FLOODING / WEATHER UPDATE

Below is update from Council at 6pm. So far no problems in Witton Gilbert. Works in Brasside seem to be stopping further problems, but rain predicted all evening, call 01913706000 during normal office hours if you have problems with highways related issues. Outside of this and ONLY in an emergency call 0845 850 5010.

Council update:

Forecast
Heavy rain at times this afternoon, perhaps falling as sleet at first across the highest ground in the west. Further heavy rain this evening and overnight – a risk of local flooding. The rain should start to ease later in the night, with just some light rain and drizzle remaining tomorrow morning.

Customer Services Update
Customer Services have arranged to have staff relocated to the Chilton Call Centre to take calls this evening until 10pm.

Highways Update
The emergency Highways Inspectors have been receiving calls from 8am and throughout the day. Highway Services staff are dealing with Continue reading →

Huge Response to Greenbelt Petition sees 1671 signatures

We received a huge response to our petition against the building of thousands of homes on Durham’s greenbelt. Big thanks must go to residents who helped with this. 1671 local residents have signed it.

The council must listen to people’s views and recognise that their plans to build on 370 acres of open countryside are crazy. Large parts of the land they want to build on around the outskirts of Newton Hall, Brasside, Framwellgate Moor and Pity Me was under water over the summer and autumn. This land acts not just as a barrier to stop over development of Durham City, it also acts as a sponge to soak up heavy rainfall. The more countryside we build on the more risks of flooding both in the areas where the new housing is, and farther afield. Furthermore much of this land is productive farmland, has recreational and aesthetic value and is of value to wildlife. Continue reading →

Council dumping recyclable materials into landfill – Policy stinks according to opposition councillors.

 Labour-run Durham County Council has admitted this week that the amount of waste going to landfill has risen from 33.6% to 40.2% as a result of sending more recyclable material to Coxhoe Landfill site. The site is earmarked for closure in the next twelve months.

 All materials put into household recycling bins are being recycled according to the council. However general household waste, is not being sorted and this has not been happening for months. This was the usual practice before and resulted in additional waste being recycled.

This means many thousands of tonnes of waste that would have otherwise been recycled is going into Coxhoe landfill just so that the site can be filled up more quickly. Continue reading →

Walkabout in Framwellgate Moor keeping on top of Anti-Social behaviour

Police, housing officers, neighbourhood wardens and the local County Councillor carried out a walkabout in part of Framwellgate Moor today. Residents concerns about localised anti-social behaviour incidents around Newton Drive and adjoining streets were being addressed along with other local issues.
Councillor Mark Wilkes who attended the event, organised by Durham Police commented “We have seen a huge fall in anti-social behaviour incidents across the wider area of more than 50% in the last year or so, but to make sure that this stays the case the police recommended some more visible action to deal with specific issues. I am pleased to say that action on rowdy behaviour in particular, but also littering, untidy properties and overflowing bins is being dealt with. Today’s walkabout will have reassured local residents.

Councillor Secures Commitment to address flooding (Witton Gilbert & Brasside issues)

PRESS RELEASE:

Durham County Councillor Mark Wilkes has secured commitment from the Council that they will address the major flooding which occurred in Witton Gilbert during the summer.

The council is applying to the Environment Agency for funding for major works which could cost upto £500,000. The Lib Dem councillor commented “The flooding in Witton Gilbert has been some of the worst seen anywhere in the County, which is why along with places such as Lanchester and Chester-le-Street, the Council has agreed to my requests that this be one of their highest priorities.”

Work in the village to improve culverts, drains and ditches is to start in the coming weeks including near the White Tun public house which was devastated by the flooding in the summer. Continue reading →