Guide to Council Services 2016 - South and West edition

Your

Guide to Council Services

South and West Durham

2016

Welcome

to the 2016 edition of your local Guide to Services in County Durham.

This handy guide tells you all about our services and who to contact.

We provide many more services than most people realise and you never know when you’ll need them.

We’ve produced three different versions of Your Local Guide to Services, North; Central and East; South and West. To see the other versions, visit www.durham.gov.uk/aboutus If you have any questions or comments about this guide, please email durhamcountynews@durham.gov.uk or call 03000 268 059.

Calling our 03000 numbers Calls to 03000 numbers cost no more than calling a local 01 number and must be included in inclusive minutes and discount schemes. Calls from landlines are typically charged up to 10p per minute; calls from mobiles typically cost 10p to 40p per minute. Calls from landlines and mobiles are included in free call packages.

When you have finished with this magazine, please recycle it.

This guide costs 13p a copy. It is written and designed by Durham County Council, printed by Acorn Web Offset Ltd and distributed by The National Leaflet Company and Royal Mail.

Contents Area Action Partnerships in your area How to contact local councillors

4-7 8-11

Have your say

11

Advice and benefits

12

Social care and health for adults

13-17

Community and living

18-21

Children’s services

22-24

Education, schools and learning

25-27

Culture and sport

28-35

Housing

36

Planning and building control

37

Environment

38-42

Business

43-44

Travel and transport

45-47

Please ask us if you would like this document summarised in another language or format.

Braille

Audio

Large print

durhamcountynews@durham.gov.uk 03000 268 059

Contact us Online and on the move Visit our website: www.durham.gov.uk Sign up to Twitter and Facebook We’ll send you information on: l School closures l Events l Council news l Weather warnings l Service disruptions and closures l Job vacancies Twitter: @DurhamCouncil Facebook: /durhamcouncil linkedin.com/company/ durham-county-council YouTube: DurhamCouncil

By email help@durham.gov.uk By phone Customer service enquiries

l

(24 hour emergency options available)

03000 26 0000 l l l

Benefits 03000 26 2000 Council tax 03000 26 4000 Streetscene, highways and street lighting (including rubbish and recycling and local environmental issues)

In person Visit your local customer access point: l Barnard Castle Find us at the rear of The Witham (entrance from Morrison’s car park) Open Mon to Wed 10am to 5pm and Fri 10am to 4.30pm. Closed Thurs. l

Crook (Civic Centre) Open Mon to Thurs

8.30am to 5pm and Fri 8.30am to 4.30pm. l Spennymoor (Green Lane) Open Mon to Thurs 8.30am to 5pm and Fri 8.30am to 4.30pm.

For queries about council tax and housing benefit please make an appointment, call 03000 26 0000.

You can also make an appointment for council tax and housing benefit enquiries at: Newton Aycliffe Newton Aycliffe Library Tuesdays 10am-3pm

Bishop Auckland Bishop Auckland Library, Town Hall - Thursdays 10am-5pm, Fridays 10.00am-4.30pm

03000 26 1000 l l

24/7 payment line 0300 456 2771 Social Care Direct/First Contact 03000 26 79 79 (your first point of contact if you are concerned about a child or young person, or need social care help and support)

Tell us what you think of our services: To make a suggestion or to thank us: www.durham.gov.uk/compliments If we get it wrong: www.durham.gov.uk/complaints or ring: 03000 269 007

Call 03000 26 0000 to make an appointment.

3

Area Action Partnerships in your area What’s an Area Action Partnership?

We have 14 Area Action Partnerships (AAPs) throughout County Durham and they all have a budget to spend on local projects decided by local people.

On the board Each AAP has a board made up of local people, elected members from the county, town and parish councils, NHS, police and fire brigade, community and voluntary groups.

How can I get involved?

You can get involved with your local AAP by becoming a member of the forum.

Each year, AAP forum members decide on the local priorities for the area – the big issues they want to tackle. The AAPs then use their budgets to support projects working in these key areas.

Local priorities vary, but can include helping people into employment and improving their job prospects; town centre regeneration; supporting voluntary and community projects; community safety; and, providing opportunities for children and young people.

4

Wendy Minhinnett has been on the board of Spennymoor AAP for over four years.

Why did you want to get involved?

I live and work in the Spennymoor community and I attended the launch event of Spennymoor AAP just to see what it was all about. On that very first night community members chose the name of the partnership and voted on local priorities. It was evident AAPs were about putting the people and the needs of the community at the heart of their work and I loved that.

What difference do you think the AAP has made?

AAPs are involved in so many different levels and aspects of community life. Their work is driven by the community’s needs, so people see direct change and tangible results. Projects can be creative, flexible and trial new ways of working, then best practice can be shared across the county.

What would you say to people who are thinking of getting involved?

Go for it - it’s a really rewarding experience. I have seen and heard from many local people about the difference AAP projects are making to their lives and that is a great thing to be part of!

Teesdale AAP (also known as TAP) Achievements:

• • •

Helped to create two new ‘sports’ apprenticeships giving local young people a chance to get on the jobs ladder in their own communities.

Supporting local business to grow through the funding of development work at Middleton Hub and business support sessions at Enterprise House, Barnard Castle.

Ensured local voices are heard and that local people have been able to engage in consultations carried out by the council and its partners.

Email: tap@durham.gov.uk Tel: 03000 260 817 Get in touch to sign up to our regular e-bulletins.

Follow us on Facebook.

Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership Achievements:

•

• •

The Employability & Discretionary Fund, which helps people overcome the obstacles to getting into work, has helped 149 people into employment, 15 into volunteering and 300 into training.

The Step into Business Scheme has helped create 39 new business startups, all of which are still trading.

We have supported 38 local groups with small grant funding.

Email: gampaap@durham.gov.uk Tel: 01325 327 441 Call us to sign up for our regular e-bulletins and follow us on Facebook.

Area Action Partnership

Mid Durham AAP Achievements:

• • •

Our small business support project with CDC Enterprise has helped sustain 91 businesses, safeguard 21 jobs and created a further 39 new jobs.

Supported Hamsteels Community Centre to secure £483,348 from the Big Lottery Fund Reaching Communities to rebuild their centre.

Supported the Manage £ Better scheme which has visited 5,280 homes across County Durham and saved older residents £534,808 in home efficiency bills.

Email: middurhamaap@durham.gov.uk Tel: 07818 510 370, 07814 969 392 and 07557 541 413 For newsletter and e-bulletins, go to www.durham.gov.uk/mdaap You can follow us on Facebook.

Weardale AAP Achievements:

• • • •

Together with the young farmers of Weardale, we have designed a training programme to support farming communities.

The popular small grants scheme has seen over 20 groups benefit, ranging from football tournaments to a creative writing group that has produced podcasts.

Developing mini credit unions with local groups and schools, where cash is protected by the FSA, to set up savings clubs and so families can obtain loans at reasonable rates.

Two further young people from Weardale will get the chance of an apprenticeship with the council’s Culture and Sport team.

Email: weardaleaap@durham.gov.uk Tel: 03000 268 666 Mobile: 07753 779 975 5

Area Action Partnerships

in your area

Bishop Auckland and Shildon AAP Achievements:

•

Reaching out to communities though engagement events such as Big Brass BASH, Healthy Family Fun Day, Velo 29, and Parklife.

• Supporting young carers across the area working with Bridge Young Carers. First AAP to strive for the Young Carers Charter which is a nationally recognised mark of excellence for services supporting East Durham young carers.

Achievements: • Working with local organisations and • 10 Community Job Clubs have been established food banks to help support vulnerable across East Durham where volunteers help with families and prevent crisis situations.

CV writing, online applications, interview Email: techniques and access to employers. 25 people found employment in the first six months and bishopshildonaap@durham.gov.uk 20 volunteers have been recruited.

Tel: 03000 268 663 • Worked with community organisations to deliver Follow us on Facebook. an exciting school holiday programme for over Get in touch to sign up to our regular 1,500 children and provide them with over 3,000 e-bulletins. healthy meals, a big help to lower income families over the holidays.

• Funded three Lumiere projects.

‘The Wave’ was made with the help of over 150 volunteers, who spent sunny days searching for sea glass on the East Coast

East Durham Rural Corridor

Email: eastdurhamaap@durham.gov.uk Tel: 03000 262 054 Follow us on Facebook.

Achievements:

• • •

Successful apprenticeship project resulting in 16 young people being trained and offered full time employment.

A fantastic response from groups wanting to fund ‘Older people and health and wellbeing projects’ and worked with the AAP Youth Forum to start planning which new activities children and young people would like to see in the area.

Held a funding session with County Durham Community Foundation in a bid to increase the amount of external funding raised.

Email: eastdurhamruralaap@durham.gov.uk Tel: 03000 261 129 www.durham.gov.uk/eastdurhamruralaap Call us to sign up for our regular e-bulletins and follow us on Facebook.

6

Area Action Partnership

Spennymoor AAP Achievements:

• •

• •

27 people supported into employment with 32 people trained and receiving qualifications via the ‘Destination Employment’ scheme.

178 children took part in schemes to improve their health; 62 families were given access to free health checks with 32 of these families being signposted for welfare reform assistance via our ‘Healthy Starts’ scheme.

Up to 1,000 local residents attended the November 2015 Participatory Budgeting event and voted for 15 community based projects to receive funding.

Spennymoor AAP received Investors in Children Status.

Email: spennyaap@durham.gov.uk Tel: 03000 261 136 Sign up to our Forum for all the latest news, follow us on Facebook, check out www.gospenny.com 3 Towns Partnership Covers Crook, Willington, Tow Law and surrounding villages.

4 Together Partnership Covers Ferryhill, Chilton, Cornforth and Bishop Middleham.

Achievements:

• •

•

Held a successful event where local people decided which groups should benefit from a small grant. 10 local groups received funding.

Supported 27 local projects. 14 from the AAP’s Area Budget, 20 from the Councillors’ Neighbourhood Budget and three from the following funds; Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield Clinical Commissioning Group, Public Health and Welfare Reform.

These have been linked to the three priorities of employment, older people and children and young people.

Delivered local training sessions to help groups understand the AAP’s funding processes and be more confident when applying for funds.

Email: fouraap@durham.gov.uk Tel: 03000 267 210 Call us to sign up for our regular e-bulletins.

Facebook search ‘4 Together Partnership’

Achievements:

• • •

Parklife has seen 240 individuals take part in sporting activities in Glenholme Park over this year, with a further 96 people involved in after-school family sessions at four local schools.

143 residents from 3 Towns received 1-to-1 mentoring support through the employability project, with 50 residents finding work and 32 taking up training or volunteering opportunities over the last year.

Over 600 local residents voted and commented on their AAP 2016/17 priorities, including 372 young people.

Email: threetownsaap@durham.gov.uk Tel: 03000 267 539 Follow us on Facebook. Call us to sign up for our regular e-bulletins.

To find out about our other AAPs in County Durham, visit www.durham.gov.uk/aaps or if you have a question to ask, email aap@durham.gov.uk 7

How to contact local councillors

Local councillors are elected by the community to decide how the council should carry out its various activities. They work to improve the quality of life for people within their area and make decisions about local issues. We have 126 county councillors in total. Find a full list at www.durham.gov.uk/councillorsinfo

and Aycliffe North and AycliffeAycliffe NorthNorth and Middridge

Aycliffe EastAnnfield Plain

Middridge

Jed Hillary Tel. 03000 268 723

Sarah Iveson Tel. 03000 268 730

John Clare Tel. 03000 268 696

Mike Dixon Tel. 03000 268 706

Joan Gray Tel. 03000 268 713

LABOUR

LABOUR

LABOUR

LABOUR

LABOUR

You can find other ways to contact your councillor and their surgery times at www.durham .gov.uk/ councillorsinfo

Burnopfield and Aycliffe West

Eddy Adam Tel. 03000 268 670

Kate Hopper Tel. 03000 268 727

George Richardson Tel. 03000 268 763

James Rowlandson Tel. 03000 268 766

LABOUR

LABOUR

CONSERVATIVE

CONSERVATIVE

West

Richard Bell Tel. 03000 268 683 01833 650 580 CONSERVATIVE

Barnard Barnard Castle East Castle East

Dipton

Barnard Castle Barnard Castle West

8

Middridge

Town

Bishop Middleham and Cornforth

Bishop AucklandBishop Town Auckland

Ted Henderson Tel. 03000 268 718

Joy Allen Tel. 03000 268 672

Sam Zair Tel. 03000 268 795

Mick Simpson Tel. 03000 268 772

CONSERVATIVE

LABOUR

DURHAM IND GROUP

LABOUR

Blackhalls Blackhalls

Chilton

Coundon

Becoming a councillor is a great way to represent and make positive changes to your local community.

Find out more at www.durham .gov.uk/ councillorsinfo

Rob Crute Tel. 03000 268 702

Lynn Pounder Tel. 03000 268 762

Christine Potts Tel. 03000 268 761

Charlie Kay Tel. 03000 268 733

LABOUR

LABOUR

LABOUR

LABOUR

Crook

Crook

Andrea Patterson Tel. 03000 268 751

Maureen Stanton Tel. 03000 268 752

Eddie Tomlinson Tel. 03000 268 784

Heather Smith Tel. 03000 268 695

Andy Turner Tel. 01388 606 021

LABOUR

LABOUR

LABOUR

LABOUR

LABOUR

Ferryhill

Ferryhill

Brian Avery Tel. 03000 268 677

Pauline Crathorne Tel. 03000 268 701

John Lindsay Tel. 03000 268 746

INDEPENDENT

LABOUR

LABOUR

Sedgefield Sedgefield

Evenwood Evenwood

Information about Cabinet The Cabinet is made up of the Leader of the Council and nine other councillors, each with their own portfolio.

Cabinet discusses and makes decisions about our policies and strategies, as well as countywide decisions. Cabinet reports and key decisions can be read at www.durham.gov.uk/councillorsinfo and ShildonShildon and Dene Valley Dene Valley

Shildon and Dene Valley

Rachel Lumsdon Tel. 03000 268 739

John Robinson Tel. 03000 268 764

Henry Nicholson Tel. 03000 268 756

Trish Pemberton Tel. 03000 268 759

Brian Stephens Tel. 03000 268 775

LABOUR

LABOUR

LABOUR

LABOUR

LABOUR

9

How to contact

local councillors

Spennymoor

Spennymoor

Tow Law

Ian Geldard Tel. 03000 268 710

Pat Lawton Tel. 03000 268 735

Kevin Thompson Tel. 03000 268 782

John Hart Tel. 03000 268 719

LABOUR

LABOUR

DURHAM IND GROUP

LABOUR

Trimdon and Trimdon and Thornley Thornley

Trimdon and Thornley

Peter Brookes Tel. 03000 268 689

Lucy Hovvels Tel. 03000 268 728

Morris Nicholls Tel. 03000 268 755

Neil Foster Tel. 03000 268 708

Barbara Graham Tel. 03000 268 712

LABOUR

LABOUR

LABOUR

LABOUR

LABOUR

Not sure of your ward? Check our map at www.durham .gov.uk/ councillorsinfo

Weardale

Anita Savory Tel. 03000 268 767 01388 527 594 DCC IND GROUP

Got a question about councillors?

Contact our Democratic Services on 03000 269 714.

10

Weardale

John Shuttleworth Tel. 01388 517 298 07714 324 442 DCC IND GROUP

Tudhoe

West Auckland West Auckland

Christine Wilson Tel. 03000 268 791

Rob Yorke Tel. 07739 636 155

LABOUR

LABOUR

Willington and Willington and Hunwick Hunwick

Tudhoe

Subscribe to receive email alerts when committee papers and minutes are published at www.durham .gov.uk

Woodhouse Close Woodhouse Close

Olwyn Gunn Tel. 03000 268 714

Fraser Tinsley Tel. 03000 268 691

June Lee Tel. 03000 268 736

LABOUR

LABOUR

LABOUR

John Lethbridge Tel. 03000 268 737 01388 604 689 LABOUR

What can my councillors do for me?

3 Advise or point you in the right direction if you are dissatisfied with a council service.

3 Talk to you at surgeries about problems or your ideas to improve your area.

3 Put forward proposals to improve their ward and campaign on local issues.

3 Support local partnerships and organisations.

3 Help fund projects that benefit your ward.

A whole host of council services are available 24/7 at

www.durham.gov.uk You can

Pay for it Apply for it Report it Have your say

Have YOUR say We want everyone who lives in, works or visits County Durham to help improve our services and influence the decisions we make. Here’s how: Area Action Partnerships (AAPs): You can become a member of your AAP forum and raise issues important to you and your community. Find out more on pages 4-7.

Consultations: We will consult and involve as many people as possible when reviewing and running services.

Visit our website for details of current consultations. www.durham.gov.uk/consultation Overview and Scrutiny: Our Overview and Scrutiny Committees work with organisations and individuals on a range of projects all aimed at improving our services.

Find out about the committees on our website or email your query. www.durham.gov.uk/scrutiny email scrutiny@durham.gov.uk Voting in elections: To vote in the Police and Crime Commissioner election, and the EU Membership Referendum (date to be announced) you need to be on the Register of Electors. You can check if you are registered by contacting electoral services.

If you are not registered, you can register online or request a registration form from us. www.gov.uk/register-to-vote www.durham.gov.uk/voting email electoralservices@durham.gov.uk 11

Advice and benefits Advice and assistance to point you in the right direction.

Welfare Rights advice The Welfare Rights Service can give you advice and information on benefits and tax credits. Including checking you’re getting the right amount and advise what might happen if your circumstances change.

We can often act on your behalf or represent you at an appeal tribunal hearing.

03000 268 968 9am-12noon email welfare.rights@durham.gov.uk

Claiming benefits from the council If you are on a low income, you may get help to pay your rent and council tax. You can apply online. www.durham.gov.uk/applyforit or contact us at 03000 26 2000.

Reporting housing benefit fraud

Council Tax Pay your council tax online, by direct debit or through our automated payment line 0300 456 2771. www.durham.gov.uk/counciltax 03000 26 4000

Immigration and asylum If you’re from another country and want legal residence in the UK, visit www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk If you are homeless and require advice, contact Housing Solutions 03000 268 000.

Citizens Advice Free and independent help to resolve legal, money and other problems or get advice on benefits and tax credits.

03444 111 444. Find your local bureau at www.citizensadvice.org.uk Find out about your consumer rights.

03454 04 05 06 www.adviceguide.org.uk

Advice in County Durham

Benefit fraud costs all taxpayers. If you suspect someone of fraud, report it anonymously. Online at www.gov.uk Call the National Benefit Hotline on 0800 854 440.

Visit www.adviceincountydurham.org.uk to find out where you can access local support and advice on a range of issues.

Reporting Council Tax fraud

Report loan sharks in confidence.

0300 555 2222, email reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk

Loan sharks

If you suspect council tax reduction fraud, single person discount fraud, or any If you are unable to pay for daily essentials such other fraud against the as food or heating and have no other immediate council, report it to us. financial assistance, the council’s Welfare Call 03000 266 745 Assistance Scheme may be able to help you.

Email Visit www.durham.gov.uk/welfareassistance corporatefraudteam@ for further information. 03000 267 900 durham.gov.uk 12

Social care and health for adults Locate - Care and support in County Durham

Locate (www.durhamlocate.org.uk) is a new website containing a wide range of care and support products and services to help people live as independently as possible.

It lists options to support people to live in their own home, voluntary services, support for carers, day care opportunities and residential care information.

In addition, the ‘Getting out and about’ section of the site lists clubs, sports and social activities to keep people active and involved in their local community.

Use Locate to: l Search for local groups and activities l Find the right care and support services to suit your needs l Contact organisations to make enquiries

Need help locating care and support?

This free online resource provides information to help you make plans now and in the future.

www.durhamlocate.org.uk

Social Care Direct If you can’t access Locate you can speak to Social Care Direct about adult social care help and support.

An out of hours EMERGENCY service is also available on the same telephone number.

03000 26 79 79

SMS text message 07786 027 280

Open Monday-Thursday 8.30am to 5pm and Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm.

email scd@durham.gov.uk www.durham.gov.uk/socialcaredirect 13

Social care and health for adults Help for people living in their own home Care Connect offers an alarm monitoring and response service 24-7, sending staff direct to your home in emergency situations. 03000 262 195 www.durham.gov.uk/careconnect

Equipment Advice Service Free advice and guidance about hundreds of products to help you live independently.

Appointments are available for the Independent Living House demonstration centre where you can try products before you commit to buying or hiring.

03000 265 667, email equipmentadvice@durham.gov.uk

Extra Care specially designed housing with on-site care and support to offer older and disabled people over 55 an alternative to moving into a care home.

03000 26 79 79

Home Care supports people with an illness, disability or frailty in their own home seven days a week, 52 weeks a year.

03000 26 79 79 Intermediate Care + A range of community-based services to support people with short term health needs where there has been a sudden decline in their health. Contact your GP or social care professional for details.

Reablement Service Helping adults relearn/regain some of the skills they’ve lost because of poor health, disability/impairment or accident to help maintain their independence.

03000 26 79 79 14

Telecare Sensors and equipment, such as fall detectors and bed sensors.

03000 26 79 79

Protecting vulnerable people Abuse and ill treatment (Safeguarding adults) Some adults are at more risk of abuse, ill treatment or neglect because of disability, age or frailty. This may be physical, verbal, sexual, psychological or financial. To report suspected abuse, contact 03000 26 79 79 www.safeguardingdurhamadults.info

Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards We protect people in hospitals and care homes who cannot make decisions about their care by ensuring the care they receive is appropriate and the least restrictive possible to meet their needs. 03000 26 79 79 email DOLSteam@durham.gov.uk

Extra help and support Day services for adults If you have a learning disability, physical disability or sensory impairment we can help you access a range of facilities within the community, some of which may be within a day centre.

03000 26 79 79

Durham Shared Lives This service offers adults with a learning disability short or long-term care in the home of a Shared Lives provider.

03000 265 198

Learning Disabilities Our service provides care and support to adults with learning disabilities.

03000 26 79 79 www.durham.gov.uk/ learningdisabilities

Physical Disabilities We offer a range of services to help you cope with physical disability, including rehabilitation.

03000 26 79 79

Sensory Impairment Support and advice relating to all kinds of sensory loss, including equipment to try, contacts for support groups, and help for people who want to return to work or start work.

03000 26 79 79 www.durham.gov.uk/ sensorysupportteam

Support for carers Support for carers A range of support services are provided for carers of all ages through local carer support organisations. Services include advice and emotional or practical support. There’s also a Carers Emergency Support Service.

If you are 18+ contact Durham County Carers Support 0300 005 1213 If you are under 18 contact Family Action “The Bridge” on 0191 383 2520 www.durham.gov.uk/carers

Adult carers can join the carers mailing list to receive our free carers magazine. 03000 261 381 www.durham.gov.uk/carers 15

Social care and health for adults Help in difficult times County Durham drug and alcohol recovery services Recovery centres in Bishop Auckland, Newton Aycliffe, Durham City, Seaham, Peterlee and Consett for any young person or adult with alcohol or other drug problems. www.durham.gov.uk/alcohol

HIV - support for adults Social Care Direct can provide information on how we can help you.

03000 26 79 79 www.durham.gov.uk/hivsupport

Macmillan cancer information and support centre Information and support for anyone affected by cancer. 0800 783 4056

Mental health Our Mental Health Community Intervention Teams provide health and social care for adults over 18 with severe or enduring mental health issues. If you feel you need this service, contact your GP.

Support and Recovery Works with people with mental health problems to help them lead the life they aspire to. 03000 26 79 79 email support.recovery@durham.gov.uk www.durham.gov.uk/mentalhealth 16

Contraception and sexual health Testing and treatment services for sexually transmitted infections, sexual health and contraception at your local hospital. Visit www.cddft.nhs.uk and search for ‘GUM’.

For contraceptive advice, pregnancy testing and infection testing in the local community, call the County Durham and Darlington Sexual Health Services Central Booking Line Mon-Fri 9am-5pm on 0191 372 8700.

Domestic abuse and outreach services Outreach and refuge services are available across the county to support victims of domestic abuse.

Harbour Support Services: 03000 20 25 25 email info@myharbour.org.uk www.durham.gov.uk/domesticabuse Gay Advice Darlington and Durham: 01325 355 551 Durham Women’s Refuge: 0191 386 5951 Harbour Support Service Refuge, Peterlee and East Durham: 0191 586 8890 Stone Meadow House, Derwentside: 01207 282 193 Wear Valley Women’s Aid Refuge: 01388 600 094

A healthier, more active YOU Wellbeing for life

H

Your wellbeing is about your happiness, your health, how involved you are in your community, the opportunities that are available to you, and the overall quality of your life.

Check4life Eat Eat well well

Are you aged 40-74?

Find out your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes or kidney disease with a check4life health check. Then get personalised advice to reduce the risks. helping you tto... o...

Move moree Move mor

Stop Stop smoking

Drink less less

The wellbeing for life service is here to help and support you to make the changes you want.

In your community you may want to: Be more physically active

Visit your GP or have a check4life health check in a community venue such as your local pharmacy or leisure centre where you see the check4life logo. 0191 569 2860

Change what you eat or drink or stop smoking Try something new Find out how you can volunteer or help others Find out how to get involved in your community For more information call 0800 876 6887 www.wellbeingforlife.net

for life

NHS Stop Smoking Service Quitting isn’t easy but we can help you. 0800 011 3405 Text GOSMOKEFREE and your postcode to 80800 for your first step to stopping smoking.

17

Community and living Safer communities We want to help create safer communities where residents feel they belong and can contribute to community life.

Anti-social behaviour If you are experiencing anti-social behaviour which is causing you or your family distress, you can report it by phone or online. 03000 26 1000 www.durham.gov.uk/asb For problems that require emergency assistance, call the police on 999.

Hate crime Targeting people because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or gender is a crime. Everyone has the right to live free from fear. Call 101 www.durham.gov.uk/hatecrime www.report-it.org.uk

Community safety This service works in partnership with police, fire, health and probation services to tackle crime, anti-social behaviour and re-oending.

03000 26 0000, email safer.communities@durham.gov.uk www.durham.gov.uk/communitysafety The Multi-Agency Intervention Service (MAIS) A range of agencies working together to change the behaviour of adults who commit crime or anti-social behaviour (ASB). The service also supports victims of persistent ASB or crime.

03000 266 880 email MAIS@durham.gov.uk www.durham.gov.uk/MAIS 18

Neighbourhood wardens Wardens patrol local areas to tackle environmental problems and reduce anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime. They can issue fixed penalty notices for crimes such as littering, dog fouling and graffiti.

03000 26 1000 www.durham.gov.uk/ neighbourhoodwardens

Neighbourhood Watch Join a neighbourhood watch scheme to help make the area you live in a safe, friendly, pleasant place. Call 101 www.durham.gov.uk/NHW

Event safety information for organisers If you are planning an event, please contact the County Durham Safety Advisory Group for advice, guidance and support to ensure that your event is a safe one. email safeevents@durham.gov.uk www.durham.gov.uk/eventsafety

Gypsy, Roma, Traveller Service We work with Gypsy, Roma, Traveller communities, the general public and key partners. We lead on the management of unauthorised encampments and provide support and advice when there are encampments on private land.

03000 26 1000 email grtservice@durham.gov.uk www.durham.gov.uk/travellers

Flooding We can provide sandbags for highways or your home when there are floods or severe weather warnings. www.durham.gov.uk/sandbags 03000 26 1000 (out-of-hours service available)

Emergencies Find out how you can help make your community more resilient to emergencies. County Durham and Darlington Civil Contingencies Unit.

03000 264 654 email ccuenquiries@durham.gov.uk

Food safety Eating out? Check out the food hygiene rating of local food premises online at www.durham.gov.uk/ foodhygienerating We carry out regular food safety and hygiene checks as well as investigate complaints of all food premises to ensure they are safe and clean to serve food. Contact us if you have any concerns about a business premise near you. 03000 26 1016 email ehcp@durham.gov.uk

Gypsy, Roma, Traveller site management We manage six permanent residential Gypsy, Roma, Traveller sites in County Durham. 03000 264 932 email grtsites@durham.gov.uk

Cold up North?

Not anymore.

You could be one of the 50,000 households in the North East to benefit from a warmer home and lower energy bills. Through Warm Up North and subject to a survey of your property you may benefit from a range of partially or fully funded energy efficiency measures.

Solutions available include:

l Replacement of a broken or

inefficient boiler *

l FREE cavity wall insulation * l FREE loft insulation *

l FREE central heating for low income

households with no central heating *

British Gas delivers the scheme on behalf of nine North East councils.

0800 294 8073 www.warmupnorth.com *eligibility criteria apply

19

Community and living Register offices and bereavement services Register offices To register births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships make an appointment at your local Register office, call 03000 26 6000 Monday to Friday. All appointments must be booked in advance.

We have nine register offices throughout the county, for full details visit www.durham.gov.uk/registeroffices Your local register offices are: Bishop Auckland Register Office Barnard Castle Register Office Crook Register Office Stanhope Register Office

Need to check council decisions, boundaries and rights of way, or obtain copies of baptisms/ marriage in church certificates?

Want to trace your family history or find out what life was like in your home town?

Then contact our Archives Service: 03000 267 619 email record.office@durham.gov.uk www.durhamrecordoffice.org.uk

Bereavement services Contact us to pre-purchase a grave plot in council-owned cemeteries. We also oer a plot selection service and advice to people trying to trace family members who may be buried in council-owned cemeteries.

03000 26 0000 Contact town and parish councils direct for cemeteries owned by them.

Cruse Bereavement Care can help anyone bereaved by the death of a loved one. 01325 288 633 www.cruse-tees-valley.org.uk

Bishop Auckland Register Office contains a strong room of indexes, records and registers going back to 1837. To make an appointment, call 03000 26 6000.

You can order replacement birth, death, marriage and civil partnership certificates online at www.durham.gov.uk/registrars or by calling 03000 26 6000.

20

Crematoriums There are two council-run crematoriums in County Durham.

Central Durham Crematorium, Durham City 0191 384 8677 email durhamcrem@durham.gov.uk www.durhamcrem.co.uk Mountsett Crematorium, Dipton 01207 570 255 email Mountsettcrem@durham.gov.uk www.durham.gov.uk/mountsettcrem

Volunteering

Fancy trying something new?

Meeting new people?

Learning new skills?

Savings and loans through Durham’s credit unions

Then volunteering could be for you.

With so many fun ways to help other people or improve your neighbourhood, volunteering is incredibly rewarding.

To find out more about volunteering opportunities in County Durham, contact Durham Community Action which provides a one-stop shop for volunteering. 01388 742 040 email volunteering@durhamrcc.org.uk www.durhamcommunityaction.org.uk

Credit unions offer an affordable and ethical way to save and borrow.

Check out www.do-it.org.uk the national volunteering website.

There are lots of ways you can volunteer for the council.

These include: • Archaeology • Archives and local history • Books on Wheels • Civic pride • Composter volunteer scheme • Culture and sport volunteering • Parks and countryside • Youth Offending Service See www.durham.gov.uk/councilvolunteering

NEFirst credit union 0330 055 3666 http://nefirstcu.co.uk/ Prince Bishops Community Bank 01207 232 351 http://s598757161.websitehome.co.uk/

Local markets

County Durham is home to nine regular markets operating throughout the year and offering a range of items.

Your local markets are:

Barnard Castle Market, Marketplace Wednesday 8am-4.30pm Bishop Auckland Market, Marketplace Thursday and Saturday 8am-5pm Spennymoor Market, Festival Walk Saturday 8am-4pm Crook Market, Marketplace Tuesday and Saturday 8am-5pm 21

Children’s services We provide a range of services for children, young people and families.

Sharing your home and heart Adoption We provide advice, support and preparation for anyone thinking about adoption and families who have adopted. If you are thinking about adoption get in touch, we have children who are waiting.

03000 269 400 email adoption@durham.gov.uk www.durham.gov.uk/adoption

Fostering We provide advice, support and training for foster carers, if you are thinking of caring for children we would like to hear from you.

03000 269 400 email fostering@durham.gov.uk www.durham.gov.uk/fostering

Does your child complain they have nothing to do?

Check out www.countydurhamfamilies.info or like www.facebook.com/youngdurham for events, news and young people’s activities.

22

Private fostering If you have been looking after someone else's child, or someone else has been looking after your child, for 28 days or more, this is classed as private fostering and the law says you must notify us about the arrangement.

03000 26 79 79 email scd@durham.gov.uk www.durham.gov.uk/privatefostering

Supported Lodgings Durham Supported Lodgings Scheme provides accommodation and emergency placements for young people leaving care and vulnerable young people and adults.

If you can offer lodgings to a young or vulnerable person please get in touch.

We can offer up to £250 a week as payment and we will support you with advice and training.

03000 262 272 email supportedlodgings@ durham.gov.uk www.durham.gov.uk/supportedlodgings

Breastfeeding Cafés Practical advice and support for mums.

Breastfeeding cafés are run by health professionals, such as midwives or health visitors. Find your local group at www.breastmilk.co.uk

Keeping children safe First Contact - Safeguarding children and their families If you have concerns about the welfare of a child or young person who lives in County Durham, call First Contact on 03000 26 79 79. First Contact brings together children's services staff with partners such as Durham Constabulary and health services. First Contact is open from 8.30am until 5.00pm, Monday to Thursday and from 8.30am until 4.30pm on a Friday.

03000 26 79 79 email scd@durham.gov.uk www.durham.gov.uk/firstcontact A duty officer is available outside of normal office hours in an emergency.

MEND - helping obese children MEND is a community, family-based programme operated by Mytime Active for overweight and obese children aged 7-13. Visit your GP for information

FISCH - A weight management programme for primary school children. Contact your child’s school nurse.

Alcohol, drugs or substance misuse

County Durham Youth Offending Service (CDYOS)

We have recovery centres in Bishop Auckland, Newton Aycliffe, Durham City, Seaham, Peterlee and Consett for any young person or adult with alcohol, drugs or substance misuse problems. www.durham.gov.uk/alcohol

We work with young people aged 10-17 and their families to prevent re-offending. We supervise court orders and youth cautions used as an alternative to going to court.

03000 265 999

Survey

Tell us what you think

Tell us what you think of this guide and you could win £50 of shopping vouchers.

How do you tend to find out about council services?

o In my ‘Guide to Council Services’ o By using the www.durham.gov.uk website o By contacting Customer Services when I need help

Would you be happy to download or use an online guide?

o Yes

o No

How easy was it to use?

o Very easy o Quite easy o Not easy

W IN £50

Are there any council services listed you didn’t know about previously and will consider using?

o Yes o No If yes, please give details

................................................................................. continued overleaf...

23

Children’s services Information and advice for families

Families Information Service (FIS)

One Point The One Point Service brings together staff from Durham County Council and the County Durham & Darlington Foundation Trust to provide early help and support for children and young people from 0-19 years (25 years if the child has a disability), and their families. Services within One Point include family support, education welfare, children’s centres, youth work, personal advisors, health visiting and school nursing.

We have ten One Point hubs across the county. For a full list see www.durham.gov.uk/onepoint Your nearest centres are at: Barnard Castle (Staindrop Road) Bishop Auckland (Walker Drive) Ferryhill (Broom Road) Newton Aycliffe (Burn Lane) Or ring us on 03000 261 111 and we’ll put you through to the right One Point hub to help with your query.

Survey continued

Is there something you think should be included in the next guide?

o Yes

o No If yes, please give details

........................................................................................ ........................................................................................

If you would like to enter the competition to win £50 of shopping vouchers, please fill in your details (right).

FIS provides free and impartial information for families on childcare, family support, activities and more! We also have a Local Offer section for families with 0-25 year olds who have special educational needs and disabilities. Visit: www.countydurhamfamilies.info Call: 0800 917 2 917

Young carers If you’re under 18 years of age and look after someone who can’t manage without your help, such as a parent or your brother or sister, you might be a young carer. To apply for an assessment or for more information, contact First Contact on 03000 26 79 79.

We ‘ll work with you to see if there are any services that could help and support you.

Your name

........................................................................

Email

W IN £50

.....................................................................................

Telephone ..............................................................

Address

.....................................................................................

Postcode ...............................................................

Pop this survey in the post (don’t forget to use a stamp) to Durham County News, Durham County Council, County Hall, Durham DH1 1RH or pop it into reception at any of our access points before Monday 28 March 2016.

24

Thanks for taking part

Education, schools and learning We want to help young people in County Durham develop and achieve their aspirations.

Schools School admissions Apply for a place online at www.durham.gov.uk/ schooladmissions For guidance, call 03000 265 896 or email schooladmissions@durham.gov.uk

School closures When a school has to close at short notice due to bad weather or problems with heating we’ll tweet it @DurhamCouncil. Information is published on the Durham County Council website at www.durham.gov.uk/schoolclosures

Grants for school shoes and coats The School Benevolent Fund is a registered charity offering carers (who meet the criteria) a grant towards a school coat and a pair of shoes. The fund is now run by Thornhill Primary School. 01388 772 906 www.durham.gov.uk/ schoolbenevolentfund

School exclusions and secondary transfers If your child has been excluded you may need further guidance. Contact our pupil casework teams for advice.

03000 265 904 / 905 / 906 www.durham.gov.uk/schoolexclusion

School governors If you can bring energy, experience and fresh ideas to support our schools, why not become a school governor? 03000 265 704 / 5 email sgss.administration@durham.gov.uk www.durham.gov.uk/schoolgovernors

School crossing patrols We provide school crossing patrols in various locations across the county where children frequently need to cross the road on their way to school and where there may be higher volumes of road traffic.

03000 26 0000 email road.safety@durham.gov.uk

School transport Some schools operate ‘walking buses’ and ‘park and stride’ initiatives - find out more from your school. We provide free home to school transport to families that are entitled.

03000 264 444 email schooltransportteam@durham.gov.uk www.durham.gov.uk/schooltransport

25

Education, schools and learning The County Durham Local Offer

Free school meals All children in reception, year 1 and year 2, are eligible for free school meals. It’s still important that you complete an application form as the school receives additional funding for those who are eligible.

For older children, if you receive certain benefits you may be eligible for free school meals and additional help. Contact your child’s school or our school meals team.

Our Local Offer has been developed, to help and support children and young people up to the age of 25 who have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) by bringing together information in one place.

It includes information on statutory entitlements, what is available in the County Durham area during a child’s early years, schooling (including academies and free schools), college and other services including health, social care, training, employment and independent living. www.countydurhamfamilies.info/ localoffer

Children and Young People’s Network

Children and Young People’s

Network

Take your child on holiday during the school holidays - every school day counts! School holiday dates are available on our website or contact your child’s school. www.durham.gov.uk/schoolholidays

We must keep a register of children and young people with a special educational need or disability, up to the age of 25. In County Durham we call this the Children and Young People's Network.

More than 900 children and young people are registered. The register helps us to make better plans around what services are needed and in what areas. You’ll receive information about services and activities that may be of interest including a free e-newsletter. www.durham.gov.uk/cypn

School information

Time4U

For a full list of schools, head teachers and school achievements. www.durham.gov.uk/schools

Offering arts and activities for older people and people with a disability.

03000 261 384

03000 268 002 / 003 email schoolmeals@durham.gov.uk www.durham.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals

School holidays

26

Special Educational Needs and Disability Information Advice and Support Service Confidential, impartial support and advice for parents, carers, children and young people (up to 25 years) in relation to Special Educational Needs and Disability. 0191 587 3541 www.durhamsendiass.info

Adult learning and skills service Provides training and learning opportunities for people who are living or working in County Durham.

You could brush up on your English or maths, learn how to use a computer, or perhaps develop skills for your job.

Courses include business admin, team leading, supporting teaching and learning in schools. We also offer apprenticeships in a number of work areas including social care and administration. email alss@durham.gov.uk www.durham.gov.uk/adultlearning

Help4teens.co.uk www.help4teens.co.uk is for young people aged 13-19 across County Durham. It holds up-to-date information and advice to support career planning and preparation for education, employment or training.

Download factsheets on career areas or to help you write CVs, complete application forms and prepare for interviews.

Durham Music Service Provides musical opportunities for children and young people across County Durham and Darlington.

03000 262 368, email durhammusicservice@durham.gov.uk www.durham.gov.uk/ durhammusicservice

Don’t miss out Free play and learn for two and three year olds Some two and three year olds may be entitled to free ‘play and learn’ sessions at a nursery, playgroup, school or with a childminder.

Contact the Childcare Places Team on 03000 268 913.

27

Something for everyone‌

come and see what we can do for you

Our leisure centres have a wide range of facilities to meet your needs.

Visit your local centre today to find out more, or see: www.durham.gov.uk/leisure

Culture and sport Leisure centres and clubs

All of our leisure centres offer state-of the-art gym facilities with affordable membership packages www.durham.gov.uk/ leisurecentrememberships Our pools offer public swimming, swimming memberships, swimming lessons, aqua fitness classes, Dementia Friendly swimming*, pool parties and fun sessions. www.durham.gov.uk/swimming

Here’s a list of your local leisure centres: Newton Aycliffe 03000 266 446 Gym, 25m pool, learner pool, double size sports hall with fixed seating, licensed bar, events.

Shildon-Sunnydale 03000 266 448 Gym, sports hall, outdoor athletics track, artificial turf, 4G pitch facility.

Spennymoor 03000 261 161 Gym, slide, wave machine and beach pool, sports hall, café, licensed bar, world class gymnastics centre, artist workshop and exhibition area, changing places, multisensory room, events.

Teesdale, Barnard Castle 03000 260 862 Gym, 25m pool, learner pool, sports hall, squash, soft play area, indoor climbing wall, floodlit 3G pitch, skate park, multi-use games area.

Woodhouse Close, Bishop Auckland 03000 261 322 Gym, 25m pool, learner pool, training pool, café.

If you use your leisure centre regularly you could benefit from having a Thrive card to gain discounts on some of the services offered. For more information visit www.durham.gov.uk/thrivecard

To see current promotional offers visit www.durham.gov.uk/leisureoffers Visit www.durham.gov.uk/leisurecentres to see a list of all our leisure centres in County Durham. * Chester-le-Street and Teesdale Leisure Centres

29

Culture and sport

Activities for young people Activities for five to 25 year olds to help get young people enjoying and succeeding at sport. Term time and school holiday programmes.

03000 282 012 www.durham.gov.uk/youngactivities

Durham Institute of Sport Durham Institute of Sport (DIS) supports the development of County Durham’s talented athletes and coaches, helping them achieve their sporting potential.

03000 282 012 email dis@durham.gov.uk www.durham.gov.uk/dis

Club Durham Club Durham is our free support scheme helping sports clubs to be safe and sustainable. We help with sourcing funding, advice on getting new members and keeping them, and training. More than 300 clubs have joined Club Durham already.

03000 282 012 email clubdurham@durham.gov.uk www.durham.gov.uk/sport Check out Club Durham’s new website for more information and to register www.clubdurham.co.uk

Find a sports club near you at www.countydurhamsport.com 03000 282 012 30

Disability Sport A programme of sporting activities for disabled children and young people to help them improve their confidence and have fun.

Call 03000 282 012 or contact your local leisure centre. email sportandleisure@durham.gov.uk www.durham.gov.uk/disabilitysport

Culture and sport volunteering There are lots of ways you can get involved in our culture and sport programme, from helping deliver books for our books on wheels services to being a festival maker at one of our many events. Email sportandleisure@durham.gov.uk Call 03000 266 555 See page 21 for other ways to volunteer.

Libraries

E-Books

Your local libraries are:

You can now borrow a huge range of e-books from our libraries. Read them free of charge on a PC, tablet or phone.

All you need to access these is an internet connection and your library card. www.durham.gov.uk/libraries

Barnard Castle: 03000 263 409 Open: Mon and Tues 10am-7pm, Wed 10am6pm, Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 9.30am-12.30pm.

Bishop Auckland: 03000 269 524 Open: Mon 10am-6pm, Tues 10am-5pm, Wed 10am-1pm, Thurs 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 9.30am-12.30pm.

Chilton: 03000 269 518 Open: Mon 9.30am-7pm, Thurs 9.30am-5pm, Sat 9.30am-12.30pm.

Cornforth: 03000 269 529 Open: Tues 9.30am-7pm, Thurs 9.30am-5pm, Sat 9.30am-12.30pm.

Coundon: 03000 269 525 Open: Mon 9.30am-6pm, Wed 9.30am-12.30pm, Thurs 9.30am-3pm, Sat 9.30am-12.30pm.

Willington: 03000 269 532 Open: Mon 1pm-5pm, Thurs 9.30am-7pm, Fri 9.30am-1pm, Sat 9.30am-12.30pm.

Wolsingham: 03000 269 533 Open: Mon 9.30am-7pm, Fri 9.30am-5pm, Sat 9.30am-12.30pm.

Woodhouse Close: 03000 269 527 Open: Mon 9.30am-7pm, Thurs 9.30am-5pm, Sat 9.30am-12.30pm.

Crook: 03000 269 002 Open: Mon 1.30pm-5pm, Tues 9.30am-7pm, Wed 9.30am-12.30pm, Thurs 9.30am-7pm, Friday 9.30am-5pm, Sat 9.30am-12.30pm.

Ferryhill: 03000 269 530 Open: Mon 9.30am-5pm, Thurs 9.30am-7pm, Sat 9.30am-12.30pm.

Newton Ayclie: 03000 269 519 Open: Mon 10am-6pm, Tues 10am-7pm, Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 9.30am-12.30pm.

Sedgefield: 03000 269 521 Open: Wed 9.30am-12.30pm, Thurs 10am-6pm, Fri 1pm-7pm, Sat 9.30am-12.30pm.

Shildon: 03000 269 526 Open: Mon 10am-6pm, Tues 10am-7pm, Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 9.30am-12.30pm.

Spennymoor: 03000 269 531 Open: Mon 9.30am-7pm, Tues 9.30am-5pm, Wed 9.30am-12.30pm, Thurs 9.30am-7pm, Fri 1.30pm-5pm, Sat 9.30am-12.30pm.

Trimdon: 03000 269 522 Open: Tues 9.30am-5pm, Thurs 9.30am-7pm, Sat 9.30am-12.30pm.

Having trouble getting to your local library?

Try Library Online. Browse to see what books we have, request or renew an item and get full, free access to a range of online resources. Borrow e-books and e-magazines to read on your PC, tablet or phone. www.durham.gov.uk/libraryonline Try Books on Wheels. Our free home delivery service may be able to help you. 03000 263 790 or 03000 263 789 www.durham.gov.uk/libraries Try our Mobile Library Service to rural communities. With disabled access. www.durham.gov.uk/mobilelibrary

Library HealthZones To learn more about an illness or find a support group, visit the HealthZone in any of our libraries. www.durham.gov.uk/healthzones

31

Bishop Auckland Town Hall

theatre

film

music

exhibitions comedy

fa mily

Situated in the heart of Bishop Auckland’s historic market place, the Town Hall offers a programme of art exhibitions, theatre, music and comedy, as well as a weekly film screening.

You can also enjoy a hot drink and a cake in The Coffee Shop or visit the library to check out the latest literary classic.

For more information about the venue, please call or visit:

w 03000 269 524 www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk Market Place, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 7NP

gala theatre & cinema

Gala brings the very best in captivating theatre, including Northern Stage’s Get Carter (12 – 16 April 2016), as well as hilarious stand-up, world-renowned music and its infamous pantomime to Durham City.

You can also catch the latest 3D blockbusters and critically-acclaimed independent films in the venue’s cinema.

Find out what we’ve got in store at www.galadurham.co.uk Box Office: 03000 266 600 Millennium Place, Durham, DH1 1WA

County Durham has so much to offer, from spectacular coastline to rolling countryside, mind-blowing museums to awesome art galleries.

Check out our council-managed venues below.

Museums and arts venues Bishop Auckland Town Hall There’s something for everyone with a library, art gallery, dramatic theatre, festivals, live music, stand-up comedy and weekly films. 03000 269 524 www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk

DLI Collection and Durham Art Gallery A new major exhibition, Somme 1916: From Durham to the Western Front, will open at Palace Green Library on 25 March, and run until 2 October.

The new five-year History of the Durham Light Infantry exhibition will open at Palace Green Library in autumn 2016.

The DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery will be open until 31 March 2016. Durham Art Gallery’s visual arts programme and temporary exhibitions will then tour a range of venues around the county. www.durham.gov.uk/leisure

Killhope Lead Mining Museum Restored 19th century lead mine, where visitors can experience ‘hands on’ the life and work of lead mining families of the North Pennines.

01388 537 505 www.killhope.org.uk

Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon A regularly changing exhibition that includes many of the nation's best loved trains. 01388 777 999 www.nrm.org.uk/locomotion

The Witham, Barnard Castle

Gala Theatre and Cinema, Durham

Managed by the Witham Trust, a vibrant cultural, community and commercial centre in the heart of historic Barnard Castle. Gallery, shop, café and programme of events. www.thewitham.org.uk email info@thewitham.org.uk 01833 631 107

A state-of-the-art modern theatre, cinema and café-bar. Hosting the best in live entertainment from the UK and beyond. 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

There are other amazing venues to visit in County Durham. Have a look on www.thisisdurham.com for venues and events that will fill your diary.

33

Culture and sport

Go outdoors We look after loads of sites for you to visit; from the award winning Hardwick Park to the Waskerley Way Railway Path, which is part of the national coast to coast cycle route.

Call 03000 282 012 to find out about the activities below or visit the web pages below.

Walking and riding Discover the great outdoors and join us on one of our guided countryside walks. Get our twice yearly guided walk programme and sign up for our e-newsletter www.durham.gov.uk/countryside and follow us on Facebook: /Durham-Countryside-Volunteers

For more places to walk or ride, visit www.durham.gov.uk/prow or to order your free cycle map email pedalpower@durham.gov.uk

Walk4life A weekly programme of free, short led walks across County Durham specifically designed to improve your health. For more information on your local walk, please contact us on 03000 282 012 or log onto www.durham.gov.uk/walk4life

Bike4Life A weekly programme of guided bike rides for intermediate level cyclists across County Durham. This also includes ‘Back on your bike’ rides which are suitable for beginners.

If you don't have a bike, don't worry, Bike4Life can loan all participants a bike and helmet for the duration of each ride.

To take part in one of our rides simply turn up on the day. For more information on your local ride, please contact us on 03000 282 012 or log onto www.durham.gov.uk/cyclingevents

34

Find out what’s happening across the county at www.thisisdurham.com/events Durham Deals Download your deals at www.thisisdurham.com/deals Take advantage of money-saving Durham Deals. Amazing offers include ‘two-for one’ tickets and free child entry for attractions and activities, plus great discounts on eating out and shopping.

Durham e-newsletter Get special offers, news and events direct to your inbox. www.thisisdurham.com/newsletter

Wharton Park in the heart of Durham City is undergoing a revamp, reopening spring 2016

New features include a heritage centre with cafĂŠ, toilets and resource room; new play areas; outdoor fitness trail and a community garden. The amphitheatre, miniature car track and grade II listed battlements are all being restored.

Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WhartonParkDurham Or email: whartonpark@durham.gov.uk for more information.

Housing Find a home

Housing difficulty Housing Solutions provides a range of services to assist people who are homeless, threatened with homelessness or experiencing financial difficulties.

It is important you seek advice before a problem becomes a crisis so we can prevent homelessness.

We have a number of ways we can help you to improve your situation. This may prevent you from losing your home or help you find suitable and aordable alternative accommodation.

03000 268 000 Out of Hours Service (for emergency homelessness) 01388 722 538 email housingsolutions@durham.gov.uk

Empty Homes We provide support and assistance to owners of empty properties.

03000 268 000 email privatesectorhousing @durham.gov.uk

Private landlords We provide help and advice on a wide range of housingrelated questions to both tenants and landlords.

03000 268 000 email privatesectorhousing @durham.gov.uk

Housing Solutions also oer a number of more specific services: Family Intervention Project 03000 268 374 Gypsy Roma Traveller 03000 268 850

To Let

Your first choice for housing in County Durham

No bond

No admin fee

Cestria Housing

0191 385 1900

Derwentside Homes

01207 521 100

Dale and Valley Homes 0800 083 0333

0800 068 0013

livin

0800 587 4538

East Durham Homes Teesdale Housing

0800 032 0835

01833 694 400

www.durhamkeyoptions.co.uk Derwentside Homes

36

Durham City Homes

Planning and building control Planning approval To see if you need approval for things like extensions, loft conversions, changing the use of premises or constructing new buildings, contact your local office on: 03000 262 830 email planning@durham.gov.uk For Spennymoor, Barnard Castle and Crook Areas For all major housing, commercial, mineral and renewable energy developments, call our strategic office: 03000 261 397 email planning@durham.gov.uk We can also oer advice on high hedges and trees, appeals, planning enforcement: www.durham.gov.uk/planning You can also apply for planning permission, view and comment on planning applications online at: www.durham.gov.uk/planning

Thinking of doing some

home improvements?

Check out our Registered Trader Scheme

This scheme helps you choose reliable and honest traders for things like electrical, gardening or plumbing work. www.durham.gov.uk/ registeredtraders

Building control We carry out plan examinations, site inspections, dangerous structure assessments and issue demolition notices. Contact your local office for more information.

03000 262 832, email buildingcontrol@durham.gov.uk For all major projects contact our strategic building control office.

03000 262 832, email buildingcontrol@durham.gov.uk You can now make your building control application online at: www.submitaplan.com

Planning, Housing, Economic Development and Transport Policy, including Local and Neighbourhood Plans For information on the County Durham Plan, neighbourhood plans and council policy relating to planning, housing, economic development and transport contact: 03000 263 967 email spatialpolicy@durham.gov.uk www.durham.gov.uk/cdp 37

Environment

We provide a range of services to keep our county attractive and safe.

Waste and recycling We collect rubbish and recycling from households in County Durham on alternate weeks. One week we empty the rubbish bin and the following week we empty the recycling bin and box.

Last financial year (2014/2015) we recycled, reused or composted almost 43 per cent of household waste.

Collections To find out your collection day, enter your house number and postcode into ‘My Durham’ on our website. www.durham.gov.uk/bins www.durham.gov.uk/recycling www.durham.gov.uk/whatgoeswhere 03000 26 1000

Garden waste collections To find out if your property is eligible for garden waste collections and to sign up to the service go to www.durham.gov.uk/gardenwaste or call 03000 26 1000.

Lost or stolen bins There is a charge to replace lost or stolen bins. Help minimise the chance of losing your bin by returning it to within the boundary of your property as soon as possible after it has been emptied on your collection day.

03000 26 1000 www.durham.gov.uk/bins 38

Assisted collections If you have difficulty getting your household bin to its collection point, and you meet certain criteria, we can help you. www.durham.gov.uk/assistedcollections 03000 26 1000

Bulky waste collections We collect bulky waste items, such as furniture and white goods from households. There is a charge for this service. 03000 26 1000 www.durham.gov.uk/bulkywaste

Furniture reuse schemes If your unwanted furniture or household items are too good to throw away, contact one of the county’s reuse charities and find your item a new home. 03000 26 1000 www.durham.gov.uk/reuse

Garden waste collections 2016

Collections from the kerbside between spring and autumn.

Fees for 2016

ÂŁ20 for 17 collections between spring and autumn (sign up by 14 February to receive all collections).

To sign up

To find out if your property is eligible for collections and to sign up visit www.durham.gov.uk/gardenwaste Call 03000 26 1000 For collections in the Teesdale area, contact Rotters Composting www.rotters.org 01833 690 022 Terms and conditions apply.

for County Durham

Environment Recycling facilities

You can recycle your household waste at the Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs). Please separate your waste according to the material and place your items into the correct recycling container at the sites.

Here’s a list of your local recycling centres and opening hours: Opening times: Opening times: April - September October - March

HWRC

Opening days

Heighington Lane Newton Aycliffe

Every day

9am - 6pm

9am - 3.30pm

Romanway Industrial Estate Tindale Crescent Bishop Auckland

Every day

9am - 6pm

9am - 3.30pm

Middleton-in-Teesdale Highways Depot off B6277

Every day

9am - 6pm

9am - 3.30pm

Stainton Grove Barnard Castle

Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays only

9am - 6pm

9am - 3.30pm

Tudhoe, Tudhoe Industrial Estate

Every day

9am - 6pm

9am - 3.30pm

Frosterley Mobile Recycling Centre opposite Sherburn Stone Quarry, off A689, Frosterley.

Alternate Saturdays: 13, 27 Feb. 12, 26 March.

9, 23 April. 7, 21 May. 4, 18 June. 2, 16, 30 July.

13 Aug.

(Dates after 13 August 2016 are subject to review and will be communicated nearer the time).

9am - 12noon

Subject to review.

Please see www.durham.gov. uk/hwrc for up-to-date information.

For a full list of sites across the county, see www.durham.gov.uk/hwrc

Waste permits If you are visiting the recycling centres with a van, pick-up vehicle, minibus or towing a trailer, you will need to contact us for a free waste permit before visiting the site. 03000 26 1000 www.durham.gov.uk/householdpermit 40

Helping you to keep areas safe, clean and tidy Dog fouling, litter and graffiti We issue fixed penalty notices for dog fouling, littering, graffiti and rubbish in yards and gardens. Let us know if you spot a problem. 03000 26 1000 www.durham.gov.uk/litter www.durham.gov.uk/dogfouling

Fly-tipping (illegally dumped waste) We’re cracking down on fly-tipping.

Our multi-agency ‘Operation: Stop It’ campaign, working with Durham Constabulary, the Environment Agency and Crimestoppers, has seen fly-tipping drop by a third. Report fly-tipping in confidence 03000 26 1000 www.durham.gov.uk/flytipping

Grass cutting, grounds maintenance and tree management We maintain public grounds and trees in parks and open spaces, in schools and on highways. Call 03000 26 1000. www.durham.gov.uk/treemanagement

Noise, pollution or hygiene issues If you are experiencing problems with commercial or domestic noise, air quality, smells, pollution, contamination or hygiene issues. 03000 261 016 or 03000 26 0000

Stray animals Report a stray dog or horse to us and we will try to identify the owner.

03000 26 1000 www.durham.gov.uk/strayanimals

Allotments We manage several allotment sites.

Additional sites are provided by local town and parish councils, allotment associations, or are privately owned.

Find out what sites are available. www.durham.gov.uk/allotments email allotments@durham.gov.uk 03000 266 050

Caring for our natural, built and historic environments Design and Conservation We provide advice on listed buildings, conservation areas, heritage at risk, development proposals, environment awards and heritage open days.

03000 267 146, email design.conservation@durham.gov.uk

Archaeology

We work with residents, partners, businesses, schools, volunteers and community groups to address clean and green issues that affect our open spaces. 03000 26 1000 www.durham.gov.uk/civicpride

We protect, manage and conserve the archaeological remains of the county and offer opportunities for people to get involved in investigating their heritage.

Get a copy of our annual magazine or come along to our County Durham Archaeology Day. 03000 267 013 email archaeology@durham.gov.uk www.durham.gov.uk/archaeology

Pest control

Tree preservation

Civic Pride team

We can deal with pests such as rats, mice, cockroaches, bedbugs, fleas, ants and wasps. Charges apply.

03000 26 1000 www.durham.gov.uk/pestcontrol

We offer advice about Tree Preservation Orders and trees in conservation areas.

Call 03000 267 133 email treeofficers@durham.gov.uk

41

Solutions

for households

We can help get rid of most common pests for a one-off payment of ÂŁ40. We treat rats, mice, moles, wasps, squirrels and most flying insects.

Email: pestcontrol@durham.gov.uk www.durham.gov.uk/pestcontrol Tel: 03000 261 000

Solutions

for businesses

Protect your business from pests. As a local authority for pest prevention and control, we can help you to protect your reputation, minimise the risks to your staff and reduce spoiled stock.

Whether you want advice on pest prevention, one-off treatments or an integrated pest management contract, contact us now for a free no obligation survey and quote.

Tel: 03000 262 550 www.durham.gov.uk/pestcontrol Email: pestcontrol@durham.gov.uk

Business Business Durham is the economic development company for County Durham, delivering the environment for business and economic growth.

We provide advice, guidance and support to help businesses in the county to grow and develop.

We have a large business property portfolio, including offices, industrial space and specialist accommodation for science and technology businesses at NETPark. We also promote enterprise and business start-up in the county, whilst providing businesses with an easy route into council services which they may need to access.

We oer guidance and support in: l l l l l

Starting your business Finding the right premises for your business Growing your business Locating your business in County Durham Access to funds, finance and grants For more information: 03000 261 261 enquiries@businessdurham.co.uk www.businessdurham.co.uk Twitter: @_businessdurham 43

Business Business rates Some businesses may be able to get a reduction in their rates. For more information and advice contact the Business Rates Team on 03000 268 997 www.durham.gov.uk/businessrates

Commercial vehicles We are an authorised testing facility for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) and Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) at our Meadowfield (Durham) depot.

See page 47 for more information.

03000 269 342 www.durham.gov.uk/MOT

Licensing Businesses may require licences for a number of reasons, such as premises licences for pubs, restaurants and betting shops, taxi licences and scrap metal dealer licences. www.durham.gov.uk/licensing

Trade waste We oer a trade waste collection service to businesses in the county, with a number of collection options.

Contact us for a quote.

03000 262 660 www.durham.gov.uk/commercialwaste 44

Workplace driver training We can help small and medium sized businesses to develop their driver safety at work policies to comply with health and safety requirements.

We can also help with driver assessments and training to help reduce costs for businesses.

03000 268 173 email road.safety@durham.gov.uk www.durham.gov.uk/roadsafety

Pest control We provide a comprehensive pest management service to businesses, either as a single treatment, or a programmed pest management control contract.

03000 262 550 www.durham.gov.uk/pestcontrol

Travel and transport We look after 2,300 miles of roads, 2,112 miles of footways and more than 80,000 street lights and illuminated signs in County Durham.

Blue badge scheme A national scheme enabling people with severe mobility problems, walking difficulties or people registered blind to park close to their destinations.

03000 269 425 www.durham.gov.uk/bluebadge

Concessionary passes Men and women can get a bus pass when they reach the State Pension age - this age has changed, depending on your birthday. People with qualifying disabilities can get a pass at any age. 03000 268 667

Park and Ride A direct bus service runs every 10 minutes to Durham city centre from our three park and ride sites (Belmont, Sniperley and Howlands).

For £2 per person you get parking, unlimited daily travel into the city centre and free use of the cathedral bus. www.durham.gov.uk/parkandride

Public transport For information and journey planning advice visit www.durham.gov.uk/publictransport or www.traveline.info/

Travel Response Centre Phone us to book our dial a ride Link2 and Access Bus services, and to arrange hospital transport.

03000 269 999

Volunteer car driver scheme Having trouble getting to medical appointments because of health issues? Volunteer driver schemes may help for a small donation or charge.

Social Resource Centre (East Durham and former Sedgefield borough area) – any health related appointments.

01740 658 885 RSVP North East - Volunteering Matters (covers North Durham, Teesdale and Weardale areas) – doctor’s appointments only. 0191 389 1155 45

Travel and transport

Safe journey Highways and street lighting For problems with roads, pavements, street lights, traffic signals or road drains in County Durham or if you have a query about highway licences and permits. 03000 26 1000 email help@durham.gov.uk Report it online www.durham.gov.uk/reportit

Winter services We provide a winter maintenance service from October to April, pre-salting to prevent ice forming and clearing snow during and after major snowfalls.

Follow us on Twitter: @DurhamCouncil and @TwitterGritterNE www.durham.gov.uk/winterroads

MOT testing We oer an MOT testing service to the public (vehicle classes 4, 5 and 7).

Call one of our test centres to book.

Annfield Plain: 03000 265 638 Chilton:

03000 266 247

Meadowfield: 03000 269 342 Peterlee:

03000 264 100

www.durham.gov.uk/MOT See page 47 for more information.

46

Road safety education We provide road safety education and training in schools and colleges, including Bikeability cycle training, child pedestrian training and the Junior Road Safety Officer Scheme.

03000 268 167 or 03000 268 168 email road.safety@durham.gov.uk www.durham.gov.uk/roadsafety

Call to book your MOT

MOT tests vehicle servicing centres

£42 From

l l l l

Annfield Plain - 03000 265 638 Chilton - 03000 266 247

Meadowfield - 03000 269 342 Peterlee - 03000 264 100

www.durham.gov.uk/MOT

DVSA ATF and Tachograph Station

We are an approved Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) Authorised Testing Facility (ATF) for HGVs and PSVs. We are able to provide an on-site trailer and ballast weights at competitive rates.

Reliable | Flexible | Professional Open from 7am to 5pm weekdays.

Call: 03000 269 342

www.durham.gov.uk/MOT

Durham County Council, St John’s Road, Meadowfield, Durham, DH7 8XQ

Service Direct Newco Limited

www.durham.gov.uk/whatgoeswhere 03000 26 1000

47

Save time Do it online There’s a whole host of council services available 24/7 at

www.durham.gov.uk Pay for it Apply for it Report it Have your say

Go paperless! Sign up for e-bills at

www.durham.gov.uk/ebilling