january 2014 - darlington together

Hello and welcome to the Januaryedition of Darlington Together. I hope you all had a wonderfulChristmas and New Year.

2014 is going to be a year of changesand new beginnings for Darlington,some of them widely anticipated;others not so much. We’ll be featuringinformation about these changes in DarlingtonTogether throughout the year, as well as on our website (www.darlington.gov.uk) and in the press.

A very exciting change which features in thismonth’s magazine is the start of work on theDepartment for Education building in the towncentre. As you may remember, there was acampaign last year to ensure that over 350 jobsstayed in Darlington, a campaign that endedsuccessfully, with building work starting lastmonth. You can find out more about the journeyso far on page 29.

As well as changes going on in the Borough, youmay also be making changes closer to home thismonth. Did you know that only 46% of New Yearresolutions made at the start of last year werekept past June?

If you’re looking to make (and hopefullynot break) resolutions in 2014, there islots of information on pages 20-22which may be of interest to you. Eventhe little things you are able to do canmake a difference.

Finally, if you haven’t already, please takethe time to have your say on our

budget proposals; you have until the 10 Januaryto do so. After that date we will take yourfeedback and set our final budget. We’ve hadover 700 responses so far, but we need everysingle resident to let us knowtheir thoughts.

Cllr Bill Dixon MBE(@BillDixonDton)Leader of the Council

Darlington Borough Council | 17

Welcome to thismonth’s magazine forDarlington Borough

MP’s surgeriesJenny Chapman: MP for Darlington. Walk-in surgery will be held Friday 10 andFriday 24 January from 9:30 - 10:30am at theConstituency Office, 40a Coniscliffe Road,Darlington, DL3 7RG. E-mail: [email protected]: 01325 382345

Phil Wilson: MP for Sedgefield. Theoffice is open between Monday to Friday,9.30am - 5pm. Appointments can bearranged by calling 01325 321603 or e-mail [email protected]

January

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Surviving Winter campaign: If you can go withoutyour Winter Fuel payment this year, County DurhamCommunity Foundation (CDCF) call on you todonate it to the Surviving Winter campaign in orderto help the 3.5 million households in England whohave to make the choice between heating and eating.Visit www.cdcf.org.uk/ways-to-give/surviving-winterto find out how you can help.

18 | www.darlington.gov.uk

Cracking down onburglary and metal theft:A new crime reductioninitiative using SelectaDNAforensic marking has beenlaunched in Darlington.Council buildings such asschools, nurseries andchildren's centres have beengiven kits to mark valuableequipment such as computers, printers andtelevisions. 20,000 gully covers as well asmarket stall equipment have also been marked.These precautions will help reduce burglary andmetal theft across Darlington, saving money.

Find out more on the website:www.darlington.gov.uk/selectadna

NEWS IN BRIEF

STREET SCENEwww.darlington.gov.uk/streetsceneTel (01325) 388777

COUNCIL TAXwww.darlington.gov.uk/counciltaxTel (01325) 388373

HOUSING BENEFIT AND COUNCIL TAX SUPPORTwww.darlington.gov.uk/benefitsTel (01325) 388514

HOUSING AND REPAIRSwww.darlington.gov.uk/housingTel (01325) 388542

HIGHWAYS, TRANSPORT, PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTHwww.darlington.gov.ukTel (01325) 388799

www.darlington.gov.uk

01325 380651

[email protected]

CONTACT US

Record nominations for Best of Darlington:

The Best of Darlington Awards have received over100 nominations, the most yet! Many thanks toeveryone who took the time to recognise individuals,organisations and businesses who have gone aboveand beyond the call of duty in Darlington this year.We will shortly be inviting the nominees to theAwards Ceremony, which takes place in March.

Christmas tree recycling: Bring your real Christmas tree toone of our recycling points, wherewe will recycle it into woodchippings. Visitwww.darlington.gov.uk/christmastree or scan theQR code to find your nearest point. We will beaccepting trees from Monday 6 until Friday 17January.

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6 Jan & 3 Feb Mowden ..................................................... 6:30pm at Mowden Junior School8 Jan & 5 Feb Town Centre ........................................ St Augustine’s Community Centre, Larchfield Street8 Jan & 5 Feb Faverdale .................................................. West Park Academy, Tillage Green8 Jan & 12 Feb Eastbourne .............................................. 10am at Pilmoor Green Community Centre8 Jan & 12 Feb Cockerton West ................................ Windsor Court, Newton Lane8 Jan & 12 Feb Northgate ................................................ Baptist Church, Corporation Road8 Jan & 12 Feb Bank Top .................................................. Wesley Court Community Centre8 Jan & 12 Feb Lascelles .................................................... Rosemary Court9 Jan & 6 Feb Colleges ..................................................... 7pm at Queen Elizabeth College9 Jan & 13 Feb Park East ................................................... Skerne Park Community Centre9 Jan & 13 Feb Pierremont ............................................. Vancouver Street Methodist Church15 Jan & 12 Feb Harrowgate Hill ................................. 6:30pm at Harrowgate Hill WC, Salters Lane20 Jan & 26 Feb Central ........................................................ YMCA, Middleton Street22 Jan & 26 Feb Cockerton East ................................... Bowen Road Community Centre22 Jan & 26 Feb Lingfield ..................................................... Heathfield Primary School27 Jan & 24 Feb Hummersknott ................................... Carmel College28 Jan & 25 Feb North Road ............................................. Darlington Housing Association, 72A St Paul’s Place29 Jan & 26 Feb Haughton East/North/West Education Village29 Jan & 26 Feb Middleton St George .................... 6:30pm at Dinsdale Court29 Jan Heighington / Coniscliffe ........... 7:30pm at Walworth Castle30 Jan & 27 Feb Hurworth ................................................. 6:30pm at hall to rear of Methodist Church, West End5 Feb Park West ................................................ Call 101 for time and location.TBC Sadberge and Whessoe .............. Please call 101 for details.

Make a PACT with yourneighbourhood police team

Meetings taking place in January and February (all at 6pm unless specified)

PACT stands for ‘Police and CommunitiesTogether’ and is a way that you can getinvolved with your neighbourhood policingteam and let them know about the importantissues in your area.

Meetings are held on a monthly basis acrossDarlington in your local ward area. PACT also holdregular events in parks and local schools, as well assessions on Facebook.

Why not come along to your next PACT meeting?Call 101 or visit www.durham.police.uk to find outmore.

Police and communities workingtogether in Darlington

At the Lascelles PACT meeting the issue of youthsplaying football and causing a nuisance around people'sgardens was raised. Police worked with residents, StreetScene and the Anti-Social Behaviour team to solve theproblems and the anti-social behaviour has now stopped.

After a report of drug dealing in Corporation Road wasraised at the Northgate PACT meeting, a drugs warrantwas executed, a man was arrested and a quantity ofdrugs seized.

A Middleton St George PACT meeting raised the issueof speeding motorists in Middleton Lane. As a result, fourspeed watch operations were carried out and more than100 motorists received warning letters about theirspeed.

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By becoming a Good Friend you can choose tocommit as little or as much time tovolunteering as you like.

The project works by partnering you with an older orvulnerable person in your area who may need help,from simple tasks such as walking the dog ofsomeone with poor mobility, to befriending someonewho is lonely or isolated. We can match based oninterests and location, so that travelling is convenient.

Having already reached a quarter of our target sincelaunching in October, the project aims to recruit 1000

people in its firstyear, and we hopethat by becominga Good Friendyour experiencewill be a rewardingone for both you andthe person you help.

To become a Good Friend,please call 01325 362832 to register, or apply online atwww.goodfriends.org.uk

New Year... Christmas is over and it’s that time of yearwhen you take stock of your life and have athink about anything you’d like to change.These pages take a look at a few areas whereyou can make a difference - not only foryourself, but for other people in yourcommunity.

Volunteering provides people with an opportunity tocontribute to good causes. You can make new friendsand have a lot of fun, while gaining work experienceand learning new skills.

Do you have a spareroom for a young person?Could you help support a vulnerable youngperson who has left care and wants to achieve anindependent life? The Supported Lodgingsscheme may be for you. Find out more on page25.

Could you be a School Governor?If you have an interest in education and can bringfresh ideas, energy and experience, Darlingtonschools want you! Read all about how to getinvolved on page 31.

Consider volunteering!

Improve lives in Darlington this newyear, become a Good Friend

If you want to know more about volunteering, eVolution can help. Visit www.evolutiondarlington.com to find out about all the opportunities available in Darlington.

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Quit the cigs this January!Do you want to stub out the cigarettes forgood this January but don’t know where tostart? You’re not alone.

Did you know that you’re four times more likely tosuccessfully quit smoking if you use your local NHSStop Smoking Service and stop-smoking medicines,than if you try to quit using willpower alone?

For more information about stopping smoking visitwww.smokefree.nhs.uk where you can findinformation about your local Stop Smoking Service.

Get on course in 2014...Keep your mind as well asyour body active and considerlearning something new. Fromcake decorating to finding outabout your family history, theLearning and Skills Service hassomething for everyone. Youcan even learn to knit if youhave been inspired by theStitch-bombing in Darlingtontown centre!

Find out more atwww.darlington.gov.uk/learningandskills, or call 01325 248021

Start a new sport!Starting a new sport is a great way to burn offthose Christmas calories and meet new people.Check out all the activities and classes available byvisiting www.darlington.gov.uk/sdad

If the gym is more your thing, why not start thenew year with a membership for the DolphinCentre? Find out more atwww.darlington.gov.uk/memberships


New You!Get yourself healthy and fit!

Can you stay off the booze for 31 days? It’syour chance to lose weight, feel better andsave money!

You can even get sponsored and help make adifference to the lives of those affected by alcoholharm.

Think about how much you drink with Dry January

Take time out, get thinking about your drinking andprove that you can say no to a tipple or two. We’llalso be holding a Dryday night where you can comealong and have a fun night out without any alcohol!

For more information visit www.dryjanuary.org.uk

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Save (and make) money!Reduce your food billsShopping little and often at local marketsis an ideal way of reducing food waste.Freezing food before it goes off can alsomean less trips to the bin!

For more ideas for leftovers and foodsafety tips visit:www.lovefoodhatewaste.com andwww.food.gov.uk

Save money on yourenergy bills and get a greener home in 2014 with Warm Up NorthUnder the Warm Up North scheme, which is being deliveredby British Gas, you can request a survey of your home, to findout how you can benefit from a wide range of energy efficientmeasures such as double glazing, wall insulation andreplacement boilers.

Warm Up North may fund all or part of the works, and youmay be able to pay the cost back gradually through the savingsto your energy bills.

This scheme is backed by national government and isapproved and endorsed by the Council. Find out more bycalling 0800 294 8073 or visiting www.warmupnorth.com

Save your money withDarlington Credit Union

If you don't use a Credit Union to save money, the new year isa good time to start! Darlington Credit Union is a non-profitorganisation with access to low-cost loans. You can set up anaccount with a deposit of £5 and an entrance fee of £1.

Find out more by visiting www.darlingtoncreditunion.co.uk

Don’t miss out on money that you may be entitled to -check out our benefits calendar on page 23.

If you are stuck in a job you don’t enjoy or ifyou have been out of work for some time – thenew year is a good time to make a change.

Starting your own business can be one of the mostrewarding things you will ever do and our BusinessEngagement team is there to help you every step ofthe way. The team offers support and advice toanyone wishing to start their own business. This caninclude assistance with researching the target market,looking at funding and training options and helping

you decide if this path is the right one for you.

Last year the team received more than 1,000enquiries from would-be entrepreneurs wanting tostart their own business. From these initial enquiries,around three hundred have progressed to steppinginto the world of self employment.

Find out whether starting your own business is theright step for you by calling 01325 388821 or [email protected]

New year, new you... new start up!

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Continued alignment of StatePension age

Child Benefit and Child TaxCredit for children over 16

Disability Living Allowance &Personal Independence Payment

New mandatory reconsideration& appeals process for all DWPbenefits and child maintenancecases

Tax Credits

Benefit changes

Use the State Pension calculator on GOV.UK:www.gov.uk/calculate-state-pension

Check eligibility if your child is staying on in education -www.gov.uk/child-benefit and www.gov.uk/child-tax-credit

For information about renewals for a child aged 16, newclaims for adults and reporting a change of circumstances,visit www.gov.uk/dla-disability-living-allowance-benefit orcall 08457 123456

Contact your local advice service or visitwww.gov.uk/appeal-benefit

Report a change of circumstances within one month of ithappening to avoid any overpayment


Don't forget to check yourbenefits for 2014

Deadline

31 January If you are self-employed and have estimated your income for tax credits,please provide your actual income details by the date given to you.

31 March Deadline for claiming Winter Fuel Payments - check your eligibility onwww.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment

31 July Renewal deadline for Tax Credits

31 August Check eligibility for Child Benefit if your child is 16 and staying on ineducation. Check www.gov.uk/child-benefit or call 0300 200 3100

Don’t forget to check the dates below to make sure that you don’t miss any deadlines for claimingor renewing your benefits.

As you may be aware, The Government has introduced changes to the welfare system. Check thetable below to see if you will be affected.

If you need any further information about welfare reform or benefits, these organisations can help:

• Darlington CAB - 01325 256999 and www.darlingtoncab.co.uk • Age UK Darlington - 01325 357345 and www.ageuk.org.uk/darlington• Turn2us (www.turn2us.org.uk) is a charity which helps people in financial need gain access to

benefits, grants and other financial help.• You can also visit www.gov.uk/benefits-adviser which will tell you which benefits you could get,

how to claim and what will happen if your circumstances change.

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Volunteers needed!If you live or work in Haughton-le-Skerne and would like to contribute tothe website, the Haughton Hub teamwould love to hear from you.

Visit www.haughtonhub.co.uk/contact-usand fill in your details and a member ofthe team will be in touch.


A group of people from Haughton-le-Skerne village havelaunched a website (www.haughtonhub.co.uk) to helpthe local community get more connected with oneanother.

With contributions from a wide range of organisations, one ofthe aims of the website is to help bring local people together bysharing information and news stories, coordinating andpromoting local events, and letting people know about all of theclubs, groups, societies, and churches that are active in the localarea. The organisers hope that this will help to build a stronger,happier and healthier community with low levels of crime, andwhere people look out for one another.

Local businesses are keen to get involved and see the website asan effective way to reach local people and promote their goodsand services. The Haughton Hub team also hope that it willencourage potential entrepreneurs to open establishments inthe area.

The website includes lots of information on the history of thevillage and future plans include a section to swap and sell goodsand skills as well as a blog and forum.

While this is most definitely a community project, the Councilhas provided some support and have created a free websitetemplate and toolkit which other community organisations canuse.

Spotlight on the community:The Haughton Hub

www.haughtonhub.co.uk

There are many free website building tools and social networking websitesthat could help you get an online community up and running in no time. Ifyou have a bit of technical knowledge, Darlington Borough Council havedeveloped a website template and toolkit that is available for any localcommunity that would like to use it.

If you would like to get a local community group up and running, theHaughton Hub team may be able to help you get started. For moreinformation contact [email protected] with your details.

Why not start your own online community?

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Could you help a youngperson get on in life?

Do you have a spare chair at your table and aspare room in your home? Would you like theopportunity to make a difference to a youngperson’s life without interrupting your careerand earn money at the same time?

Darlington Borough Council’s Family PlacementService operate a Supported Lodgings scheme foryoung people (aged 16-21) who are leaving socialcare.

The scheme gives young people the chance todevelop the skills and experiences needed for livingindependently whilst living in the home of anapproved supported lodgings provider, while they arein education, training or employment.

Providers need to provide a safe and welcominghome environment, a bedroom for the exclusive useof the young person, and offer on-going support tohelp the young person get ready for when they areready to move on and live on their own.

People from all different walks of life can get involved- no matter what their cultural background or maritalstatus.

Angela Birleson and Alistair Campbell, whorecently became supported lodgings providerssay: “We’ve received training and can lean onsupport from the family placement team when weneed to. We have set some house rules and haveagreements in place to make sure we have ahappy household!

The arrangement hasn’t interrupted our workinglife, in fact our lives are more enriched – it’s apleasure to help a young person be the best thatthey can be. We both work full time and earnextra money per month for providing thesupported lodgings.”

Henry Atkinson*, a young personstaying in supported lodgings says:"I was in care for about a year and was worriedabout where I would move to as I knew I didn'twant to live alone. I decided to give supportedlodgings a try. I am now going to college, I stillspend time with my family and I get on well withthe supported lodgings providers. I have my ownroom and independence and live in an amazinghouse. I feel supported to do the things I want todo."

Do you want to find out more? Please call 01325 406166 / 388077 or email [email protected]

You can also visit www.darlington.gov.uk/supportedlodgings or scan the QR code.

The Supported Lodgings team will be in the Dolphin Centre reception on Monday 17,Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 February from 10am-3pm. We’d love to see you there!

*Name has been changed to protect the person’s identity.

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Your Darlington… Breaking down the budget

In November we announced the changeswe are proposing to our budget. We alsoset out a plan to bring about changes tomake further savings required beyond2015. These plans include...

Building StrongerCommunities - reducingdependency on servicesIf children are cared for intheir own families we don’thave to pay to look afterthem in other settings.If litter is not dropped, wedon’t have to pay to pick it up.If people help their neighboursto put out their bin, we don’thave to pay staff to do it.We simply don’t have themoney to pay for everythingwe currently provide. Webelieve that if you help us todo what you can, we will beable to continue to providevital services.

Every pound well spent -getting more value forpublic moneyWe know that it’s cheaper togrit a road and prevent anaccident than it is for thehealth service to treat apatient who has broken a hipfrom slipping over.We want to work withother services so we can allprovide services to you inthe most effective way.We aim to create a jointfund with our colleagues inpublic health to help preventfuture demand on health andsocial care services.

Growing the Darlington economy -making it so we have more to goroundWe have pledged to create an additional£1.5m in our budget through growth. Notonly will this help our budget but it willalso make the town a more vibrant place,with more new homes for residents tolive in, as well as more jobs. Darlington has a thriving economy and agrowing population, people recognise thatit's a great place to live and work. Howeverwe have to put in place the businesses andhomes that a growing population demands. We are focusing on growing theeconomy by attracting businesses andsupporting developers. Stimulating growthtakes time and resources and we will beappointing a Director of EconomicGrowth to lead on this.

Thank you to everyone who has given their thoughts on the consultation so far - we will be using your feedback to help us decide the final budget.

The refuse and recycling consultation finished in December, but the general budgetconsultation runs until Friday 10 January. Please take five minutes to let us know yourthoughts - if you don’t have your say, then your views may not be considered.

Visit www.darlington.gov.uk/budget or scan the QR code to find out more about our proposals and to giveus your feedback.

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In the tough and competitive world ofbusiness, Darlington must work hard tomake sure it is a place where people want todo business and where new business candevelop and thrive.

With this in mind, some of the best business brainsin the Borough have worked together over the pastyear to develop Darlington’s Economic Strategy.

After extensive consultation and research, fourthemes were identified:

Place - making sure Darlington is developed andpromoted as a key place to do business in.

People - making sure Darlington has a skilledworkforce.

Infrastructure - making sure the right facilities areavailable to make Darlington an attractive andsuitable business location.

Business conditions - supporting business andcreating opportunities to help them thrive.

Progress has already been made across all four themes.

Highlights include the continued development ofkey sites in the Borough such as the new multi-million pound cinema and leisure scheme; retainingaround 400 public sector jobs; increased housebuilding and the further development of CentralPark including the new National Biologicsmanufacturing centre and Business Growth Hub.

The Foundation for Jobs initiative has seen 123apprentice places and 125 internships created,giving young people the chance to develop valuableworkplace skills. In addition, more than £2m hasbeen secured to further develop employmentopportunities across the Tees Valley.

Work was doneto influence BT’sdecision to bringhigh speed broadband to the Borough and tosupport businesses such as start-up advice. An onlinevacant premises register has been developed makingit easier for potential business to find suitable sites.

New marketing tools such as a DVD and factsheets, will help strengthen the push to encouragenew businesses to come to Darlington. BusinessAmbassadors are now being recruited to add tothis drive.

Plans going forward include: raising the profile ofDarlington on a regional, national and global level tohelp encourage business growth and working acrossthe region to help growth in key areas such asBiologics, subsea engineering, manufacturing, logisticsand the public sector.


Economic Strategy forDarlington - one year on

For more details of the strategy, or if you would like to getinvolved, email [email protected].

Check out our video by scanning the QR code or visiting www.youtube.com/user/DarlingtonBC

Councillor Chris McEwan, DarlingtonBorough Council’s Cabinet Member for Economyand Regeneration said:

“In one year development in Darlington has movedon at break neck speed. New developments in theBorough add up to millions of pounds of investmentand jobs for the area.

“Developing the Economic Strategy has not just been atalking shop and tick- box exercise. Real improvementshave been made in all key areas and we are committedto build on this work in the years to come.

“These are exciting and challenging times. By workingtogether, local businesses have shown that Darlingtonis a place where people want to do business andwhere new businesses can develop and flourish.”

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With money being tight andfunding difficult to get holdof, it's important that we allwork together to make thebest of the resources wehave.

With the help of DarlingtonBorough Council and CountyDurham Community Foundation(CDCF), an extra £200,000 hasbeen made available to childrenand young people, at noadditional cost to you.

Before the proposal, there werelots of charitable funds inexistence, but their money wasnot being used as well as it could be and the interestrates from endowments could have been better. If thefunding was transferred to CDCF then not onlywould this be improved, but CDCF would also beable to get £200,000 extra match funding fromCommunity First Endowment Match Challenge.

Cabinet agreed to support this proposal last Summerand the Charity Commission have signed off theprocess. £1.1 million of assets have nowbeen transferred to CDCF, attracting an extra£200,000 of funding.

The money is specifically for young people inDarlington schools and colleges. CDCF will managethe funds and distribution, and all the schools andcolleges in Darlington will come together to form anadvisory group that will decide how the money willbe allocated.

The money will be used toprovide prize awards to studentsto recognise their achievementsand to help young people infinancial hardship take part inactivities. Local groups engagingwith the schools and colleges willalso be able to benefit.


Working together to provide funding for children and young people

Who are CDCF?County Durham Community Foundation (CDCF)is an independent grant-making charity. Ifmembers of the public wish to donate to a localworthy cause, they manage their money andensure it goes to those the donor cares aboutmost.

Since 1995, £25 million has been awarded in theform of grants to over 11,000 local projects andindividuals across Darlington and Durham onbehalf of donors by County Durham CommunityFoundation.

Find out more by visiting www.cdcf.org.uk

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New town centre building meansmore jobs will stay in Darlington

More information, including photos, site plans and more information about thearchaeological dig can be found at www.darlington.gov.uk/dfe, or by scanningthe QR code.

A Twitter feed and website with information about how the development isprogressing will go live in the New Year.

What lay beneaththe Town Hall?The site has been excavatedin preparation for thebuilding works to begin -and a lot of surprises werefound!

The archaeological servicesteam at Durham Universityfound the foundations of anearly 19th century poorhouse, as well as fragmentsof cooking pots, four leathershoes and animal bones,including a whole horses head.

The site was opened to thepublic in November - withover 250 people coming totake a look at what wasfound.

The findings have all beentaken back to DurhamUniversity for investigationbut will eventually bedisplayed locally, andpotentially used in thedevelopment of theriverside. More details willbe available in March 2014.

Work has started on the new office accommodation for theDepartment for Education (DfE).

Earlier this year, it was announced that the DfE intended to move staff fromtheir offices at Mowden Hall. A successful campaign run by the Council, TheNorthern Echo, Tees Valley Unlimited and Darlington MP Jenny Chapmanconvinced the DfE to stay in the town, with a new building at Feethams.

In April, DfE agreed to our proposals and planning permission was granted inSeptember. Willmott Dixon were chosen to design and construct the building.

It is estimated that the build will take 59 weeks to complete. The rent fromDfE will cover the development costs for the duration of the lease.

The building will mean that 375 jobs will be brought to Darlington TownCentre, resulting in great economic benefits for the town. The developmentwill also provide new facilities which will be shared between the Council andDfE, meaning a more efficient use of the existing Town Hall.

Leader of Darlington Borough Council, Bill Dixon, said: “This is an importantmilestone. The archaeological work caused a lot of excitement in the townas everyone wondered what was beneath the car park. It is now time for abig step into the present day as work starts in earnest on what will be aninnovative and most welcome development in the town centre.”

© Napper Architects Limited, Newcastle

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Thinking of flytipping? Not in our town!

Darlington Borough Council's enforcement teamhave successfully convicted a waste removal serviceof fly tipping and failing to keep legally-requireddocumentation, following three flytips in PatchesLane and Union Place.

Waste Removal Service's owner Stephen Paterson wasconvicted in October. He was fined.

Our enforcement team recommend that anyone needing wasteremoval check the credentials of their chosen contractor andensure that they get a copy of a waste transfer note (these arerecords that provide an audit trail of waste from productionthrough to disposal) when their waste is taken away.

“Flytipping is unsightly, unsanitary andcosts your Council money to remove. Ifyou see flytipping in your area, pleasereport it to us as soon as possible.

If you are involved in flytipping - we willtake any means necessary to bring you tojustice, including confiscating and crushingyour vehicle, and disqualifying you fromdriving.”

Councillor Nick Wallis, cabinetMember for Leisure and LocalEnvironment.Flytipping can attract a maximum fine of

£50,000 and/or imprisonment up to fiveyears.

The enforcement team will also actively seek to take anyvehicles involved in fly tipping and get the offenderdisqualified from driving during all future prosecutions.

Vehicles taken by our enforcement team may be crushed.

Did you know?86 large and 149 small flytipswere reported to us using ouronline reporting system in 2013?

Help us by reporting flytipping online: www.darlington.gov.uk/reportitYou can use our online system to see what else has been reported in your area, and we will give you areference number you can use to track your case online.

You can also email [email protected]

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Could you be a School Governor?

If you have an interest in education and have fresh ideas,energy and experience then Darlington Schools can offer you afantastic opportunity.

Every school has a Governing Body that helps to run the school. Therole of the Governing Body includes planning the school’s futuredirection, agreeing its improvement strategy, appointing the headteacher, making decisions on the budget and staffing and much more.

Councillor Cyndi Hughes, Lead Member for Children and Young Peopleand a long-standing Governor said: “Being a school governor is a fulfillingrole that can be filled by anyone with an interest in education and the futureof Darlington’s children. You do not need to be a parent or to have anyspecific qualifications – enthusiasm, time and commitment to support a schoolare the key requirements.”

As a governor, you will learn new skills and get to work as part of ateam, making sure the school provides the best education to its pupils.Many employers encourage staff to become governors as the skillsgained are transferable to a work place. Training courses are available tosupport you in carrying out your role.

Amanda Baillie, a governor at Heathfield Primary School, said “Thisexperience has been very fulfilling and I feel like I am making a positivedifference to the lives of children in my community.”

If you’re wondering if you could fit the bill just ask yourself these questions:

• Do you want children to get the best from school?

• Do you want to put something back into the local community?

• Are you interested in people?

• Are you prepared to work as part of a team?• Do you have time to get to know your school,

go to meetings and read documents and reports?

• Are you comfortable asking questions?

• Are you open to new ideas and ready to learn?

If you answered yes to these questions and are over 18 years of age then you could be the person we’re looking for.

Find out more information at www.darlington.gov.uk/governors, or scan the QR code. You can also e-mail [email protected]

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BANK TOP WARDVeronica Copeland (L) Tel: 358530; ChrisTaylor (L), Tel: 243298. Fri 17 Jan, King William Street CommunityCentre 5pm-6pm. Wesley Court Community Centre, RocketStreet 6pm-6.30pm

CENTRAL WARD Jan Taylor (L) Tel: 243298; Malcolm Wright(L) Tel: 484374. Wed 22 Jan, Gurney Pease School 6pm-7pm. Wed5 Feb, Park Place Community Hall 6pm-7pm.

COCKERTON EAST WARD Paul Baldwin (L) Tel: 362690Sue Richmond (L) Tel: 351538. Bryan Thistlethwaite (L) Tel:485466. Thurs 9 Jan, Cockerton Library 6pm-7pm.

COCKERTON WEST WARD Jan Cossins (L) Tel: 241124David Regan (L) Tel: 495258. Wed 8 Jan, Windsor Court 10am-11am. Thurs 9 Jan, Cockerton Library 6pm – 7pm.

COLLEGE WARDTony Richmond (C) Tel: 351538 IanGalletley (C) Tel: 07507904109. Wed 8 Jan, Abbey Junior School7pm-8pm.

EASTBOURNE WARD Bill Dixon (L) Tel: 486588 RoderickFrancis (L) Tel: 488173. Lee Vasey (L) Tel: 488513. Wed 15 Jan,Pilmoor Green Community Centre 5pm-6pm. Wed 29 Jan,Maidendale House 3pm-4pm.

FAVERDALE Richard Grundy (C) Tel: 266314. Wed 8 Jan andWed 5 Feb, West Park Academy 6pm-7pm.

HARROWGATE HILL WARD Gill Cartwright (C) Tel:382276. Wed 5 Feb, Harrowgate CIU Ltd. Salters Lane North7.30pm – 8.30pm. Marjory Knowles (L) Tel: 265847 John Vasey(L) Tel: 488513. Thurs 6 Feb, Classroom in the New Sports HallLongfield Academy 7pm-8pm.

HAUGHTON EAST WARD Chris McEwan (L) Tel: 283262Martin Landers (L) Tel: 07709804580. Sat 1 Feb, Asda Foyer10am-11.30am. Wed 5 Feb, Red Hall Community Centre 6pm-7pm.

HAUGHTON NORTH WARDTom Nutt (L) Tel: [email protected] Beverley Hutchinson (L) Tel:262015. Sat 1 Feb, Asda Foyer 10am-11.30am.

HAUGHTON WEST WARD Nick Wallis (L) Tel: 488797David Lyonette (L) Tel: 464693 Andy Scott (L) Tel: [email protected] Sat 1 Feb, Asda Foyer 10am-11.30am. Wed 12 Feb Salvation Army, Thompson St. 6pm–7pm.

HEIGHINGTON AND CONISCLIFFE WARD Gerald Lee(C) Tel: 314622 Paul Crudass (C) Tel: 374537. Sat 1 Feb, HighConiscliffe Village Hall, for Low Coniscliffe and Merrybentresidents, 10am-11am.

HUMMERSKNOTT WARDAlan Coultas (C) Tel: 350453Charles Johnson (C) Tel: 463712. Mon 27 Jan, Carmel College6pm-7pm.

HURWORTH WARD Joe Kelley (LD) Tel: 266760. MartinSwainston (LD) Tel: 07535637060. Thurs 6 Feb, HurworthGrange Community Centre Library 6pm-7pm.

LASCELLES WARDWendy Newall (L) Tel: 251574. HelenCrumbie (L) Tel: 462642. Sat 11 Jan, Cleveland Bridge Social Club12 noon – 1pm. Tues 21 Jan, St John’s CofE Academy 6pm-7pm.

LINGFIELD WARD Ian Haszeldine (L) Tel: 741508 LynneHaszeldine (L) Tel: 07950521511. Wed 22 Jan, Heathfield PrimarySchool 6pm-6.30pm. Wed 12 Feb, Eastbourne Sports Complex6pm-6.30pm.

MIDDLETON ST. GEORGE WARD Doris Jones (C) Tel:332820 Steve York (C) Tel: 332025. Tues 28 Jan, Dinsdale Court6.15pm-7.15pm.

MOWDEN WARD Ron Lewis (C) Tel: [email protected] Bill Stenson (C) Tel: 468249.Mon 3 Feb, Mowden Junior School 6.30pm-7.30pm.

NORTH ROAD WARDAnne-Marie Curry (LD) Tel:07531304050 [email protected] Fred Lawton(LD) Tel: 467413 Alan Macnab (LD) Tel: 482015 Wed 29 Jan,Northlands Methodist Church Entrance Hall 9.15am-10.15am.

NORTHGATE WARD Eleanor Lister, (L) Tel. 254091 DorothyLong, (L) Tel. 355755 Wed 5 Feb, Reid Street Primary School,6pm-7pm.

PARK EAST WARD Paul Harman (L) Tel: 483259 CyndiHughes (L) Tel: 480975. Joe Lyonette (L) Tel: 263480. Fri 10 Jan,St. Columbas Church Hall 6-7pm. Fri 17 Jan, The ColeridgeCentre 6-7pm.

PARK WEST WARD Bob Donoghue (C) Tel: 352582 HeatherScott (C) Tel: 468547. Fri 17 Jan, 76 Carmel Road South 5pm-6pm.

PIERREMONT WARD Bob Carson (L) Tel: 240627 StephenHarker (L) Tel: 380039 Linda Hughes (L) Tel: 07904772387. Wed8 Jan and Wed 5 Feb, Reid Street Primary School 6-7pm.

SADBERGE AND WHESSOE Brian Jones (C) Tel: 332820.Tues 28 Jan, Sadberge Village Hall 6pm-7pm.

Key: (L) Labour (C) Conservative (LD) Liberal Democrat

E-mailing councillors: If you wish to e-mail your councillor their e-mail address is: [email protected]

For example, if you wish to e-mail Bill Dixon, type in [email protected]

• The only exceptions are Andy Scott (Haughton West Ward), Anne-Marie Curry (North Road Ward), Ron Lewis (Mowden) andTom Nutt (Haughton North); their e-mail addresses are shown with their ward surgery details.


Your local councillor is there to listen to you and find out about theissues that are affecting life in your ward. You can e-mail, telephone ormeet with your local councillor at regular ward surgeries.

Upcoming Committee DatesSpecial Health and Partnerships Scrutiny Committee Wed 8 January 9.30am Committee Room 2

General Licensing Committee Tues 14 January 9.30am Committee Room 3

Special Adults and Housing Tues 14 January 11.30am Committee Room 1Scrutiny Committee

Planning Applications Committee Wed 15 January 1.30pm Committee Room 2

Special Place Scrutiny Committee Thur 16 January 9.30am Committee Room 2

Special Cabinet Tue 21 January 5.00pm Committee Room 2

Special Health and Partnerships Tue 28 January 9.30am Committee Room 2Scrutiny Committee

Health and Wellbeing Tues 28 January 3.30pm Committee Room 1Board

Council Thur 30 January 6.00pm Council Chamber

Special Audit Committee Fri 31 January 4.15pm Committee Room 2

Cabinet Tue 4 February 5.00pm Committee Room 2

Place Scrutiny Committee Thur 6 February 9.30pm Committee Room 2

DARLINGTONTOGETHER

dres0132_DT Jan 2014 19/12/2013 09:02

january 2014 - darlington together

Documents

januaryedition of darlington

year werekept

surviving winter campaign

council buildings

council tax

new yearresolutions

new crime reductioninitiative

start of work