The first month of 2024 has picked up where 2023 ended - with another busy time in and around the villages of the Blackhall Ward!
I've republished a series of articles below representing just a small selection of the issues I've been dealing with during the past few weeks. If you have any comments, or if there's anything in your area that you'd like me to know about, please get in touch and I'll see what I can do to help: rob.crute@durham.gov.uk
Planning appeal at Hesleden: The government appointed planning inspector issued a call in December for written representations on the Hesleden Pit Heap planning appeal. Representations must be received by the inspector by 8 February, so if you haven't yet submitted your comments as part of the appeals process please make every effort to do so before next Thursday. Full background details can be found here: https://robcrute-blackhall.blogspot.com/2024/01/hesleden-pit-heap-government-inspector.html
Written submission to the planning appeal inspector: Last month I wrote to the planning inspector setting out my concerns about ongoing extraction works at the Hesleden Pit Heap and the impact the development continues to have on the community: https://robcrute-blackhall.blogspot.com/2024/01/hesleden-pit-heap-planning-appeal-our.html
Highway safety improvements along the B1281: Stacey and I have continued to press for highway safety improvements along the stretch of the B1281 connecting Castle Eden and Hesleden to Blackhall Colliery. Drivers have reported particular concerns about the layout of the road at the dip near to the junction of the Hardwicke Hall Manor Hotel, so we've asked the authorities to install reflector bollards and other reflective signage at this location and others further up the road towards Castle Eden. Additional advisory signs and highway markings have also been installed along the B1281 where required. Full details here: https://robcrute-blackhall.blogspot.com/2024/01/pedestrian-safety-on-b1281-between.html
Fly-tipping and structure repairs: Environment issues in Blackhall Colliery have been reported to the relevant authorities for their attention. The issues reported include incidents of fly-tipping in the yards and gardens of private sector properties, structural damage to street signs and highways defects in a couple of locations. Full details can be found in the post here: https://robcrute-blackhall.blogspot.com/2024/01/environmental-issues-in-blackhall.html
Safety improvements at the B1281 roundabout: Following my continued calls for highways safety improvements at the new roundabout on the B1281 in Blackhall Colliery I’ve received an update this week from the council’s senior highways engineer: https://robcrute-blackhall.blogspot.com/2024/02/update-on-highways-improvements-at.html
