Durham County Council’s Community Action Team (CAT) will be carrying out work in Coundon and Leeholme from today (Monday 23 January) to Sunday 9 April.
Now in its eleventh year of operation, CAT tackles housing and environmental issues identified by the community, working in partnership with Durham Constabulary, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, housing associations, Groundwork North East and Cumbria, local community groups and residents.
Working with these partners, CAT has identified a focus area within Coundon and Leeholme of around 1,300 properties, which have a higher proportion of private lets, where most of the work will be carried out.
Cllr John Shuttleworth, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for rural communities, highways and community safety, said: “For over a decade the Community Action Team has been working with residents and partners to utilise their experience and knowledge to make real long-term difference to local communities.
“We want to hear from residents living in Coundon and Leeholme so that our action can be tailored towards the needs of the community. There are a range of ways for residents to let us know their concerns, so I would encourage anyone living in these areas to contact us and get involved.”
Residents can inform the team of any suggested areas of work by completing a survey online.
They can also attend one of three engagement events taking place on:
- Tuesday 24 January, 10am to 12pm, at Coundon and Leeholme Welfare Hall, Leeholme Road;
- Friday 27 January, 10am to 12pm, Food Bank, Journey Building, 13 Tees Walk;
- Tuesday 31 January, 6pm to 7.30pm, Coundon and District Working Men’s Club and Women’s Club, Crescent View.
The Community Action Team will then agree a seven-week action plan focussing on the priority issues highlighted during the engagement period.
Resident surgeries will take place during the programme to allow people to give feedback on the work being carried out.
The team will also be working with the council’s Selective Licensing team to ensure that landlords who rent out properties in the focus area apply for a license where needed.
Residents can complete the engagement survey online or by calling customer services, who will be able to help residents complete the survey over the telephone, on 03000 260 000.
Alternatively, residents can email communityactionteam (at) durham (dot) gov (dot) uk for more information or to request a call back.
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