Restoration works at the former pit heap site in Hesleden

I was contacted by residents yesterday afternoon and last night asking why new signage had been erected at the site of the former pit heap in Hesleden. I suggested that the signs had been installed as part of plans to restore the site after works ceased there earlier this year.

However, to be on the safe side I contacted the council’s planning department this morning and they have confirmed that restoration works were underway and that the signs were erected by contractors working on behalf of the site owner to meet the requirements of the planning enforcement notice issued last year.

You can find background information about this issue in this link: Restoration works underway at the former Hesleden pit heap site

The 2025 Blackhall Banner Group Fundraiser

Members of the Blackhall Banner Group met again last night to put the finishing touches to their plans for next month's fundraising event to mark the 40th Anniversary of the end of the Miners' Strike and also celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Banner Group itself, which we first established in August 2000 to act as custodians of the banner and to promote the culture, heritage and legacy of coal mining in our communities.

The Blackhall DMA banner at the 2024 Durham Miners’ Gala

This year's event will be held on Saturday 5 April at Blackhall Community Centre (formerly the Miners' Welfare Hall) and will include live acts alongside a quiz, photo display, raffle prizes and food and drink.

All money raised will go towards providing subsidised transport to Durham Big Meeting, which will be held this year on Saturday 12 July.

Full details of the fundraiser will be released soon, but in the meantime mark the 5 April in your diary!  

Details of last year's banner group fundraising event can be found here: Blackhall Banner Group 2024 Fundraiser