County Councillor Liz Maddison has provided update on activities.
We hope that our Christmas festivities in the market area have been enjoyed by all. We are now looking at possibilities for next year, with the circus event already booked for May 2025.
Work on a new pathway between Cheapside and Bishop’s Close Medical Centre to replace the old one removed when the Library was demolished started this week and this work should be finished before Christmas, weather permitting.
Cllr McAloon and I were invited to open a new Library space at St Charles RC Primary School this week that had been carefully painted and fitted out as a surprise for the pupils by Headteacher, Ms Thompson, and staff of the school. We were delighted to see the smiles on the children’s faces when they saw this facility for the first time, that we learnt contained some of their favourite football books and authors! We were asked some very challenging but interesting questions and were given some great ideas to think about by the very knowledgeable School Council.
I have reported some drainage and pothole issues on car park areas behind the Leisure Centre and I’m pleased that work to resolve them has commenced; to complete in the new year. More fly tipping and litter issues are being addressed following recent community walkabouts. One recent incident has resulted in the defendant receiving a significant fine.
We were pleased to meet Police Commissioner Joy Allen and local police representatives when she visited Spennymoor this week. We were able to discuss some of the issues we have reported on walkabouts and at Police and Community Together (PACT) meetings Cllr McAloon and I have regularly attended. We also learnt how the force is moving forward with their new technology to make reporting of incidents quicker and easier. We will be circulated with more information and will share this once received.
At a recent Area Action Plan (AAP) meeting we learnt from the police that our new drone had been deployed locally and resulted in a successful outcome of a police operation.
The new Custody Suite on Durhamgate has officially been opened.
The new play area on the Water Board site behind Craddock Street opened this week. Some finishing off work is required with the painting of markings on the kiddies cycle track that had been hampered by bad weather. This will be completed in the new year.
We hope you all have a safe and enjoyable Christmas and that the New Year brings peace and happiness to all. Thank you to the services and organisations that we have worked with this year and thank you to all the many volunteers, health, fire and police services who provide support to all of our community all year round.
Liz Maddison, 12.12.24
Spennymoor's local community newspaper.
