County Durham

For free, independent and confidential advice and guidance on problems including tax credits and debts why not pop into Easington Children’s Centre and visit the Citizens Advice Bureau. Sessions are held every other Wednesday between 9.30am and 12.30pm. Book an appointment at the reception desk or call: 03000 268486. The next session is on Wednesday, 29 May and fortnightly thereafter.    

A County Durham museum has received an online honour thanks to visitors who have logged on to a top travel website. Killhope: the North of England Lead Mining Museum has been awarded a 2013 Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor. The honour is given to businesses that consistently earn high ratings from travellers and means the Weardale attraction is in the top-performing 10 per cent of all organisations listed on the site. More than 80 per cent of people who have reviewed the museum online have given it a five-star rating. Michael Boase, Killhope manager, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive the Certificate of Excellence and would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to write about their visit to the museum and recommend it to others. “We pride ourselves on offering a fantastic day out for the whole family and it’s clear from the feedback that we have received that our visitors agree.” Killhope boasts a fully restored Victorian lead mine and the world’s only working Armstrong Water Wheel as well as a large collection of spar boxes – display cases made by miners to show off the minerals they had collected.   Visitors can also enjoy the site’s stunning woodland walks and watch the native wildlife from purpose-built observation hides. Alison Copus, vice president of marketing for TripAdvisor for business, said: “The Certificate of Excellence award provides top performing establishments around the world the recognition they deserve, based on feedback from those who matter most – their customers.” For more information, call 01388 537 505, visit www.killhope.org.uk or email info@killhope.org.uk

Cllr Linda Marshall JP, former chairman of Durham County Council, has closed fundraising for her two chosen charities with a massive £26,000. The money will be divided between The Royal British Legion and Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY.) The money for CRY will be used to purchase a scanner for the region with the money for the Royal British Legion being used to help support the cost of training courses for the ex-service community through Finchale College. Cllr Marshall thanked all those who had generously donated and taken part in the many fundraising events during her time as chairman.  

A £1.3m scheme has helped to make four public buildings in County Durham more energy efficient. Major improvements to the heating and lighting systems at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre, Chester-le-Street Leisure Centre, Crook Civic Centre and Stanley Indoor Bowls Centre are helping Durham County Council to save an estimated £151,530 a year in energy costs. In addition to the financial savings, the Building Energy Efficiency Retrofit project is also expected to reduce the council’s carbon emissions by approximately 787 tonnes per year. To mark the completion of the work at Chester-le-Street Leisure Centre, Olympic swimming gold medallist Duncan Goodhew will lead a fun session in the pool for swimmers at the centre next week (May 30). The energy efficient measures, which were installed by British Gas on behalf of Durham County Council, include: • an upgrade of lighting systems which enable lighting levels to be adjusted according to the natural light; • an upgrade of building management systems to ensure energy is only used when it is needed; • the installation of combined heat and power units which use gas to generate electricity and heat on site, significantly reducing the amount of electricity purchased; • heavily insulated valves and pipework to reduce heat loss; and • the replacement of air conditioning units with modern energy efficient  equipment. Ian Thompson, corporate director for regeneration and economic development and chair of the Carbon Management Programme at Durham County Council, said: “This has been an important project for the county council. “The fact that it has brought about improvements at four well-used public buildings, also reduced carbon and made financial savings is certainly something to be proud of.” The project has been developed through the council’s Carbon Management Programme on an ‘invest-to-save’ basis, where £1.3m has been borrowed at a low finance rate and will be repaid using the savings achieved through the improvements.  

An East Durham man is paying the price for flytipping after the offence was caught on camera. Paul Kitching faces fines and court costs of more than £600 after pleading guilty at Peterlee Magistrates Court to dumping waste and rubble on land owned by Durham County Council. Kitching, of Gloucester Place, Peterlee, was one of two men captured on CCTV leaving the waste near a pond in Shotton Colliery. His companion, Gary John Colledge, 25, of Eden Lane, Peterlee, was found guilty of breaching environmental laws when he appeared in court in March. Kitching, also 25, gave evidence at Colledge’s trial stating that he was the other man in the film footage and, as a result, the council pursued a conviction against him also. Both men claimed that they had been approached by a man who had asked if they would use the rubble, which was in the back of their van, to fill a hole on the track to the pond. They said they did not know the name of the man but believed he had authority to allow them to leave the waste. However, the court was told that Durham County Council had not given anyone permission to dump the waste in the area or fill the potholes. It was also noted that signs are in place at the entrance to the access road warning against flytipping and stating that CCTV cameras are in operation. Magistrates fined Kitching £470 and ordered him to pay costs of £130 and a victim surcharge of £15. Oliver Sherratt, Durham County Council’s head of direct services, said: “Coordinated action by the council and its partners has helped reduce the number of incidents we have had to deal with by 20 per cent during the last four years. “However, we are far from complacent and continue to crack down on those responsible for this blight in our communities, using a variety of methods from stop and search operations to CCTV. “We would ask that residents support us in our efforts by reporting flytipping and also ensuring that anyone they ask to dispose of their waste has the proper permissions to do so.” To report flytipping, contact Durham County Council’s streetscene on 03000 26 1000.

A variety of sport and activity sessions are being held in the Easington and Peterlee area. Durham County Council has secured Sportivate funding for football sessions for young people aged 14 and older. They are aimed at introducing new players to the sport and will run once a week from Monday 3 June at several venues: • Woodhouse Park, Peterlee, Mondays from 7:00pm – 8:00pm • Horden Welfare Park/Cross Roads Park, Tuesdays from 6:00pm – 8:00pm • Easington C of E School, Wednesdays from 6:30pm – 7:30pm • Seaham Leisure Centre, Wednesdays from 6:45pm – 7:45pm There is no need to book a place, so people can just go along and join in. As part of the two-year Urban Legacy Project, funded by the East Durham Area Action Partnership and supported by Groundwork and Peterlee Town Council, a series of activities will be held in Woodhouse Park, Peterlee. They will take place between May and September this year and next year are aimed at increasing participation in a wide array of sports and activities. Sessions will run from Tuesday 28 May at Woodhouse Park, Peterlee, 6:00pm – 8:00pm, every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday until the end of September. There will be a wide choice of sports and physical activities for many age groups. There will be skate park, multi-sport and dance sessions for those aged 11 years and over. For those aged 14 and over there will be boot camp, boxercise, cycling, walking, running and dance fitness sessions. All sessions are intended to encourage people to take up new sports and activities. Durham County Council is also to introduce leadership courses in the skate park, to promote a safe learning area for all. An initial 8 week run will start on Monday 3 June, 7:00pm – 8:00pm. People can also join in the Urban Games event taking place on Friday 26 July, 1:00pm – 4:00pm. This is a free event at Woodhouse Close Park, Peterlee for ages 5 years to 25 years, and will include competitions, demos, parkour, dance, multi-sports and a climbing wall. Deborah Holmes, sport and physical activity development manager at Durham County Council, said: “A variety of sports sessions will be taking place in the East Durham area to encourage people to get involved in different activities. “There are many opportunities every week for people to get together and join in, thanks to funding from both Sportivate and the local AAP. All sessions are outdoors and people are welcome to just turn up and give it a go.” For enquiries regarding  any of the sessions please contact Marie Urwin, Sport & Physical Activity Development Officer on 07834 569 436 or at marie.urwin@durham.gov.uk  

There’s something for everyone at the DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery this half term. The city centre visitor attraction hosts two special events next weekend but there’s plenty to keep visitors of all ages busy throughout the week. On Saturday, 1 June, textile artist Catherine Howard of Interface Arts will lead a craft demonstration from 2.00pm to 3.30pm. And on Sunday, 2 June, Pittington Brass Band will perform in the DLI’s grounds from 2.00pm. Visitors can also explore the museum, discovering the history of the Durham Light Infantry and even handling some of the special objects from the collection and stores. And there’s an added insight into the DLI soldiers who were awarded the Victoria Cross courtesy of the Down Our Streets exhibition created by pupils from Gilesgate Primary School. The gallery is also currently hosting Recording Britain, an exhibition of drawings and watercolours owned by the Victorian and Albert Museum. The result of a unique project to record the landscape of Britain at the outbreak of the Second World War, the works capture vulnerable buildings, landscapes and lifestyles at a time of immense change. Ros Evans, DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery education officer, said: “The DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery is very much a family venue, making it the perfect destination for a half term day out. “We’ve got lots to see and do with all ages and interests catered for.” The museum, which has extensive grounds and its own café, is open from 10am to 5.00pm every day. For more information about the museum’s collection, exhibitions and talks, or to book tickets, call 0191 384 2214, email dli@durham.gov.uk or visit www.durham.gov.uk/dli

Families are being given the chance to find out more about the history of County Durham at a family fun day. Durham County Record Office is holding its fifth annual Family Fun Day at County Hall in Durham where visitors will be given the chance to write with quills, dress up in Tudor costumes and make seals like those found on medieval documents. Activities are suitable for children age five and above who will also get a chance to play with the types of toys children played with in the past. (Some activities may be suitable for younger children) Dawn Layland, education and outreach archivist with Durham County Council, said: “It’s a great chance to find out about local history in a way that’s both educational and fun.” The event takes place on Friday, May 31 between 9.30am and 12.30pm and is free. Children attending will be given the chance to enter into a competition to win a £10 book voucher. For more information, members of the public should contact 03000 267626 or email: record.office@durham.gov.uk

County Durham businesses are being encouraged to cash in on a very lucrative Middle East market. A recent report published by the North East Chamber of Commerce identified the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a major export market for fast-growing companies looking to boost export sales.  As a result Business Durham, on behalf of Durham County Council, has utilised its established network of contacts in the UAE, to organise an event at which local companies can learn more about the benefits of exporting to Dubai.  Sponsored by the Government of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, the event will provide an excellent opportunity to pick up expert advice on developing business in the area and to network with like-minded companies, creating future contacts. Stewart Watkins, Managing Director of Business Durham said: “Dubai has earned the reputation as one of the world’s most desirable business destinations.  With a strong economic policy and ambitious growth plans it is now rated among the top ten most popular business locations in the world. In addition, recent economic indicators show an upward trend towards making Dubai a global business hub.” Ian Scott, UK and Ireland Director for the Government of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing feels Dubai has much to share with Durham County Council and the local Chamber of Commerce: “Dubai is committed to retaining its position as one of the world’s leading business destinations with a diverse offering of unparalleled facilities and amenities for companies both large and small. “The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing conducts these seminars with a view to informing members of trade organisations around the UK about Dubai’s unique offering to enterprise and to explaining how to go about setting up in the emirate to further stimulate growth in the region and expand UK businesses.” This free event will be held on Tuesday 11 June, 9.30 am – 12 noon at Ramside Hall Hotel. You can register your details by going to www.businessdurham.co.uk 

Durham County Council’s new Cabinet was announced today (Wednesday, 22 May) at the authority’s Annual General Meeting, where a new Chairman was also elected. Cllr Simon Henig confirmed the membership of his Cabinet after being re-elected as Leader of the council. Cllr Alan Napier retains the post of Deputy Leader with additional responsibility for finance and legal and democratic services. Cllr Jane Brown takes up the new post of Cabinet member for Corporate Services, dealing with human resources and ICT. Cllr Ossie Johnson and Cllr Eddie Tomlinson are also new additions to Cabinet. Cllr Johnson takes on the portfolio for Children and Young People’s Services, covering education up to the age of 19, youth services, children’s services, specialist and safeguarding services. Cllr Tomlinson is the new Cabinet member for Housing and Rural Issues. His role covers housing strategy, homelessness and landlords and sees him continuing as the authority’s rural champion. Cllr Neil Foster retains the portfolio for economic regeneration, dealing with development control, economic development, regeneration, assets and tourism, arts and culture. And Cllr Morris Nicholls continues as Cabinet member for Adult Services with responsibility for adult social care services and safeguarding, welfare rights and carers. Cllr Maria Plews is responsible for leisure services, libraries and community and adult education under her role as member for Leisure, Libraries and Lifelong Learning. Cllr Brian Stephens, Cabinet member for Neighbourhoods and Local Partnerships, covers AAPs, community development and asset management as well as customer services, streetscene, highways, waste management and environment, health and consumer protection. Cllr Lucy Hovvels, will again serve as Cabinet member for Safer and Healthier Communities, with responsibility for community safety, Travellers liaison, emergency planning and health and wellbeing. Cllr Simon Henig, Leader of the council, said: “This is an experienced Cabinet which includes representation from all six parliamentary constituencies in County Durham as well as previous experience on all but one of the previous eight district and county councils. “The Cabinet will also be supported by eight other councillors including five newly elected members. This mix of experience and new ideas will stand County Durham in good stead as we continue to face unprecedented budget cuts from central government which could continue for several more years.” Cllr Pauline Charlton was elected as Chairman of the council. A retired school teacher, Cllr Charlton, who represents Evenwood, has chosen Butterwick Hospice and Treetops Children’s Ward, University Hospital of North Durham as her charities for the coming year. “I am thrilled at becoming Chairman,” said Pauline, who has spent the last 12 months as Vice Chairman to Cllr Linda Marshall, JP. She added: “The last year as vice chairman has really whetted my appetite for the coming 12 months. Meeting people is something that I particularly enjoy and I hope to carry on the excellent work of my predecessor Councillor Linda Marshall. “I am looking forward to representing the people of County Durham.” Cllr John Robinson, who represents Sedgefield, has been chosen as Vice Chairman.

Residents in the north of the county are being encouraged to slam dunk the junk to make their communities cleaner, greener and tidier. Community litter picks are kicking off proceedings this week with free dog micro-chipping also available. The project was developed by and is being funded by the Derwent Valley Partnership (AAP) and Durham County Council’s Civic Pride team are supporting with the litter picks and delivering assemblies in local schools. Corinne Walton, AAP coordinator, said: “Tackling environmental and street cleanliness issues was voted as a priority by our local residents so we wanted to deliver a project to maximise the opportunity for people to get involved. “Community groups across the area have chosen their own litter picking locations so with the help of volunteers we can target those unsightly grot spots.” The litter picks will last one hour, and are being carried out on the Derwent Walk at Shotley Bridge, the c2c route at Leadgate and Chare Bank at Ebchester to name but a few.  There will be more arranged at other locations over the coming weeks, with the details being confirmed soon. Keep visiting the Derwent Valley Life website for more information. The dates for those litter picks that have been arranged to date are: 23 May 2013 - Chare Bank, Ebchester 28 May 2013 - Community Bungalow, Burnopfield 3 June - Play park and field, Shotley Bridge 5 June 2013 - c2c route, Leadgate The Government is bringing in compulsory micro chipping for all dogs from 6 April 2016. Having a dog micro chipped means it can be quickly and easily identified if it becomes lost or it strays. Bring your dog along to one of the following locations to have a microchip inserted for free. Puppies must be at least 12 weeks old and owners must provide proof of address: Wednesday, 29 May 10am-2pm in the StrayAid trailer, the Grove Club car park. Wednesday, 5 June 10am-2pm Delves Lane Methodist Church Hall, Delves Lane. Wednesday, 12 June 10am-2pm Dipton Community Centre. Wednesday, 19 June 10am-1.30pm Leadgate Community Centre, Wednesday, 3 July 10am-1.30pm StrayAid trailer, Ebchester Community Centre car park. Wednesday, 17 July 10am-2pm Burnopfield Community Centre. For more information, go to: http://derwentvalleylife.org.uk/ If you would like to attend one of the advertised litter picks please get in touch with Amy Hartnell, Civic Pride Officer on 03000266058 or amy.hartnell@durham.gov.uk. For more information contact the Derwent Valley Partnership Team on: 03000 260 725 or dvaap@durham.gov.uk Alternatively visit: http://derwentvalleylife.org.uk/

Football coaching sessions are taking place in Chester-le-Street for children aged five to nine. The On the Ball junior coaching sessions have been organised by Durham County Council to help youngsters develop their football skills and their confidence. During the seven-week course children will learn to improve their football skills and their ability to play as part of a team. The coaching sessions, priced £21 for seven weeks, take place at Riverside Sports Complex, in Chester-le-Street on Wednesdays between 5pm and 6pm. For further information or to book a place people should contact the Riverside Sports Complex on 03000 266 447, email ontheball@durham.gov.uk or visit www.durham.gov.uk/ontheball

Free, healthy activities are taking place in Fishburn. Boxercise, bokwa and circuits are just some of the fun sessions encouraging more people to get healthy in time for summer. Health trainers from the Pioneering Care Partnership in Newton Aycliffe are offering the free sessions in the village community centre to help people improve their health and wellbeing. The following activities are taking place: Run England Running Group – Mondays, 10.30 – 11.30am Running is one of the best forms of exercise; it’s good for your heart, to lose weight and can even help you sleep. Boxercise – Mondays, 7.30 – 8.30pm Boxercise combines boxing moves and stances with aerobic choreography to improve total body conditioning. Circuits – Wednesdays, 7.30 – 8.30pm Circuit training is a form of body conditioning training using aerobics. It targets strength building and muscular endurance. Bokwa – Thursdays, 11am – 12noon Bokwa is a unique dance fitness programme that builds strength and endurance driven by the pulsating rhythmic beats of African, Latin, popular dance and house music. Check 4 Life – health checks – fortnightly from Wednesday, 19 June 9.30am – 4.00pm If you are aged 40-74 make an appointment to have a health check, it may just save your life. Health checks include height, weight and waist measurements, a simple finger stick test for cholesterol and blood pressure checks (if eligible) Health Trainers are also trained to offer advice on diet, nutrition, physical activity, goal setting, stopping smoking and much, much more. East Durham Rural Corridor AAP funded this project with £3,000. Members of the public chose this as a project they would like to support as part of a voting event last year. £The Sedgefield Health Network Fund gave the project £6,000. Further information from the Pioneering Care Centre Carers Way Newton Aycliffe DL5 4SF Tel: 01325 321234 Email: healthtrainers@pcp.uk.net.

The Garden of Eden play area will officially open on Saturday, June 1 with various other family activities taking place throughout the village, throughout the day. East Durham Rural Corridor Area Action Partnership, one of 14 partnerships set up by Durham County Council in 2009 to help the authority better engage with residents, has developed the play area with funding from the Neighbourhood Budgets of councillors David Brown and John Robinson. Sedgefield Town Council, Livin and County Durham Community Foundation have also provided funding. A child in attendance on the day will be chosen to officially cut the ribbon at the play area with the new Mayor, soon to be elected by the Town Council, at the play area on Eden Drive at 1.00pm on Saturday, June 1.  

Residents in Seaham and Murton are being invited to step out to improve their community this week. The Safe Durham Partnership is holding a series of estate walkabouts as part of its latest Not in My Neighbourhood event. Members of the public will be able to join representatives from organisations including Durham County Council, Durham Police and East Durham Homes as they visit communities to identify problems and issues. On Thursday, 23 May, the partners will be in Parkside, Seaham, and on Friday, 24 May they will be in the Westlea area of the town. Anyone who would like to join either of the walkabouts should meet at 10.00am outside the shops in Parkside Crescent, Parkside, on Thursday, or West Grove, Westlea, on Friday. The Not in My Neighbourhood event started on Monday and is already going well, with residents in Deneside and the Barnes Road area of Murton already helping to identify issues in their communities during estate walkabouts. Sgt Ian Dickinson, of Durham Police, said: “This week, we are specifically working to address issues raised by residents and local members at PACT meetings and other events. “Seaham and Murton are safe places to live and are in the safest county in England. Crime and anti-social behaviour are at an all-time-low. “We are also taking the opportunity to reassure residents that we do take their concerns seriously and to remind them how they can play a part in resolving community issues.” Other activities during the week will include two special events tomorrow (Wednesday, 22 May). From 10.30am to 12.30pm, staff from Durham Police and East Durham Homes will be available at Byron Place shopping centre, Seaham, to discuss any community problems. And between 10.00am and noon, representatives from the Illegal Money Lending Team and their mascot Sharky will be offering support and advice on money matters at Easington Social Welfare Centre. The council’s Community Action Team will be holding a drop-in session at the Glebe Centre, Murton, on Thursday, 23 May, focusing on noise nuisance. Residents are invited to call in to find out how noise can affect health and wellbeing and what they can do to deal with a noise problem. The Not in My Neighbourhood event will also include a litter pick at the rear of Parkside shops by the Probation Service and community speedwatch activities.

It is hoped a temporary bridge designed to restore access to a dales community, cut off by damage caused by flash flooding, will be in place by early next week. Following extensive enquiries among private contractors yesterday, Durham County Council’s technical services team has located a structure which can be lifted over the semi-collapsed stone bridge, damaged in the weekend’s floods. This crossing would be sufficient to meet the needs of both residents and businesses and is considered the best option for local people. Subject to the agreement of local landowners, this temporary structure could then be lifted to the side of the damaged bridge so that access can continue, while full repairs are carried out to the original stone. The council is today carrying out the necessary land surveys, ahead of the civil engineering works required to support the temporary access. This work will be completed and the bridge delivered at the weekend. It should then be operational by the start of the week for cars and open to heavy goods vehicles 24 hours thereafter. (This allows time for concrete foundations to cure) All potential possibilities were looked at to solve the issue but delays due to the size of other projects and problems with land access resulted in a temporary bridge being the best option. John Reed, head of technical services at the council, said: “I am sure the news that we have sourced a temporary structure capable of serving the needs of both local people and businesses so quickly will be most welcome.  “We are now in detailed discussions with the contactor but understand the bridge can be delivered over the coming weekend. We will install it as soon as possible so that normal daily life can resume in this dales community. “As soon as we have firm dates and times we will ensure that letters are delivered to all homes again by hand. We have worked with our partners in the emergency services throughout this to ensure the public have been kept informed and disruption kept to a minimum. “I would like to thank everyone for their continued patience and assistance and to say that, subject to the agreement of local landlords, I would hope to see repairs start on the stone bridge as soon as possible.” Background: Following Saturday’s significant rainfall, flash flooding has severely damaged Thornhope Beck Bridge which sits just to the North West of Wolsingham. The bridge serves as access to around 40 properties including a number of farms, houses, cottages and local businesses.  The road closure signage was put in place on Saturday as soon as damage to the bridge’s structure was observed. On Sunday morning Durham Constabulary responded to concerns raised within the community that some motorists were continuing to drive across the bridge and a concrete structure, to ensure the safety of the public, is now in place. Pedestrian access remains but daily inspections will be taking place to ensure this continues to be safe.  The only alternative access for this community is via a track which is only suitable for 4x4s. Restoring access for the people affected and ensuring their safety is the priority for the multi-agency team responding to the situation. This includes, Durham County Council, Durham Constabulary, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service and the Civil Contingencies Unit.  Community response: Letters explaining immediate measures taken to ensure the emergency services could continue to provide support to local residents and  assuring people that all possible actions were being taken were hand delivered on Sunday to all those affected. This was carried out by police motorcycle riders. This approach has continued with a further update hand delivered to residents yesterday afternoon. (Monday) In the meantime discussions with residents, businesses and landowners are continuing. The stone bridge The stone bridge has been well maintained and was in good condition. As part of the council’s regular bridge inspection and repair programme the structure had been repaired last year and some improvements to the riverbank in the area had also been completed. All of the county’s structures are regularly examined by experts within the council’s technical services team in line with national standards. A robust maintenance programme is in place. Investigations are continuing, but the speed and volume of the flood water, together with the weight of debris carried rapidly downstream following Saturday’s significant rainfall is believed to have caused the damage.  

A series of courses is taking place across the summer for those wanting to improve their health. East Durham Rural Corridor Area Action Partnership (AAP) has provided funding to enable the course to take place. Health trainers from the Pioneering Care Partnership in Newton Aycliffe are offering sessions and activities to improve health and wellbeing. The following courses will take place at Bowburn Community Centre: Shape up Your life, starts 10 June, 10.30am until noon, £1. The session offers advice on losing weight, nutrition, positive thinking and much more and is delivered by local health trainer Helen Pinkney. Walking For Health starts on Tuesday, 11 June from 10.30am. Free. Starting from Bowburn Community Centre and lasting approximately one hour. Nia Dance free taster session: Tuesday, 11 June between 4.00pm and 5.00pm. Nia is a non impact workout for people of all ability levels. It is a unique blend of marshall arts, Tai Chi and healing arts like yoga. Nia tones muscles and increases energy. Weekly classes will cost £2 per session. Free Check 4 Life health checks are taking place for those aged between 40 and 74. Make an appointment to have your height, weight and waist measurements checked. Blood pressure and cholesterol checks are also available. Health trainers will also be on hand to offer advice on diet, nutrition, physical activity, stopping smoking and much more. East Durham Rural Corridor AAP has funded the project with £20,000 as improving health was something the community said they would like to see the partnership spend money on.  

Clayport Library is on track for holiday fun next week with a series of railway-themed family days. The Durham city library is hosting the free sessions as part of a programme of activities marking Local History Month. On Saturday, 25 May, staff from Darlington Railway Museum: Head of Steam will be holding a children’s activity drop-in between 12.30pm and 4.00pm. Experts from Durham County Record Office will be getting creative with a children’s craft session from 1.00pm to 3.00pm on Tuesday, 28 May. Puffing Billy, one of the world’s oldest surviving locomotives, will be the theme for a drop-in with staff from Beamish Museum between 1.00pm and 3.00pm on Wednesday, 29 May. And on Friday, 31 May, there will be railway crafts and rhymes from 2.15pm. Tickets, priced at £1.00, are also still available for Tom Burnham’s talk on slides from the NERA collection, at 2.00pm on Saturday, 25 May. Places should be booked in advance by calling Clayport Library on 03000 265 524.

Urgent help is needed to trace the owners of three horses found running loose in a County Durham village. The ponies were rounded up by the police after being found loose on a road in Pittington. None of the animals have been micro-chipped, which means it has been impossible to trace their owner. Durham County Council has organised for the horses to be cared for on a temporary basis while efforts are made to find out who owns them. However, if the owners cannot be traced quickly the council will have to make arrangements for the animals to be re-homed. Anyone with information is asked to contact Durham County Council on 03000 26 1000 or email horses@durham.gov.uk

Residents in Ferryhill are celebrating! Their One Point Hub has become the first in County Durham to receive an Investing in Children award. The centre was praised for redeveloping a waiting area as a result of requests from young people. Youngsters said they would like better access to leaflets detailing a range of subjects such as youth provision and sexual health and this resulted in an area of the waiting room being allocated as an information point. When told about the One Point promise, which explains how the service works with families and young people, an idea for a young people’s pledge card detailing the promise, was the result. Young people helped to design the card which is now given to every young person accessing services provided by the teams and details the contact numbers and services available at the One Point centre. The promise ensures young people are treated with respect, that their opinions are valued and that they will never be turned away from a One Point centre. A film explaining services available at One Point has also been uploaded to You Tube and a presentation, designed by some of the young people, will be used in school assemblies to alert more young people to the services on offer at One Point such as further education and careers advice and the Positive Activities for Young People scheme. IiC presented the certificate to the hub during a recent presentation event.