The Past Chairman, Cllr Mrs Cecilia Wharton, would like to thank everyone who contributed to her chosen charity, Parkinsons UK. Cllr Wharton raised £3,168.81 during her year of office and presented the proceeds to Abby Robinson from Parkinsons in May.

Unfortunately Durham County Council’s Registered Trader Scheme for County Durham businesses and residents has come to an end.

The RTS was launched in 2005 to combat doorstep crime by providing consumers with a list of traders that have been subject to a vetting process and have signed up to a commitment to trade fairly.

Since the launch, the Fair Trading Team has managed disputes between the trader and consumer, including providing advice to both parties on their civil law rights and obligations in the event that legal proceedings are initiated by either party. As from 31 May the council no longer provides this service.

However the Council is continuing to investigate criminal allegations where it is suspected the trader has broken the law.

Businesses and consumers can join alternative schemes such as TrustMark (A Government backed umbrella scheme with 30 approved operator schemes). Further information can be found on the TrustMark website.

Any queries on these changes should be directed to the Fair Trading Team by emailing tradingstandards@durham.gov.uk.

Bearpark & Esh Colliery Band attended the National Finals in Cheltenham on Saturday 19th September 2015 and, out of 19 bands in the 4th section, came a very credible third place. The band were awarded the Denis Wick Trophy, thereby keeping their promise to everyone to bring some silverware back to the North East and our local villages. The Secretary of the band, Marion Waterworth, said:

“I would like to thank all of you (personally and as organisations) for helping the band to achieve this goal and placing a Co. Durham brass band firmly on the map. We could not have done it without you and your assistance was, and continues to be, very much appreciated. On Sunday 20th Houghton Brass won first place in the 3rd section. So between us we have done the North East proud.”

The Council would like to congratulate the band on achieving this well deserved recognition.

Over the past two years the Mid Durham AAP has delivered three of its four forum events in a unique way compared to the other AAPs within County Durham.

The Board took a bold, but calculated decision, to deliver in partnership with the Mid Durham Parish Councils a number of village based, ‘surgery style’ drop ins. Feedback from 938 residents over the two years saw the creation of 16 village action plans which were drawn up and jointly owned by the AAP, County Councillors, Parish Councils and village residents.

This year representatives from the AAP staff team, the AAP Board and the Parish Council attended meetings of existing groups and committees across the Mid Durham area to highlight and discuss the following areas:

• Update on the progress of the village action plans
• Identify any other village underlying issues
• See whether the group need any further support
• Promote the work of the AAP and its partners
• See how the group can help the AAP to deliver its key priorities, especially concerning support for older and unemployed residents.

For an up to date copy of your village action plan please see below:

• Brandon Action Plan 2013-16
• Browney, Meadowfield and Langley Moor 2013-16
• Esh Winning Action Plan 2013-16
• New Brancepeth Action Plan 2013-16
• Ushaw Moor and Broompark Action Plan 2013-16
• Waterhouses Action Plan 2013-16

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The Parish Council has organised the Schools Art Competition since 1989. The Competition is open to all primary schools within the parish and is divided into the following categories:

• Nursery
• Primary
• Years 1 and 2
• Years 3 and 4
• Years 5 and 6

with 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes of £15, £10 and £5 book tokens being awarded in each category. Ten schools entered the competition this year and the local ward members judged the paintings within the schools.

The Chairman of Durham County Council, Councillor Jan Blakey and her husband, Alan judged the overall 1st prize winners in the council offices on 7th July 2015. The Chairman of the Parish Council presented trophies to the following overall winners(listed below) at the Parish Council meeting on 17th July:

• Luke Rowntree – Esh Winning Nursery
• Kara John – Browney Academy
• Digby Younger Newhouse – St.Mary’s, Esh Winning
• Lily McMillan – New Brancepeth Prmary
• Leah Vaudin – Silver Trees Primary

A new attraction for the High Street in Langley Moor has been officially opened by a local schoolgirl after the community came together to make improvements. Bethany Arthurs, 3, of Langley Moor Nursery School cut the ribbon to officially open the Boyne Place outdoor community area.

The project was progressed by the Friends of Langley Moor (FOLM) community group who worked closely with local county councillors, Paul Taylor and John Turnbull, Pam Sinclair from Mid Durham AAP ,the Parish Council and Durham County Council. Julie Anson, Durham County Council’s Community Economic Development team leader, assisted the group with the design of the site. Funding of £57,583 was secured from Section 106 funds, which are financial contributions to the local community made by developers, agreed as part of the planning process.

The outdoor area’s new features, installed by the county council, include new seating, paving, planters and a noticeboard promoting local businesses and events. The land was previously an unloved and rarely used walkway between the Front Street retail area and a supermarket car park.

Danny Bone, chair of the FOLM, said:

“We’re delighted with the new area, it’s been totally transformed. We hope that it encourages residents and visitors alike to come and enjoy it and take the opportunity to visit our local shops and businesses.”

Nepacs is a charity which works across the North East to support families, including children, of prisoners. The Charity is currently seeking volunteers to join their team of over 200 volunteers with opportunities available at Durham Crown Court and at the prisoner visitor centres at Durham City, Frankland and Low Newton.

If you are interested please contact Nepacs on 0191 3323810 or email volunteering@nepacs.co.uk. For more information please see press release below:

NEPACS Seeking Volunteers

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