New Facebook page for the Friends of Blackhall Library

Over the last year or so we have been involved in a series of community events leading up to the official launch event for the Friends of Blackhall Library group (please see post dated Friday 12 February 2016 for full details).

Lynn and Rob at the launch event for the Friends of Blackhall Library group earlier this year

We think it's essential that we now get the message out into the community to say what Friends of Blackhall Library is all about so we've set up a page on Facebook dedicated to the group.

Please feel free to go to 

www.facebook.com/Friends-of-Blackhall-Library-823427784450962/ 

and like and share our page.

Direct approach to tackling dog fouling in Blackhall Colliery

Despite the initial success of our previous campaigns to tackle dog fouling in Blackhall Colliery we find we are now receiving a significant increase in complaints about this problem.

The lane behind Blackhall primary school. Sadly, one of the worst areas for dog fouling

Durham County Council's Community Action Team (CAT) has been in the village for the past few weeks and they have identified dog fouling as a major issue. They have also told us that this area is one of the worst they've encountered for this particular problem.

Naturally, nobody wants our village to be associated with dog fouling and dirty streets so we think the time has come to take a more direct approach to tackle this problem. We know that a vast majority of dog owners in our village are responsible and they treat our public spaces with respect. However, there is a small minority who are determined to turn our streets and pavements into open sewers and, because there isn't always evidence available, they've been allowed to get away with it for far too long.

We will again approach the council and ask for CCTV cameras to be installed in specific locations where the problem is worst (and most people know where these areas are). At the same time we are prepared to take photographic evidence of individual incidents wherever and whenever we can. We will then forward that evidence to the wardens and urge them to take whatever action is necessary to help end this problem once and for all. Please feel free to do likewise, but only if it is safe to do so.

We live in hard times at the moment, and we do not wish to see dog owners being fined unnecessarily. However, we recognise that dog fouling on our streets and open spaces is a long-term and growing problem and we are determined to do everything we can to end it.

Parking in Middle Street, Blackhall Colliery

We have received a considerable number of complaints recently about indiscriminate parking along the shopping area in Middle Street, Blackhall Colliery.

Middle Street in Blackhall Colliery

Shoppers, businesses and residents have expressed their concerns about the dangers associated with cars parking, some illegally, on the double yellow lines outside shops in this area.

Some have reported that vehicles are parking on the pavement, and in doing so often driving into the path of pedestrians. We have heard reports that there have been a few near-misses involving shoppers and parked or parking vehicles as a result of this practice.

Some business owners have also expressed their frustration about vehicles parking outside their shops for extended periods, causing disruption to their businesses.

It is acknowledged that some vehicles and drivers are entitled to park or wait in this area, and provision is made for legitimate parking. But we understand the fears of pedestrians and business owners that unless this issue is tackled there may be a serious accident caused by careless and inconsiderate parking.

We have contacted the Parking Services team at county hall and we have asked them to give some extra attention to this particular problem in the hope that any further disruption and any potential accidents can be avoided. They have confirmed that the shopping area on Middle Street has been added to their enforcement request list to target enforcement of the double yellow lines in this area.

Please note that free parking is available at the nearby Blackhall Community Centre car park in Hesleden Road, just a short walk from the shops in Middle Street.

Tremendous community support for the new Blackhall Library Group

The Friends of Blackhall Library Group (FOBL) got off to a fantastic start yesterday at its launch event held on the library premises. The day consisted of two separate events and marked the official launch of the community group established to support and strengthen the library in Blackhall.

Lynn, Jan and Rob with the specially-made cake to mark the launch of the new Blackhall Library Group

During the daytime children from our three primary schools were entertained at the library by Circurama, a type of live circus-based education show which included juggling, uni-cycling and a series of very interesting balancing acts! We saw for ourselves how much the children enjoyed the entertainment and we have it on good authority, from teachers and pupils alike, that the show was a fantastic start to a great day of celebration.

On the evening almost 70 people packed the library to get together and talk about how the service can be supported in future by activities and events organised by local people, some as members of the FOBL committee and some by simply coming up with ideas and giving a helping hand now and again.

There was a first-class display of original local images from Hesleden's own photographer Cath Ruocco who has spent years roaming the streets capturing everyday life in Blackhall Colliery. A look at life in the past, in photographic form, was kindly provided by the Blackhall Local History Group.

The event was attended by Cllr Jan Blakey, Chairman of Durham County Council, along with a number of library staff from county hall. There were also representatives from East Durham Creates and the East Durham Trust who have been working closely with us and a number of interested parties in laying the foundations for the FOBL group. 

Members of the committee were in attendance to discuss with people the future intentions of the group and it was great to see so many offers of support from residents and general well-wishers. It has always been our aim to involve as many local people as possible and last night's response from the public gave us so much optimism for the future.

We could not finish a piece about the FOBL without giving a special mention to the manager of Blackhall library, Carol Close, who has given such impetus to the establishment of the group. Her contagious enthusiasm has been a driving force for the past year or so, during the group's early stages, and we look forward to continuing working with Carol and the rest of the committee in the coming months and years as we strive to make Blackhall library an essential and indispensable part of village life.

A young reader at last night's launch event

Emma & Jan with the FOBL cake

Hesleden and Castle Eden road safety concerns - we need your views

For some considerable time now we have been contacted by road users and residents about their concerns over road safety on the B1281, particularly on the stretch between Hesleden and Castle Eden.

Bus stops on opposite sides of the highway on the B1281 looking westward from the junction with Castle Eden Village

Complaints often relate to the speed and volume of vehicles but there are also worries about other traffic related matters, largely on an unlit stretch of road, and we spoke of these concerns at the planning committee at county hall last month when, despite our objections, consent was granted to Hargreaves to remove the spoil heap at Hesleden. 

We were particularly worried that the increase in traffic using the B1281 would have a direct impact on road safety in this area (please see post dated Wednesday 6 January 2016 for further details)

As frequent users of the road ourselves we have also noticed an increase in the number of incidents and near-misses along this part of the road, the most recent of which occurred early yesterday morning (Friday 5 February) near to the junction of the B1281 and the entrance to Castle Eden village where there are two bus stops, one on each side of the road. 

As a result of this latest incident we have written to the planning office at the local authority again setting out our concerns and asking for measures to be put in place to mitigate the effect of increased traffic generation on the B1281 between Hesleden and Castle Eden. 

If you have any similar concerns or incidents to report please let us know and we'll collate any evidence to take to county hall as part of our campaign to make this road safe. Alternatively please forward any concerns direct to the planning office using the email link chris.shields@durham.gov.uk

We have published our correspondence to the planning office below for information and we will update on developments as and when they arise. 

Using the B1281 between Blackhall Colliery and Castle Eden several times each day we have noticed recently a number of near-misses caused by large vehicles on the road between Hesleden and Castle Eden.

The latest incident occurred at 6.50 this morning when the X35 bus travelling eastward directly in front had to pull over onto the whole pavement just to the west of the access road to Castle Eden village to allow two HGV’s to pass safely. Incidents such as this are commonplace and obviously they have implications for both traffic flow along the B1281 and also for road-user and pedestrian safety in this area. Inquiries with the relevant bus service would corroborate this event.

You will be aware that we raised concerns recently at the strategic planning committee about the increased risk of road traffic accidents in this area should consent be granted to Hargreaves to remove the pit heap at Hesleden. At the time we were given assurances by the highways authority officer that there were no road safety issues on the B1281 between Hesleden and Castle Eden (or at least none that would warrant refusal of permission). You reinforced his position by stating clearly in committee that, in your experience, traffic can pass easily on the highway in this area, without recourse to passing over to the opposite side of the carriageway or pulling to a halt. Those comments are not sustained by my experience and observations as related above.

We would be grateful if you would advise of any conditions attached to the approval for this development which would limit the risk of accidents on this road, particularly when it is considered that traffic generation from the development in Hesleden will be significant, with the risk of accidents increased in proportion.

We would be grateful if you would also forward this email to relevant sections within DCC and partners for their comments and advice.

Roadworks due on the A19 and in the Wellfield area

We have received advance notification of roadworks due to take place soon in and around the Blackhall county ward:

Road No.	Location	Description	Traffic Management	Start Date	End Date	Responsibility
A19	Wellfield to Easington	Resurfacing	Road closure northbound (8:00pm - 6:00am, Sunday to Friday), diversion via A181, B1280, B1283, Burnhope Way, Essington Way, A1086	10 April	23 April	Autolink Highways
C135	Wellfield Road, Wellfield	Bus stop works	2 way lights (8:00am - 3:30pm)	10 February	10 February	Durham County Council

Garden Waste Collections for 2016

Please see below a press release issued by Durham County Council relating to garden waste collections for the coming year:

Sign up now for garden waste collections

Title

Residents in County Durham wishing to receive garden waste collections this year are being reminded to sign up now.

Durham County Council offers 17 fortnightly collections between spring and autumn for an annual fee of £20.

Householders can subscribe at any time during the year but to receive all collections in 2016 they should sign up by 14 February. Collections will start in March for those signing up by this date.

Everyone who signs up for the service will receive a pink sticker for their garden waste bin and a calendar giving details of this year’s collection dates.

Those who signed up for three years in 2015 will automatically receive their sticker and calendar.

To find out whether their property is eligible for the collections and to sign up people can visit www.durham.gov.uk/gardenwaste or telephone 03000 26 1000.

A series of roadshows are being held around the county to enable people to find out more about the garden waste collections.

Details of the roadshows are:

• Tuesday 9 February – Stanley Asda. 9am – 1pm.
• Thursday 11 February – Chester-le-Street Leisure Centre. 4pm – 6pm.
• Friday 12 February – Seaham Asda. 9am – 1pm.
• Saturday 13 February – Durham Market. 9am – 3pm

Castle Eden crematorium plans rejected - yet again

We were at the county council's strategic planning committee again yesterday afternoon, along with members of Castle Eden parish council and residents from the village, to speak in opposition to Dignity plc's highly contentious proposals to build a crematorium on land opposite the former brewery site in Castle Eden and adjacent to Castle Eden Golf Club (please see posts dated Thursday 5 February 2015, Saturday 20 June 2015 & Thursday 23 July 2015 for a detailed history of our involvement in this matter).

We are delighted to report that once again the members of the planning committee listened carefully to our objections and refused consent for the development. We based our opposition on a number of carefully considered and reasoned factors including a loss of residential amenity, increased traffic generation, impact on the golf club, a return of crime at the access road to the site and finally the real dangers posed by stray golf balls, particularly from the 3rd and 4th tees at the neighbouring golf club.

Members of the planning committee were persuaded by our opposition arguments and rejected the application on the grounds that the development would compromise safety for people on the site of the proposed crematorium. This is precisely the same conclusion reached by the national planning inspector when a previous, almost identical, planning application submitted by Dignity plc was dismissed on appeal last year. 

This is now the third time that Dignity plc's plans for a crematorium have been rejected, twice by the strategic planning committee at county hall and once by the national planning inspector. 

We sincerely hope that Dignity plc will now react in good faith and finally acknowledge the total opposition locally to their proposals and then do the decent and dignified thing and focus their attentions elsewhere, leaving Castle Eden and its residents in peace.

We have published below the arguments we used when we addressed planning committee members yesterday:

Members of this planning committee rejected an almost identical planning application to this one in April 2014.

The reasons then were stated as:

“the development, by reason of its nature & location, would diminish the levels of amenity that residents of Castle Eden can reasonably expect to enjoy and would adversely affect the enjoyment of users of the surrounding countryside”

We struggle to see what is different now.

We would again like to emphasise the strength of objection last time in noting that there was absolutely no community support. This total objection remains. This application has been described to us by a resident as a square peg in a round hole. We also note a significant increase in risk associated with traffic generation at this location.

Very little has changed in this new application. The applicant has proposed an extra barrier with an open access road during the day and has also suggested moving the Garden of Rest to the centre of the site.

Critically though, the problem of stray golf balls and the risk and fear of crime have not gone away.

Remember DCC planners did not highlight these problems, the Inspector did at appeal.  We believe there are shortfalls & omissions in the original committee report and together we will demonstrate these failings have been repeated.

We do not accept there is sufficient justification to reconsider this application as outlined in paragraphs 123/4 of the committee report.

There is legislation to prevent aggressive developers submitting repeated applications, trying to wear down opponents by attrition. Planners have chosen not to use it and we think this is a mistake.

Phil Barclay, who is on the Management Committee of Castle Eden Golf Club, and a resident of Castle Eden, will talk in detail about the dangers posed by stray golf balls but we would like to say a few words first about how this application will affect the Golf Club itself.

We attended a demonstration on the golf course to get an idea of how far and how hard golf balls can be hit from the tee boxes on the 3^rd and 4^th holes.

We were amazed at the distance golf balls can travel. There is no doubt that if a person was hit with a golf ball struck with that ferocity it would cause serious injury, and perhaps worse, as many previous examples will attest.

At the demonstration, from the 4^th tee box, the ball was being hit more than 100 yards beyond the boundary of the proposed crematorium site, so if there was a miss- hit then all buildings, car parks and public areas would easily be in range, and thereby at risk of being hit.

We have spoken with golf club officials on several occasions and we are all concerned that the planners show no evidence of having considered case law affecting sports clubs and adjacent developments. 

In their objections to the planning application members of the golf club highlighted several very relevant cases we should be learning from.

There is a fundamental point here about allowing developments in areas where it is known there will be consequential claims for nuisance and damages.

We’ll briefly give two examples:

The nearby Lintz Cricket Club is relevant in this regard. Cricket balls were damaging houses that were allowed to be built on the boundary of the cricket field. Lord Denning determined that “the newcomer status of the plaintiffs was fatal to their claim and they “should never have given permission for the houses to be built”

A case from 2014 in Hampshire is also relevant.  A house owner on a cricket club boundary lost his case, Justice Lang ruling that the proposed development created unacceptable risks, not merely for occupants of the house but also for the cricket club in the form of potential legal liabilities. The planning permission was subsequently quashed.

We feel that planners ought to reference such cases in committee reports and we would be interested to know the county council’s legal position if an application is allowed, in the knowledge that claims for damages are highly likely?

We are bemused how the report can state with confidence “there remains a risk the occasional golf ball would land in the publicly accessible areas” and there would be “an acceptable level of safety”.

Our reading of the report is that only the architect commissioned by Dignity, who has never even set foot on the golf course at Castle Eden, supports this line. Yet it is not accepted by the Management Committee of Castle Eden Golf Club, whose collective knowledge of the course must be better than that of anyone else.

Tim Jenkins, the golf pro at Castle Eden, Jonathan Gaunt, a golf course architect with an extensive international CV and experience and Graeme Storm, a professional golfer who plays on the European golf tour, all highlight the danger of stray golf balls and the associated risk of serious injury.

We would quote from Jonathan Gaunt’s report “where a local authority has taken professional advice (from two golf course architects) the planning refusal, or consent, needs to make reference to this – in terms of responsibility, should an incident occur in the future as a result of an errant golf ball.”

It should be noted that Mr Gaunt feels “there is an unacceptable risk of serious injury or fatality to employees working within the margins, or to a member of the public straying from the designated area.”

And finally, please note that even Dignity’s own architect concedes in his report, as quoted in section 117 of the committee report “that of the thousands of golf balls struck every year on holes 3 and 4 it is not possible to guarantee that one will not cross the 80m margin and land within the public areas of the proposed crematorium.”

In other words, they cannot guarantee that a stray golf ball will not land on any part of the proposed site, including those accessible to the public.

We believe that is a critical point and we would ask you to keep it foremost in your mind when it comes to reaching a decision on this application.