Latest on the A1086 landslip between Blackhall and Horden

In recent posts we assured residents that we would keep them informed, wherever possible, of developments regarding the traffic problems caused by the landslip an the A1086 road between Blackhall and Horden.

We have received the following update from the county council's design engineer and although there are not any significant changes to recent updates we have reproduced it in full below for information:

I refer to the above land slip adjacent to the Coast Road to the north of Blackhall and can report progress as follows:

We have received the fee proposal from our consultants for the design and management of the work and placed an order for the design work.

The proposal indicates a provisional start could be made on site by early summer 2014 but this will be subject to negotiation with public utility companies.  I have provisionally discussed the situation with a plant protection officer from Northern Gas Networks and he was concerned that the cast iron medium pressure gas main in the highway running across the top of the slip is in poor condition and vulnerable.

For background information please see our posts/updates dated 17 November 2013, 3 December 2013, 17 December 2013 and 10 January 2014.

Proposed closure of Deneholme to vehicles

From previous posts on this site you will be aware of the ongoing problem of fly-tipping on the approach road to the beach at Deneholme, Blackhall Colliery. Regular waste collections carried out by the council added a considerable burden to already over-stretched budgets so the Heritage Coast officer initiated a consultation on the potential closure of the access road to vehicular traffic.

Following this public consultation exercise, carried out last year, we have now received the following update from the Durham Heritage Coast Partnership setting out their proposed next steps. We have reproduced this in full below:

Following on from our site visits and the informal public consultations last year I have instructed DCC Highways colleagues to draw up a formal closure programme.

The informal consultation provided 34 responses supporting closure and one against. We also found that there was a significant body of opinion that favoured closure at the Allotment Junction. This is in line with our onsite discussions.

Once Highways have drawn together a programme, I suggest that we meet to ensure that the approach to be take is agreed prior to any implementation.

We understand that there may be a short delay to allow for the Durham police traffic management officer to register comments so if you wish to offer your own comments please email the Heritage Coast officer, Niall Benson on:

niall.benson@durham.gov.uk

Repairs to flood-damaged pavement

During heavy rainfall last year damage was caused to a considerable length of pavement opposite the entrance to The Ebony Stud, on the road connecting Hesleden to High Hesleden.

Following our persistent contact with the highways department at county hall repair works commenced yesterday at this location and are due to be completed this evening.

Half-term at Blackhall Welfare

Monday 17^th February 2014

10am – 10.45am Mini Kidz Gym Kit Age 4 – 6 years £2.00 per person

Limited Spaces 14 places only

4pm – 5pm KENPO Karate Age 6 – 11 years £2.00 per person

Tuesday 18th February 2014

4pm – 5.30pm Hi lights Disco under 12’s 50p per person

4pm – 5pm KENPO Karate Age 6 – 11 years £2.00 per person

Wednesday 19th February 2014

10am – 12pm Multi Sports with Steve Age 5 - 13 years £2.50 per child

Wacky Wednesday in the Café £2.00 for food serving from 12pm

Soft Play Available

4pm – 5pm KENPO Karate Age 6 – 11 years £2.00 per person

5.30pm – 6.30pm Street Dance with Tom £2.00

Thursday 20^th February 2014

2.30pm – 3.30pm Craft for Kids FREE

4pm – 5pm KENPO Karate Age 6 – 11 years £2.00 per person

Peter Crawford Sold Out

Friday 21^st February 2014

9.30am—11am Funky Feet (Mums and Tots) - £1.50 per child

4pm – 5pm KENPO Karate Age 6 – 11 years £2.00 per person