The results of the residents survey for the parish plan for Witton Gilbert are being reported to residents at a meeting at Cooper Hall on Thursday 17th Feb, starting at 6.30pm. All residents welcome to attend.

The parish plan is being developed through a residents group, and is funded through the Parish Council.

I have created an exclusive page on the left using the link COUNTY PLAN where I will place updates on the County Durham Plan as we go forward.

The consultation on the County Durham Plan which was cancelled before Christmas to go ahead on the 22nd February at Framwellgate Moor Community Centre. There will be presentations at 2pm, 4pm and 6pm with a separate room displaying the proposals. (Newly resurfaced carpark at rear, but please come by public transport, car share or walk if possible)

Since December new documents have been released showing the two large greenbelt sites around Framwellgate Moor, Pity Me and Brasside as being of the highest potential priority for housing should the plans go ahead. If the whole area was developed it could result in 4000 new houses on land near the Arnison Centre and on the other side of the Pity Me bypass.

The new consultation I have asked for should just be the start – and I have made this clear to the County Council – potential changes on this kind of scale must be fully debated. The loss of so much greenbelt around Durham City would be very controversial – and far too often existing local residents do not see any benefit from these kind of proposals. This must not happen on this occasion.”

The overall County Durham Plan Proposals include a northern relief road from Brasside to the A1 and the redevelopment of Aykley Heads.

The latest document released relates specifically to Housing. The following links will take you to the various documents. If any of these links don’t work, please let me know. If you require a paper copy of the housing document let me know before the 22nd February and I will try to get a copy to you.

To view the housing document please visit:

http://durhamcc-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal/planning/cdp_ce/gb_sa

To view other documents relating to the County Durham Plan on the County website:

http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/Service.aspx?ServiceId=856

To view other consultations by Durham County Council visit:

http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/Service.aspx?ServiceId=867

If you still have problems please feel free to get in touch.

Just a quick note to wish everyone all the best for the New Year.

I will be relaunching my blog in a few weeks.

Mark

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.