Cllr Liz Maddison has provided an update of activities:
In reply to the Letter to the Editor last issue, the road network to the new Spennymoor Aldi was looked at by Highways as part of their assessment of traffic movement around the area of the new Aldi and car park. A pedestrian crossing was suggested but it was determined that by adding this it could create traffic congestion on this short stretch of road as well as back up traffic onto the busy Oxford Road, a main route through the town. Dropped kerbs have been added to this road and the current improvements underway to the rear of Cheapside are designed to direct pedestrians to safe road crossing areas.
On 2nd October I visited Trinity Methodist Church on Rosa Street to celebrate the first year anniversary of the opening of “Place to Be” and to view how they have grown this facility over the year and the items they offer for a small donation in “the Cupboard, the Wardrobe and the Kitchen”. This facility offers a warm and inviting place to meet for a cuppa and chat and the volunteers are amazing. See their web site for opening times.
The Mayor’s Civic Service was held on 5th October. I would like to thank everyone who came along to support this event as well as all those special individuals involved with its planning and delivery. The service, music from the Town Band and singing from the Choirs and from Fr. Steven Leightell were wonderful and very emotional.
Spennymoor Boxing Club hosted a visit from the Ardoyne Boxing Club, Belfast on the 11th October. The Mayor, Staff and Councillors were pleased to invite them to the Town Hall for refreshments after the event.
On the 13th October I was pleased to present flowers and a card to Mrs Margaret Kitson and wish her Happy Birthday from the Town Council on the occasion of her 100th birthday. Margaret is an exceptional lady with a wonderful memory and zest for life. She told me of the many changes she had seen in the Town in her lifetime; all she said was for the good. Congratulations Margaret and best wishes.
For some time now I have been raising concern of the anti social behaviour and constant flytipping issues within the Livin garage site on Baff Street, opposite to Drake Street. I am pleased to advise that Livin have registered a planning application, DM/25/02627/PND for “demolition of prefabricated concrete panel garages with asbestos sheet roofs at Baff Street”. These garages are empty. I have asked if the wall could be removed as well, to open up this area and remove all dark and currently hidden corners.
A meeting of the Altogether for Spennymoor Board was held recently and the projects were summarised that are to be presented to Government in the next few weeks for sign off, with a plan for delivery of the first of them during 2026. We learnt of the extensive public consultation carried out to determine what residents, young and old, wanted to see improved, or provided, in the Town and parishes. A key requisite of the Government was the need for full public engagement and fully costed and sustainable projects.
Representatives of the Local Government Association have recently visited and carried out a review of County Council operations speaking to many staff and Councillors. I was advised that many of the UK Councils receive such visits on a planned basis every few years. I was pleased to be invited to one of their meetings and I offered some input direct. Unfortunately the LGA summary report has been shared only with the ruling group on the Council at the latter group’s request, even though personal invitations were extended to opposition group leaders. I have asked for a copy of the report that I understand will be publicly available in the future.
Funding has been secured following my discussions with Officers, for a large environmental project at Binchester. A date for implementation is awaited from the Clean and Green project team.
Barratts have advised that they are completing all snagging jobs identified in walkabouts on Burton Woods development, with a view to site adoption by year end. The last of the Lighting columns down to Page Grove are being installed, with hedgerows cut back; hopefully Whitworth Road will then have lighting and clear pathways by Christmas. Some lighting is off on the Estate itself that Barratts are looking into. The damaged and missing fencing is also to be repaired close to Burton Beck and the grassed area at the front of the Estate near to Howsham Road.
The following events are planned:
5 Nov: 5.30pm – Fireworks in Jubilee Park
9 Nov: from 9.30am for 10am – Remembrance Service in Town Hall and march to Cenotaph
11 Nov: 10.45am – Armistace Day
14 Nov: 6pm – Cheese & Wine evening in Town Hall Gallery and Talk from John Cornish, a Mayor’s Charity event. The tickets are available from Town Council, £15pp
29 Nov: Grotto opening and lights switch on, in Town Centre as advertised.
5 Dec: 6.30pm – Mayor’s Civic Dinner in Town Hall with entertainment £30pp
7 Dec: 3pm – Civic Carol Service
13 Dec: DCC Christmas market, roller skating rink and entertainment in Town Centre as advertised.
We hope you can make it, to one or all of these events. See you there!
Liz Maddison
Spennymoor's local community newspaper.
