Cllr Liz Maddison has provided an update of activities.
The Christmas Lights switch on was held in the Town Centre last week. The weather was dreadful but it was amazing just how many people turned out for the event and to enjoy the market and entertainment. Its the DCC Winter Wonderland event, Market, synthetic ice skating rink and entertainment on Friday 13 December 1-6pm. Let’s hope for better weather!
I attended St Paul’s Community Centre and formally opened their new extension on 28th November. They already have advance bookings from organisations planning to use this facility and the Residents Group are also planning some new activities for residents. Watch this space!
There is consultation taking place to remove the subsidies currently paid to maintain essential services of the 35A Coundon to Spennymoor and service 104 connecting Canney Hill with Binchester, Byers Green and Newfield that could come into effect in financial year 2026/27. No decision has been made as yet but I have been lobbying to retain these subsidies and these essential bus services.
Kids Go Free bus transport is operating over the Christmas holidays. 3 kids aged 11 and under can travel FREE when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket thanks to the Mayor’s Kids Go Free initiative. Other offers include travel for £1 if aged 21 or under and Adult fares of £2.50 for any single journey across the North East. Go to northeast-ca.gov.uk/bus for details and more offers.
The Post Office advised me that they are moving to the empty Lloyds Bank premises on Cheapside and plan to return two of the cashpoints to outside of the building. They are hoping to get everything ready for a move by mid next year. The old Library site and fenced off area of unkempt land is planned to become a new car parking area.
I am seeking information on how deliveries will be managed to the rear of Iceland when they relocate to Festival Walk and whether the parking area will be reinstated when internal building work is completed.
I have been advised that the Whitworth Road resurfacing was meant to be completed at the beginning of the month but has been delayed due to traffic light controls whilst Northumbrian Water carry out work in the area.
Congratulations to Claire Richie aged 9 who won the Mayor’s Christmas Card competition drawing a Snowman scene, Daisy aged 4 came second with a Robin picture and Sapphire came third with a drawing of a Reindeer scene. There was hundreds of entries from local schools to judge and I liked them all! Well done to everyone who submitted a picture. Prizes were presented at the Civic Carol Service that was a lovely event with pupils from Rosa Street and Springmoor Grange delighting the audience with their singing.
I visited Ann Wilson of Lothian House and presented her with a bouquet of flowers and card on the occasion of her 80th Birthday. I hope you had a lovely day Ann.
Mr John Lamb organised a Swimathon at Spennymoor Leisure Centre on Sunday 7th December. He was supported by over 50 volunteers who swam relays between 8 am and 11 am. This team effort was to support the RVI Children’s Cancer Ward Charity. Mr Lamb has been involved in charity work since 1983 and said that this latest fundraiser was particularly personal and a thank you to the RVI for helping his granddaughter successfully pull through from a lengthy period of treatment. His granddaughter was also there and looked amazing. I was delighted to attend and support this worthwhile cause.
Cllr Molloy and I jointly funded signage for the Auckland Walk to encourage tourists and local residents to visit the area. We have been delighted with the work carried out by the Countryside Team. This walk is also part of the Northern Saints Trails and known as the Way of Life, a 29 mile pilgrimage route that connects historic churches and landmarks between Gainford and Durham City, highlighting England’s Christian heritage.
A meeting took place with Housing Solutions, Changing Lives, County Councillors and the Police to look at issues reported by residents at PACT meetings. A Changing Lives representative agreed to attend the next Police PACT meeting in January 2026 and also agreed to work with the police to improve information sharing and communications between the Partners. This was a positive meeting.
Its the final call for Spennymoor Town and Parishes Community Groups to apply for Christmas Celebration funding from the Town Council. Further information and application forms are on the Town Council website or call 01388 815276 for assistance. Applications must be submitted to the Council before the Tuesday 16 December Council meeting.
Wishing all residents a very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.
Liz Maddison
Spennymoor's local community newspaper.
