where pupils collected nearly 500 recycling pledges. Individually it was Evan Roberts (photo attached) who took the prize for the most individual pledges, having collected an amazing 117. Durham County Council projects and campaigns team leader, Paula George, said “We’re delighted that so many schools and pupils got involved in the campaign and helped raise awareness of recycling in the county. “By bringing pupils, their families and friends together for this campaign we hope to see increases in recycling not only now but in the future.” Schools taking part in the scheme will also be rewarded. Points were allocated for pledges each month and now the campaign is over they can exchange those points for important school equipment.
Cleaner, safer, greener Sacriston
30th July 10 12:06pm
A community clean-up will give people in Sacriston the chance to find out more about efforts to improve their neighbourhood. Durham County Council’s civic pride team will be leading a litter pick around the town between 9.30am and 11.30am tomorrow (Saturday, 31 July). Members of the community are being asked to lend a hand during the event, which is being supported by local councillors. Participants will also be able to find out more about the council’s work to create cleaner, safer and greener communities across the county. The event follows a survey by the Safe Durham Partnership, which found that residents wanted to see more done to tackle litter in their area. Volunteers are asked to meet at 9.30am at Fulforth Community Centre. Refreshments will be available throughout the day.
Have your say on taxi services
30th July 10 11:51am
The future shape of taxi services across County Durham is in the spotlight, as part of a consultation process which begins on August 1, 2010. Residents, members of the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire trade and other interested parties are being encouraged to comment on options which include whether the current zoning and limitations on the numbers of vehicles should stay, and also whether a new vehicle colour policy should be adopted. The council is the licensing authority and the current consultation follows in depth research on the subject. This included establishing working groups, made up of trade professionals, the police and other partners. It also took into account best practice gathered from other unitary authorities launched at the same time as Durham. All of this information-gathering has culminated in five options which now form the basis for the current consultation: - Removal of the seven zones (inherited from the seven district councils in place prior to April 1 2010) with the simultaneous removal of all limits on hackney carriage numbers throughout County Durham Retain the status quo, with seven zones, two of which are number regulated (Chester-le-Street and Durham City) Maintain the zones with no limitations on numbers of hackney carriages Maintain the zones and undertake further demand surveys in all zones Removal of the seven zones with the simultaneous removal of all limitations on hackney carriage numbers in the Chester-le-Street and Durham City zones; and then to undertake a demand survey for the whole of the County of Durham The possible advantages and disadvantages of these options form part of the consultation document which is available to view online, along with the survey, under the ‘Have Your Say’ section of the council’s website www.durham.gov.uk Head of environment, health and consumer protection, Joanne Waller said:” I would encourage anyone who regularly uses taxis or private hire vehicles in the county to make sure they have their say during this consultation process. “These are complex and sensitive issues and this is an important opportunity for everyone to help shape the way this service is operated in the future. “The information gathered through this process will play a key role in the drawing up of a final report which will be drafted later this year.” The consultation runs until September 12. In addition to giving feedback on these options, the public can also comment on amendments to the council’s 2009 Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy. Changes have been made to this policy to clarify certain elements, mainly related to safety. These include additional driver checks and the inclusion of a complaints process. Hard copies of the survey and briefing note on the issues of zoning, quantity regulation and colour are available from Helen Johnson, licensing team leader by emailing: licensing@durham.gov.uk or telephoning 0191 387 2202. The online survey is available at www.durham.gov.uk/taxi/taxiconsultation Comments regarding the amendments to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy should be sent to: Helen Johnson at licensing@durham.gov.uk or via post to: Helen Johnson, Licensing Section, Environment, Health & Consumer Protection, Council Offices, Newcastle Road, Chester-le-Street, DH3 3UT
Last chance to have your say
30th July 10 8:31am
There are just a few days left now for members of the public to have their say on planning the future of County Durham. For the last seven weeks, we have been touring the County and asking for people’s views on The County Durham Plan. The Plan looks at what development is needed and where it should go. ‘Planning the Future of County Durham’ looks at options to develop the towns and villages of the county in a way which will deliver the right economic environment to help people reach their potential. Our final presentations to the public take place on August 3 at Stanley Action Area Partnership meeting at St Stephen's Centre, Holly Hill Gardens East, Stanley, and on August 5 at the East Durham Area Action Partnership meeting, Stephens Terrace, Greenhills Centre, Wheatley Hill. Both meetings start at 6.00pm. There are also two more opportunities to visit the roadshow exhibition on August 3 at Crook Civic Centre, between 12noon and 5.00pm, and on August 4 at Spennymoor Town Hall between 2.00pm and 7.00pm. Feedback can also be given via a short, on-line questionnaire at http://durhamcc-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal/planning/ or submit your comments by email ldfconsultation@durham.gov.uk Alternatively people can call the planning team with any questions 0300 123 7070. You need to be quick though, this consultation stage ends at 5.00pm on Friday 6 August.
Alice steers way to bike win
29th July 10 4:06pm
A ‘canny’ guess helped a Bishop Auckland youngster ride off with the top prize in a competition. Alice Parsons correctly identified the exact number of cans in a glass tank to win a brand new BMX bike. The 11-year-old entered the competition at the launch of the Environment Partnership in Millennium Place, Durham. Almost 7,000 people attended the event, which saw partner organisations offering advice and information about their services. Natalie Davies, Durham County Council civic pride officer, said: “The launch day was extremely successful with lots of people coming along to find out more about the partnership. “We received hundreds of entries for the bike competition but Alice was the only one who correctly guessed that there were exactly 2,614 cans in the tank.” The Environment Partnership aims to help and support residents right across the county make their communities greener and cleaner places to be. The launch day also saw activities ranging from free dog microchipping to graffiti removal in the 14 Area Action Partnership locations around the county. The prize presented to Alice was donated by Direct Car Parts, Framwellgate Moor.
Youngsters add colour to handbook
29th July 10 4:04pm
A new handbook for council tenants in Durham city will feature the work of seven budding young artists. Durham City Homes has recruited the help of local youngsters to add some colour to its new tenant’s handbook. Children at schools and Sure Start centres in the city were challenged to come up with a design for the front cover and inside pages of the publication. More than 70 entries were submitted but members of the organisation’s board and tenants’ panel have chosen six winning designs. The winners were Dominic Ross, Harry Dowding and Elizabeth Griffiths, all 11, from Kelloe Primary School; Niall Fingleton, also 11, from Laurel Avenue Primary School; Kristian Ghiotti, 4, from Ushaw Moor Sure Start; and Harley Pallas, 2, and Archie Owens, 1, from Brandon Sure Start, who submitted a joint entry. The youngsters were each awarded a £25 shopping voucher during a special presentation event at Durham Town Hall.
A recipe for fun
29th July 10 3:33pm
Budding Jamie Olivers are being invited to a cookery afternoon at Haswell Sure Start Centre. Professional chefs are paying the centre a visit to teach little ones and their families how to cook good, nutritious meals. Cheryl Convey, family support worker with Durham County Council’s Sure Start, said: “This session is a great opportunity for parents and their carers to learn how to cook healthy meals at home with the help and guidance of a professional chef.” The session takes place on Wednesday, August 4 between 1.30pm and 3.00pm at the centre on Church Street and families from Haswell and South Hetton are invited to take part in an afternoon of experimenting with food and cookery. The chefs are from Expo Chef, a company which helps children learn about the benefits of being healthy.
Sun shines on Dirty Big Ride
29th July 10 3:26pm
It may have been a Dirty Big Ride, but the verdict was it was a shining success and good clean family fun. Hamsterley forest was awash with lycra at the weekend (Sunday June 29), as more than 80 people took to their bikes and made the first ever Durham Dirty Big Ride a big hit. Entries were split between the family 10k ride and the much more testing 28k route. The longer course was specially developed for the more experienced mountain bikers and had some brand new trails that are part of the ‘red route’ – open for the first time for the event. The event was organised by the partnership behind the highly successful Durham Big Ride, which is now in its fourth year. Ride Director, Colin Wilkes was delighted: “The sun shone and the only thing that spoilt the whole day was the England result, later in the afternoon. It’s the first time Durham Big Ride has been to Hamsterley but it will certainly not be last. We are already talking to the Forestry Commission about a date for next year.” Durham County Council’s Dave Wafer continues: “It was fantastic to see families enjoying good old fashioned fun in the country and for the more extreme enthusiasts the new red trail stretch proved an instant hit. This really was a great joint effort with help from the Hamsterley Trailblazers, British Cycling and the Forestry Commission. “I am sure this event, just like the Big Ride in September, will go from strength to strength.” Colin Wilkes continues: “We are now all working on making the next Durham Big Ride the best event around by making sure that families and experienced riders have a great day out in September.” The Beast and Durham Big Ride launched at County Hall yesterday (June 29), with Durham’s Chief Constable, John Stoddart, becoming the first entrant to collect his starting number for the 50 mile Beast.
New gym helps babies get into shape
29th July 10 2:53pm
Babies and toddlers can strut their stuff at a new Baby Gym in County Durham. Durham County Council’s Sure Start Children’s Centre in Haswell is starting the new, free group for babies and children up to two-years-old on Monday, August 2. The Baby Gym caters for children who are lying down, crawling or just beginning to walk and develop their skills. All toys provided are appropriate for the age group and include soft rattles, musical toys, baby books and soft play equipment, They aim to encourage hand-eye co-ordination, motor skills and physical development. Family support worker, Yvonne Glass, said: “The Baby Gym is an excellent, new, stimulating play session for babies and toddlers which encourages lots of floor and physical play to help develop body co-ordination. “Although parents, carers and their children can enjoy our Twinkle Tots sensory group for children up to 18-months-old and our Early Birds fun learning through play group for children aged up to five, we identified a gap in our service which is now filled by Baby Gym.” The group runs every Monday from 9.45am to 11am.
National praise for county's scheme to reduce re-offending
29th July 10 2:34pm
A scheme to reduce the number of young people going into the criminal justice system has won national recognition. Durham County Council’s Pre Reprimand Disposal (PRD) programme was runner up in the Children and Young People category of the Howard League Community Programmes Award 2010. The awards aim to increase public protection by recognising outstanding community programmes that help to reduce the seriousness and frequency of re-offending. PRD has been developed by County Durham Youth Offending Service (CDYOS), which is part of the county council’s Children and Young People’s Services, and Durham Constabulary. It aims to reduce the number of first time entrants to the youth justice system and re-offending levels. Young people who enter the criminal justice system for minor offences risk limiting their prospects of getting a job. The PRD programme, which is voluntary, is offered to young people who commit their first offence to stop them going down the criminal record route. PRD helps identify issues which may lead to offending and offers support to the young people and their families. Project leader, Gill Eshelby, Head of County Durham Youth Offending Service, said: “It is fantastic to be recognised in a national award. The success of the PRD is due to the creativity and commitment of partners in County Durham to work together to reduce youth crime. We have already reduced first time entrants to the system by over 70 per cent. The PRD is not only preventing offending – it’s preventing re-offending too.” Please see http://www.howardleague.org/community-programmes-conference/ for more information.
Where will your choices lead you?
29th July 10 1:02pm
A new game which gives young people the chance to find out what their future holds will tour Sedgefield this summer. Check It Out is an interactive game which explores feelings on issues such as bullying, sex, alcohol, healthy eating and relationships. Aimed at 12-year-olds and above, the game has been designed and created by young people from the Sedgefield area who were inspired by the NHS lifecheckers web page www.mylifecheck.co.uk It uses sound, light, film and graphics to look at the choices and decisions they have to make. Durham County Council is supporting this Local Children’s Board project in partnership with County Durham and Darlington Primary Care Trust, Greenfield School Community and Arts College and arts organisation Metro-Boulot-Dodo. The game will be available to play on the following dates: Saturday August 7, Spennymoor Leisure Centre Saturday August 14, Shildon Fun in the Park event Saturday August 21, Chilton Gala Day Saturday August 28 and Sunday August 29, Great Aycliffe Show. The NHS lifecheckers website is aimed at 12 to 15-year-olds and explores the feelings associated with subjects such as bullying and offers practical advice. For more information on the game, contact Greenfield Community and Arts Centre, on 01325 379 048 or email: info@greenfield-arts.co.uk
Drumming up Exchange Factor enthusiasm
28th July 10 3:36pm
Young performers from Peterlee will be drumming up enthusiasm at a celebration of international youth work soon. Afinado, a newly-formed group of young, urban street drummers, will perform at The Exchange Factor to celebrate the United Nations International Youth Day next month. (August 12) Held at The Assembly Rooms, Newcastle on August 12, it aims to help youth workers and young people to find out more about international opportunities and launches the UN International Year of Youth. “The event will give ideas, help and advice about setting up and running international projects and exchanges,” said Lucy Turzynski, Durham County Council’s assistant international officer, and a member of the International Youth Opportunities North East (IYONE) Committee which is organising the celebration with regional partners. “We hope it will encourage young people to get involved in international projects and realise the value of working with similar groups from other countries. “There will be a range of fun and inspiring activities as well as a team of experts on hand to answer questions about international projects and exchanges,” she said. Leon Mexter, chief executive of the Regional Youth Work Unit, said: “Taking part in an international youth exchange, volunteering abroad or going to visit other parts of the world can be life changing. “International youth work has a tremendous amount to offer young people in our region. We hope the day will stimulate a whole new group of young people to organise and take part in youth exchanges and volunteering programmes which open up their understanding of the world.” Euro MP Stephen Hughes: “This event will bring together youth groups and workers from across the North East to share good practice, learn about accessing funding. “It will also encourage and congratulate youth workers for the invaluable support they give in raising the aspirations of young people in the North East of England.” Young people wanting to take part in the Exchange Factor should register in advance online at www.rywu.org.uk/exchange-factor/ or call Leon Mexter, Regional Youth Work Unit North East on 0191 440 4410.
Youngsters go green for holidays
28th July 10 3:32pm
While many people are jetting off for summer breaks abroad, a group of Chester-le-Street youngsters are about to start their school holidays by clearing up their local community. The volunteers, from the Brockwell Centre at Pelton Fell, are all taking part in a programme of summer environmental activities organised by Durham County Council’s civic pride officers. The young green teams will kick off with a DVD showing – but, far from the latest movie release, they’ll be watching the environmental film ‘open your eyes,’ followed by a quiz and then a litter pick in woods close to Henley Avenue. Civic pride officer Helen Douglas believes the summer programme with a difference, will be very popular:” I am constantly amazed by the enthusiasm of the young people throughout County Durham, in keeping their communities tidy. “I know many young people care passionately about where they live and really enjoy these opportunities to make a difference. “The programme gives them the chance to learn new skills and help improve the appearance of their local community, creating a cleaner and greener county for everyone.” The first activity will take place tomorrow, Thursday, 29 July, 10.00am – 12noon at the Brockwell Centre, Craghead Road in Pelton Fell. The following activities have also been organised for young people at the youth club during August: - Thursday, 5 August – Environmental craft sessions Thursday, 12 August – Gardening activity Thursday, 19 August – Trip to Seaham for beach clean-up with coastal rangers Durham County Council Civic Pride Officers will be leading the sessions with support from neighbourhood wardens, youth workers and young people from the area. The activity programme is part of the ’14 for 14’ scheme run by the council, which promotes environmental activities across the 14 Area Action Partnerships set up by the authority on April 1 2009, to protect grassroots democracy. Anyone interested in taking part in the activity should contact Carl Brough, Youth Coordinator on 0191 389 3399 to register.
Small grants fund boosts local groups
28th July 10 3:02pm
Twenty local groups ranging from football clubs to village halls in the Newton Aycliffe area have been boosted by a small grants fund. The Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership (GAMP) small grants fund has been so successful that it is hoped it can be continued. “This unique fund has helped a wide range of groups, including Acle Scouts to help young people achieve their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, The Friends of Senior Citizens who received New Age Curling equipment and Newton Aycliffe FC Under 18s who provided coaching qualifications for players,” said Brian Riley, for GAMP.. “The fund has focused on trying to help a wide range of groups and has attracted over £50,000 in matched funding from a number of sources, including Durham County Council’s Sports Development Fund and the national charity Street Games. “The success of the fund means it is now exhausted but we hope to run this successful scheme again for 2010-2011,” he said. Angela Crick, of the charity Cloud Nine, which received funding for a food bank, said: “The funding from GAMP has helped us to plan ahead to help families in Newton Aycliffe who have hit hard times through redundancy, illness or family breakdown. The food bank will supply the most needy people with essentials in a crisis.” GAMP is one of 14 Area Action Partnerships set up by Durham County Council.
Neighbourhood 'knight' saves day for driver
28th July 10 2:26pm
Neighbourhood warden Jason Collins became a knight of the road when he saw a man struggling to change a flat tyre. Jason, who is Durham County Council’s neighbourhood warden for the Stanley area, was on his beat patrolling in Catchgate when he came across Peter McKenna trying to retrieve something from the boot of his car. “I noticed his distress and that his tyre was flat so I went over to see if I could help,” said Jason. “Mr McKenna was thrilled as he had just had a knee operation,” he said. Jason changed the tyre and thought no more of his good deed until Mr McKenna called into the office to say thank you and then went to the trouble of sending a letter. “I was clearly unable to do anything myself to rectify the problem,” said Mr McKenna. “Whilst wondering what best action to take, up popped Mr Collins who changed the tyre with such courtesy and efficiency that I couldn’t believe it. “In this day and age, to receive such service was unbelievable,” he said. Belinda Snow, the county council’s neighbourhood warden co-ordinator said: “We introduced a new neighbourhood warden service in the north of the county which aims to improve the quality of life by providing a uniformed presence in residential areas. “They are the ‘eyes and ears’ of your community and are here to help whenever they can,” she said.
