Winter Maintenance Update

This link gives details of any effects on services the weather is causing: http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/Service.aspx?ServiceId=7032

Service Requests

In order to ensure that service requests can be co-ordinated and properly prioritised it is preferable that any of the main advertised telephone numbers are used:
· if the call is about highways issues, HAL (Highways Action Line) on 0191 370 6000 or HAL@Durham.gov.uk is preferred
· if the call is about care issues, call Social Care Direct on 08458 505010
· for all other enquiries please call the main switchboard on 0300 123 7070, or use the Councils website.

IMPORTANT SURVEY ON RECYCLING AND WASTE COLLECTION

The council is carrying out a survey on waste collections and recycling.

The main element of this is I believe the consideration of a move to fortnightly bin collections across the whole county. At present Derwentside has fortnightly collections.

Since the Lib Dems in Durham City introduced improved recycling a few years ago there has been a big increase in recycling levels, however recycling is still much lower than in many other parts of the country.

A move to fortnightly collections would save about £1m on operations and as much as £3m on reduced landfill from increased recycling. Many residents are saying to me that their general waste bins are less than half full and they want an easier way to recycle.

However others are concerned about collections in the winter and the problems of hygiene in the summer. Note that the council is also considering food waste collections.

The survey gives you the chance to comment on this and other issues and only lasts 5 minutes. (if you’re quick)

I have also added a survey on the blog about the specific issue of fortnightly collections.

Link to survey:

http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/Service.aspx?ServiceId=7950

Estate roads getting tackled

The council has finally started to clear snow from some estate roads in our area after five days of my requests going on deaf ears. As far as I know, Brookside, Bishops Way, Woodbine Rd, Mere Drive, Flambard Rd and The Orchard have been cleared after my requests. If there are still areas which are impassable please let me know.

Mark

SNOW PROBLEMS

I have been inundated with residents raising issues about problems caused by the current weather conditions.

There are some priority areas where I am not happy with the response, particularly around aged residents homes, the shopping area carparks and care home accesses in Framwellgate Moor, the main road through Witton Gilbet to name a few. Equally I do feel there are some areas of the County being treated better than others.

That said, hundreds of council workers, contractors, farmers etc are out working round the clock to  keep main routes open and I am sure that after a week of continuous snow shows this is starting to take its toll on the workforce – as well as residents.  Please check your neighbours to make sure that they are OK.

Any complaints, comments or requests you send through  to me I am passing on to the relevant officers and chasing up issues.The lastest update from the council to councillors is on my blog under Winter maintainance.

URGENT – CHECK YOUR NEIGHBOURS

I have had a number of residents contacting me about difficulties in getting out in the current snowy conditions, particularly elderly residents and those who have disabilities or are ill. I have asked the council to provide me with details of what it is doing to assist the most vulnerable but clearly we need everyone in our communities to check if neighbours are OK and to help out where we all can.

If you know of anyone who you are concerned about or if you need specific assistance please let me know. Given that a great number of the people likely to have the biggest problems do not have access to the internet, I would ask all residents to check their neighbours are OK.

CONSULTATION EVENTS CANCELLED

The Council has had to cancel the consultation events planned at Framwellgate Moor Community Centre today. The Council have guaranteed that they will rearrange the event in the new year.

With regards to the Bus Gate and Dryburn Bus Lane issues, if any residents have specific concerns which they have not already raised with officers or wish to speak abut please do get in touch.

Email me if you want to be kept updated.

BIN COLLECTIONS – UPDATE

Due to the bad weather the Council is struggling to get around everywhere.

Bins should be put out on the normal day. If not collected by the evening, then they will only be collected the following week on your usual day. Please take them back in off the road if not collected.

If you have additional rubbish the following week this can be put in bags next to your bin and will be taken.

BEGINNERS COMPUTER COURSES IN FRAMWELLGATE MOOR COMMUNITY CENTRE

Framwellgate Moor Community Centre, working with County Hall has organised a beginners computer course to start on 25th January next year.

There are still some places left, so pop into the community centre if you are interested.

The community centre has now agreed to switch to infinity broadband which uses fibreoptic and is 10 times faster, so computer classes should be great, especially when using the internet, and this will also help other groups using the centre.

There are still times available for room hire if anyone has a group or is interested in setting up a group.

CAR CRIME – KEEP AN EYE OUT

There have been a number of thefts from motor vehicles in the Pity Me area in the last week or so.

Please check to make sure that you have locked your car.

The next Police and Communities (PACT) meeting for the Framwellgate Moor and Pity Me area is on December 9th from 6.30-7.30pm at Framwellgate Moor Community Centre. The police, community wardens and local councillors usually attend. All members of the public are asked to come along even if you don’t have a particular issue.

HELP IMPROVE PITY ME CARRS – WED DECEMBER 1ST

The nature reserve at The Carrs in Pity Me is an excellent local facility for walking in the heart of Pity Me and Framwellgate Moor, and provides habitats for wildlife and flora, including great crested newts.

I have arranged with the Council for a clearing day where we will clear out gorse and willow which is drying out the wetland areas of the reserve.

This will be on Wed 1st December starting at around 9.15am and running through to 3pm, though you can come along any time you like.

You will need wellies or good boots and warm outdoor clothing including waterproofs if the weather is poor, gloves also useful.

The site is currently benefiting from improvements thanks to new reed beds as part of the development on the old County Council Depot site, and by reducing some of the invasive plants and introducing plants such as heather we will be able to keep the site in excellent condition and ensure that the wetlands areas are protected.

There are plenty of wildlife species to view on the ponds and around the site, and the day will give you an opportunity to talk to other volunteers and Council ecology officers.

For more information please get in touch. We will be meeting at the bottom of Bishops Way at 9.15am, and can be found around the site after this, just come along and join in!

This is the information for volunteers from the Council:

INFORMATION FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS
(WORK PARTIES)

Important: Please ensure that you bring the following items with you to all work parties:

• A packed lunch and refreshments
• Warm clothing which you don’t mind getting dirty
• A waterproof jacket / overtrousers (if you have them)
• Strong outdoor footwear, preferably boots or wellies (steel toe-capped footwear if possible)

On the day:
• Volunteers should arrive on site and be ready to start work at 9.45am. Most volunteers start to arrive from 9.15am onwards.
• On your arrival please ensure that you speak to a member of staff to inform them that you are a new volunteer and it is your first time attending a work party. You will then be introduced to other staff and volunteers.
• At the start of the work party you will be given a brief introduction to the site and the job you will be undertaking that day.
• A tool / health & safety talk will also be given. After listening to, and understanding the talk, you will be asked to sign a register to show this.
• You will then start work under the guidance of experienced volunteers.
• We usually break for lunch at around 12pm, taking approximately 30 minutes. However, if you fancy a cup of tea at any time you are welcome to take a break – everyone is encouraged to work at their own pace.
• Work parties usually finish by 3pm, although they can finish slightly earlier or later depending on the task.
• All training is given ‘on the job’ and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is provided when necessary e.g. hardhats, gloves, ear-defenders etc.

Work parties provide an opportunity to meet new people, have an enjoyable time and to do something constructive for the countryside of County Durham. Please come along and join us soon.