Since my most recent monthly local issues and casework update report I’ve raised queries with the authorities on behalf of 84 residents and businesses across the Blackhall ward. I've also made direct contact with more than 96 individual residents. Almost all of these queries are personal and/or confidential so for obvious reasons details cannot and will not be disclosed to the public.
In addition, I’ve dealt with a number of general queries raised by members of the public. These include issues raised at ward surgeries, during street walkabouts, at the monthly Blackhall PACT meeting and through other methods, including direct contact with me via telephone, email and my social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky).
The main issues covered this month include proposals for a solar farm on Fillpoke Lane, restoration works underway at the Hesleden pit heap site, parking scheme works in Blackhall Colliery and enforced parking charges at Crimdon sea front. I’ve selected a few of the articles about these issues for re-posting, just in case you missed them first time around.
Please follow the links below for full details. If you have any queries or comments that require a response please get in touch with me direct at: rob.crute@durham.gov.uk
- A company has announced that it wants to construct a solar farm at Benridge, just off Fillpoke Lane between Crimdon and High Hesleden: Solar Farm proposal at Fillpoke Lane
- Following concerns I've raised on behalf of Hesleden residents the planning office at county hall has confirmed that restoration works are underway at the former pit heap site in the village: Restoration works underway at the former Hesleden pit heap site
- Roadworks are underway in the back lane between St Joseph's RC primary school and the Aged Miners' Homes in Blackhall Colliery to resurface the road and reinstate road markings: Road works at St Joseph's RC Primary
- The next phase of a safer parking initiative has begun after double yellow lines were installed to prevent parking at problem locations in Blackhall Colliery. Police have since confirmed that the parking enforcement team will be asked to increase patrols in the area: Safer Parking in Blackhall Colliery
- The company proposing to construct the solar farm at Benridge has begun a 3-week public consultation exercise to gauge the views of residents and businesses: Company launches 3 week public consultation on Benridge Solar Farm plan
- Council Tax is set to increase by 4.99% in County Durham after the ruling Coalition in county hall received the full backing of their former Tory party allies who have since defected to Reform UK: Reform UK supports Tory-led Coalition to hike Council Tax
- Works to clear the land behind the Esso service station on the A1086 got underway last week, with the landowner reported to be preparing the land for housing. The planning enforcement section at the county council has established an investigation after they confirmed they had no record of planning permission for the site: Clearance works on land behind the Esso service station in Blackhall
- After Coalition members voted in a highways committee meeting last year to introduce parking charges along the sea front in Crimdon, the council has confirmed that the charges will be imposed from 5 March: Coalition to introduce parking charges at Crimdon from 5 March
- The monthly Blackhall PACT meeting was held on Wednesday 26 February where a number of local issues were discussed: Blackhall PACT meeting for February 2025
