trimdon village community plan 2011 2014
DESCRIPTION
ÂTRANSCRIPT
livin Trimdon Village
Community Plan 2011-14
And
with the community at heart Revised March 2013
2
Equality and Diversity livin aims to ensure that Equality and Diversity lies at the heart of our business and allows our customers to access high quality services tailored to their individual diverse needs. It is our policy to provide access to services and employment equality to all, irrespective of age, race or ethnic origin, gender, marital or family status, religious or philosophical belief or political opinion, disability, nationality or sexual orientation. As part of our commitment we, and our working partners, aim to treat everyone as equal citizens and recognise, support and value the diversity of the communities in which they live.
Contact Us
Communities Team
livin, Farrell House, Arlington Way
DurhamGate, Spennymoor, Co Durham, DL16 6NL
0800 587 4538 (free from a landline) or 0300 111 2234 (low rate
call from a mobile phone depending on your network)
3
Based on the intelligence contained within each Plan livin has been able to rank the
local communities based on; Bronze (potential), Silver (aspiring) or Gold
(performing). This will enable livin to see which communities require more immediate
and intensive interventions whilst ensuring there are mechanisms in place to
maintain Gold standards.
Indicator Ranking
Housing Market Affordability SILVER
Tenancy Turnover GOLD
Demand for livin housing SILVER
Average Repair Costs Per Property SILVER
Long Term Unemployment1
(6 - 12 months) GOLD
Average Household Income2 BRONZE
Rental Debit SILVER
Educational Attainment (5 GCSE’s Grade C & Above)
BRONZE
Environmental Assessment SILVER
Overall Community Ranking
SILVER
1,2 Data used to compile this ranking relates to the Fishburn and Old Trimdon Ward
(including Trimdon Village). Data collection limitations have restricted this
information being available for Trimdon Village only.
Community Ranking - Trimdon Village
4
Page No.
Section 1 Community Profile 8
1.1 Demographics 9
1.1.1 Population – Now and in the Future 9
1.1.2 Religion and ethnicity 14
1.2 Housing 17
1.2.1 Housing Tenure 17
1.2.2 Average House Prices 18
1.2.3 Current Supply and Demand for Housing 21
1.2.4 livin Tenancy Sustainment 26
1.2.5 Vacant / Abandoned properties 27
1.2.6 Future Demand for Housing 28
1.2.7 Average cost of repairs to livin properties 31
1.2.8 Average Cost of Improvement Programmes 31
for livin properties
1.3 Crime and Antisocial Behaviour 33
1.4 Economy and Employment 39
1.4.1 Economic Activity 39
1.4.2 Jobseekers Allowance claimants 44
1.4.3 Department for Works and Pensions Key 45
Benefit Claimants
1.4.4 Household income 46
1.4.5 Vehicle ownership and cost of travel 46
1.4.6 Rental debit in livin properties 48
1.5 Access to Services and Facilities 51
1.6 Health and Well Being 58
1.7 Education and Training 63
Contents
5
Page No
1.8 Reputation of the Local Area and Community 67
Cohesion
1.9 Local Environment 68
Section 2 Community Priorities 74
Section 3 Review of the Community Plan 75
Appendix 1 livin Strategic Framework and Regulatory 76
Requirements
Appendix 2 Methodology 82
6
Page No.
Figure 1.1 Aerial overview of Trimdon Village 9
Figure 1.2 Age Profile of population in Trimdon Village 10
Figure 1.3 Household profile for Trimdon Village 11
Figure 1.4 Population projections for Durham County 12
Figure 1.5 Age pyramid projections for Durham County 13
Figure 1.6 Housing tenure in Trimdon Village 17
Figure 1.7 Average house prices in Trimdon Village (TS29,6) 19
Figure 1.8 livin stock in Trimdon Village 22
Figure 1.9 Age profile of livin lead tenants in Trimdon Village 22
Figure 1.10 livin properties available for let during the period 24
1 October 2009 to 30 September 2010
in Trimdon Village
Figure 1.11 livin tenancy sustainment in Trimdon Village 26
Figure 1.12 Trimdon Village Police Beat Area 33
Figure 1.13: Reported incidents of crime and antisocial behaviour 34
in Trimdon Village during January 2011 to
August 2011
Figure 1.14 Reported cases of nuisance and antisocial behaviour to 34
livin within Trimdon Village during the
period 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011
Figure 1.15 Economic activity in Trimdon Village 39
Figure 1.16 Occupation profile of 16 to 74 year olds in 42
Trimdon Village
Figure 1.17 Economic inactivity in Trimdon Village 43
Figure 1.18 Jobseekers Allowance claimants in Trimdon Village 44
List of Figures
7
Page No.
Figure 1.19 Breakdown of persons residing in Trimdon Village 46
claiming key DWP benefits
Figure 1.20 Levels of health in Trimdon Village 58
Figure 1.21 Educational attainment within Trimdon Village 63
Figure 1.22 Route of Environmental Assessment 72
8
The community of Trimdon Village is situated in County Durham; approximately 9
miles south of Durham City and 15 miles north of Darlington.
Trimdon Village was the original settlement within the area. Until the early 19th
Century the area surrounding the Village was
predominantly fields and moors. Trimdon Village was
first recorded as “Tremeldon” in 1196, through its
name suggests evidence of an earlier Anglo-Saxon
settlement.
The name Trimdon derives from the Old English term
“treo-mael-dom” which means “hill with the wooden cross”, which reflects the
existence of a church which still lies on an earth mound in the centre of the village.
The village has a rich coal mining heritage. The late 18th and 19th century saw a
boom period within the North East coalfields, resulting in two collieries being opened
in the immediate area surrounding the village. Trimdon Colliery was opened in 1840
and at its peak employed 1,430 people. Trimdon Grange Colliery was opened in
1845.
During the period 1841 to 1891 the area saw its population rapidly increase from 276
to 4,135. To accommodate the great influx of labour that came to work in collieries
the villages of Trimdon Colliery and Trimdon Grange were established. A railway
was built to serve the collieries and rows of terraced houses began to spring up near
to the railway line. Local colliery owners also built a school within the village.
The demise of the coal mining industry during the late nineteenth to mid twentieth
century finally saw the closure of Trimdon Colliery in 1925 and Trimdon Grange
Colliery in 1968.
Trimdon Village, together with the village of Trimdon Colliery, Trimdon Grange and
Trimdon Station are now often collectively referred to as the “Trimdons”.
Section 1 Community Profile
Until the mid 20th Century
coal mining was the main
source of employment for
many local residents
9
Figure 1.1: Aerial overview of Trimdon Village
Source: Ordnance Survey
Once part of the former “Sedgefield Borough”, Trimdon Village is now served by the
unitary authority of Durham County Council and Trimdon Parish Council. It is also
part of the East Durham Rural Area Action Partnership (AAP) which covers the areas
of the Trimdons, Fishburn, Sedgefield, Cassop, Quarrington Hill, Coxhoe, Kelloe,
Bradbury, Bowburn, Deaf Hill, Old Cassop, Old Quarrington, Parkhill and Mordon.
1.1 Demographics
1.1.1 Population- Now and in the future
The population within the settlement of Trimdon
Village is approximately 3,007. 49.8% of the total
population are male with the remaining 50.2% being
female (Census, 2001, Lower Level Super Output
Area (LLSOA), KS01, 002A, 002D).
Population data indicates that Trimdon Village has a diverse range of age groups.
The percentages of residents aged 25 to 64 (53.6%) and 65 and over (15.8%) are
comparable with both the Durham County and North East averages. There are a
marginally lower percentage of persons aged 16 to 24 years (9.9%) living within the
community when compared to Durham County (11.0%) and North East averages
(11.1%). To facilitate good levels of economic activity within the community it is
essential that a high percentage of the population are of working age and
contributing to the local economy through employment or actively seeking work.
The population of
Trimdon Village is
approximately 3,007.
(Census, 2001)
10
The population of residents aged 0 to 15 years (20.8%) remains in line with Durham
County (19.1%) and North East (19.8%) averages.
Figure 1.2: Age profile of population in Trimdon Village Source: Census 2001, LLSOA KS02, 002A, 002D
The main household types within Trimdon Village are single person households
(29.7%), followed by households consisting of married couples with no dependent
children (21.8%) then married couples with dependent children (16.3%).
The percentage of single person households (29.7%) within the village is
comparable with both Durham County (29.2%) and North East (30.7%) averages.
The percentage of married households with no dependent children (21.8%) is also
comparable to Durham County (21.7%) and North East averages (19.9%). The
percentage of married couples with dependent children (16.3%) is marginally lower
than Durham County (17.7%) and North East average (16.9%).
The percentage of cohabiting households with dependent children (5.0%) is
marginally higher than the Durham County (3.7%) and North East (3.6%) averages.
20.7
9.9
53.6
15.8
19.1
11.0
53.3
16.5
19.8
11.1
52.6
16.6
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Persons aged 0-15
Persons aged16-24
Persons aged25-64
Persons aged65 years or over
%
Trimdon Village
Durham County
North East
11
Figure 1.3: Household Profile for Trimdon Village Source: Census 2001, LLSOA, KS20, 002A, 002D
The higher percentage of married couples and families living in Trimdon Village may
be attributed to the age profile of the community which indicates that 63.5% of
residents are aged 16 to 64 years.
Trend based projections from DCC indicate that countywide the population will
initially decline by 2016 before increasing to an estimated total of 501,625 in 2026
(Strategic Housing Market Assessment, DCC, 2010). Figure 1.4 illustrates the actual
population totals within Durham County for the period 1981 to 2007. Future
population figures up to the year 2026, as projected by DCC, are shown in pink on
the graph.
16.3
21.8
5.0
3.9 7.7
4.2
29.7
0.0 10.2
1.2
Married couple household withdependent child(ren)
Married couple household with nodependent child(ren)
Cohabiting couple household withdependent child(ren)
Cohabiting couple household with nodependent child(ren)
Lone parent household with dependentchild(ren)
Lone parent household with nodependent child(ren)
One person household
Multi person household: All student
Multi person household: All other
Multi person household: Withdependent child(ren)
12
Figure 1.4: Population projections for Durham County Source: Durham County Strategic Housing Market Assessment, 2010
The late 1950’s through to the early 1970’s saw a steady rise in the number of births
throughout the Country. The progression of this ‘baby boom’ period has caused, and
will continue to cause, different challenges to the County’s population. Currently this
generation falls entirely within the economically
active age group (generally 16 to 64 years), but
shortly will begin the transition into retirement and
will be the main driver of an ageing population over
the coming years. Increasing life expectancy will
also contribute towards the County’s growing elderly
population. DCC’s age pyramid (figure 1.5)
highlights the expected increase in the 65 plus age
group, together with a decline in the economically
active age group. The projection of an increasing
elderly population, coupled with an associated fall in the numbers of persons that are
economically active will see an increased demand on fiscal, housing and health
provisions throughout the County during the coming years.
To facilitate good levels of economic activity within an area it essential that a high
percentage of the population are contributing to the local economy through
employment or by actively seeking work. To encourage and attract an economically
active population to reside in an area it is imperative for there to be a good supply of
local sustainable jobs, affordable housing and accessible services and facilities.
2008-based projections: various trends for the overall population
465000
470000
475000
480000
485000
490000
495000
500000
505000
510000
515000
520000
525000
530000
535000
540000
545000
550000
555000
1981
1983
1985
1987
1989
1991
1993
1995
1997
1999
2001
2003
2005
2007
2009
2011
2013
2015
2017
2019
2021
2023
2025
Nu
mb
er
anticipatedactual
DCC
Principal
DCC Lower
95%
DCC NC
ONS
Principal
An ageing population, and
fall in the number of
persons economically
active by 2026 will place
an increased demand on
fiscal, housing and health
provisions.
13
Figure 1.5: Age pyramid projections for Durham County Source: Durham County Council, Strategic Housing Market Assessment, 2010
Although Trimdon Village does not currently have an ageing population there is a
probability of this emerging over the next 20 to 30 years. 53.6% of residents are
aged between 25 to 64 years, many of whom by 20 to 30 years’ time will have begun
their transition into retirement, or be retired. If efforts are not made to continually
attract or encourage younger households to live within the community through the
provision of affordable and accessible housing, sustainable employment and access
to a wide range of services and facilities then it is likely that an ageing population will
become to emerge. An ageing population can result in decreasing levels of
economic activity; this is turn can have a detrimental effect on sustainability and the
local economy.
DCC estimates indicate that in 2010 there were 206,281 households countywide.
This number is expected to increase by 24.9% to a total of 257,651 households by
2030 (Strategic Housing Market Assessment, DCC, 2010). By 2030 single person
households (including single pensioners) are expected to double (100.3%) to 56,564;
whereas two person households are only expected to increase by 18% to 14,087.
Larger households of three persons or more are expected to reduce by 26.9% to
19,281. This decrease in larger households, coupled with a significant increase in
single person households, will have a major impact on the supply and demand of
housing throughout the County.
2008 based projections: the Age Pyramids for County Durham in 2008 and 2026 implied by
the DCC and ONS projections
40000 30000 20000 10000 0 10000 20000 30000 40000
0-4
5-9
10-14
15-19
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70-74
75-79
80-84
85-90
90+
ag
e g
rou
ps
year 2008 year 2026
ONS 2026
ONS 2008
2026 DCC
2008 DCC
2 per. Mov. Avg.(2008 DCC)2 per. Mov. Avg.(ONS 2008)2 per. Mov. Avg.(2026 DCC)2 per. Mov. Avg.(ONS 2026)
14
1.1.2 Religion and Ethnicity
An understanding of the ethnic and religious structure of the local population enables
livin to ensure that its services are equally accessible, responsive and tailored to the
needs and requirements of all residents living within its local communities. It will also
help livin to ensure that any minority groups are consulted with during future
research and intelligence gathering, and allows for consideration of any specific
needs in relation to access for housing, health, and employability during the creation
of each community’s key priorities and Local Offers.
2001 Census data indicates that the main religion in Trimdon Village is Christianity
(85.1%). 0.2% stated their religion to be Muslim. The remaining population stated
they had no religion or did not provide details (Census, 2001, LLSOA KS07, 002A,
002D).
Ethnicity within the community predominantly consists of White British (98.2%). The
remaining 1.8% of the population is from other ethnic backgrounds including; Irish,
Other White, Mixed White and Black Caribbean, Mixed White and Black African,
Mixed White and Asian, Other Mixed, Asian or Asian British Other Asian, (Census,
2001, LLSOA KS06, 002A, 002D).
Recent research conducted by DCC and NHS Darlington estimated that between
0.43% to 0.57% of Durham County’s population consists of people from Gypsy,
Roma and Traveller Households (Renaissance Research, 2010). Further analysis of
these figures is currently not possible due to a lack of further data and intelligence.
DCC’s Gypsy, Roma and Traveller site at East Howle, near to Ferryhill, is the only
permanent residential site within livin’s area of operation.
15
What does this mean for livin? It is important that the available housing stock within the community is able to meet
the housing demands of the current and future population. Currently over half of the
households in Trimdon Village consist of families and couples, the majority of whom
will have a housing need for larger sized quality homes with two bedrooms or more.
livin currently owns 428 properties within the community, with over half of these
(59%) being two to four bedroom houses which can be utilised to help meet the
housing need for couples and families.
To facilitate good levels of economic activity in a community it is essential that a high
percentage of the population are contributing to the local economy through
employment or actively seeking work. To achieve this it is important that efforts are
made to continually attract and encourage younger households to move into the
community through the provision of affordable and accessible housing and
sustainable employment. It is also necessary for there to be a range of accessible,
local services and support organisations that can provide family centred support to
these households over the coming years.
livin owns a total of 147 one and two bedroom bungalows in Trimdon Village
together with a total of 23 bedsits and one bedroom flats within a sheltered housing
scheme at Tremeduna Grange. This is 40% of livin’s total housing stock in the
community. The letting of these properties are normally restricted to persons aged
Key Demographic Characteristics:
63.5% of residents in the community are aged 16 to 64 years. This is
comparable to the Durham County average of 64.3%.
15.8% of residents in the community are aged 65 years or more.
55.9% of households living in the community are couples, or families, this is
comparable to the rest of Durham County.
29.7% of households consist of single persons. This is comparable with the
Durham County average. County Council projections indicate that the number of
single households will significantly increase over the coming years.
Trend-based projections indicate that the Countywide population will increase
to an estimated total of 501,625 in 2026 (DCC, 2010).
98.2% of residents are White British.
The prominent religion in the community is Christianity (85.1%). 0.2% of
residents are Muslims.
16
60 or over, or those with a medical need. Demand for one bedroom bungalows and
properties within sheltered schemes is typically low throughout all of livin’s
communities. Countywide, there is currently a high demand for bungalows with two
bedrooms or more and analysis of future population trends and projections will
expect this level of demand to continue. Although demand for one bedroom
bungalows is typically low consideration must be given to the forthcoming Welfare
Reform and its potential for increasing demand for smaller sized properties for
persons aged 61 years or under. To ensure the housing stock within the community
continues to meet current and future levels of demand it will be necessary for livin to
complete a comprehensive review of the provision and suitability of its current
housing stock for older persons.
An understanding of the ethnic and religious structure of the local population will
enable livin to ensure that its services are equally accessible, responsive and
tailored to the needs and requirements of all residents living within its local
communities
17
1.2 Housing
1.2.1 Housing Tenure
The community of Trimdon Village has a wide range of housing tenures. This is very
important as a diverse mix of different housing tenures will positively contribute
towards making the community more sustainable, by meeting the needs of a cross
section of the population.
Figure 1.6: Housing Tenure in Trimdon Village Source: Census, 2001, LLSOA, KS18, 002A, 002D
The majority of households living in Trimdon Village own their properties (54.2%).
This is significantly lower than the Durham County average which indicates that
66.9% of households owsn their own homes.
17.7% of households own their property outright
and 36.5% own their home through a mortgage or
loan scheme. No households own their home
through a shared ownership scheme.
Social housing consists of domestic properties
which are owned by Registered Providers (RP’s),
or the Local Authority. All social housing in Trimdon Village that was previously
owned by Sedgefield Borough Council (SBC) is now owned and managed by livin.
The percentage of households living in privately rented properties (1.9%) within
Trimdon Village is also significantly lower than the Durham County average of 5.0%.
In the past the private rented sector has played an important role in the housing
market by offering accommodation for those households unable to access owner-
42.3% of households in the
community live in social
housing. This is significantly
higher than the Durham
County average of 25.4%.
17.7
36.5
0.0
42.3
0.0 1.9
1.6 Owner Occupied: Ownsoutright
Owner Occupied: Owns with amortgage or loan
Owner occupied: Sharedownership
Rented from: Local Authority -including livin
Rented from: HousingAssociation / Registered SocialLandlord
Rented from: Private landlordor letting agency
18
occupation or socially rented housing. Tighter
controls and restrictions on mortgages and financial
lending are likely to place an even higher future
demand on this already limited sector.
There is a residential Gypsy, Roma and Traveller site
located at East Howle approximately 8 miles from
Trimdon Village. The site is provided by DCC and
has 25 permanent pitches. It is the only permanent residential site within livin’s area
of operation.
Trimdon Village exhibits an unbalanced housing market. Levels of owner occupation
within the community are significantly lower when compared to the rest of Durham
County. There is also a high percentage of households living in socially rented
properties together with a smaller than average private rented sector. To facilitate
and maintain sustainability within a community it is important for there to be varied
range of housing options available to meet the demands and needs of local
residents.
1.2.2 Average House Prices
Land Registry data for January to March 2010 indicates that the average house price
in TS29 6 (covering Trimdon Grange, Trimdon Colliery, Trimdon Village and Trimdon
Station) was £101.605. This price is over £4,000 higher than the Durham County
average of £97,556 for the same period (Land Registry, 2011).
Terraced house prices for TS29 6 for this period were on average £75,135. The
average price of a terraced property in Durham
County for this period was £60,742, costing on
average £14,300 less than a similar property
within Trimdon Village. However, the cost of
purchasing a semidetached or detached
property within Trimdon Village is cheaper
when compared to the rest of Durham County.
Detached properties cost an average £29,100
less and semidetached properties an average £10,200 less.
It has not been possible to obtain individual house price data for Trimdon Village
alone. It is recognised that the differing affluences and desirability of properties
within the areas included in the postcodes TS29 6 will have a bearing on the local
house prices for each individual community. Information obtained from the Zoopla
website for the last year, indicates that sold property prices within Trimdon Grange
range from £47,500 to £86,500 for terraced and semidetached properties.
Only 1.9% of households
in Trimdon Grange live in
privately rented properties.
This is lower than the
Durham County average
of 5.0%
During January to March 2010
the average cost of buying a
home in Trimdon Village was
over £4,000 more when
compared to the Durham County
average.
19
Figure 1.7: Average House Prices in TS29 6 (January to March 2010) Source: Land Registry, 2011
The County Durham Strategic Housing Market Assessment (DCC, 2010) assessed
affordability between lower quartile house prices and lower quartile earnings.
Based on these figures buyers would need to borrow 4.6 times their income (based
on lower quartile earnings) to purchase a property (based on lower quartile house
prices) in the area of the former Sedgefield Borough. Access to lending on homes is
calculated using a multiplier of 3.5 for single households and 2.9 for households with
two or more incomes.
For Trimdon Village, buyers will need to borrow 5.67 times their own income to
purchase a property within the area of TS29 6
(covering Trimdon Grange, Trimdon Colliery, Trimdon
Station and Trimdon Village). This has resulted in a
community ranking of SILVER. However, intelligence
indicates that this figure may be slightly higher given
details of the sold house prices obtained from Zoopla
for the last year. Full details of the methodology for
this ranking can be found in Appendix 2.
During livin’s consultation there were concerns from
residents about the affordability of property in the
community for first time buyers as a result of reduced mortgage products and
financial lending, and the need for a high deposit. The cost of buying a home within
£0
£75,135 £84,170
£149,556
£101,605
£73,445
£60,742
£94,403
£178,711
£97,556
£0
£20,000
£40,000
£60,000
£80,000
£100,000
£120,000
£140,000
£160,000
£180,000
£200,000
TS29 6(includingTrimdonVillage)
DurhamCounty
“Young people find it
hard to get a mortgage
as they need a large
deposit.”
Resident from Trimdon
Village
20
the community is comparable with the County multiplier of 5.2 (Strategic Housing
Market Assessment, DCC, 2010) and more affordable when compared to the
National multiplier of 6.28.
Although there are a number of current Government incentives available nationwide
to help first time property buyers these are only available on new build properties.
There are currently no new housing developments being built in the community or
within neighbouring villages.
A new scheme called First Buy has been introduced from September 2011. This
scheme will be jointly funded by the Government and house builders and will provide
a 20% loan to top up the first time buyer’s own deposit of 5%. This will allow them to
take out a mortgage for 75% of the property’s value. The loans will be free of charge
for the first five years and must be repaid when the property is resold. The funds will
then be recycled to fund more homes in the scheme. There are currently no
HomeBuy and First Buy schemes in Trimdon Village. The nearest schemes are
located in Peterlee, Murton and Shotton Colliery.
Key Housing Market Characteristics:
The community has a wide range of Housing Tenures; this is important as a
diverse mix of tenures will contribute towards making an area more sustainable by
meeting the need of a cross section of the population.
54.2% of households own their property outright, or through a mortgage or loan
scheme. This is significantly lower than the Durham County average of 66.9%.
The community has a substantially higher percentage of Social Housing
(42.3%) when compared to the rest of Durham County.
Only 1.9% of properties in the community are privately rented properties. The
private rented sector plays an important part in any local housing market as it is
able to offer accommodation for those unable to access owner occupation or
social housing.
Land Registry data indicates that during January to March 2010 the average cost
of buying a property in the community was nearly £4,000 more when compared to
the Durham County average.
Residents are concerned about access to the housing market for first time buyers
and young families due to restricted mortgage products and financial lending.
21
What does this mean for livin?
Given that just under 50% of households live in social housing within Trimdon
Village, livin has a significant stake in the housing market within this community.
As the main social housing provider within the village it is important livin understand
their essential role in helping to balance the local housing market whilst also making
efforts to help meet housing need, as identified in DCC’s Housing Strategies. This
may be through the development and acquisition of housing stock or the potential
redevelopment of low demand housing stock or existing sites.
livin will also need to consider the health of the local housing market and the ability
of households to meet their own housing need. Lack of access to owner occupation
due to the current economic climate and restricted access to the private rented
sector due to limited stock numbers within the village will place an increased
pressure on livin’s housing stock within the community, particularly for young couples
and families. Given the current high proportion of socially rented properties within
the village, together with the difficulties faced by first time buyers when purchasing a
home, there is opportunity for livin to consider the provision of a low cost home
ownership scheme within the village.
1.2.3 Current Supply and Demand for Housing
livin Housing Stock
livin currently owns and manages a total of 428
properties in Trimdon Village (livin, 2011). Ownership
of these properties transferred to livin in March 2009 as
part of a stock transfer from the former Sedgefield
Borough Council. Since March 2009, there have been
two properties within Trimdon Village purchased from
livin through the “Right to Buy” scheme.
livin’s properties within this community include one and two bedroom bungalows, two
bedroom flats, and two to four bedroom houses. There are only 3 four bedroom
houses within the community. There is also a sheltered housing scheme at
Tremeduna Grange which contains 12 bedsits and 11 one bedroom flats.
livin own 428
properties in the
community; 34% of
these are bungalows
and 59% are houses.
22
A breakdown of livin’s stock in Trimdon Village and the age profile of lead tenants
can be seen in the following tables:
Property Types
Bedsit (Sheltered Scheme) 12
1 Bedroom Bungalow 56
1 Bedroom Flat (Sheltered Scheme) 11
2 Bedroom Bungalow 91
2 Bedroom Flat 6
2 Bedroom House 154
3 Bedroom House 95
4 Bedroom House 3
Total 428
Figure 1.8: livin stock in Trimdon Village (as at 21 October 2011) Source: livin, 2011
Age Range (based on age of lead tenant)
16-19 5
20-29 37
30-39 34
40-49 56
50-59 65
60-69 75
70 & Over 136
Unknown (Void, non livin managed) 20
Total 428
Figure 1.9: Age profile of livin lead tenants in Trimdon Village (as at 21 October 2011) Source: livin, 2011
It is important that stock levels within a community are able to meet current and
future demands for housing. A good range of housing stock located within a
community will help provide a greater level of choice for housing applicants,
including single persons, couples, families and older persons.
Currently 34% of livin’s housing stock in Trimdon Village consists of one and two
bedroom bungalows; with a further 59% of stock consisting of two, three and four
bedroom houses. 6% of stock consists of bedsits and one bedroom flats located
within livin’s sheltered housing scheme at Tremeduna Grange. The remaining 1% of
stock consists of two bedroom flats.
The provision of bungalows within a community would normally be expected to help
meet the demands of an ageing population, or those wishing to remain in
mainstream housing through their later years. As demand throughout livin’s
communities for one bedroom bungalows and properties within some sheltered
schemes are typically low there is the potential for these property types not to meet
23
future demand for housing within the area. However it is important that livin consider
the forthcoming Welfare Reform and its potential for again increasing demand for
smaller sized properties for persons aged 61 years or under.
The low number of lead tenants within the 16 to 19 age range may be the result of
younger persons being unable to take their first steps into renting a property of their
own. This may be due to financial restrictions, difficulties posed by the current
economic climate, or their eligibility for social housing.
livin Housing Demand, Need and Turnover
Since 1 October 2009 livin has allocated properties
through a Choice Based Lettings (CBL) scheme,
known as Durham Key Options (DKO). DKO is a
partnership of local housing providers across
County Durham. CBL allows applicants to place
an interest, or “bid”, for the type of property they
require based on their circumstances.
Analysis of livin’s housing register in February 2011 found there to be a high demand
for social housing within the area with 79 active applications being received from
residents already living in Trimdon Village. This may be as a result of the inability to
obtain a mortgage or loan due to current lending restrictions, or restricted access to
the private rented sector as a result of limited stock levels or unsuitable property
types. A total of 25 of these applicants were banded by DKO in Bands A to C+ due
to them having a housing need. Of these 25 applicants, 56% are aged less than 60
years.
During the period 1 October 2009 to 30 September 2010, there were 31 properties
available for let in Trimdon Village making livin’s stock turnover within the community
7.2%. This is a low level of turnover when compared to the total turnover of all livin’s
housing stock (9%) for the same period. Based on national benchmarking figures
provided by HouseMark this low level of stock turnover has resulted in the
community being ranked as GOLD for Tenancy Turnover. Full details of the
methodology used for this ranking can be found in Appendix 2.
To maintain sustainability within a community there will always be a need for some
level of tenancy turnover. It is important that turnover does not reach a level where it
becomes detrimental to housing demand, the community’s reputation or the local
economy. Likewise, levels of turnover must not be as low as to restrict access to
social housing for those households with a housing need.
There are currently 25
households from Trimdon
Village registered with
Durham Key Options that are
in housing need.
24
1 Bed Bungalow
2 Bed Bungalow
2 Bed Flat 2 Bed House
3 Bed House
Number of properties
8 8 1 10 4
Number of bids
68 69 11 238 57
Figure 1.10: livin properties available for let during the period 1 October 2009 to 30 September 2010 in Trimdon Village Source: livin, 2011
The types of properties available for let within the community during the period 1
October 2009 to 30 September 2010 were a mixture of one and two bedroom
bungalows, two and three bedroom houses, and a two bedroom flat. There was no
turnover of four bedroom houses within the community during this period. The letting
of properties within livin’s sheltered scheme at Tremeduna Grange were not actively
promoted.
A limited turnover of properties and different property types within a community will
require a number of households to consider other housing options to meet their
housing need. Again for many households, including first time buyers or those in
receipt of a low income, buying their own home is not a viable option leading to an
increased demand on the private rented sector. High market rents or a lack of
availability of suitable properties within this housing sector may ultimately force some
households to move out of the local area in search of suitable accommodation.
There were a total of 443 bids received for these 31 properties highlighting a good
level of demand for livin’s properties within Trimdon Village. As only a small number
of properties became available for let within this period it is not possible to fully
determine the levels of demand for all property types within Trimdon Village.
However, as is typical throughout all of livin’s communities, demand for larger family
homes is good within Trimdon Village. This is reflected in the high number of bids
received for the two and three bedroom properties that became available for let.
It is important to remember that policy decisions and legislation will affect the levels
of demand for particular house types. A high level of demand for two bedroom
houses and flats can be due to need and eligibility from several household groups
including families, couples, and single persons whereas three and four bedroom
properties will only be eligible for larger families, and bungalows for older persons or
those with a medical need. It is important that lettings policies are regularly
reassessed to reflect the supply of housing and demand with the aim of promoting
sustainability within an area.
Demand for smaller properties, particularly one bedroom bungalows and those within
sheltered schemes, is typically low throughout all of livin’s communities. Although
There is a good level of demand for larger family homes in Trimdon Village.
25
the number of bids received for one bedroom bungalows within Trimdon Village may
be seen as high this is due to a number of these properties being advertised for let
on more than one bidding cycle with CBL. If after one advertising cycle with DKO, a
bungalow is unable to be let; livin may consider lowering the age restriction to
increase eligibility for more applicants which often increases the number of bids
received. As demand for this property type is typically low throughout all of livin’s
communities there is potential for these properties to not meet future housing
demand. This will require livin to conduct a stock options appraisal and review of its
housing stock for older persons. However, any such appraisal will must consider the
forthcoming Welfare Reform and its potential for again increasing demand for
smaller sized properties for persons aged 61 years or under.
Countywide there is a high demand for two bedroom properties and there is currently
an increased demand for bungalows with two bedrooms or more (County Durham
Strategic Housing Market Assessment, 2010). A total of 69 bids were received for a
total of 8 two bedroom bungalows, highlighting a good level of demand for this
property type within the community.
Of the 31 properties available to let in Trimdon Village during the period 1 October
2009 to 30 September 2010, six properties were required to be advertised with CBL
on three or more consecutive bidding cycles before being let. Although a number of
bids may have been received for these properties within each individual bidding
cycle the property was not allocated for let due to applicants withdrawing their bid
upon offer. Properties that require advertisement with CBL on three or more
consecutive bidding cycles can often provide an indication of either unpopular
property types, or unpopular locations within a community. These six properties
were all one bedroom bungalows. Although two of the bungalows have been
adapted for disability purposes, therefore potentially affecting the level of demand
and number of bids received, the overall level of demand for this property type within
the community is low.
Data from DKO’s database indicates a good level of overall demand from applicants
for livin’s housing stock within the community. Due to a good number of bids
received per property advertised, low numbers of hard to let properties in the
community and a good amount of applicants indicating Trimdon Village to be an area
of preference; the community has been ranked as SILVER. Full details of the
methodology used for this ranking can be found in Appendix 2.
During consultation residents expressed concerns about the increasing demand for
socially rented and private sector properties as a result of restricted access to owner
occupation for many households due to restricted mortgage products and financial
lending. An increased level of demand for social housing from couples and families
is evident from the high number of bids received by livin when two bedroom
properties become available for let in the community.
26
1.2.4 livin Tenancy Sustainment
There is a high percentage of long term tenancy
sustainment within the 428 properties owned by
livin in Trimdon Village. These high levels of
tenancy sustainment are reflected in the low level of
turnover of livin properties in this community.
As at 27 October 2011, 31% of livin tenants have
sustained their current tenancy for a period of 0 to 4 years. A further 20% of tenants
have sustained their tenancy for a period of 5 to 9 years and 49% of tenants who
have a tenancy in this community have lived in their current home for 10 years or
more.
Community sustainability requires an appropriate level of tenancy turnover. High
levels of long term tenancy sustainment within social housing can be for a multitude
of reasons. Although some may be favourable it is important to ensure that tenants
are not remaining in their current home due to restrictions in their housing options
(i.e. ability to purchase own property) or financial restrictions around the cost of
relocating.
Figure 1.11: livin tenancy sustainment in Trimdon Village Source: livin, 2011 (not including void properties or non livin managed properties)
High tenancy sustainment can also result in housing stock becoming under
occupied. Larger households may over time reduce in size due to children growing
up and leaving home, relationships breakdowns, or bereavement. In additional to a
detrimental effect on the level of housing demand within a community there may be
financial implications to the tenant as a result of the forthcoming Welfare Reform
which aims to reduce benefit payments for tenants that under occupier their homes
(excluding persons aged over 62 years or over).
121
79
196
0
50
100
150
200
250
0-4 years 5-9 years 10 years or more
Num
ber
of
tenancie
s
49% of tenants who have a
livin tenancy in this
community have lived in
their current home for 10
years or more.
27
1.2.5 Vacant / Abandoned Properties
High levels of void or empty properties can be an indicator of low demand for
housing within an area. Trimdon Village has a low percentage of housing stock
consisting of empty and/or abandoned properties; indicating a good level of demand
for housing within this community.
Data obtained from DCC’s Council Tax database in November 2011 indicates there
to be an overall total of 1 possible property that has been empty and/or abandoned
(this figure may include properties that are currently for sale) for a period of six
months or more within Trimdon Village. Based on a total of 1,314 domestic
dwellings (Census, 2001, LLSOA, KS16, 002A, 002D) this is less than 0.1% of the
total number of dwellings in the community.
Key Supply and Demand Characteristics:
livin currently own 428 properties within the community; 59% are two to four
bedroom houses and 34% are one and two bedroom bungalows.
56 of livin’s bungalows in the community have only one bedroom, a further 91
bungalows have two bedrooms. There are no three or four bedroom
bungalows owned by livin in the community.
25 applicants on the housing register with Durham Key Options that currently live
in the community are classed as having a Housing Need (Bands A to C+).
During 1 October 2009 to 30 September 2010, 31 properties became available
for let; making tenancy turnover within the community 7.2%.
During 1 October 2009 to 30 September 2010 there was no turnover of four
bedroom properties. Households requiring these property types may be forced
to access the private rented sector or move away from the village to meet their
housing need.
Demand for properties with two or more bedrooms is high. There is a high
demand Countywide for these property types. Demand is lower for one bedroom
bungalows in the community. This is typical in all of livin’s communities.
There were six properties that were hard to let during the period 1 October 2009
to 30 September 2010. These properties were all one bedroom bungalows.
Local residents are concerned about access to the housing market for first time
buyers due to reduced mortgage products and financial lending.
49% of livin tenants living within the community have sustained their tenancy for
a period of 10 years or more.
28
What does this mean for livin?
Demand for livin’s housing stock in this community has been ranked as Silver. It is
essential that this ranking is maintained to this level or enhanced to Gold over the
coming years. However the identification and development of interventions to
increase demand within the community will be challenging due to low levels of stock
turnover
The projection of an ageing population throughout the County over the coming years,
in conjunction with high levels of demand for properties with two bedrooms or more,
highlights a clear need for livin to review its provision of current housing stock to
ensure it meets the current and future housing needs of the local population. It is
important that to maintain sustainability within the community there is a good supply
of accessible family homes.
livin currently own and manage a total of 147 bungalows within the village, with 91 of
these having two bedrooms. Countywide there is an increased demand for two
bedroom bungalows, and based on DCC’s future population projection it is expected
that this trend will continue. Trimdon Village has a good level of supply for two
bedroom bungalows; therefore meeting the County Council’s identified need for this
property type. Demand for one bedroom bungalows within the village is low, this is
typical throughout all of livin’s communities. This highlights a need for livin to
conduct a stock options appraisal and review of its housing provision for older
persons. Any stock appraisal conducted by livin must consider the forthcoming
Welfare Reform and its potential for again increasing demand for smaller sized
properties for persons aged 61 years or under.
livin must also consider the concerns from residents about the current economic
climate and how mortgage and lending restrictions are increasing the levels of
demand for social housing within the community. There must be consideration for
affordable housing that will meet the needs of the wider community.
Community sustainability requires an appropriate level of tenancy turnover.
However, it is important that consideration be given to the reasons behind high levels
of sustainment to ensure residents are not being forced to remain in their current
home due to restrictions in their housing options or financial circumstances.
1.2.6 Future Demand for Housing
Population and household projections for a community can be utilised by a number
of different service providers to predict the future level of demand on their services.
In conjunction with other social, economic, and environmental indicators these
projections may be used to forecast the demand and need for housing in a
community.
29
DCC have conducted a Strategic Housing Market Assessment (DCC, 2010) which
can be utilised by RP’s to help determine the expected level of demand for housing
over the coming years and assist them in developing future housing strategies.
Population and household projections within this Community Plan are based on this
assessment.
It is expected that the vast majority of older persons will decide to remain in their own
homes with mainstream housing providing the primary means of meeting this
demand. Local RP’s will be required to support this by providing extra support
services and help for people to adapt their homes to meet their changing needs.
Some vulnerable groups will require support or bespoke housing solutions and it is
expected that there will be a sharp growth in demand for specialist housing projects
for persons aged 75 years or older during the coming years. The decisions of older
households to remain in their homes will influence the supply of housing available for
other household groups. As a result it is important that local RP’s recognise the
potential opportunities for supporting older households to downsize, thus releasing a
supply of larger family homes for other household groups.
In recognition of this increased demand on mainstream housing the Northern
Housing Consortium (NHC) published a guide to Age Friendly Communities in the
North: People and Places 2020. This publication is the result of a two year project
involving consultation with local communities and key Consortium members, and
focuses on building an evidence base to demonstrate the significant impact housing
can have on the physical and mental health and wellbeing of older people.
During livin’s consultation local residents did not provide any comments relating to
energy saving measures or increasing energy efficiency within their homes and their
potential to affect future demand.
30
What does this mean for livin? livin’s Development and Asset Management strategies must take into account future
population projections and consider the expected demand for social housing within
the community to ensure housing stock meets the future needs and demands of
local residents. This may require consideration of the potential for development
opportunities on existing livin sites to assist in meeting the demand for housing within
a community.
livin will also have to consider its current housing provision and how it will meet the
needs of an increasing elderly population whilst also finding bespoke solutions to
meet the individual needs of vulnerable groups. Anticipation of an ageing population
and typically low demand for livin’s one bedroom bungalows and sheltered housing
schemes throughout its areas of operation highlights the requirement for livin to
review its current provision of housing stock for older persons. There may also be
potential opportunities for housing providers to support older households to downsize
thus releasing a supply of larger family homes for other household groups.
The current economic climate and an increasing public awareness surrounding the
benefits of installing energy efficient measures within homes may over the coming
years begin to influence the levels of demand for livin’s properties. This will require
livin to investigate the potential benefits of installing a range of energy efficiency
measures within its current properties and future developments. In addition to
helping reduce the consumption of energy in livin homes these measures may also
see cost saving benefits for tenants through reduced energy bills.
Key Future Demand Characteristics:
An ageing population, and fall in the number of persons economically active by
2026 will place an increased demand on fiscal, housing and health
provisions.
By 2030 the County is expected to see:
single person households increase by 100.3%
two person households increase by 18%
three person households or more decrease by 26.9%
The majority of older persons will want to remain in their own homes through their senior years. This will place an increased demand on mainstream and social housing.
Increased future demand is expected for support services for vulnerable groups, and a need for bespoke housing solutions or specialist housing projects for persons aged 75 years or more. It is important that livin’s housing stock is able to meet the future demands of an ageing population.
.
31
1.2.7 Average cost of repairs to livin properties
The repair and maintenance of livin’s properties is essential to ensure that they
remain in excellent condition and to the high standards expected by tenants.
Trimdon Village has been awarded a ranking of SILVER for average repair costs per
property during 2009/2010 when compared to other livin communities. Full details of
the methodology used for this ranking can be found in Appendix 2.
During the period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010 livin, together with its repairs and
maintenance partner Mears, completed 1,626 repairs (including gas safety) to
properties in Trimdon Village. 31% of these repairs were emergency repairs which
required immediate attention.
The average repair cost (including gas safety) per property across all of livin’s 19
communities for the period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010 was £604.
During 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011, the number of completed repairs (including
gas safety) to livin properties in Trimdon Village decreased to 1,404. 32% of these
repairs were emergency repairs which required immediate attention.
1.2.8 Average cost of Improvement Programmes for livin properties
Over the next few years, and as part of promises to tenants, livin is investing over
£100 million in a rolling programme of modernisation and improvements to the
properties that it owns.
The modernisation and improvement programme that livin is carrying out on its
properties is to a much higher standard of works than that of the Government's
Decent Homes Standard.
The improvements that livin are completing include:
New Kitchens
New Bathrooms
Central Heating Replacement
Electrical Works
Internal and External Door Replacement
Roofing works
During 2009/2010, livin’s average repair cost per property in Trimdon Village
was £611, during 2010/2011 this increased to £651 per property.
32
During a programme of works not all of livin’s properties will receive all of the above
improvements at the same time. There are a number of factors that determine which
improvement works are completed at the property during forthcoming programmes in
each community. For example some properties may only receive new internal and
external doors, whereas other may be due new internal and external doors plus a
replacement kitchen and bathroom.
During 2010/2011 internal modernisations and
improvements were made to 136 properties at an
average cost of £5,467 per property. These properties
received a number of improvements including new
kitchens and bathrooms, internal and external doors,
and a full electrical rewire. 10 of these properties
received a new heating system.
During 2011/2012 livin expects to carry out a range of
improvements to 171 of its properties in Trimdon Village at an expected average cost
of £8,789 per property. The majority of these properties will receive a new kitchen
and bathroom, internal and external doors and full electrical rewire. A number of
these properties will also receive a new heating system.
What does this mean for livin?
The community has an average repair cost per property for 2009/2010 when
compared to the rest of livin’s communities, resulting in a ranking of SILVER.
Approximately one third of the repairs required to livin properties in the community
during 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 were emergencies. Investigation into the causes
of these repairs may be considered in an attempt to minimise the amount of
emergency repairs required within our properties.
The average cost of repair to livin’s properties in Trimdon Village increased during
2010/2011 when compared to the financial year 2009/2010. Since 2010, livin has
completed a number of improvement and modernisation programmes to its
properties within Trimdon Village. It is expected that these improvement
programmes, together with the future programmes scheduled for completion during
2011/2012, will help reduce the average repair cost for properties within the
community during the coming years.
During 2010/2011, livin improved 136 of its properties in Trimdon Village at an
average cost of £5,467 per property.
“Improvements to
livin properties are
excellent”
Resident from Trimdon
Village
33
1.3 Crime and Antisocial Behaviour
The community of Trimdon Village is located in the Police Beat area of Trimdon
Village. Although there is a local Police Office in nearby Sedgefield, this is only used
as a base for the Neighbourhood Beat Team and is not permanently staffed. The
nearest staffed stations are located in the neighbouring towns of Spennymoor,
Peterlee and Newton Aycliffe.
Figure 1.12: Trimdon Village Police Beat Area Source: Police.uk
For the period 1 January 2011 to 31 August 2011, Durham Constabulary reported
the level of crime and disorder within the Trimdon Village Ward to be “Average”
when compared to the rest of the Police Beat Wards within England and Wales.
During this period there were a total of 308 reported incidents of crime and antisocial
behaviour in the communities of Trimdon Village (Police.uk, 2011). Of this total 70%
were in relation to antisocial behaviour, 18% in relation to “other” crimes (including
criminal damage, shoplifting and drugs), 5% were in relation to violent crime and 5%
in relation to burglary. A further 2% was in relation to vehicle crime.
During January 2011 to August 2011 the police received 308 reported incidents of
crime and antisocial behaviour within Trimdon Village.
(Police.uk, 2011)
34
Figure 1.13: Reported incidents of crime and antisocial behaviour in Trimdon Village during the period January 2011 to August 2011 Source: Police.uk, 2011
livin’s Support and Intervention Team received 15 complaints of nuisance or
antisocial behaviour occurring within Trimdon Village during the period 1 April 2010
to 31 March 2011. The majority of these complaints related to offensive behaviour or
gestures (including abusive language, offensive hand gesticulation).
Figure 1.14: Reported cases of nuisance and antisocial behaviour to livin within Trimdon Village during the period April 2010 to March 2011 Source: livin, 2011
2 1 2 1 1 1 2 4
20
13
24
42
28
36
33
23
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0
3 1 1 0
6
2 4
0 1 0
5
1
6
11
8 6 5
12
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45N
um
ber
of
report
ed P
olic
e incid
ents
Burglary
Antisocial Behaviour
Robbery
Vehicle Crime
Violent Crime
Other
3
2
6
2 2
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Domestic Noise Loud Music OffensiveBehaviour or
Gestures
Drug use GardenNuisance
Num
ber
of
report
ed c
ases
35
Both local residents and the community’s Police
Beat Teams highlighted a number of issues relating
to antisocial behaviour, the drinking of alcohol in
public places, and motorbikes and off road vehicles
being driven on footpaths. These views are
reflected in Durham Constabulary’s reported crime
data which indicates that antisocial behaviour
equates to just under three quarters of reported
Police incidents during January 2011 to August
2011.
There were specific complaints from residents about older youths causing nuisance
outside the Coop food store and other shops located on
Church Road. This issue was also raised by the Police
Beat Team who report regular complaints from
residents about youths gathering in this area. There
was also concern about vandalism and damage to local
bus shelters and street planters.
Recent consultation completed by DCC (Residents
Survey, 2010) highlighted that within the East Durham
Rural AAP area (including Trimdon Village), 2% of
residents feel unsafe in their local communities during the day. The AAP’s with the
highest fear of safety during the daytime were Bishop Auckland and Shildon, and
4Together, both with a percentage of 3%. 13% of East Durham Rural AAP residents
stated they felt unsafe in their local area during the evening, this being the 4th highest
out of all of the County’s 14 AAP’s. The AAP with
the highest fear of safety during the evening was
Bishop Auckland and Shildon with 15%.
Countywide, 42% of residents completing the survey
indicated the main reason for feeling unsafe in their
local community is due to youths congregating on
the streets.
During October 2011, livin conducted consultation
activities at prearranged youth events at Sedgefield
and Trimdon Grange. Feedback obtained from
these events was obtained from a number of
children and young people living in the areas of
Sedgefield, Fishburn, Trimdon Grange, Trimdon
Village and Trimdon Colliery. Many of the youths that livin spoke to at these events
had an awareness of incidents of nuisance and antisocial behaviour occurring within
the areas where they live. There were specific comments relating to older youths
gathering on the Millennium Green and Church Road, drinking alcohol and causing
nuisance behaviour. Some of the younger children told livin that they feel intimidated
“A lot of youths gather
around the Coop on
Church Road – they
drink alcohol and cause
a nuisance to local
residents.”
Resident from Trimdon
Village
“Motorbikes are being
driven on footpaths in
the village.”
Resident from Trimdon
Village
“There is often damage
and vandalism caused to
bus shelters in the
village”
Resident from Trimdon
Village
36
and will not use the play areas on a weekend or evening as a result of this. The
youths were also particularly concerned about incidents of damage and graffiti to
local play areas and facilities.
Both the Police and local residents reported problems with youths climbing onto the
garage roofs at Carrside Road and Meadow Road causing damage and antisocial
behaviour. The Police have also reported past problems with graffiti on the local
village hall.
Local residents highlighted issues relating to the
suspected usage of illegal drugs in the community.
Although some of the youths spoken to by livin were
aware of drug use within the local area this was not
highlighted as a common problem within the village.
Although there are a number of facilities and
activities provided for children and young persons in the village, both the Police Beat
Teams and local residents feel that these are sometimes underutilised. Reasons for
youths not using the provided facilities and activities are perceived to be affordability,
and the provision of activities that youths are not interested in. This highlights the
need for an enhanced youth engagement service to be provided within the village,
with the aim of working with local youths to encourage and support them in local
activities and services.
Increased levels of antisocial behaviour or nuisance caused by young persons can
often suggest a need for an enhanced programme of diversionary activities (e.g.
sporting events or activities, play or craft activities and youth clubs) within the local
area. Research has proven that the provision of diversionary activities that have
been developed in conjunction with the young persons living in the targeted area can
have a positive effect on lowering levels of antisocial and nuisance behaviour.
During 2011/2012, one of the key priorities for the East Durham Rural AAP Forum,
as voted for by Forum members, was the provision of activities for children and
young people. “Activities for Children and Young People” remains one of the AAP’s
priorities throughout 2011/2012.
Residents are fearful that ongoing budget cuts and reductions imposed by local
Police Authorities will see the removal of the local Police Beat Officers from the
community and a reduction in the services they provide to the local community.
Currently Durham Constabularly provide dedicated Police Beat Teams that carry out
high visability patrols throughout their local communities with the aim of dettering
crime and antisocial behaviour.
“Older kids graffiti the
walls and play areas.”
Young resident from Trimdon
Village
37
What does this mean for livin?
It is important that livin maintains its commitment to providing a robust and
responsive service for dealing with incidents of nuisance and antisocial behaviour in
local communities.
livin is aware that partnership working is essential when addressing and dealing with
both the fear of, and actual incidents of crime, nuisance and antisocial behaviour in
its communities. As such livin will continue to actively work with local residents and
community groups, the Police, DCC and other agencies through the attendance of
staff members at PACT meetings, residents meetings and other local events to
promote its services, help reduce the fear of crime, nuisance and antisocial
behaviour and offer help and support to victims.
livin will utilise a wide range of tools and powers to tackle incidents of nuisance and
antisocial behaviour within its communities. These can range from the effective use
of mediation to resolve low level community disputes, through to the use of legal
Key Crime and Antisocial Behaviour Characteristics:
For the period January 2011 to August 2011 the level of crime and disorder within
the Ward of Trimdon Village was considered by the Police to be “Average” when
compared to the rest of the Police Beat Teams in England and Wales.
During the same period there were 308 reported Police incidents of crime and
antisocial behaviour in Trimdon Village:
70% reported incidents were in respect of antisocial behaviour
5% of incidents related to violent crime
5% of incidents related to burglary
18% of incidents related to other crimes, such as criminal damage, shoplifting
and drugs
2% of incidents related to vehicle crime
During the period 1 April 2010 and 31 March 2011, livin’s Support and
Intervention Team received 15 complaints of nuisance or antisocial behaviour.
Consultation highlights that local residents are concerned about nuisance
behaviour caused by local youths in public areas including Church Road.
A recent survey found that 2% of residents living in the East Durham Rural AAP
area feel unsafe in their communities during the day and 13% during the
evening.
Residents are fearful of potential crime and antisocial behaviour in the
community. Feedback from consultation found that residents are fearful of youths
gathering on the streets causing antisocial behaviour.
38
injunctions or possession orders for more serious cases of antisocial behaviour.
Consideration is also currently being given to the potential use of restorative justice
practices as a further tool to help livin tackle incidents of nuisance and antisocial
behaviour within its communities
There are particular concerns from residents about the provision of activities for
children and young persons within the village and how this is perceived to have a
direct effect on the levels of nuisance and antisocial behaviour within the community.
This highlights opportunities for livin to work closely with DCC, Trimdon Parish
Council, East Durham Rural Area Action Partnership, and other community
organisations to help develop and support an enhanced youth engagement service
that can provide a wide range of diversionary activities for children and young
persons within the community. To encourage good levels of participation it is
important that any proposed activities are developed in conjunction with the local
youths to ensure good levels of participation.
39
1.4 Economy and Employment
1.4.1 Economic Activity
“Economic activity relates to persons aged 16 to 74 years who are in employment, or
actively seeking employment and are available to start work within 2 weeks.”
(Source: Census, 2001)
Of this total economic activity 38.8% were in full time employment, this being
comparable with the Durham County average of 38.5%. 10.7% of residents were in
part time employment, this also being comparable with the County average of
10.7%. 3.7 % of residents were self-employed; this was lower than the Durham
County average of 5.4%.
It is acknowledged that as a result of the current economic climate the level of
economic activity within the community may have changed since this data was
collated in 2001.
Figure 1.15: Economic Activity in Trimdon Village Source: Census 2001, LLSOA, KS09A, 002A, 002D
The 2010 Indices of Deprivation indicates that in relation to employment, 29.9% of
residents living in the East Durham Rural AAP area (including Trimdon Village) are
deemed to be in the top 10% nationally deprived and 60.1% in the top 30%
nationally deprived (Communities and Local Government (CLG), 2010).
During 2001 economic activity within Trimdon Village was 57.9%; this was
marginally lower than the Durham County average of 60.1%.
(Source: Census 2001)
38.8
10.7
3.7 3.7 1.0 38.5 10.7 5.4 3.7 1.8
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
EmployeesFull-time
EmployeesPart-time
SelfEmployed
Unemployed Full timeStudent
%
TrimdonVillage
DurhamCounty
40
This is comparable with the Durham County average
where 30.8% of residents are deemed to be in the
top 10% nationally deprived and 64.7% in the top
30%. Although there has been a noticeable
decrease in the level of employment related
deprivation since 2007, when 41.0% of residents
were deemed to be in the top 10% most deprived,
the figure is still high when compared to national
figures.
The majority of businesses in the East Durham Rural AAP area are classed as small
with 10 or less employees (DCC, 2011). During the period 2006 to 2008, the East
Durham Rural AAP area was home to 4.7% of the total number of businesses that
were operating within Durham County. 83.7% of these businesses employed 10
employees or less, whilst 16.5% employed 11 or more employees (Annual Business
Inquiry, 2008).
Neighbouring Trimdon Grange has a small industrial estate which is home to a small
number of local businesses. The largest industrial
estates within the local area are located at Peterlee,
Sedgefield and Wynyard. NETpark in Sedgefield is
seen to be one of the fastest growing science,
engineering and technological business parks in the
Country with good access to the major roads of the
A1 and A19. Wynyard Park, located at nearby
Wynyard, is home to a number of local, national, and
international businesses. There are smaller estates
located at Bowburn, Fishburn, Meadowfield,
Willington, Chilton and Spennymoor. Development
is also currently under way on DurhamGate in
Spennymoor, a large mixed-use regeneration scheme which will incorporate
business, living and leisure.
livin currently own seven retail units within Trimdon Village, all located in Church
Road. All units are currently let on lease to local businesses or organisations. Part
of Tremeduna Grange is also currently let on lease to DCC, for the provision of
health based services.
The availability of local employment was a key issue highlighted by residents during
livin’s consultation. Residents report that to obtain sustainable employment there is
an essential requirement to travel out of the local area, with many travelling to
neighbouring towns such as Peterlee, Durham, and Hartlepool. Residents perceive
the public transport service out of the village to be restrictive and highlighted it as
being a substantial barrier to employment for a number of households. Residents
are concerned that job opportunities for school leavers within the community are
“There are limited local
jobs for young residents
that are leaving school.”
Resident from Trimdon
Village
“People have to
commute for work as
there are restricted
opportunities for local
employment.”
Resident from Trimdon
Village
41
poor; and have highlighted an increased need for apprenticeship opportunities within
local businesses.
The proposed retail and commercial developments at the DurhamGate site in
Spennymoor and the Hitachi factory in Newton Aycliffe are expected to help boost
economic activity and employment opportunities for local residents. However, if
access to public transport is not improved within the area many people living within
Trimdon Village and the surrounding villages will be unable to benefit from the new
employment opportunities that will be created by these developments.
The importance of sustainable employment and enhanced job prospects within the
local area was acknowledged at the East Durham Rural AAP’s Forum Event in
November 2010. At this event forum members voted this issue as one of their top
three priorities. As a result “Employment and Job Prospects” has continued as one
of East Durham Rural AAP’s key priorities for 2011/2012.
Census data indicates that residents within Trimdon Village are employed in a wide
range of different occupations (Census 2001, LLSOA, KS12A, 002A, 002D).
There is a marginally higher percentage (14.1%) of skilled trade workforce (including
Motor Mechanics, Electricians, Plumbers, Plasterers and Chefs) living in the
community when compared to the Durham County
average (12.7%).
There are a significantly lower percentage of
residents in the community employed as
professionals, such as Doctors and Dentists (4.9%),
or in a management or senior roles (7.1%) when
compared to the rest of the County.
Low levels of employment within professional or
management/senior roles also reflect the lower
percentage of residents in the community who hold
an educational qualification at levels 3 to 5 (section
1.7) when compared to the rest of Durham County. Level 3 qualifications are
necessary for progression to higher education or University. Qualifications at levels
4 to 5 are equivalent to degree or professional level.
2001 census data highlighted that a high percentage of residents within this
community were employed within the process, plant and machine processing
The community has a high percentage of persons employed in personal services
occupations (e.g. care or leisure assistants), elementary occupations (e.g. bar
staff or farm labourer) or as process plant and machine operators when
compared to the rest of the County.
(Source: Census, 2001)
“Access to public
transport is limited this
causes problems for
young residents when
accessing further
education.”
Resident from Trimdon
Village
42
industry. Over the past ten years this industry has been one of the hardest hit
resulting in many large scale local employers, including Filmco at Sedgefield, Black
and Decker and Electrolux at Spennymoor relocating or ceasing to trade. This
reduction in local job opportunities within the industry; combined with 43.1% of
residents who hold no educational qualifications can indicate a need for an increased
provision of skills and training courses. This can help local residents to retrain or
gain new qualifications, skills and experience thus assisting them into long term
employment.
Figure 1.16: Occupation profile of 16 to 74 year olds in Trimdon Village Source: Census, 2001, LLSOA KS12A, 002A, 002D
During livin’s consultation events some young residents from Trimdon Village and
surrounding villages highlighted concerns about the availability of future employment
within the local area. Many are aware of the essential need for travel out of the area
to gain sustainable employment.
Economic inactivity was marginally higher when compared to the County average
(39.8%) with a total of 42% of the population not employed, and not actively seeking
work.
“Economic inactivity relates to persons aged 16 to 74 years who are not in
employment, or not actively seeking employment and available to start work within 2
weeks.” (Source: Census, 2001)
7.1 4.9 10.2 8.8 14.1 12.0 7.7 18.6 16.6
11.6
9.2
12.1 11.7 12.7
7.3 8.4
13.3 13.7
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
%
TrimdonVillage
DurhamCounty
43
The number of residents that are retired (14.1%) within the community was
comparable with the Durham County average (14.8%).
A significantly higher percentage of persons (14.3%) in the community were unable
to work due to being permanently sick and / or disabled when compared to the rest
of the County (10.3%). The percentage of residents looking after home/family
(7.5%) is also higher than the Durham County average (6.3%).
Figure 1.17: Economic inactivity in Trimdon Village Source: Census, 2001, LLSOA KS12A, 002A, 002D
Analysis of Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) data from March 2011
highlights that the ward of Fishburn and Old Trimdon (including Trimdon Village) has
a substantially higher percentage of persons who have been claiming Jobseekers
Allowance for up to 6 months (79.9%) when compared to the County average
(73.5%).
Long term unemployment within the community is low
when compared to the Durham County average.
17.4% of residents have been claiming Jobseekers
Allowance for a period of 6 to 12 months when
compared to 18% throughout the rest of Durham
County and 17.3% at National level.
This low percentage of residents claiming Jobseekers
Allowance for a period of 6 to 12 months has resulted in
the community being ranked as GOLD. It is important to note that the data used to
compile this ranking relates to the Fishburn and Old Trimdon Ward, not Trimdon
Village alone. Full details of the methodology for this ranking can be found in
Appendix 2.
There are high
percentages of residents
claiming Jobseekers
Allowance for up to 6
months when compared
to the Durham County
average.
14.1
3.0
7.5
14.3
3.1
14.8
5.1
6.3
10.3
3.3
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
Retired Student Looking afterhome/family
Permanentlysick/disabled
Other
%
TrimdonVillage
DurhamCounty
44
Only 2.7% of residents were reported to be claiming jobseekers allowance for a
period of 12 months or more.
Sustainable communities require high levels of economic activity; this can be
facilitated by a high percentage of the resident population being economically active.
Although long term unemployment is low when compared to County and National
levels, it is important that local service providers work in partnership to proactively
identify and minimise the barriers to work experienced by residents who have
become unemployed within the last six months.
1.4.2 Jobseekers Allowance Claimants During August 2010, there were a wide age range of persons that were claiming Jobseekers Allowance in Trimdon Village (DWP, 2010). The percentage of persons aged 25 to 49 years claiming Jobseekers Allowance (37.5%) was substantially lower than the County average of 52%. 37.5% of persons claiming Jobseekers Allowance were aged between 16 to 24
years; this being marginally higher than the County average of 34%. The
percentage of persons aged 50 years or more (25%) was substantially higher than
the Durham County average of 14%.
This highlights a need for service providers to target these age groups when
delivering future skills and training courses. It is important that future skills and
training courses targeted at these age groups will help the individual to meet their
training needs and gain sustainable employment.
Figure 1.18: Jobseeker Allowance claimants in Trimdon Village Source: DWP, August 2010
There is a need to
provide help and
support for residents
aged between 16 to 24
years and 50+ to help
them into employment.
37.5 37.5
25.0
34.0
52.0
14.0
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Claimants Aged 16-24 Claimants Aged 25-49 Claimants Aged 50 andOver
TrimdonVillage
DurhamCounty
45
During livin’s consultation events a number of residents expressed concerns about
the lack of local employment opportunities. In order to access employment the
majority of residents are required to travel out of the community to surrounding towns
and cities. Many feel this to be a key barrier to employment as for many households
the ability to travel is restricted by the cost of owning private transport and the
restricted timetables and routes covered by local bus companies.
Residents perceive that employment opportunities for school leavers within the
community are poor; and have highlighted a need for more apprenticeship
opportunities within local businesses.
A high percentage of persons claiming jobseekers allowance within the community
may be attributed to the number of residents that were employed in machine and
plant processing businesses and the economic downturn that these industry types
have seen over the past few years. Residents have told livin that a number of local
factories and businesses have been required to close. To reduce unemployment it
may be necessary for residents to retrain and learn new skills that will enable them
to enter new industries and gain sustainable employment.
1.4.3 Department for Works and Pensions Key Benefit Claimants
During August 2010, the total percentage of residents
claiming a key DWP out of work benefit was higher
than the Durham County average of 20%. The
majority of residents in Trimdon Village claiming a key
benefit were in receipt of Incapacity Benefit (14%);
this being higher than the County average of 10%.
These figures are comparative with the intelligence
contained in Section 1.6 which indicates the general
health of the population within Trimdon Village to be poorer when compared to the
rest of the County.
“I will probably need to
travel or move out of
the area to get a job
when I leave school.”
Young person from Trimdon
Village
46
Figure 1.19: Breakdown of persons residing in Trimdon Village claiming key DWP benefits Source: DWP, August 2010
1.4.4 Household Income
During 2001/02 estimates of mean weekly household income (gross) in the Ward
area of Fishburn and old Trimdon (including Trimdon Village) was £20 per week
lower than the North East average of £410 (ONS, 2005). Data collection limitations
have restricted further detailed analysis of this
information to Trimdon Village only.
Based on this intelligence the community has been
ranked as BRONZE for average household income. It
is important to note that the data used to compile this
ranking relates to the Ward of Fishburn and Old
Trimdon, not Trimdon Village alone. Full details of the
methodology for this ranking can be found in Appendix 2.
Although residents raised no specific concerns during consultation about levels of
household income livin recognises that the effects of the recession and current
economic downturn will be felt by a large number of households within its local
communities
1.4.5 Vehicle Ownership and Cost of Travel In 2001, 35.9% of households in Trimdon Village did not own a car or van; this being
higher than the County average of 31.4%. 43.5% of households owned one car or
van, and the remaining 20.6% owned two or more cars or vans (Census, 2001,
LLSOA, KS17, 002A, 002D). The 2001 census also indicated that 61.8% of
3
14
2 2 1 1.5
0.5 0 0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
JobSeekers
IncapacityBenefits
LoneParent
Carer Others onIncomeRelatedBenefits
Disabled Bereaved Unknown
%
During 2001 the weekly
household income in the
Ward of Fishburn and
Old Trimdon was £20
less than the North East
average.
47
residents in Trimdon Village travel to work driving a car or van (Census, 2001,
LLSOA, KS15, 002A, 002D).
Although levels of vehicle ownership may have altered since 2001, the rising cost of
fuel and other related costs will now have a significant impact on vehicle usage,
particularly amongst low income households. Low levels of vehicle ownership and
restricted use can affect residents’ lifestyles by restricting access to services and
facilities outside of the local area.
During consultation residents expressed their concerns to livin about the need to
travel outside of the local area for access to shopping, employment, and specialist
services such as colleges, universities and hospitals. A number of younger residents
from Trimdon Village and surrounding villages talked about the need for increased
access to public transport so that they can attend youth activities held in the
surrounding villages, and for easier access to further education and employment.
This reliance on travel outside of the local area, places an increased need on a
reliable public transport system for households that do not own their own vehicle.
The absence of a reliable and functional public transport service has the potential to
see many residents become isolated and detached from obtaining specialist services
whilst also restricting their ability to gain sustainable employment.
48
1.4.6 Rental Debit in livin properties
To assess the rent payments made by tenants within livin properties in Trimdon
Village an analysis and comparison of livin’s rental debit figures for 2009/2010 and
2010/2011 have been used.
For the financial year 2009/2010, the total rental debit charge (rent charged for all of
livin’s properties in Trimdon Village) was £1,480,620. At the end of this financial
year there were outstanding arrears (unpaid rent) of £30,110; making an unpaid
rental debit charge of 2.14%.
For the financial year 2010/2011 the total rental debit charge was £1,405,542. At the
end of this financial year there were outstanding arrears of £26,294; making an
unpaid rental debit charge of 1.87%.
Based on the unpaid rental debit charge of 1.87% for the financial year 2010/2011,
Trimdon Village has been ranked as SILVER. Full details of the methodology for this
ranking can be found in Appendix 2.
Key Economic Characteristics:
During 2001, economic activity within the community was 57.9%; this is
marginally lower than the Durham County average.
42% of residents in 2001 were not in employment, and not actively seeking
work. 14.3% of residents were economically inactive due to being permanently
sick or disabled; this is significantly higher than the Durham County average.
In 2001, 35.2% of residents in Trimdon Village were employed in elementary,
process, plant and machinery roles, 12% in personal services and 14.1% in
skilled trades. These are higher than the Durham County averages.
22.2% of residents were employed in professional, professional associate
and technical or management roles.
During March 2011, the percentage of residents claiming Jobseekers
Allowance for up to 6 months was significantly higher than the County
average.
The percentage of persons aged 50 years or more claiming jobseekers
allowance is significantly higher when compared to the County average. The
percentage of persons aged 16 to 24 years claiming Jobseekers Allowance is
also higher.
During 2001/02 the weekly household income estimate was £20 less than the
North East average of £410.00.
49
Since 2009, livin have introduced and promoted a number of different payment
options to make paying rent as easy and accessible as possible for tenants. These
include Direct Debit or the option to pay their rent via payment card. Payment cards
can be accepted at over 60 local outlets (including Post Offices) wherever the
“Paypoint” sign is displayed. There are a number of outlets within the village that
accept “Paypoint” payments.
Although there were no specific comments made by residents during consultation
events livin is aware that the rising level of housing costs and the current economic
climate has the potential to increase the level of debt for many households.
What does this mean for livin?
Although livin will aim to reduce the outstanding rental debit year on year the current
economic climate and future reforms to the Welfare Benefit system will provide for
challenging times. These challenges will require livin to work proactively with
tenants and other household members by providing a dedicated Financial Inclusion
Team to provide guidance or sign posting about money and debt management.
The effects of the recession and current economic downturn are being felt by a large
number of households within livin’s local communities. As a result livin must be
mindful that its tenants and local residents will potentially need support through these
financial difficulties. This could mean signposting tenants and residents to debt
management and financial inclusion support agencies.
livin must be aware of the contribution made by partners in supporting residents and
tenants to gain new skills and employment, and increase their economic wellbeing.
It must support local community organisations that offer these services by ensuring
their resources are fully utilised by local residents and that their existence is widely
publicised throughout the local area. As part of its ongoing commitment to improving
economic sustainability within its communities, livin has appointed an employability
coordinator to help develop and implement its approach to tackling employability
issues.
Although the level of long term unemployment within the community is lower than the
Durham County average there are high levels of persons claiming Incapacity Benefit.
This will provide real challenges for livin when tackling health related issues and
increasing employability and access to work for tenants and local residents.
At the end of the financial year 2010/2011 livin’s outstanding rental debit figure
(unpaid rent) for properties in Trimdon Village was £26,294.
50
Consultation has found there to be an identified need for an increased provision of
local skills and training courses that can help local residents attain new skills and
qualifications for employment. It is evident from the analysis that any employability
work undertaken by livin within the community must help reduce the number of
persons claiming Jobseekers Allowance. There should be extra emphasis placed on
helping residents aged 16 to 24 years and 50 years or over that are claiming
Jobseekers Allowance.
livin will also be required to understand the barriers to employment experienced by
local residents and tenants and assess the level of support it can offer. During
consultation events residents told livin that they are particularly concerned about the
requirement to travel outside of the area for employment and the potential this has
for becoming a major barrier to employment due to increasing costs for car
ownership and what is perceived by them to be a restrictive public transport service.
51
1.5 Access to Services and Facilities
Health Services
The village has good access to local health services. The local GP and dentist
surgeries are both located on Wynyard Road. Access to hospitals and specialist
healthcare can be found at Durham, Darlington, Hartlepool and Stockton, all
requiring access to transport. There is also access to a chemist within the village,
which is located on Church Road.
Retail Services
The majority of retail services within the village consist of smaller local businesses
and are located within the area of Church Road. Located within Church Road is a
medium sized Coop food store selling groceries and household goods, together with
a number of other small businesses including a Post Office, bakery, butchers and
chemist. livin currently own seven retail units in Church Road with all currently let on
lease to local businesses or organisations. There are
also a number of public houses located within the
village and a Working Mens Club. To obtain a more
varied choice of grocery shopping, or for more
specialised goods and services residents are
required to travel out of the village to the
neighbouring towns of Spennymoor, Peterlee,
Hartlepool or Durham. Many residents are
concerned about the lack of amenities within the
village, particularly for shopping, and activities for
children and older teenagers.
A number of residents raised concerns about the environmental appearance of the
area surrounding Church Road, including problems with vehicles parking on
footpaths, and groups of youths causing nuisance and antisocial behaviour on an
evening and weekend. The Police Beat Team reports ongoing complaints from local
residents about youths gathering on Church Road and the parking of vehicles on
footpaths resulting in obstructions to pedestrians.
Community Services and Facilities
The Trimdon Community Appraisal (SBC, 2009) found there to be a good provision
of community services and facilities within the Trimdons together with a wide range
of social and recreational activities. It also found there to be a wider community and
voluntary provision from agencies such as CAVOS, and Age Concern and the
Trimdon Village is a semi-rural village with limited services and amenities.
“Most residents go to
Durham, Hartlepool or
Stockton for grocery
shopping as choice in
the village is limited.”
Resident from Trimdon
Village
52
Citizens Advice Bureau which provide a range of legal and financial services for local
residents living within the Trimdons. There were
comments from residents about the need for a more
joined up approach from local community groups and
organisations to publicise the activities and
opportunities available within the area. Residents
also stated that they would like to see more help,
advice and support for residents that volunteer within
their community.
Located on Church Road is one of DCC’s local
libraries. There is free provision of internet and email
facilities and the library also contains a HealthZone
information point. HealthZone provides information and leaflets for local residents to
help them adopt a healthier lifestyle, learn more about an illness, or locate a local
support group. Publicity for HealthZone is conducted countywide by DCC. The
library also regularly hosts a range of community events, including coffee mornings,
and skills based courses in conjunction with the Local Learning Partnership.
St Mary Magdalene Church is also located within the village.
Trimdon Village Hall
Trimdon Village Hall is located on Hallgarth Road
providing a range of community events and activities
for local residents. The Hall is used by a small
number of local groups and clubs for health and
social related activities including dance classes,
parent and toddler groups and craft clubs. Residents
told livin that although the Hall plays an essential role
in bringing together local residents and helping to
improve community cohesion they would like to see
the range of activities it provides extended. There
were also comments made by both local residents and the Police Beat Team for a
need for the building to be refurbished and the public area outside to be tidied and
improved. Residents also told livin that they would like to see more recreational
facilities provided on Millennium Green for older teenagers. The Village Hall
Association and Groundwork are currently consulting with local residents to discuss
options for making the facilities outside the Hall more accessible and challenging for
older youths. They hope to extend the current play facilities adjacent to the Hall and
create a graffiti wall.
Trimdon Community College
Trimdon Community College is located within Trimdon Junior School at Elwick View.
The College provides a wide range of health, social and sporting activities for all age
“The Village Hall needs
refurbishing and the
play area outside
needs improving.”
Resident from Trimdon
Village
“Community spirit is
good within the village
but it is hard to recruit
and keep volunteers.”
Resident from Trimdon
Village
53
ranges and also provides access to local learning for residents through a number of
basic skills and computer courses. Situated within the College grounds are a
number of grassed football pitches and an all-weather Astroturf pitch that can be
used by local residents or sporting teams. A number of sporting clubs and groups
utilise the College, including Trimdon United Junior Football Club and Trimdon
Cricket Club. There are various youth drop in sessions held within the college during
the week providing activities and projects for young people to get involved with.
There is also a licensed bar and function room available for hire.
Trimdon House
Trimdon House in Landreth Grove is home to a number of community based
organizations including Trimdon Little Tykes Nursery, Stonham Drop-in, NeCA drug
and alcohol counselling service, and the Rural Youth Project which is a community
led detached and outreach information service for young people aged 13 to 24
years.
Services and Facilities for Children and Young
Persons
There are two main play and recreational areas for
children and young persons within the village. There
is a well maintained community play area and multi-
use games area located at Skerne Avenue which is
available for local youths to use throughout the day.
The play area provides an all-weather multi-use play
area (MUGA) that can be used for a range of
sporting activities. The play area is locked on a
night. A further recreational area is located adjacent
to the Village Hall on Millennium Green. Residents told livin that they would like to
see more recreational facilities on Millennium Green provided for older teenagers.
The Village Hall Association and Groundwork are currently consulting with local
residents and youths to extend the current play facilities
There are also a number of grassed football pitches available for use at Trimdon
Community College. These are reported to be well utilised by younger residents for
sporting activities. The College also has an Astroturf pitch which can be hired by
local residents although this has raised concerns from residents about problems
surrounding the affordability and cost of accessing this facility.
Located with Trimdon Grange, East Durham Play and Community Network provide
access to its services for residents living within Trimdon Village. The Network is a
community charity that was established in 1990 to promote high quality play
opportunities through the provision of affordable materials for creative play and the
best available equipment designed to develop stimulating play. The Network has
worked with a number of local families and operates throughout the whole of Durham
“The play park is not
very good outside the
village hall.”
Young resident from
Trimdon Village
54
County. It can provide a mobile crèche facility, toy library, and also organises
practical workshops with free childcare facilities.
Consultation for the Trimdon Community Appraisal (SBC, 2009) found there to be
major concerns from residents about the provision of activities for children and older
youths within the village. This was again highlighted as a
concern during livin’s consultation. Residents perceive
the need for there to be increased activities for older
youths within the village and feel it important that
proposed activities are developed in conjunction with the
local youths to ensure good levels of participation.
During the youth consultation events at Trimdon Grange
and Sedgefield a number of older teenage youths told
livin that they would like to see more organised activities
throughout the week and during school holidays that they
can participate in. There was general consensus from
the older youths about the necessity to travel out of their villages for a wider range of
social and sporting activities. Many of the youths told livin that they often access
youth activities in nearby Trimdon Grange, Fishburn and Sedgefield and expressed a
wish for more prearranged sporting activities such as football and rugby coaching. A
number of youths also talked about a wish for a central BMX track or skate park to
be built within the village.
There are a number of established sporting clubs in the surrounding villages for
youths to access, although access to transport is required. Toothill Amateur Boxing
Club is located at nearby Trimdon Colliery and is well utilised by a number of local
youths from the surrounding villages. Trimdon United Junior Football Club is based
at Trimdon Community College and provides access
to football training and coaching for local youths
between the ages of 4 to 16 years old.
During an East Durham AAP Forum event held in
November 2010 the provision of activities for
children and teenagers was rated one of the top
three priorities for the local AAP. The “Provision for
children and teenagers” has been one of the AAP’s
priorities throughout 2011/2012.
Private nursery facilities and registered childcare within the village is limited.
Trimdon Village Infant School provides access to preschool education for children
aged three years and above, and Trimdon Little Tykes, located within Trimdon
House, provides private day care for preschool children together with afterschool
childcare facilities. Residents can also access childcare at local Surestart centres in
Fishburn, Kelloe and Wheatley Hill.
“I would like there to be
more sports coaching
courses in the village.”
Young resident from Trimdon
Village
“Youths often hang
about near to the
Coop as there are
not many activities
for them on a night.”
Resident from Trimdon
Village
55
Technology and Communication
Although the community is served by a broadband Internet connection, there were
complaints from residents about the limited speed of the current connection. The
cost implications of a broadband internet connection within the home may prove
unaffordable for some households within the village. Free internet access is
available at Trimdon Village Library.
For residents able to access the internet the Trimdon Times website is a valuable
resource for communicating with local residents and informing them about events
and information in their local village. There are also a number of local free papers
and magazines providing local community based news and information to local
residents. These include Get Set Kids, Ready Steady Go, Trimdon Treasures and
the Trimdon Messenger. The Trimdon Messenger and Trimdon Treasures also have
their own internet sites.
Public Transport
A recent survey of residents living within the East Durham Rural AAP area indicated
that 73% were satisfied with public transport; this being
one of the highest levels of satisfaction throughout the
County (DCC, 2010). However consultation conducted
for the Trimdon Community Appraisal (SBC, 2009),
together with feedback gathered from livin’s events
indicates there to be clear concerns from residents
about the provision of public transport in and around
Trimdon Village.
Residents highlighted concerns about the reliability,
cost and restrictions of the current public transport
service and its necessity for providing essential access
for many residents to shopping, specialist health services and hospitals, employment
and education. Residents complained about what they perceive to be an unreliable
service, with buses often only passing through the village once every hour. Public
transport to nearby Spennymoor and Bishop
Auckland is indirect and residents often have to
change buses along the route. There were also
complaints about the absence of a bus service on a
Sunday. In addition the rising costs of fuel and
vehicle maintenance will continue to place an
increased need on a reliable and regular public
transport system that serves the needs of the
community as a whole.
“The buses are often
late or don’t turn up –
it is a worry if you
have an appointment
to attend.”
Resident from Trimdon
Village
“Buses are essential for
elderly residents so they
can get out and about to
the larger towns.”
Resident from Trimdon
Village
56
Greener living
Trimdon Parish Council own a number of allotment sites within the village which can
be used to grow fresh vegetables, fruit and flowers. There is also an eco-friendly
community garden located at Hart View allotments. Although livin owns a number of
garden sites in other communities there are none located within Trimdon Village.
Residents highlighted the importance of being able to access affordable fresh and
healthy food from local shops and there was encouragement for “growing your own”
fruit and vegetables.
What does this mean for livin?
livin needs to be aware of the positive impact that local services and service
providers can have on sustaining local communities.
livin must understand the pressures that local communities are under as a result of
service cuts, and work in partnership with organisations such as DCC to ensure that
the effects of any service reductions are minimal and that tenants, residents and
service providers are aware of their implications.
Key Services Characteristics:
The community has good access to public healthcare. There are GP and
Dentist surgeries located in the village.
Residents have highlighted an need for travel out of the area for specialist
goods, employment and further education and a wider range of youth
activities.
Trimdon Village Hall and Trimdon Community College are both located within the
village. Both facilities are utilised by a number of local groups for a wide range of
health, social and sport related activities.
The Community College provides a number of youth drop in sessions through
the week and provides access to basic skills and computer courses for residents.
The village has a multi-use games area at Skerne Avenue and a play area for
younger children at Millennium Green. Grassed football pitches and an
Astroturf pitch are located at the Community College.
Satisfaction with the public transport service in the area is poor with many
residents feeling that the current provision is restrictive for their needs.
The Trimdon Times provides online information about events and information in
the village. There are a number of local newsletters that provide information
about events held in the village.
57
Limited access to public transport within the community will not only increase the
barriers to employment experienced by livin tenants and local residents but can also
restrict vital access to supermarkets, education, sporting facilities and healthcare; all
of which are vital components of a sustainable community.
Within any community there should be a good provision of accessible and affordable
youth based activities that will actively encourage engagement and participation in
health and social related activities. Although there are a number of youth based
activities within Trimdon Village and the surrounding area these are seen to be
limited for older teenagers. This highlights opportunities for livin to work closely with
DCC, Trimdon Parish Council, East Durham Rural Area Action Partnership, and
other community organisations to help develop and support an enhanced youth
engagement service that can provide a wide range of diversionary activities for
children and young persons within the community. To encourage good levels of
participation it is important that any proposed activities are developed in conjunction
with local youths to ensure good levels of participation.
To encourage and promote local activities and facilities within the community there
may be opportunities for closer partnership working from local service providers to
jointly promote and communicate their services and activities within the community.
As a major RP operating within the community livin is ideally placed to help highlight
and promote the community services and facilities available for residents within
Trimdon Village.
Trimdon Village and the surrounding villages have a good provision of community
based organisations and facilities together with good levels of community
involvement. Participation and community involvement are key component of a
sustainable community making it important that livin considers it ability to promote,
support and help develop opportunities for volunteering within Trimdon Village and
the surrounding area.
58
1.6 Health and Well Being
The general level of health in Trimdon Village is poorer than that of the County as a
whole (Census, 2001, LLSOA, KS08, 002A, 002D).
The total percentage of persons in “Good” general
health is 3.8% lower than the County average. The
percentage of residents who indicated that they
were in “Not Good” general health is 2.7% higher
when compared to the County average.
2001 Census data indicates that 24.7% of persons of working age suffer from a
limiting long term illness (Census, 2001, LLSOA, KS08, 002A, 002D). This is
significantly higher than the County average of 19.8%.
“A limiting long-term illness covers any long-term illness, health problem or disability
that limits daily activities or work. Working age is defined as persons aged between
16 to 64 years inclusive for men and 16 to 59 years inclusive for women.”
(Census 2001)
Figure 1.20: Levels of Health within Trimdon Village Source: Census, 2001, LLSOA, KS08, 002A, 002D
The percentage of Incapacity Benefit claimants within the community is significantly
above average. During 2010, 14% of residents in Trimdon Village that were claiming
a key DWP benefit were claiming incapacity benefit (DWP, 2010). This is 4% higher
than the Durham County average and 5% higher than the national average.
Compared to national figures the level of health related deprivation within the East
Durham Rural AAP area (including Trimdon Village) is high. The 2010 Indices of
Deprivation highlights that 23.2% of residents living within the AAP area are deemed
58.8
25.4
15.9
62.6
24.2
13.2
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
General health:Good
General health:Fairly good
General health: Notgood
%
Trimdon Village
Durham County
During 2001, the number
of persons in “Not Good”
health in Trimdon Village
was 2.7% higher than the
County average.
59
to be in the top 10% nationally deprived. This percentage is however lower when
compared to the Durham County average where 27.5% of residents are deemed to
be in the top 10% nationally deprived (CLG, 2010). Although the level of health
deprivation is still high when compared to national figures they have considerably
improved since the 2007 Indices of Deprivation during which it was found that 41.0%
of residents living in this area were deemed to be in the top 10% nationally deprived.
The village has good access to local health services. The local GP and dentist
surgeries are both located on Wynyard Road. There is also a chemist located within
the village. Feedback from livin’s consultation events found that residents perceive a
need for a “walk-in” medical centre within the village that can provide access to a
range of health services without the need for an appointment. Access to hospitals
and specialist healthcare can be found at Durham, Darlington, Hartlepool and
Stockton, all requiring access to transport.
Although there is no Surestart Children’s Centre located within Trimdon Village there
are three located nearby at Kelloe, Wheatley
Hill and Fishburn that can be accessed by
local residents. These centres provide a
number of health based services including
advice and support on adopting a healthy
lifestyle, healthy eating and nutrition for
children and families, and access to health
visitors and other health related professionals.
When asked about the provision of health
related facilities and activities within the
community residents raised issues about
affordability and access to facilities. There are
no purpose built leisure facilities within the
community. To access sporting facilities residents are required to travel outside of
the village to leisure centres at Coxhoe or Peterlee. Trimdon Community College
provides access to an Astroturf pitch and a number of grassed football pitches.
There is a charge for use of the Astroturf pitch. The Community College is also
home to both Trimdon Cricket Club and Trimdon United Junior Football Club.
Play areas within the village are located at Skerne Avenue and adjacent to the
Village Hall off Wynyard Road. There were concerns raised by both residents and
the Police about youths gathering in the area around the Village Hall drinking alcohol
and causing nuisance behaviour. Some of the youths that livin spoke to complained
about incidents of graffiti and damage caused to the play areas and highlighted a
“There should be a medical
drop-in centre for residents
living in the village so that
they can get help and advice
on health related services
without the need for an
appointment.”
Resident from Trimdon Village
There is access to both a GP surgery and Dentist surgery within the Village.
60
reluctance to use the facilities on an evening or
weekend due to intimidation from older teenagers
using the areas for drinking alcohol.
Residents perceive there to be a need for increased
facilities and activities for children and young people
in the village, particularly for older teenagers. The
provision of youth based activities and facilities were
a common complaint throughout the areas of the
Trimdons, Fishburn and Sedgefield. Resident perceive that an increased provision
of activities and facilities that more children and young people are willing to
participate in, and that they can afford to access may help to reduce levels of
nuisance and antisocial behaviour in the community.
livin’s consultation events highlighted an increasing
awareness from residents of the importance of
maintaining a healthy lifestyle through healthy
eating. Residents highlighted the importance of
being able to access affordable fresh and healthy
food from local shops and there was
encouragement for “growing your own” fruit and
vegetables. Trimdon Parish Council owns an
allotment site within the village which can be used to
grow fresh vegetables, fruit and flowers. There is
also an eco-friendly community garden located at Hart View allotments. Although
livin owns a number of garden sites in other communities there are none located
within Trimdon Village. Residents also told livin that they would like to see more
health related activities and events held within the village to help residents adopt a
healthier lifestyle.
“It would be good to get
information and advice
on healthy eating.”
Resident from Trimdon
Village
“Residents should be
encouraged to grow
their own fruit and
vegetables.”
Resident from Trimdon
Village
61
What does this mean for livin?
There has been a long established connection between health and housing. As a
result of the Government’s Health Reform proposals a stronger role will emerge for
livin to act in partnership with local health providers to improve the health and
wellbeing of tenants and their families. Good levels of health can have positive
effects on educational achievement and can help increase the employment levels
within a community.
Statistical data and intelligence highlights there to poorer levels of health within
Trimdon Village when compared to the rest of Durham County. There are also a
higher percentage of residents claiming Incapacity Benefit, together with more
residents defining themselves as having a long-term illness which limits their daily
activities when compared to the rest of Durham County. This will provide real
challenges for livin when tackling health related issues and increasing employability
and access to work for its tenant and local residents within the community.
Key Health Characteristics:
During 2001, general levels of health in the community were poorer when
compared to the County average.
24.7% of “working age” residents are suffering from a limiting long term
illness. This is significantly higher than the Durham County average.
The village has access to a local GP and dentist surgery. There is also a
chemist located within the village.
There is limited access to health based facilities and activities. Residents must
travel out of the area for access to Leisure Centres and gyms.
Trimdon Community College provides a range of activities for local residents,
and has access to an all-weather Astroturf pitch and grassed football pitches.
Residents perceive there to be a need for more activities and facilities for
young persons living in the village. Youth activities need to be affordable and
reflect the hobbies and interests that youths wish to participate in.
Residents perceive a need for an increased provision of health related
activities in the village, including information and advice on healthy eating.
62
As a “frontline” service provider livin has privileged access to tenants and their
families. This can provide the potential for signposting to health related services and
enable targeted actions that can help enhance health levels within the community.
There may be a number of local and national projects that livin can support that will
link to the preventative health agenda; making it critical that livin works in partnership
with other local health based stakeholders to ensure maximum use of resources. It
is important that health related activities and facilities within the community and
surrounding areas are accessible and affordable by all.
63
1.7 Education and Training
Levels of educational attainment for residents are lower
within Trimdon Village when compared to the Durham
County average (Census, 2001, LLSOA, KS13, 002A,
002D).
The percentage of residents attaining a level 1 (16.4%)
qualification is comparable with the Durham County average of 17.0%. The
percentage of residents attaining qualifications at level 2 (17.5%) is also comparable
when compared to the Durham County average (18.1%).
Level 1 qualifications include 1+'O' level passes; 1+ CSE/GCSE any grades; NVQ
level 1; or Foundation level GNVQ. Level 2 qualifications include 5+GCSEs (grades
A-C); 1+ 'A' levels/'AS' levels; NVQ level 2; or Intermediate GNVQ.
Based on 17.5% of residents attaining level 2 qualifications (5+ GCSEs A-C grades)
the community has been ranked as BRONZE for educational attainment. Full details
of the methodology for this ranking can be found in Appendix 2.
Figure 1.21: Educational attainment within Trimdon Village Source: Census, 2001, LLSOA, KS13, 002A, 002D
5.2% of residents hold qualifications at level 3; this being less than the County
average of 7.4%. Level 3 qualifications are necessary for advancement into
2001 census data
indicates that 43.1%
of residents have no
qualifications.
43.1
16.4 17.5
5.2 9.4 8.6
36.0
17.0 18.1
7.4
14.5
7.1 0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
%
TrimdonVillage
DurhamCounty
64
University, higher education or professional qualifications and include 2+ 'A' levels;
4+ 'AS' levels; NVQ level 3; or an Advanced GNVQ.
There are also a significantly lower percentage of
residents (9.4%) that hold qualifications at levels 4/5
when compared to the County average (14.5%). A level
4/5 qualification is equivalent to a First Degree, Higher
Degree, NVQ levels 4 and 5, HNC, HND, or professional
qualifications including qualified teacher, medical doctor,
dentist, nurse, midwife, or health visitor. This low
percentage of residents educated to degree or
professional level is reflected in the lower percentage of
residents employed in roles as Professionals (doctors,
dentists, teachers) or in management or senior roles.
The 2010 Indices of Deprivation indicates that in relation to education, 10.7% of
residents living in the East Durham Rural AAP (including Trimdon Village) area are
deemed to be in the top 10% nationally deprived (CLG, 2010). This is notably better
than the Durham County average where 15.3% of residents are deemed to be in the
top 10% nationally deprived. The level of educational deprivation has seen a
marked improvement since the 2007 Indices of Deprivation during which 22.8% of
residents living in the East Durham Rural AAP area were deemed to be in the top
10% nationally deprived (CLG, 2010).
Both Trimdon Village Infant School and Trimdon Junior School are located within the
village. Trimdon Village Infant school provides access to education for children aged
three to seven years and Trimdon Junior School for children aged seven to eleven
years. St William’s Roman Catholic Primary School is also located within the village
and provides access to education for children aged four to eleven years. All three
schools received “Good” OFSTED reports at their last inspections.
Access to secondary education can be found at nearby Sedgefield or Wingate with
both requiring access to transport. St Bede’s Catholic Comprehensive at Peterlee is
the nearest “faith” school providing secondary education. The nearest further
education colleges are located at Peterlee, Hartlepool, Stockton, Darlington and
Durham; again all requiring access to public or private transport. Residents
highlighted concerns about the provision of public transport within the village, and
how it is difficult to access college and university due to an irregular and restrictive
service.
There is access to nursery, primary and junior education within the village but
access to secondary education requires access to transport.
“Difficult for young
residents to access
college or university
due to a restrictive
bus service.”
Resident from Trimdon
Village
65
There is no Surestart provision within the village. The nearest Surestart Children’s
Centre can be found at Kelloe, Wheatley Hill and Fishburn. The centres provide
access to information, help and support, together with access to preschool education
and day care for local families with children under the age of five.
The Local Learning Partnership (LLP) for Fishburn, Sedgefield and the Trimdons is a
partnership of local centres and learning providers which aims to provide learning
opportunities to residents within the local community. The LLP offers a range of non-
accredited and accredited courses ranging from DIY and leisure to employment
related and arts courses in various community venues. Trimdon Community College
also provides a number of educational courses, including access to basic skill and
computer courses.
Although there were no specific comments made by residents during consultation
events livin is aware of the potential need for an increased provision of training, skills
based and educational courses within its local communities. As a result of the
current economic crisis and increased competition for employment opportunities
there may be a need for increased support and advice services that can help local
residents secure future long term employment or enable them to enter further or
higher education. A lack of training and employment opportunities in the village and
surrounding areas was also highlighted as a major concern by residents during the
Trimdon Community Appraisal that was conducted in 2009 (SBC, 2009).
Key Education Characteristics:
In 2001, 43.1% of residents within the community held no formal educational
qualifications; this is higher than the Durham County average.
17.5% of residents within the community have attained qualifications at level 2
(5+ GCSE’s grades A-C or equivalent).
9.4% of residents within the community are educated to Degree or
Professional level. This is significantly lower than the Durham County average.
There is good access to primary and junior education. There are three
schools in the village providing access to nursery, infant and junior education. All
three schools have “Good” OFSTED reports.
Access to secondary education requires travel outside of the community.
Access to further and higher education colleges or university require access
to public or private transport.
66
What does this mean for livin?
Education is a cornerstone of a sustainable community as it will promote financial
inclusion and help increase economic activity.
It is likely that at least 43.1% of residents in the community have no formal
educational qualifications, this being higher than the Durham County average.
Although livin cannot play a direct role in the provision of education there may be
opportunities to link with local education and training providers such as Surestart,
local schools, and colleges, Trimdon Community College and the Local Learning
Partnership to help increase educational opportunities for its tenants and local
residents.
As the main RP within the community it is likely that number of children attending
local primary and secondary schools will reside in livin’s homes. It is therefore
important that livin work in close partnership with local schools to help increase
educational attainment, inspire confidence and raise the aspirations of the children
and young persons within its communities.
Low levels of educational attainment highlights a need for the increased provision
and publicity of training courses within the local community. There should be
specific consideration given to the high percentage of residents aged 16 to 24 years
or 50 years and older that find it particularly difficult to access employment.
67
1.8 Reputation of the Local Area and Community Cohesion
To increase sustainability within an area it is
important that the community is seen as a good
place to live with high levels of community cohesion.
Feedback gained from livin’s consultation events
indicates that Trimdon Village is generally perceived
to be a pleasant and quiet place to live. This is
comparable with the intelligence gathered during the
Trimdon Community Appraisal (SBC, 2009) which
found residents to speak positively about their lives
within the Trimdons. However there was acknowledgement that a small minority of
residents responsible for causing antisocial behaviour and nuisance diminishes the
overall reputation of the village and may potentially deter new households from
moving into the village.
A poor reputation for an area can last for many
years and remain regardless of significant changes
and improvement to social, economic and
environmental factors. A reputation even if it is a
perception, can have a detrimental effect on housing
demand within a community. It can also tarnish the
reputation of the local community and that of the
RP’s providing social housing within the community.
A number of residents reported good levels of
community spirit within the village, and feel that facilities such as the village hall,
library and Trimdon Community College help facilitate this.
What does this mean to livin?
It is important that as the largest provider of social housing within the community,
livin understands its role as “place maker” within the community. livin is aware that
to increase the reputation of a community and to enhance community cohesion the
involvement of local residents and other service providers (including other RP’s) is
paramount.
To enable the success of this Community Plan and the achievement of the Local
Offers it is important that local residents and community groups play an important
role. The involvement of the local community when determining key priorities and
delivering Local Offers can help empower local residents to make a difference in
their local communities, and develop partnership working to improve the overall
reputation of the community and enhance community cohesion.
“Community spirit is
good within the village –
people meet and help
each other in many
ways.”
Resident from Trimdon
Village
“Reputation is tainted
by a small minority.”
Resident from Trimdon
Village
68
Residents are concerned about condition of public open spaces and play areas,
the presence of litter and refuse, and the condition of public highways and
footpaths.
1.9 Local Environment
The majority of feedback received from residents during livin’s consultation events
focused on the current appearance and quality of the local environment in and
around Trimdon Village. As livin will not be able to play a lead role in targeting the
majority of issues raised by residents a partnership approach with DCC, Trimdon
Parish Council, East Durham Rural AAP and other local service providers and
community groups will be essential to facilitate environmental enhancements and
improvements within the village. Due to the varied range of comments received from
residents it has not been possible to detail them all within this section of the plan.
The full range of community views and opinions relating to the local environment can
be found in Appendix 2.
During 2009 an Environmental Assessment of the Trimdons (Trimdons Appraisal,
SBC, 2009) was conducted by SBC, in conjunction with the local community and key
stakeholders. Similar to the feedback obtained from livin’s consultation events the
Environmental Appraisal highlighted a number of areas within the village that would
benefit from environmental improvements. These included enhanced ground works
together with the planting of bulbs and cutting back of greenery in open spaces,
improved access to Skerne play area and improvements to Millennium Green,
enhancement and improvements to community seating areas, and improvements to
the access and security of Hart View allotments.
The plan also highlighted issues around dog
fouling and litter in public areas.
Public open spaces
A large number of residents commented upon the
current condition of open spaces within the village,
highlighting a perceived need for more regular
cutting of grass verges and open spaces, together
with increased cutting of trees, bushes and
undergrowth to make the village more attractive.
There were particular concerns about the quality
and appearance of open plan grassed spaces
within the village, with residents highlighting a need for enhanced improvement
works, including bulb planting, weed control and tidying of grassed verges.
“Overgrown trees and
bushes need to be cut
back – especially those
that are overhanging
footpaths and restricting
views for pedestrians
and motorists.”
Resident from Trimdon Village
69
There were also concerns about trees and bushes obstructing public footpaths,
street lights and the views of pedestrians and drivers. Residents would like to see
improvement works made to the area outside of the Village Hall, to make the area
look more attractive and to enable facilities to be more accessible for older youths.
Residents also perceive there to be a need for installation of more seating areas
within the village, or for improvements to be made to
existing seating arrangements.
Litter and refuse
Residents are concerned about litter, rubbish and
broken glass being found on public highways and
footpaths, public open spaces and within children’s
play areas. There were specific complaints about the
amount of litter found on the footpath adjacent to
Landreth Grove. Concerns around broken glass and
litter in play areas were also raised by a number of
youths from the village. The issue of dog fouling and the failing of dog owners to
remove faeces from public areas was also a common complaint. Residents would
like to see more litter and dog waste bins installed throughout the village, specifically
on Millennium Green, in an attempt to encourage residents to help keep the village
tidy and free from litter and waste. Residents also commented upon a need for
better enforcement action to be taken by agencies such as DCC, to impose
sanctions and fines for residents that litter the village. Due to the village’s semi-rural
location a number of residents commented upon a need for more stocked salt bins to
be placed throughout the village throughout the winter
months.
Bus shelters
Residents commented upon a need for improved bus
shelters throughout the village. There were
complaints of existing shelters being poorly maintained
or damaged and requests for the land around the
existing shelters to be improved and tidied due to
overgrown bushes and trees.
Public footpaths and highways
There were also requests for an enhanced maintenance programme of public
footpaths and highways by the County Council due to many being littered with
potholes and crumbling tarmac and/or paving slabs.
“Undergrowth around
Church Road bus stop
needs cutting back
and tidying”.
Resident from Trimdon
Village
“Litter is a constant
problem. We need
more litter bins,
especially around the
community seats.”
Resident from Trimdon
Village
70
There were requests for an enhanced maintenance
programme of public footpaths and highways by DCC
due to many being littered with potholes and
crumbling tarmac and/or paving slabs. There was
specific reference to the public highways surrounding
the Village Hall, Vicarage Drive, and Windsor Square.
Further causes for concern were the limited number
of car parking spaces within the estates and
surrounding areas.
A large number of concerns were raised by residents about the current condition of
public footpaths around the village as a result of uneven surfaces and cracked,
broken or uneven paving slabs. There was specific reference to footpaths around
Front Street, South, West Lane, Broadway Avenue, Salter’s Lane, and Elwick View.
Residents also perceive a need for some footpaths within the village to be widened
so that disabled residents or residents with pushchairs can safely use them. There
were also comments about the need for improved external lighting on the footpath
from the Working Mens Club to Church Road.
Boundary walls, railings, gates and fences
Feedback from livin’s consultation found there to be a number of comments from
residents about the perceived improvements required to boundary walls and fencing
to improve the appearance of properties within the village.
Church Road
Feedback from livin’s consultation highlighted a number of issues perceived by
residents in the area of Church Road which is the main retail area within the village.
Resident raised concerns about youths gathering around the shops, and the Coop
on a weekend, drinking alcohol, and causing nuisance or antisocial behaviour.
There were also complaints from both residents
and local youths about the prominence of litter in
this area of the village.
There were also issues raised about cars being
parked on the public footpath around the area of
Church Road and the Coop by local residents and
the Police Beat Team resulting in obstructed
access and safety concerns for pedestrians.
There were requests from residents for bollards to
be placed at the edge of the footpaths, or parking
lines to be placed from the top of Church Road
down to the local school. There was also a suggestion for a pedestrian crossing to
“Footpaths need
attention – some are
uneven, or need
paving slabs
replacing”.
Resident from Trimdon
Village
“Cars park on the
footpath at Church Road
making it unsafe for
pedestrians as the
footpaths are obstructed.”
Resident from Trimdon Village
71
be installed on Church Road to make crossing the
road safer for local residents and school children.
There were comments received about the
environmental appearance of a number of retail
units on Church Road. Residents feel that the
area would benefit from improvements to shop
frontage signs, and the repair and painting of
metal railings to the rear of the shops. Residents
would also like to see an enhanced street cleaning
provision to the footpath outside of the commercial premises on Church Road.
Recreational facilities and play areas
There is a perceived need from residents for more external facilities for older children
and teenagers. There were specific comments from both residents and the Police
Beat Team about a lack of facilities for older youths at Millennium Green. It is hoped
that these concerns will be addressed by the Village Hall Association and
Groundwork who are currently in the process of consulting with local residents and
youths about plans to enhance the current facilities and to install a graffiti wall for
older youths.
Both residents and local youths raised concerns
about older youths gathering on Millennium Green
and Church Road, drinking alcohol and causing
nuisance behaviour. Some of the younger
children told livin that they feel intimidated and will
not use the play areas on a weekend or evening
as a result of this. A number of youths were
particularly concerned about incidents of damage
and graffiti to local play areas and facilities.
livin Environmental Assessment
On the 31 October 2011 an Environmental Assessment of the community was
conducted by members of livin’s Communities Team. The Assessment was
completed by assessing a number of environmental indicators at five designated
“stopping” points on a pre-determined route through the community. At the
designated stopping points a number of environmental indicators were assessed and
a number of points awarded.
“Play areas are good for
smaller children but
facilities are limited for
older teenagers.”
Resident from Trimdon Village
“The frontage of some of
the shops could be
improved.”
Resident from Trimdon Village
72
During the assessment there were a number of highlighted issues relating to the
condition of public open spaces and public footpaths, overgrown trees and bushes,
and poorly maintained gardens and properties around the area of Hallgarth and
Newlands Road. There was evidence of narrow footpaths, and footpaths that
require repair in the areas surrounding Hallgarth Road, Newlands Road and Dunelm
Road.
Based on the points awarded at the pre-determined stopping points, the community
scored a total average value of 23. As a result the overall condition of the
community has been ranked as SILVER. The full methodology relating to the
Environmental Assessment can be found in Appendix 2.
Figure 1.22: Route of Environmental Assessment
What does this mean for livin?
A good Environmental Assessment scoring and Silver ranking is a good result for the
community. It means that the community does not require intensive support and
may only require targeted work in specific hotspot areas. It is important that livin
ensure that future Environmental Assessments are conducted at appropriate
intervals to ensure the community is able to maintain or improve its current ranking.
As a result of community feedback, and livin’s Environmental Assessment a number
of hotspot areas have been identified, including Church Road shops and the
surrounding area.
73
Although livin cannot play a lead role in targeted environmental improvements at all
hotspot areas within the community it is important that a partnership approach be
adopted with DCC, Trimdon Parish Council, East Durham Rural AAP and other local
service providers and community groups to facilitate the enhancement and
improvement of these areas.
As livin can also not play a direct role in the improvement of public footpaths,
highways, and on land and property owned by other statutory bodies, the views and
comments received from residents during the development of this community plan
will be passed to DCC and Trimdon Parish Council with the aim of developing a
partnership approach to environmental improvements within the village.
livin is committed to ensuring that its local communities remain clean, tidy and
pleasant places to live. As such it will continue to adopt a robust approach to taking
action on those tenants who breach their Tenancy Agreement by allowing their
property’s garden to become overgrown and untidy.
74
Based on the information contained within this community plan livin has been able to
identify and assess a number of key strengths and challenges that are being faced
by residents living in the community of Trimdon Village.
To improve the levels of sustainability within this community it is important that key
strengths are maintained; together with conscientious efforts being made by livin,
other community stakeholders and local residents to address and reduce identified
challenges.
Taking into account these challenges livin has developed seven key priorities for the
community:
The development of these key priorities and the creation of realistic Local Offers that
can be used by livin, community stakeholders and local residents to address and
achieve them will enable the maximisation of internal and external resources
available throughout the community.
Consider the provision of low cost affordable homes within the community to
provide access to housing for first time buyers and to help balance the current
housing market within the village.
Help to influence and maintain services that benefit the needs of local residents
and the community as a whole (including transport services and play facilities).
Develop a partnership approach to reducing barriers to work and increasing
employment opportunities for local residents, specifically those aged 16 to 24
years, and 50 years and over (including supporting the provision of local skills
and training courses)..
Develop a partnership approach to developing health based initiatives to help
residents to adopt and maintain healthier lifestyles to improve levels of health.
Maintain a partnership approach to help reduce the fear of crime and antisocial
behaviour within the community and continue to reduce incidents of low level
crime and antisocial behaviour.
Develop a partnership approach to introducing, supporting, and maintaining a
range of diversionary activities for children and young persons (including older
teenagers).
Assist with targeted environmental improvements to hotspot areas.
Section 2 Community Priorities
75
The original actions contained within this Community Plan were revised in March
2013.
Based on what livin has learnt from your community, and our work with local partners
we have now developed a set of Local Offers for Trimdon Village. The Local Offers
have taken into account the original actions from the community plan and the views
of the community obtained through consultation, leading to a new set of standards
and actions aimed at supporting and benefiting your area. Delivery of the Local
Offers will be monitored by livin tenants.
A copy of livin’s Local Offers for Trimdon Village can be found on our website at
www.livin.co.uk.
This main Community Plan will be revised in 2014.
Section 3 Review of the Community Plan
76
APPENDIX 1
livin STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK
&
REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
77
livin Strategic Framework
livin’s role as a Registered Provider of social housing extends beyond managing
houses. This has been identified within livin’s Corporate Plan for 2011 – 2014 which
highlights the importance of improving the economic viability of local communities,
followed by social factors such as health and education, and enhancing the local
environment.
As such livin is focused on supporting the development of sustainable communities
for the current and future generation of residents. This is articulated through the
Company’s vision, mission and personality which are;
Mission “working with the community at heart”
Vision “sustaining and growing safe, cohesive and vibrant communities through
excellent customer services”
Personality “Caring, supportive, helpful and community orientated”
It is acknowledged that livin can play a key role in contributing to the delivery of
sustainable communities. By developing strong and coordinated partnership working
with residents and key stakeholders livin will develop:
Prosperous Communities - addressing economic viability of communities by
helping people to improve their financial circumstances, become less dependent
on benefits, positively address employability and increase financial confidence.
Healthy Communities – addressing social wellbeing, community cohesion and
health inequalities by improving health and wellbeing, secure access to further
opportunities and develop their aspirations.
Green Communities – addressing environmental quality and sustainability by
enhancing the setting of homes and promoting and supporting green initiatives in
communities.
During April 2011, livin introduced the “Your Voice, Local Choice”, Local Offer
document to ensure that “the right services are delivered in the right place for the
right people”. The Local Offer is a list of ten pledges that livin has made to tenants in
order to deliver key priorities. Full details of the pledges contained in livin’s Local
Offer can be found on the website at livin.co.uk or alternatively a copy can be
requested by contacting livin on 0845 505 5500 or 0300 111 2234 (low rate from a
mobile depending on network).
78
In addition to helping livin work towards sustaining and growing safe, cohesive, and
vibrant communities the Community Plans will play an important role in shaping and
articulating the Local Offer to tenants. They are the delivery mechanism for the
pledges contained within the Offer and will enable livin, community stakeholders and
local residents to tailor services and resources to the specific needs of each
individual community and enhance local service delivery. This relationship is
illustrated in the diagram below:
The development and implementation of the Community Plans represents a strategic
change in livin’s approach to supporting the sustainability of communities and will
help deliver the corporate improvement themes of “Customer Focussed Services”
and “Efficient Assets” by:
improving lives, neighbourhoods and communities
improving customer involvement and empowerment, and
increasing the sustainability of tenancies and homes
Local Offer
Established guiding principles
Locality 1
Byers Green
Kirk Merrington
Middlestone Moor
Spennymoor Town
Locality 2
Dean Bank
Ferryhill Village &
Cleves Cross
West Cornforth
Bishop Middleham
Chilton & Chilton Lane
Locality 3
Trimdon Village
Trimdon Grange
Trimdon Colliery
Fishburn
Sedgefield
Locality 4
Shildon
Middridge
Locality 5
Aycliffe Old Town
Aycliffe New Town
Aycliffe Village
Community Plan Strategy
79
The Plans will be utilised to inform and enhance livin’s strategic planning and asset
management framework whilst helping to deliver customer and community focused
investment. They have an impact on all areas of service delivery, renewal and
regeneration, and have departmental cross cutting themes.
Each Plan takes into account a whole spectrum of current national, regional and
local strategic agendas whilst retaining enough flexibility to address future emerging
policy and structural changes at all levels. They complement the Government’s
Localism Bill by facilitating and empowering local communities to improve local
services in their local area and careful consideration has also been given to relevant
housing strategies adopted by Durham County Council and the implications of the
Housing and Communities Agency (HCA) new role in regulating social landlords.
Tenant Services Authority Regulatory Requirements
The development and implementation of Community Plans also reflects livin’s
commitment to adhering to the Tenant Services Authority’s (TSA) current regulatory
regime. This regime requires livin to meet six separate service standards:
Tenant Involvement and Empowerment
Home
Tenancy
Neighbourhood and Community
Value for Money
Governance and Financial Viability
Comprehensive consultation to support each Plan will help livin to enhance customer
services and encourage local residents to become more responsible for local
services and the improvement of their communities thus addressing the Tenant
Involvement and Empowerment standard.
The Home standard will be addressed by assessing the current condition of the
current housing stock in each community to ensure that it is of high quality, well
maintained and suitable for demand.
It is crucial that the Tenancy standard be incorporated into the outcomes of the
Community Plan through the consideration and effective use of lettings policies, rent
management policies and the enhancement of tenancy sustainment.
As part of the Neighbourhood and Community standard livin is required to deliver on
three separate outcomes; local cooperation, antisocial behaviour and community
management. All of these will outcomes will be considered and addressed within the
outcomes of each Plan.
80
The Plans will also address the Value for Money standard by ensuring that livin
prioritise resources based on the actual needs and requirements of local residents
whilst enabling confidence for external stakeholders and businesses to invest in the
communities.
Durham County Council Strategic Framework
Durham County Council’s “Sustainable Communities” Strategy 2010-2030 is the
overarching plan for delivering long lasting improvements throughout the County. It
sets out five key strategic priority themes that will be focused on during the next 20
years:
Altogether Wealthier
Altogether Better for Children and Young People
Altogether Healthier
Altogether Safer
Altogether Greener
Whilst, Registered Providers are essential partners in delivering sustainable
communities, local authorities have the key strategic responsibility in this area. This
is particularly important for livin given its current geographical boundary within
County Durham and its relatively high levels of deprivation. Therefore the
Company’s approach of aligning key elements of its Corporate Plan 2011 – 2014 to
the priorities set out in Durham County Council’s Sustainable Communities Strategy
is vital in allowing the Company to play its role as a key partner in delivering
sustainable communities.
The provision of sustainable communities and vibrant and successful towns sits
within the key strategic theme of “Altogether Wealthier” and places a significant
emphasis on local housing markets and improvements in employability and skills as
key drivers in this achievement. Although the provision of a successful housing
market is predominantly featured in the theme of “Altogether Wealthier” there can be
cross cutting themes across the other four priority themes as demonstrated in the
community plans.
This theme of housing being a key driver in creating sustainable communities is
further detailed in “Building Altogether Better Lives: A Housing Strategy for County
Durham 2010-2015” (DCC, 2010). This strategy focuses on the ability for housing
and other related services to create better life chances for persons living in County
Durham by delivering better housing markets and high quality housing stock through
enhanced partnership working.
81
National Housing Federation
Research conducted by the National Housing Federation (NHF) found that numerous
RP’s are now using their presence and impact within their local communities to
provide services outside of their core housing management activities.
These activities are centred on employment and enterprise services, education and
skills services, wellbeing services, poverty and social inclusion, safety and
community cohesion.
During 2006/2007 the NHF found that RP’s nationally delivered 6,800 community
services (including facilities) and invested £435 million (£272 million internal and
£163 external) into resources outside of their core areas of activity. This study
highlighted the prominence that RP’s have within their local communities and their
perfect position to act as place makers in their communities.
Further information and details relating to this research is contained within the full
NHF report, “The scale and scope of housing associations activity beyond housing”.
82
APPENDIX 2
METHODOLOGY
83
livin Communities With the help of livin’s Tenants Panel 19 local communities were defined. These 19
communities are also loosely based around Durham Constabulary’s local Police
“Beat” patches and are detailed below:
To successfully complete each individual Plan a wide range of quantitative and
qualitative data from an extended range of sources has been utilised. Data obtained
from these sources has focused on several social, economic and environmental
indicators. Census data has been obtained from the Lower Level Super Output Area
002A and 002D for Trimdon Village. Electoral Ward data has been obtained from
the Fishburn and Old Trimdon Ward.
Locality Community Estates
1
Byers Green Byers Green
Kirk Merrington Kirk Merrington
Middlestone Moor Middlestone Moor
Spennymoor Town Town Centre (inc Bessemer Park) York Hill Tudhoe Tudhoe Grange
2
Dean Bank Dean Bank
Ferryhill Village and Cleves Cross Ferryhill Village Cleves Cross
West Cornforth Topside Lowside
Bishop Middleham Bishop Middleham
Chilton and Chilton Lane The Poets Windlestone
3
Trimdon Village Trimdon Village
Trimdon Grange Trimdon Grange
Trimdon Colliery Trimdon Colliery
Fishburn Fishburn
Sedgefield Sedgefield
4
Shildon Central Shildon Jubilee Fields New Shildon
Middridge Middridge
5
Aycliffe Old Town Shafto Simpasture Central
Aycliffe New Town Horndale Agnew Burnhill Western
Aycliffe Village Aycliffe Village
84
Qualitative data collection methods has required livin to hold a number of
consultation events within the community to gain the views and opinions of local
residents, children and young people together with anecdotal data from interviews
with members of livin’s staff and the local Police Beat Team.
Social, Economic and Environmental Indicators
Several social, economic and environmental indicators have been established for
each community; with some being benchmarked against County and National data
averages. The table below shows the themes and topics each Community Plan has
explored and the data sources used to populate the required intelligence.
Themes Method
Housing
Quantitative- National statistics, livin stock data, DKO lettings data, Council tax data, Durham County Council strategic housing market assessment, House price websites and Land Registry data
Qualitative – Interviews and consultation events
Crime Rates and Perception of Crime
Quantitative – Durham Constabulary crime data and livin internal data
Qualitative – Interviews and consultation events
Economy and Employment
Quantitative - National statistics and DWP Benefit data
Qualitative – Interviews and consultation events
Accessibility to Services and Facilities
Qualitative – Interviews and consultation events
Health and Well Being Quantitative - National Statistics
Qualitative – Interviews and consultation events
Education and Training Quantitative - National Statistics
Qualitative – Interviews and consultation events
Reputation and Community Cohesion
Qualitative – Interviews and consultation events
Local Environment (including built environment, management of public areas)
Qualitative – Interviews, consultation events and community environmental assessments
85
Community Views and Opinions
The community in Trimdon Village were invited to tell livin their views, concerns and opinions about their local community.
Consultation events took place during September 2011 and October 2011 at Trimdon Community College and the public library,
together with special events focused on children and young people in conjunction with the local youth club at Trimdon Grange and
the Youth Forum at Sedgefield. Anecdotal evidence to support the intelligence contained in this plan has also been obtained from
the Police Beat Team for Trimdon Village and livin staff members.
The table below highlights the main concerns and areas for improvement highlighted during livin’s public consultation events:
Themes Community Comments
Housing
Housing market unaffordable for first time buyers There should be no 1 bedroomed bungalows
The new improvements under livin are exceptional, long overdue, but worth waiting
The new "garden" scheme for livin sounds good
Trimdon Housing Office could be used for flats as could Tremeduna Grange
Young people find it hard to get a mortgage - can’t raise the deposit
Trimdon Village is large enough
Trimdon Village large enough now had huge amount of houses built in 50s, 60s and since then
Use existing buildings convert to apartments, flats etc Beckwith Drive is a new housing development 3-4 years ago. There are no current developments
Crime and Antisocial Behaviour
We do have some antisocial behaviour but not a lot which seems to be 'under control'.
I have no fear of crime whatsoever
More police in the area on nights and weekends to monitor anti social behaviour
Lack of police presence leaves the streets open to hooligans - if more cutbacks will be worse
Would like to stop motorbikes flying around on footpaths in Landreth Grove, Hallgarth Road, Springwell Avenue and Village Greens as old People frightened
Worried about cutbacks - less police can mean more problems
Cars riding around with radios blaring late at night are a problem
Antisocial behaviour is being targeted by the police at the moment
86
What about the cuts that will be coming in the police force, will antisocial behaviour go up again
Vandalism to bus shelters and planted areas nearby always full of rubbish and plants destroyed
More PCSO’s/police presence in the area as there is a lot of teenagers congregating near shops which is making vulnerable people too scared to go out
On-going issues with underage drinkers congregating near the shops at a weekend. Vulnerable people are too scared to go out on a night time because of this
Quiet on a night - no cars now coming down the road
Several drug dealers in my area, Police have been informed but nothing appears to have been done - pensioners don’t want to live there
Litter and broken glass in park
Damage to play areas by older youths
Damage to garages - Carrside/Meadow Road
People drinking in the parks and public areas – Church Road and Millennium Green
Graffiti in the park – its rude Cars parking on pavements is a big issue near the shops where often the car park is nearly empty
Older kids graffiti the parks and other areas
Economy and Employment
The biggest employers in the area are N Power in Peterlee, Caterpillar, NSK
People have to commute for work as there is restricted local employment
There are limited job opportunities for young residents
Jobs are a big issue everywhere in this recession. Youngsters have nothing to look forward to.
Apprenticeships in local business
These out of work could get together and do "good work" like gardening or painting the local environment to keep them busy and give them some respect.
No jobs for young people leaving school – need more apprenticeships.
There is nothing for anyone to work at in Trimdon. We used to have a factory but working locally is becoming very difficult
Need apprenticeships for young people
Need to travel out of the area for a job when leave school
87
Access to
Services and Facilities
It seems as if we now have "to change" buses to get to many towns i.e. Bishop Auckland, Spennymoor
The Arriva buses are often late, don’t turn up and are noisy, unclean and therefore a worry if an appointment has to be kept
Bus timetables now eroded because of 'cuts'. Hardly any Sunday service especially to our local hospitals and beautiful city of Durham etc.
Infrequent bus services or buses not turning up are a disincentive to people getting work
livin tenant - very happy with services provided. Workmen very helpful and pleasant
No access to services at Spennymoor without changing buses which makes it difficult for the elderly and young families
No Sunday bus service, people unable to travel
Unreliable bus service many broken down and late services
No service to hospitals on Sunday to let people travel to visit
Buses a problem takes so long now to get to Durham for connections for educational training - not enough
Buses are essential for us elderly folk to get to the larger towns and out and about for health and wellbeing
Broadband is available but very slow
Broadband to be improved as very slow
Need to keep the busses running through the village of Trimdon.
A list of organisations/events going on the village to be available from the library. I have been in the village for 2 years before I heard of a particular "regular" event taking place in the village hall.
There is a Coop in the village, general dealers, Post Office, News Agents, Chinese takeaway and a fish shop and four pubs
Public transport- essential for education, all the youngsters use the buses for further education
The Millennium Green and village hall is used by residents from all different areas and ages
There are allotments available for people to maintain
The bus service in the village is poor - it is unreliable. It takes 45 minutes to get to Durham and the service only runs hourly. In the winter there is a restricted service
The Community College has a licensed bar and room to hire
Most people go to Hartlepool, Stockton and Durham to go shopping i.e. food shopping etc.
Youth activities are restricted, youth hang around and stand by the Coop drinking
Need a safe crossing outside of coop
Double yellow lines on both sides of the road from Coop down to infants school
88
Better play facilities for children outside the village hall
Village hall needs refurbishing and the outside area tidying
Need a joint approach from all community organisations to publicise events in one place
Need more for the teenagers and children to do, at the moment they're just standing around on street corners.
Lack of leisure/shopping facilities in Trimdon and therefore residents need to travel either by public transport or by car to towns
Would like to have more things to do – like a football club or play rugby
Skate or BMX park would be good
Need to improve the play area – more for older youths
“Rec” centre doesn’t get used much as not many activities for older youths
The local 'Council Offices' was good for residents
We could do with another supermarket, - local shops need to be supported but prices deter shoppers
Health and Well Being
We need a health centre like other villages. We do have a walking group
More health related events would be good A walk in clinic as anyone with Diabetes, Blood pressure etc need to travel
A medical walk in centre is needed where you don’t need an appointment
A better system for prescriptions at chemist
Important to be aware of healthy eating
Do 2 for 1 offers as people living alone cannot use them without wasting food
Could use garden facilities to grow own - important to eat healthy
Good to get advice on healthy eating
Chemist needs improvement. Have to wait days to get prescriptions. Walk in clinic needed
Encourage grow your own
We need longer hours at the Doctors surgery
Education & Training
Buses are a problem for the village life. Too long to get to Durham for Students etc
Most people go the Community College in Sedgefield, or to Peterlee, Stockton, Hartlepool FE and New College Durham and Durham 6th Form
Present schools are outdated and we need more modern and up to date facilities in this village Difficult for young people to access further education due to irregular bus services
89
Reputation and
Community Cohesion
The community spirit is generally good with Church, library events etc.
Reputation is tainted by a small majority only
Community spirit appears too "under the covers" in Trimdon? Hard to find unless you know the hiding place
Trimdon Village now has a bad name due to some residents and people think twice about moving here (Vandalism, drugs and loutish behaviour)
Community spirit good using village hall for activities as is the library for all ages
People meet and help each other in many ways
Certain areas of the village have a good community spirit but it is hard to recruit and keep volunteers
Nice surroundings and a pleasant place to live.
Happy with the area
Like it being a small village
I like the area because it’s quiet.
Environment
Planting of trees, with the financial assistance of the Electric Board, along the south side of West Lane to shield the pylons
Weekly collection of litter to the village boundary on West Lane
Bench painted at the bottom of Broadway Avenue on Salters Lane
Entrance to Burn Oval and Skerne Avenue, repairs to embankment of replacement
Litter collections around the club yard and surrounding green
Improvements or removal and block paving of the verge in West Lane
Thick grass on the hedge rows should be cut back
Major repairs to the access road and path in Broadway Avenue
Square off the path on the South side of Broadway Avenue
Widening of footpath on the east side of Salters Lane from top and bottom
Major repairs or replacement of the bench at the end of main road
Straightening of the sign and road sign at the Salters Lane/main road junction
Removal or replacement to broken fence on the west side of Salters Lane at the main road junction
Replacement or repointing of the old style lampposts throughout the estate
General tidy up of main road bus stops (east and west)
Verge works Wynyard road junction north side
Landreth Grove tidy up of parking bays and planted area
90
Environment
Tidy up of the area around the village sign at the Wynyard Road junction
Complete tidy of verges from Wynyard Road to Bird in Hand
New fence on the West of Church Road to prevent the overhanging plants from blocking the footpath
Installation of two planters at the sculptures West Lane and Wynyard Road entrances
Replacement of the bus shelter outside the coop and urgent installation of a timetable
Repaving of the footpath from Church Road shops to Springwell cut
Repainting of the Library Sign
New metal signage for the shops to prevent further rotting of the wood
Improved signage of the East Durham Rural Area Action Partnership shop
Undergrowth removed from the rear of the club
Safer better lit access to the Club from to Church Road
Painting of the gates on each of the shops
Repaving the steps on the West side of Church Road
Removal of the trees and undergrowth around the Church Road bus stop (East)
New doors on the gas meters for each of the shops
Installation of a pane of Perspex where the gap is vacant on the Church Road (East Bus Stop)
Complete tidy of verges from Wynyard Road to Bird in Hand
Replacing of Wynyard Road sign on No. 4
Replace the road sign at Hallgarth Road
Grass seed in front of the Wynyard Road bus shelter (North Side)
Cleaning of No Ball Games sign at Windsor Square
Repairs to edging fence at the back entrance to Windsor Square
Replacement of gravel path across the village green from Landreth Grove to Vicarage Drive
Resurfacing of pavement Front St South and corner area to opposite Hall Farm Court entrance
Windsor square entrance road repairs to tarmac
Watch bank footpath complete overhaul of verges and hedgerows to make safer for pedestrians
Grass over the two corners at Windsor Square/Meadow Road junction
Repainting of bench on St Cuthberts Crescent
Installation of one new seat on Trimdon Grange side of watch bank, replace seat on Trimdon Village side
Erection of a covered bus shelter at Front Street South
91
Environment
General weeding in St Cuthberts Crescent.
Replace bench at Main Road/Salters Lane junction
Removal and repositioning of salt bin at Meadow Road/Newlands Road junction
Trimming of hedges on Tees View to improve visibility
Clear and improvement of former garage site to the rear of Bank Top Terrace
Replacement of bench at Bank Top ( East Side )
Residents have to maintain shrubs and trees
Footpaths need attention especially between Bank Top and Dunelm Road
Shops should be encouraged to clean the pavement in front of their premises
Implement littering fines to educate the future of our village residents (younger generation) or have a litter blitz using children.
Would like to see the hedges and trees pruned within Roseberry Road
Put a pedestrian crossing outside of coop.
Need to remove overgrown trees and shrubs or to be maintained a lot better
The outside of the village hall is an eyesore, could do with redecorating.
Rubbish bin at intersection of Skerne Avenue/Burn Oval and West Lane
Untidy streets, dog dirt
Place a 10 mph sign half way down Burn Oval/Skerne Avenue,
Stop drivers parking on pavements
Putting concrete bollards every 10m on edge of pavement to stop drivers parking on them
More 30 mph road signs needed
Site a new Road sign (with flowers) at "Waterworks” site
Need more dog fouling bins
Clean all public access 'cuts' in Trimdon - they are all unsafe and covered in leaves, weeds etc.
Generally tidy up access to Trimdon Village by cutting hedges and clearing up litter
Approach to Trimdon Village from 'Watch Bank' is disgusting with broken seat, overgrown hedges,
Garage site needs tidying up – can be seen on approach from “Watch Bank”
Tidy up bus shelter at Tees View and put litter bin there
Waiting for a bus is difficult to see if a bus is approaching from Salters Lane because of overgrown bushes
Open spaces in front of the field at Swainby Road creates a wind tunnel and all the rubbish gathers
92
Environment
Erection of a covered bus sheltered at Front Street South (opposite The Green Public House)
Verge re-grassing opposite St Williams Catholic Church
Verge re-grassing or tarmac outside the Fox and Hounds Public House
Installation of litter bins at every bus stop, bench and at intervals throughout the village
Installation of winter salt bins at convenient locations for all streets throughout the village
Road surface improvements Village Green area (north and south)
Replacement of removed bench outside Fox and Hounds Public House
Repainting of bench on land outside Village Farm, Front Street South
Road surfacing improvements at Vicarage Drive
Grass seeding on the north bank of St Mary Magdalene Church (Parish Council) land
Railings repainted and replaced Front Street North (along from Red Lion Public House)
Replacement of removed bench outside Highwells Cottage
Replacement or repair of perimeter fence at former Parochial School site
Cleaning of all road and street signs to remove weathering
Painting of all village green stones
Painting of bench outside 57 Front Street South (opposite Red Lion Public House)
Enforcement measure on Wheeled Bins outside properties on days other than collection
General weeding and litter control around all village greens
Painting of Tony Blair's bench outside Tremeduna House
Installation of bollards outside St Mary Magdalene Church East entrance
Removal of redundant manhole cover at Hall Farm Manor
Replacement of two stolen bollards in Hall Farm Court
Resurfacing of pavement Front Street South from No. 1 and corner area to opposite Hall Farm Court entrance
Improved access to the footpath on the South side of West Lane, currently accessed by a dangerous gap in the fence as the style is inaccessible due to overgrown hedge row
Removal of all trees and shrubbery on the North Side of West Lane and landscaping to the village boundary
Replacement of gravelled access to the Water Board site with tarmac
Gathering of youths at shops
Dog dirt
Paths need widening
93
Environment
Bus shelters need attention
Pavements are not level and are at times a mobility hazard
Roseberry Road trees need attention. Hedges are growing out of control
Trees planted near street lighting making areas very dark. Could lower branches/prune to allow light into our bungalows.
Tidy footpath and hedge down back of Swainby Road
Need more footpaths out of village to encourage walkers
Litter - schools and parents should be educated to deal with children especially teenagers
Litter is a constant problem in all areas but especially Church Road shops
Need more litter bins especially where there are community seats - more bins at bus stops
Play areas are now quite good for small children but there seems to be very little or none for older kids
Nice environment a green spaces but surrounding areas being blotted by Pylons and Wind Turbines
Better cleaning of ice around old peoples bungalows
Parking on pavement outside of library/school
Needs bollards and zebra crossing to prevent accidents
More waste bins needed in village to keep the area tidy. Even if the youngsters don’t use them - at least we "older" people could pick their rubbish up and put it in the bin
The public footpath next to 30 Landreth Grove is always strewn with empty cans and bottles as young persons congregate there
New Trimdon Village road signs at horse Close Lane, East Lane, Bank Top Terrace, Wynyard Road and West Lane entrances to the village
Replacement of salt bin at former service station
Urgent paving works and general tidy up outside former service station
New signs in the Post Boxes at Newlands Rd and Carrside Rd entrances
Straightening of the sign at Newlands Rd
Replace rusted and damaged Public Footpath sing at the rear of Carrside Rd
Urgent replacing or repainting of the garage doors on all livin owned garages
Repainting of all side gates owned by livin to the same colour as garage doors
Painting of edge fence at Carrside Rd
Major improvements to the Elwick View access footpath into field
94
Environment
Removal of flower beds and grassing over the entrance to the Trimdon Community Centre
Replacement of bollards around the Trimdon Junior School grass verge Replacement of Hydrant sign at the entrance to Elwick View
Installation of bins on the Millennium Green
Work on steps to improve safety and painting of the hand rail at Beckwith Drive down to Willow Drive
Paint the Infant School perimeter fence
Urgent tarmacing of the entrance to Boyne View
Removal and grassing of the flower bed adjacent to 38 Swainby Rd
Resurfacing of the old playground outside the rear of 57-67 Swainby Rd
Removal of overgrown hedgerow and flower beds at the rear of Swainby Rd 57-67
Installations of railings across the hedgerow to the rear of Swainby Rd from 81 down to the allotment entrance
Verge works at the rear of Myrtle Grove
Enforced trimming of the hedgerow, Church Rd, Beckwith Drive corner which is blocking the footpath
Replanting of flower beds inside Tremaduna Grange
Tidying up of rear car parking spaces at Church Road shops
Relaying of the Co-op lorry bay access road to prevent flooding
New bench on corner of Dunelm Rd and Church Rd
Straightening of Myrtle Grove sign
Deep clean of flags at Church Road shops
Repairs and repainting of metal railings at Church Rd shops
Relocating of the Parish Notice Board to the other side of the Co-op car park to improve it's usefulness
Paving of the flower beds outside the Co-op at both the car park side and Library side
New doors on gas meters for each of the shops
Repaving of the steps on the west side of Church Road Removal of trees and undergrowth around the Church Road bus stop (east)
95
Community Ranking Methodology
Based on the intelligence contained within this Community Plan livin has been able to rank the community based on; Bronze
(potential), Silver (aspiring) or Gold (performing). This will enable the identification of the communities which require more
immediate and more intensive interventions whilst ensuring there are mechanisms in place to maintain Gold standards.
The following are details of the methodology used by livin when determining the ranking for each community indicator:
Indicator Ranking
Housing
Market
Affordability
Affordability ratios have been devised by comparing income to house prices in order to calculate how many times their average income an individual would be required to borrow to purchase their own property. It is particularly interesting to assess how well lower income households can access the housing market. To gauge access to entry level housing the data used is the lower quartile income of residents within the former area of Sedgefield Borough and the average price of terraced housing within the community (the assumption is that this house type is often the lower quartile house type). Data sources for this information were the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) 2010 and land registry house price data. To assess the level of affordability it is important to rank the multiplier by the England average. In England during 2009 the lower quartile house price was 6.28 times the lower quartile full-time individual earnings (http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/statistics/housingplanningstatistics2010). Access to lending on homes is still calculated using a multiplier of 3.5 for single households and 2.9 for dual income households, therefore a multiplier of 3.5 or less can be deemed as affordable.
Gold = Multiplier of 0 to 3.5 is affordable Silver = Multiplier of 3.6 to 6.3 Bronze = Multiplier of 6.4 and above
Tenancy
Turnover
Tenancy Turnover is determined by the percentage of houses available to let compared with the total housing stock in a community. It is recognised that this methodology is very simplistic and there are several factors that should be considered in conjunction with this ranking. These include:
Turnover rates in specific house types are generally higher than others (one bedroom bungalows) so consideration must be given to the total community stock profile
Gold communities will have a lower tenancy turnover; however a Gold ranking could indicate lack of access to housing and affordability issues requiring more households to have a housing need for socially rented properties in a particular community
Gold = 5% turnover or less Silver = 8-9% turnover Bronze = 10% turnover or more
96
It is important that when considering tenancy turnover; further investigation be given to the circumstances surrounding the ranking and circumstances that may have contributed towards a high level of turnover. Further investigation should also be made into stock types within the community and the accessibility and affordability of housing. To compile the percentage rates used to calculate this ranking consideration has been given to Housemark’s national Benchmarking figures
Demand for
livin housing
Demand for livin properties has been determined by the comparison of three indicators of demand taken from Durham Key Options (DKO) data. Each of these indicators has been scored accordingly with the overall score of all three determining the ranking allocated to the community:
Hard to let properties in a community: This is defined as properties that have been advertised in three or more bidding cycles with DKO before being let. It is important to note that the presence of low demand house types within a community can increase the percentage of hard to let properties within a community. - No properties hard to let = 5 points - 1 to 2% of properties hard to let = 3 points - 3% or more properties hard to let = 1 point
Area of preference: Upon application households can choose their areas of choice. These indicate a “perception” of an area therefore producing a demand. Areas of preference between communities have been determined by analysing the number of applicants showing a preference for each community compared to the amount of applicants received by livin (by percentage). Applicants can indicate a preference for more than one area and it must be noted that area of preference is made at point of first application to DKO and is a snapshot in time. Often applicants do not update their areas of preference and these areas of preference may differ from their original indications during time spent on the housing register. - 50% or more applicants expressing the community as an area of preference = 5 points - 21 to 49% of applicants expressing the community as an area of preference = 3 points - 0 to 20% of applicants expressing the community as an area of preference = 1 point
Average (mean) bids per property by community: Demand is evident by the volume of bids received for a property. It is noted that this method will disguise some house types or localised areas where the bids per property are very low and in some areas where there are exceptional number of bids per property. - 20 bids or more = 5 points - 10-19 bids = 3 points - 9 bids or less = 1 point
Gold = 11 to 15 points Silver = 6 to 10 points Bronze = 1 to 5 points
97
These three indicators considered together give livin a fair indication of demand for livin’s communities. However, anecdotal evidence from staff has uncovered that this methodology may disguise the actual experience of demand in livin communities by using a general mean average over all house types and sizes. This ranking together with the analysis does indicate areas of further in depth analysis.
Average
Repair Costs
Per Property
This has been calculated by analysing the total repair costs for livin properties within each of the 19 communities for the period 01 April 2009 to 31 March 2010. To calculate the average repair cost per property the total cost of all repairs for all livin properties in the community has been divided against the total number of stock livin owns within the community.
Gold = £599 or less Silver = £600 to £650 Bronze = £600 or more
Long Term
Unemployment
(6 to 12
months)
This ranking is based on data supplied by the DWP in March 2011 and relates to the percentage of persons residing in the Ward of Fishburn and Old Trimdon claiming Jobseekers Allowance for a period of 6 to 12 months. This data has been compared to the overall percentage for Durham County of 18%. Data was obtained from the NOMIS Official Labour Market Statistics supplied by the Office for National Statistics.
Gold = 17% or less (lower than the County percentage) Silver = 18% (equivalent to the County percentage) Bronze = 19% or more (higher than the County percentage)
Average
Household
Income
This ranking is based on national statistics and relates to model-based average weekly household total income estimates for households in the Ward of Fishburn and Old Trimdon (including Trimdon Village) for 2001/02. This data has been compared to the North East average weekly household total income estimate of £410.00. Data was obtained from the Office for National Statistics.
Gold = £411.00 or more Silver = £410.00 Bronze = £409.99 or less
98
livin Rental
Debit
To assess the rent payments made by tenants within livin properties in Trimdon Village an analysis and comparison of livin’s rental debit figures for 2009/2010 to 2010/20 11 were utilised. The total rental debit charge is the total rent charged for all livin properties within Trimdon Village throughout a financial year. At the end of the financial year the total amount of rent payments collected by livin is offset against the total rental debit. The total amount of rent payments collected by livin is calculated within the first week of the following financial year; this ensures that any housing benefit payments have been processed and credited to the relevant rent account. All housing benefit payments paid by DCC are received every 4 weeks and are paid in arrears. By offsetting the amount of rent paid throughout the year against the total rental debit charge for the year livin are able to calculate how much outstanding debt it has within each individual community. This outstanding debt is commonly referred to as “rent arrears”. This figure is then calculated as a percentage of the total rental debit charge and has been used to provide the community’s ranking. livin has not been able to base the ranking of rental debit against any validated local benchmarking figures.
Gold = 0 to 0.99% Silver = 1.00% to 1.99% Bronze = over 2.00%.
Educational
Attainment
(5 GCSE’s
Grade C &
Above)
This ranking is based on national statistics from the 2001 Census data and relates to the percentage of persons residing in the community of Trimdon Village that have an educational attainment of 5 GCSE’s Grade C and above. This data has been compared and ranked against the County and North East averages of 18%. Data obtained from the Office for National Statistics at www.statisics.co.uk
Gold = 19% or more Silver = 18% Bronze = 17% or less
99
Environmental
Assessment
On 31 October 2011, staff from livin’s Communities Teams conducted an Environmental Assessment on a pre-determined route through the community. At each of the “stopping points” a number of economic indicators were scored. The maximum number of points that can be awarded at each stopping point is 35. Environmental indicators include:
Grassed areas & shrubs
Fly tipping & litter
Garages
Pathways, roads & parking
Trees
Boundary walls & fences
Gardens The route through the community began at Skerne Avenue, onto Front Street, then down on Swainby Road. The route then continued onto Hallgarth Road, and along Newlands Road and Meadow Road, before crossing onto Roseberry Road and round Jasmine Avenue. From Jasmine Avenue the route led onto Main Road then into Dunelm Road, ending at the entrance to Church Road. The total number of points attained throughout the assessment is then divided by the number of stopping points to provide an average total for the community. The community scored a total of 115 points (115 divided by 5 = 23). Full details of the Environmental Assessments can be found at: www.livin.co.uk
Gold = 30 to 35 points Silver = 21 to 29 points Bronze = 0 to 20 points
100
Total Score for Trimdon Village This score is based on a range of economic, social, and environmental indicators contained within the Community Plan for Trimdon Village. These issues have been scored against strategic priorities from livin’s Corporate Plan 2011-2014. The maximum a community can score is 36. This is based on a maximum of 15 points for economic issues, 12 points for social issues and 9 points for environmental issues.
Contact Us: livin, Farrell House, Arlington Way, DurhamGate, Spennymoor,
Co Durham, DL16 6NL visit: livin.co.uk e: [email protected]
t: 0800 587 4538 (free from a landline) or 0300 111 2344 (cheap rate from mobiles depending on your network)
0
5
10
15
Economic Social Environmental
Substantial
issues
Prominent issues
Low level
issues
29