Cllrs David Freeman and Richard Ormerod both backed an attempt by Lib Dem County Councillors at last week’s Council meeting, to create a process that brings council papers, hidden from public view, into the public domain. This is so that when the need to keep them secret no longer exists, they can be accessed. This […]

We want to know what local residents in Elvet and Gilesgate think. Most grateful if you can spare a few minutes to complete this survey (please follow the link) https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/RCNMXWP

The path from the Swimming Pool on Freemans Place to Pennyferry Bridge is closed until the summer to allow construction work on the new County HQ to continue. There is a route through involving going between the Passport Office and the National Savings building then along the riverside walkway. Thanks to Cllr Roger Cornwell for […]

The Council continues to provide a range of support to people with a housing need in what are incredibly difficult times for them. At the start of the coronavirus pandemic the Council helped rough sleepers access accommodation and have stayed in touch with them to offer continued support. They also continue to carry out regular […]

Many of you will be unaware that Durham County Council took out multi-million pound headleases in respect of 3 developments in Durham City.  These are the Passport Office and National Savings buildings and the major development currently under construction at Milburngate. At the time of approving these headleases, Labour councillors took a significant financial transfer […]

Thanks to residents for all the positive comments about our 39 new salt bins. Everyone agrees that they look a lot better than the old battered grey ones and the garish yellow ones. Your councillors have asked the county council to fill them up ready for winter.

Durham is full of fantastic independent retailers that offer products and experiences you can’t get anywhere else. Great new businesses – like the Pawsome Cat Cafe and Malin & Mac gift shop –have opened even since Covid-19. Durham’s big name and independent retailers have worked incredibly hard this year to do everything possible to create a safe and enjoyable shopping environment. Focus Editor Ed Johnson-Williams said: “This […]

This is rubble and debris left behind after the demolition of the former Whinney Hill school. It is at the boundary between the site and woods, very much out of the way. Behind it you can see the very nice new housing development being built on the site. Cllr David Freeman, who went to the […]

Labour councillors have approved the unacceptable extension of working hours at Framwellgate Waterside. A planning application had been submitted to extend the working hours to 7am – 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am – 6pm on a Saturday. For a site which has already generated a huge number of complaints about noise, dirt and inconvenience, […]

Liberal Democrats in Durham City are calling for controls on buskers in the city centre. Councillor Richard Ormerod has submitted a motion to the City of Durham Parish Council calling on the County Council to develop a policy. At present there are no controls on street performers in the city centre. Visitors have complained about […]