Latest news with #Durham County Council
BBC News
5 days ago
- Politics
- BBC News
County Durham anti-social behaviour orders extended
Measures to tackle anti-social behaviour across a county have been extended for a further three County Council said four public space protection orders (PSPOs) would be in place until July 2028 following public support for the includes a ban on drinking alcohol in public spaces in Durham city centre and the control of begging, urinating and the use of intoxicating Tim McGuinness said feedback from a consultation "highlighted how much of a difference these orders have already made in helping to improve the quality of life for our communities". The third PSPO was designed to tackle issues caused by irresponsible dog ownership in the council area and the fourth to tackle anti-social behaviour in the High Force area of McGuinness said PSPOs were a "very effective tool"."Although County Durham is a welcoming, friendly and safe place to live, work and visit, it is important that we do all we can to ensure it remains that way," he said. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
BBC News
6 days ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Durham outdoor gym plans at former Elvet bowling green scrapped
Campaigners say they are relieved and "ecstatic" after plans for an outdoor gym at a former bowling green were County Council said it would not install the equipment at the site in Elvet, which has since been turned into a community garden, after a consultation had "inconclusive" Carter, from the Hemp Garden Community Association, which has been renovating the area near the city centre since 2017, said he was "elated".The Reform UK-led authority said it would make new plans for the area but added a popular idea for a play facility could not go ahead due to its proximity to the River Wear. It said it would develop new proposals once the future of a nearby toilet block was clear. The structure, which has been disused for over a decade, is going to be sold, with hopes it could become a cafe."We are ecstatic to learn that the council will not be installing the equipment and that they are now prioritising the sale of the toilet before seeking to do anything with the bowling green," Mr Carter said. In July, the gym equipment plans caused anger when residents and parish councillors said it was not wanted and criticised the consultation process.A one-day drop in event, where people could see designs, was branded a "show and tell"."Any future proposals will be subject to a full consultation process, including both face-to-face and online engagement, and over a longer timeline than the recent exercise," Durham County Council said. Durham parish councillor Victoria Ashfield said there had been more than 70 objections to the plans and the "right thing" had been done by scrapping she called the council "disingenuous" over its reasons for refusing a play area."That is ridiculous," she said, adding: "I've checked out parks in other areas, I walked around a lake in Berkshire where there was a play park right at the edge of the lake."There is a safe gate preventing children running out, so their excuses for not making it for children are foundless."Graham Wood, the county council's economic development manager, said the option had been "carefully considered" in line with safety guidelines."Unfortunately, due to the site's proximity to the fast-flowing River Wear, this location is not a safe site for a play area, even with fencing," he said. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
