As you know, I regard it as my councillor’s duty to keep you up to date with developments in the Council and community … so here is this week’s update. As always – if you want to find out more about any of the following – please go to my blog at: bit.ly/CNB148
(1) DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL
With most of the Council’s announcements paused during the election, January’s DCC Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 15 January was a long meeting full of major initiatives. If I had to choose five of the 11 items discussed, I would highlight:
• The Selective Licensing Scheme (To meet government criteria, the Council is not proposing to cover the whole county, but will put in appropriate measures for areas not covered)
• Leisure Transformation (The Council is reviewing its leisure offer, including spending £53 million on rebuilding three Leisure Centres and improvements to other centres)
• Roadworks Permit Scheme (At last!! Companies digging up the road will have to apply for a permit, and pay per day … with penalties if they overrun)
• WASPI concessionary bus passes (to help 3,000 women who lost out as a result of the government’s changes to women’s pensions)
• Allotments policy (An attempt to reorganise and improve the Council’s allotment sites, including a ban on large animals such as horses, llamas and ostriches)
The County Council also held a walking and cycling workshop in the town last week; the Council is extending its cycling and walking offer, is starting in Newton Aycliffe, and wanted to hear residents’ suggestions (there is still time to comment, via my blog).
(2) GREAT AYCLIFFE TOWN COUNCIL
The Town Council’s Environment and Recreation Committees also met on Wednesday 15th – the main issues discussed were Ash dieback, the need for a path to Aycliffe Village play area, the Golf Course … and the Oakleaf Complex ‘Specials’!
(3) CONSULTATIONS
There are three important consultations to complete this week – on local pharmacy services; the Fire and Rescue Service Plan proposals; and the proposed new Durham City bus station (which includes stained glass-effect solar PV, a green roof, and provision for electric buses).
(4) GOOD NEWS
Finally, there is lots of good news for the Aycliffe Business Park (including Crafter’s Companion, Excelpoint, and The Fish Tank) … and Newton Aycliffe Ambulance Station is applying for planning permission to install a 14kW air source heat pump.
