Issue No 981 At the heart of our wonderful community Friday 4th December 2020

We now offer PayPoint services mrveescornershop Shildon Stores for Gas, Electric & Top-ups. shildon stores 36 REDWORTH ROAD, SHILDON Free cash withdrawal facility. We are open 7 days Stocking a wide range of spirits, wines, beers, groceries, confectionery a week, 8am-9pm & frozen foods, plus a wide range of vaping and smoking accessories DECK THE HALLS FOR BEST STARS SHINE FOR STUTE’S BIRTHDAY AS DRESSED WINDOW ITS COVID SURVIVAL APPEAL NEARS CLOSE COMPETITION A HOST of local music RESIDENTS STILL have stars, singers and musi- time to get their entries in cians, were in evidence for this year’s Best Dressed last Saturday night as Residents’ Window compe- part of an online Open Mic tition. Night organised by the Shildon Town Council is Save Our Stute campaign. asking residents to add a The event was held in little sparkle to the town celebration of Shildon by digging out festive Railway Institute’s 187th lights and decorations and birthday and in support of adorning their front win- its appeal for public dona- dows or outside spaces. tions to try to ensure that As well as brightening the Stute survives the up the town, those taking virus pandemic. part will also be in with a The event, hosted simul- chance of winning a lux- taneously on Facebook ury Christmas hamper or and YouTube, was a shim- gift vouchers. mering showcase of local To enter, email council@ talent and a reminder for shildon.gov.uk or call 01388 so many of what they have 772563 with your name, been missing through the address and contact details. pandemic. The Town Mayor will be These singers and song- on tour to judge all entries writers have had little on Thursday 10th Decem- opportunity to put their ber. Entries close at 3pm art into practice this year. the same day. Dave Reynolds of the The Council is also hold- Save Our Stute campaign, ing a similar competition who collated the contri- for businesses in the butions into the single town. For more informa- CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 tion, see page 6. An array of talented artists held a virtual gig in support of the Institute.

ELECTRIC and MANUAL RECLINER SUITES EST 1898 OVER 20 IN STOCK FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY www.hackettandbaines.co.uk [email protected] 47-49 Main Street, Shildon, DL4 1AF • 01388 772671 | Park right outside our showroom and shop at your leisure!

Published at: 3-4 First Floor Offices, Shildon Town Council, Civic Hall Square, Shildon DL4 1AH • Editorial: 01388 775896 • Advertising: 07909 992731 • Email: [email protected] • Online: www.swd.news/crier • You can read all our sister papers online at www.swd.news: News • & Chilton Chapter • The Bishop Press For more news from Shildon and across South West Durham visit: www.swd.news Friday 4th December 2020

Published by South West Durham News Classifieds 3-4 First Floor Offices All about local people ... Shildon Town Council Civic Hall Square Shildon DL4 1AH Birthdays Birthdays Editorial: Classifieds in the Crier 01388 775896 Les Dobson Les Dobson Our offices are currently closed to the public, so if you would like to place a Advertising: Tuesday 8th December Tuesday 8th December 07909 992731 message to your loved ones in The Crier, you can contact us by email, private Happy 70th Birthday to Email: message on Facebook or by phone. We will reply and let you know the price for the best Dad & Granda [email protected] your message and you can pay by debit or credit card over the phone. we could ever wish for! Online: www.swd.news/crier Call: 07909 992731 or email: [email protected] Please be sure to provide us with a contact phone number You can read our 70! so that we can get back in touch with you. sister papers online: All our love Lesley, Alan & Emily xxx Clare, Jamie, Jay & Theo xxx

Happy 70th Birthday to www.swd.news/chapter my amazing Husband Les SPENNYMOOR Christmas NEWS 70! Messages www.swd.news/spenny Love you always Pam Send Seasons Greetings xxx to your friends, family Post or hand this form into: and neighbours safely, 3-4 First Floor Offices, Town Council Building, www.swd.news/bishop with a message in Civic Hall Square, Shildon, DL4 1AH Classifieds Please note: All prices include VAT at standard rate. The Crier. SEND US YOUR STORIES Classifieds cost 42p per If you have a story you word + £7.20 for an optional Classifieds cost 42p per photograph. For more CLASSIFIED FORM: would like us to cover, we information call 01388 775896 word, plus £7.20 for an OCCASION: (Please tick) would love to hear from you. or email [email protected]. We are especially optional photograph. Birthday Obituary interested in good news, be it personal J. DUNN The Christmas Anniversary For Sale achievements, local HEATING & PLUMBING edition of The Crier fundraising, community Birth To Let service or any other BOILER will be distributed INSTALLATIONS, Congratulations Services positive stories. Call us from Thursday 17th on 01388 775896 or SERVICE & REPAIR Appreciations Acknowledgement email [email protected] Gas Safe Registered December. All plumbing & gas The deadline for Memoriam Birthday Memoriam DISCLAIMER work carried out submissions for this Number of separate messages:...... Shildon & District Town Tel: 07826 527952 Crier cannot be 01388 720009 issue will be noon Message(s): Please write in clear BLOCK CAPITALS and continue on a held responsible for on TUESDAY 15th separate piece of paper if necessary advertisers offering goods or services. Andrew’s Roofing DECEMBER...... As a general rule we would Chimney Stacks - Ridge Tile advise anyone not to You can submit your ...... Repairs - Brickwork Repointed part with any money messages via email to ...... until an order has been - Flat Roofs - Slating & Tiling - completed to your Felting and Pointing - Guttering [email protected], via ...... full satisfaction. - Fibre glass flat roofing All information is correct, our Facebook page or ...... with 20 year guarantee to the best of our over the phone on 01388 knowledge, at the time of Free Estimates Total number of words = ...... printing. Tel 01388 605489 775896 / 07909 992731. Amount x 0.42p, (includes VAT): ...... Shildon & District Town 07986 217936 Although our office Crier accepts articles in Photograph included? (£7.20) Yes No good faith and takes remains closed to the no responsibility for (if yes, please include a stamped addressed envelope if you would like your picture returning) NEED A VAN? public, you can also pop errors and/or omissions. Total (inc. photo): ...... JOHN’S VAN your messages into the LIGHT REMOVALS post box at the Town PLEASE NOTE: Cheques should be made payable to: Community Newspaper Support CIC Support your local ANYTHING MOVED Council, which is located Contact Name: ...... community newspaper FROM £10 | LICENSED by mentioning the WASTE CARRIER on the wall to the right Address: ...... Shildon Town Crier of the building (facing ...... when contacting 01388 818286 towards the Civic Hall). Contact Number: ...... advertisers. 07914 032280

2 Friday 4th December 2020 For more news from Shildon and across South West Durham visit: www.swd.news

VIRTUAL GIG SUPPORTS STUTE ADD YOUR CHRISTMAS Samantha Mac; Richie “However this commu- FROM PAGE 1 WISHES TO THE TOWN’S TREE Boddy of The Fabs show- nity, particularly this half CHRISTMAS WILL be make Christmas special one-hour video said: “We casing one of his own of our town, has lost too different for all of us this for everyone. had the idea to do this a songs; Irish band Share many of its social spaces year, but it doesn’t mean All you need to do is call week before it happened, The Darkness and their already. we can’t celebrate. Shildon Town Council on yet it created a magic singer Phil Graham; song- “Our Railway Institute, Although the lighting 01388 772563 or email moment. writer Bosko Green with as well as being needed of the town’s Christmas your message to council “Just before that, we had a song he created espe- by people in years to Tree is another beloved @shildon.gov.uk. discovered that the first cially for the night, and an come for their anniver- event we have missed Your message will then meeting of what became impromptu scratch band saries, christenings and out on in 2020, Shildon be printed and displayed the Institute took place on featuring Steve and Jayne engagements is also a Town Council are instead on the tree throughout 28th November 1833. Todd and their mate Kev widely acknowledged encouraging residents to December. “I was looking for some Robinson. Dave himself world’s first. We don’t come together by getting “We want as many peo- evidence in the Brit- even picked up a guitar at want to lose any organ- involved in their Christ- ple involved as possible,” ish Newspaper Archive one point. isation or small busi- mas Wishes Tree Cam- said a spokesperson, “so online and was fortunate The show was viewed by ness in this town, but a paign. let’s share your goodwill to find a piece in the New- around 2,200 people on collapse of the Institute Share a festive message messages with members castle Courant describing the night, which accounts would break a continuous of goodwill and hope, or of the community and that first gathering. for more people than the legacy that threads back a Christmas wish with the make Christmas special “As we’d been running Institute could have held if to the founders of New community and help to for everyone.” the CrowdFunder appeal, it had been open, making Shildon. This Institute will we thought it would be it quite a celebration. have a great part to play great to include a birthday The Facebook feed was in the future if it can sur- VIRTUAL AAP BOARD MEETING celebration as part of it. brimming with comments vive this pandemic.” THE NEXT meeting of the meeting, contact the “We’re lucky that a few from people saying they If you would like to, you and team by Thursday 3rd of us knew talented local were dancing, singing or can still watch the Open Shildon Area Action Part- December by emailing people to ask, though we clapping along and just Mic Birthday Party via the nership’s Board will be bishopshildonaap@dur- didn’t know just how gen- having a lovely time, and Save Our Stute Facebook held on Thursday 10th ham.gov.uk. erous those people would many said how they had page or ‘Shildon Telly’ December, from 4pm If you would like to be with their support for forgotten how it felt to YouTube channel. – 5pm via Microsoft attend the virtual meet- the Stute. But the videos watch some live music. The appeal to support Teams. ing, inform a member of of their songs started to Throughout people were the Institute through the If you have any Neigh- the BASH AAP team by flood in.” asked to consider contrib- pandemic will be open bourhood Issues that you emailing bishopshildon The contributions came uting the price of a pint until the evening of 6th would like to be raised at [email protected]. from singer Ruth Staple- as a birthday gift for the December, with whatever ton; the Citizen Songwrit- Stute; a call to which a few is raised being used to ers providing the debut people responded kindly support the Stute even if CHRISTMAS PRESENT APPEAL of Shildon Town, a piece and generously. the target is not met. commissioned by Green- “Asking for public help If you’d like to join the THE SALVATION Army is Salvation Army on Cross fields Arts and Shildon to keep the Stute from many who have pledged appealing for help with Street will be open on Sat- in Motion; keyboard wiz- failing was a hard deci- their support it’s not too their Christmas Present urday 5th December and ard Glenn Maltman, who sion to make,” said Dave. late. Details are at www. Appeal 2020. Monday 7th December kindly gave permission “We know we’re not alone shildonrailway.institute or Due to the ongoing pan- between 9.30am and 12 for much of the incidental in struggling, and that if you prefer to make a demic they are anticipat- noon to receive donations. music too; Brian “Hezza” and clubs across donation in person you ing increased applications Please do not wrap your Helsop of Bishop Auck- the country are hurting. can arrange to do so by for toys and gifts this gifts and be advised that land band The Impedi- Livelihoods everywhere contacting Anth on 07783 Christmas. only one person can drop ments; Darren Johnson; are being lost. 674107. If you would like to off at a time, so there may donate a gift, Shildon be a need to queue. CREE EXPLORE WAYS FORWARD LOCKDOWN DOESN’T STOP THE BUSY BEES AT GREENFIELD ARTS 2020 HASN’T stopped causes. GREENFIELD ARTS benefit the community, Paul Theo Murray who Shildon’s favourite A spokesperson for the encourage creativity which also contributes to have supported the group fundraising group who, ladies said: “Thank you to and positive wellbeing their own wellbeing. to explore new ways for- despite lockdown and all for supporting us. Stay through their programme Their achievements ward and how they can be isolation, have still man- safe and healthy, and all of exhibitions, events, often continue to impact instrumental in positive aged to raise an amaz- the best for 2021 when projects and activities. upon the community change. ing £4,000 for local good we will be buzzing again!” This season they have long after their initial If you would like to continued to offer oppor- involvement. They have know a bit more about tunities to help people renovated spaces, cre- the Arts and wellbeing at explore ideas and think ated little free libraries Greenfield, or learn more HUMBLES GARAGE about the world around and produced installa- about the many projects, 1 ROBSON STREET SHILDON, DL4 1EB themselves. tions and artwork that courses and activities on 01388 778070 | 07778 117 778 The Men’s Cree group can be enjoyed by people offer, contact the team on have continued to find throughout the region. 01325 379048 or email MOTs - MOTORBIKES, ways to meet up regularly Recently the group [email protected]. CARS AND VANS in a safe and welcoming have been exploring new Alternatively you can SERVICING environment at Green- possibilities and reflect- check out their website field Arts. ing upon the current cli- at www.greenfield-arts. TYRES Cree is a group of male mate. The sessions have co.uk, where you can find EXHAUSTS volunteers who work on been inspired by artists out more and join their WE ARE NOW CLOSED ON SATURDAYS a variety of projects to Bethan Maddocks and mailing list.

3 For more news from Shildon and across South West Durham visit: www.swd.news Friday 4th December 2020

CANDIDATE CALLS FOR SUSPENSION OF CUSTODY SUITE DECISION Police and Crime Commissioner candidate, Joy Allen has called for a decision to build a new central- ised custody facility for County Durham and Dar- lington in Spennymoor to be halted. The Labour candidate for the post has written to acting commissioner, Steve White asking him Elena, a ten-year-old female lurcher is one of hundreds of stray to halt plans to close dogs helped every year by Stray Aid. custody suites in Bishop Auckland, , Dur- LOCAL ANIMAL RESCUE ham and , saying: “I think it is an error of CHARITY IN FUNDING APPEAL judgement for you, as an acting unelected Police A -BASED ani- Stray Aid helped over Joy Allen is Labour’s Police and Crime Commissioner candidate. mal rescue and welfare 1,100 dogs get back to and Crime Commissioner charity is encouraging their families or find their to have taken this deci- als and their potential missioner, it is incumbent animal lovers to help see new forever homes. sion without public con- negative impact on polic- upon me to make critical it through the Covid-19 Sadly, not all dogs are sultation beforehand and ing,” said Mrs Allen. decisions to ensure we pandemic by donating able to go back to their only months before the “They are particularly are able to maintain the electronically after many previous families, and election.” critical about the lack of efficiency and effective- of its traditional fund- this is where the charity Mr White was appointed consultation and engage- ness of our police force, raising venues have been works to find a new home as acting Commissioner ment with themselves and ensure that the com- forced to shut for long which best suits their after the death of Ron and local residents. munities of Durham and periods of time due to the individual needs. Stray Hogg last December with “I am certainly not Darlington receive the virus. Aid also works with a the election of a new opposed to modernis- best possible policing Stray Aid was founded network of other rescues Commissioner scheduled ing the existing custody service that can be pro- in 2006 by John and Sue around the UK to ensure for May 2021. suites, but your decision vided. Bielby, with the main aim each and every dog is The announcement that to centralise custody pro- “Any delay in the deci- of helping local coun- given the best opportu- a planning application for vision at a cost of £20m sion making process, for cils reduce the num- nity to find the right fam- the new 48-cell custody without any transparency instance until after the ber of stray dogs being ily for them. facility at DurhamGate, or scrutiny in the deci- Police & Crime Commis- destroyed. The charity What makes Stray Aid near Spennymoor was to sion-making process is sioner Elections 2021, has evolved by necessity, special as a rescue char- be submitted was made very alarming.” would have caused seri- and has grown from tak- ity is their on-site veteri- in early November along Responding to the let- ous detriment, potentially ing in two dogs a week to nary facilities and experi- with the news that if the ter, Mr White said: “I am leading to the loss of the many hundreds of dogs enced teams. construction goes ahead, able to offer assurance to site needed for such a a year across the North Each dog entering their existing suites in Bishop those that have concerns complex project and it East. care is able to be checked Auckland, Darlington, Dur- about this plan that this would also likely result in Of course, this comes over by a qualified vet ham City and Peterlee will decision follows months project costs rising due at a significant cost to and given any veterinary close. of extensive research into to inflation. the charity, which has treatment they may need, “As Labour’s candidate operational demand, and “The cost to renovate previously been cov- so that Stray Aid is able to for Durham’s Police and that this will not have a existing custody suites ered through community provide life-saving care if Crlme Commissioner, I direct impact on policing would be much more fundraising activities required. The Vets Diary have been approached in local areas. costly in the short and and their charity shops section of their website by numerous elected rep- “The operation of cus- long term, would not pro- across the region. chronicles some of the resentatives who have tody is a matter for the vide value for money for However, all face-to- moving cases from their expressed their concerns Chief Constable, but as the taxpayer and would face fundraising ceased veterinary team. and reservations about Acting Durham Police, still not achieve the back in March, and as The charity requires the these significant propos- Crime and Victims’ Com- standard required.” the nation goes back support of the public to into lockdown, all char- ensure they can continue ity shops are once again to provide the region with WIN £25 OF VOUCHERS FOR HAVING FREE FUN! forced to close, severely a vital service 365 days a WHO WOULD like to win a £25 v worth of vouchers. impacting the charity’s year. £25 voucher just for hav- To download the Mobile income. Any regular donation, ing some free fun? Adventures app, scan the A dedicated core team no matter how small, Active Shildon have cre- the QR code (left) to get of staff and limited num- helps Stray Aid to care ated a free family friendly going. bers of volunteers con- for hundreds of dogs and interactive game, Mobile Then simply play the tinue to care for the dogs cats and helps to secure Adventures, that will get game, drop Active Shildon and small number of their future. the whole family outside an email at activeplaces cats at their Coxhoe site, To help the vital work and exploring Hackworth @countydurhamsport.com closely following Cov- Stray Aid does, support- Park! so they can contact you id-secure guidance. ers can join Team SAFE And they have a fantas- if you win, and the lucky Working across County and donate as little as tic competition for play- winner will be announced Durham, Darlington, £5 per month by visiting ers to enter. and Sunday 6th Decem- on Facebook and Twitter and Mid- their website at strayaid. If you play Mobile ber, you will be entered on Monday 7th Decem- dlesbrough, last year org.uk. Adventures between now into a prize draw to win ber.

4 Friday 4th December 2020 For more news from Shildon and across South West Durham visit: www.swd.news

At the top of the domed “There are a great many centrepiece is a stun- names listed here and ning inlaid, engraved and you can easily recognise enamelled North Eastern family names still pres- Railway Company logo, ent around our town. It’s reflecting their patronage important to remember of the Institute at that what these people did for time and that all the listed us.” soldiers and medics were “On Remembrance their employees as well Sunday we arranged for as being Institute mem- something that hasn’t bers. been done for as long Though the un-lac- as we could remember, quered memorial used which was for two poppy to be regularly polished, wreaths to be placed on that practice had stopped the wall beneath the Insti- many years ago and so tute memorial. the brass was heavily tar- “One was from the nished and it took Save members and commit- Our Stute volunteer Dave tee of the Institute, which Reynolds over 11 hours was put in place by the to bring back its shine in current Institute chairper- The newly cleaned First World War memorial plaque at Shildon Railway Institute. Photo: Joe White. readiness for Remem- son, Mrs Julia Teasdale, brance Sunday. and the other on behalf MEMORIAL RESTORATION ADDS T0 Dave said, “I’d been of the volunteers from the wanting to do this for a Save Our Stute Campaign while now, though I knew and Shildon Heritage Alli- INSTITUTE COMMEMORATIONS it would take time to care- ance which was placed WITH THIS year’s tute’s own war memorial. domed centre, it was fully remove the tarnish. by Mr Colin White, who is Remembrance Sunday The memorial, situated commissioned by the “It was an absolute also a former employee commemorations taking on the landing of the Insti- Institute from a company pleasure though, and it at Shildon’s BREL Railway a more subdued format tute’s main stairwell, was named Jones and Willis, should be far easier to Works. on account of the Covid installed in the building specialists in produc- keep it in this condition “After the ceremony, pandemic, Shildon Rail- in November 1921, three ing brass plaques and going forward. Colin and Julia placed an way Institute began prepa- years after the end of memorials. It lists 250 “We really need to look additional wreath at the rations back at the end World War One. names of persons who after the things we have New Shildon memorial on of September with com- Consisting of three served, reserving the cen- and be respectful of what behalf of the committee, mencement of the clean- brass panels on a large tral panel for the 30 that they mean to our mem- members, staff and vol- ing of the Railway Insti- wooden board with a did not return. bers and community. unteers of the Institute.”

5 For more news from Shildon and across South West Durham visit: www.swd.news Friday 4th December 2020

POLICE WARNING FOR THOSE PLANNING NEW WHEELS FOR CHRISTMAS POLICE ARE reminding Inspector Jamie Bell, vehicles like electronic members of the public from the Cleveland and scooters, quad bikes who may be planning Durham Specialist Oper- and mini motos needs to buy vehicles such as ations Unit, said: “Many to ensure that they are motorcycles, mini motos, people won’t realise used responsibly and on electric scooters and when buying these items private land with the land- quad bikes as Christmas as gifts that they are sub- owners’ permission. presents to check the ject to road traffic laws The three titles delve into the history of Shildon. “Parents could even laws before buying. and people can be pros- face fines or points on These vehicles, includ- ecuted for not abiding by their license for allowing SHILDON BOOKS ARE A ing Go Ped’s and Seg- them. children to use vehicles PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT ways, are classed as “With electronic scoot- in contravention of the mechanically propelled ers becoming more pop- Road Traffic Act.” FOR ANYONE who missed on Byerley Road. vehicles and as such are ular this year due to a If on a public road, all out on Mia Thomas’ last There are only a limited subject to road traffic number of trials around riders or drivers of motor three books on Shildon, amount so grab a copy laws. the country, people need vehicles must hold a suit- they are now on sale at now for a loved one or a They can not be used to be aware that they able licence, insurance, All Cyced Up on Church friend at Christmas. on public highways, only cannot be ridden on - tax, registration plate and Street, Main Street News The books cost £13 on private property with lic roads and that they may also need a valid MOT. and The One Stop Shop each. the owner’s consent. have to abide by road Public roads include a It is also illegal to use a traffic laws. highway, any road that LOTTO ON LOCKDOWN HOLD mechanically propelled “In the eyes of the law the public has access to, vehicle in spaces that they are classed as every public footpaths, bridle- SHILDON AFC Support- Players can continue are set aside for use by day vehicles and they ways and a number of car ers Club’s regular weekly to check the Crier and pedestrians, cyclists, can be seized. parks. lotto remains on hold our Facebook page for and horse-riders; this “Of course we don’t For further information while the area is in Tier 3 announcements of the includes on the pavement want to spoil anyone’s please visit www.askthe. restrictions. game’s return. and in cycle lanes. fun, but anyone buying police.uk. Best Dressed Shop Window Competition Grab your tinsel, reach for your baubles and let your imagination go … Ho Ho Ho! As we approach the festive season, after a very difficult year for us all, Shildon Town Council, the Town Crier and Shildon Chamber of Trade have been looking at ways to celebrate Christmas, irrespective of what happens. So, to support our high street and help get us into the spirit of Christmas, we are encouraging local businesses to get involved with Shildon’s Best Dressed Shop Window Competition 2020, as a way to brighten our high street and add some colour and festive cheer for our community. As well as adding to the town’s Christmas spirit, the winning business will also receive a 4x2 advert in the Town Crier for 4 weeks! TO ENTER SIMPLY EMAIL SHILDON TOWN COUNCIL AT [email protected] OR CALL 01388 772563. Closing date for entries is 14th December. Winner will be announced on 16th December.

6 Friday 4th December 2020 For more news from Shildon and across South West Durham visit: www.swd.news

Residents are being warned not to flytip this Christmas.

Durham County Council stepped in after MPs voted against supporting children with free school FLYTIPPERS RISK BEING meals during the October half-term holiday. STRIPPED OF VEHICLES COUNTY COUNCIL FUNDS SCHOOL THIS CHRISTMAS ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS seize them and we will CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY MEALS are warning flytippers that look to sell them at auc- they risk being stripped of tion or if they are not road- MORE THAN £150,000 many families struggle receive funding from the their vehicles this Christ- worthy crush them. was paid out by Durham to make ends meet and beginning of December mas. There are currently 45 County Council as part of we must not let children until the end of March. The warning comes Operation Stop It inves- its school meals support go without food. We are The holiday food and after a number of vehicles tigations into flytipping offering during October’s determined that no child activities programme found to have been used ongoing and a total of 15 half-term holiday, help- will go hungry in County will be expanded with in flytipping incidents vehicles have been seized ing to feed over 10,000 Durham.” a £220m investment to in County Durham were as part of investigations youngsters in the pro- The council’s Cabinet cover Easter, summer taken off their owners for since April. cess. had previously pledged to and Christmas in 2021. good. In February this year the A new scheme was provide support for meals The End Child Poverty Neighbourhood war- council invested £500,000 launched by the council during the Christmas hol- coalition published fig- dens from Durham in the recruitment of 11 last month which ena- iday period after a House ures last month showing County Council seized new wardens as part of bled parents and carers of Commons vote went that 35 per cent of chil- four vehicles as part of efforts to ensure previous whose children are eligi- against extending the dren in the North East are Operation Stop It, which reductions in activities ble for means-tested free national school meals living in poverty. An esti- aims to educate people like flytipping are built on. school meals to apply scheme to cover school mated 16,500 children in on the need to dispose of The £31million invest- for one £15 voucher per holiday periods. County Durham received waste safely and prose- ment in frontline services child. However, following a free school meals during cute those responsible for included the biggest ever This saw a total of campaign by the Man- the last academic year. flytipping. recruitment drive for £156,270 given to fam- chester United and Eng- Cllr Olwyn Gunn, Cabi- One vehicle found to wardens the council has ilies, money which was land footballer Marcus net member for children have been used a flytip- seen. Some of those war- used to provide meals for Rashford, the govern- and young people’s ser- ping incident was sold at dens are now able to focus 10,418 children in County ment has announced that vices, said: “The corona- auction while two which solely on investigating fly- Durham. a winter grant scheme, virus pandemic has made were no longer roadwor- tipping. Cllr Angela Surtees, to be run by councils, life even harder for many thy were crushed. Another Residents are advised Cabinet member for will provide support with people and as a council vehicle found abandoned not to employ anyone social inclusion at Dur- food and bills, while a we need to take every and similarly no longer to take unwanted waste ham County Council, holiday food and activi- opportunity to support roadworthy was also away without checking said: “We had a really pos- ties programme is to be those in need at this dif- crushed. The crushing of to see a registered waste itive response to the offer expanded. ficult time. the vehicles took place carrier licence. and thanks to great team- A £170m ring-fenced “I’m glad that we were at North East Salvage in Incidents of flytipping work from officers across fund will be distributed able to assist so many Peterlee on the council’s can be reported via the multiple services we have through local authorities, families and provide behalf. council’s reporting sys- been able to deliver inval- with at least 80 per cent meals for well over 10,000 The maximum fine for tem which is at www.doi- uable support to families earmarked for help with children in our county flytipping can be as much [email protected] throughout the county. food and bills. during the recent half- as £50,000. Anyone who witnesses “Sadly, it is the case that The programme will term break.” Ian Hoult, the council’s flytipping (and it is safe to neighbourhood protection do so), should take a note A. Francis manager, said: “These of: Roofing & Building vehicles were seized as • the vehicle make, AERIALS AUTO S. C. part of Operation Stop It, model, colour and regis- From a single slate to a new roof Digital TV Aerial & Mobile Mechanic an ongoing investigation tration number; CCTV Installers Gutters cleaned and inspected Chimney repairs Servicing & Repairs into flytipping. • what was dumped; ü Competitive Price Repointing to brickwork Diagnostics “This is the sort of thing • a description of the fly- ü Quality Materials No job too small Main Dealer qualified and that can happen if you tippers. ü Fast & Reliable Tel: 01388 833853 independent experience are caught flytipping with People are advised not 0 1 3 8 8 7 2 0 9 9 4 Mob: 07811 848228 Evenings & weekends available your vehicle. look for clues in the waste, “We will take them away as there may be harmful naylorsaerials.co.uk Established 1987 Kris: 07854 587051 from you, we will look to items in it.

7 For more news from Shildon and across South West Durham visit: www.swd.news Friday 4th December 2020 Sport Local leagues, competitions and events... NORTHERN LEAGUE ANNOUNCE RESTART DELAY AT AN emergency meet- formula if the season ing of the Northern is incomplete, it is the League Management feeling of the LMC that Committee, it has been at this stage it’s simply decided to delay the not financially viable to resumption of the North- ask clubs to play without ern League due to the spectators being present. financial impact of most “Consequently, at an of the league’s club being emergency LMC meeting placed in Tier 3 Covid held earlier this morn- restrictions. ing it was decided that In a statement released the league would be after the government’s suspended for a further announcement last week, two weeks until 16th the League Management December 2020 when Committee (LMC) said: the Government will be “The current lockdown undertaking the first of ends at midnight on the its fortnightly reviews of 2nd December 2020 and the tier areas. Leisure centres will re-open this week in line with Tier 3 restrictions. will be replaced by a three “We will also review the tier system based on total situation at this point. number of Covid cases in “In the meantime the COUNCIL ANNOUNCES PLANS an area; the number of league will be carrying cases in over 60s; rate at out a consultation exer- TO REINSTATE SERVICES which cases are rising or cise with its member with plans that incorporate Pick and Collect service will falling; the proportion of clubs over the next week has set out how it will exercise classes will be continue to operate. Library test results coming back as to how we can fulfil the safely reopen venues given the option to freeze members from across the positive and pressure on FA’s objectives and still and reinstate services their membership for one county can borrow books the NHS. comply with the Govern- affected by the national month. This will be reviewed using the service, with col- “Decisions made by the ment restrictions without lockdown this week. in line with any changes to lection points located at Government will unfor- putting our clubs’ exist- County Durham, along Government guidance. A branches in , tunately see 36 of the ence at risk. with other parts of the virtual Group Exercise (GX) , , league’s 40 clubs placed “Any decision regarding North East, are subject to offer has been developed Shildon, Bishop Auckland in areas covered by Tier league fixtures does not Tier 3 restrictions since to provide an alternative to Town Hall, Crook, Peterlee, Three restrictions which include the FA Vase or the the national lockdown fitness classes and will be Clayport in Durham City, would allow football to County Cup competitions ended on Wednesday 2nd launched on 2nd Decem- Chester Le Street, Spenny- be played at Steps 5/6 which do not fall under December. ber. moor, and Stanley. but would require them to our jurisdiction.” This means those who • Swimming pools oper- • Customer access be played behind closed The FA has, in the mean- live, work and travel to the ating at council leisure points as well as One Point doors thereby remov- time, released a revised county will need to adhere centres prior to the second hubs and family centres ing significant income schedule for the FA to the highest level of lockdown will reopen. It is will remain closed. streams for all our clubs. Vase, with Second Round restrictions to help reduce hoped that Aqua Learn and • Durham County Coun- “Although the FA has Proper matches sched- the rate of coronavirus Time to Swim lessons will cil parks, playgrounds stressed that their key uled to be played on Sat- infections in the area. resume in early 2021. and allotments across the objective is to conclude urday 12th December. Under these restrictions, • Grassroots sports can county will stay open, but the 2002/21 season and Shildon are set to travel certain services and ven- resume for under 18s and cafés at Hardwick Park and implement promotion to the winners of Hallam v ues required to close dur- those with disabilities Wharton Park will offer a and relegation, either AFC Blackpool, although ing the national lockdown indoors and outdoors. takeaway service only. through completion of fans will be unable to are allowed to reopen so Adult outdoor sporting • Household Waste and the fixtures schedule make the journey due to long as appropriate safety activities are allowed how- Recycling Centres will or by a mathematical Covid restrictions. and hygiene measures are ever the council is awaiting remain open. in place. specific guidance from the • Weddings and civil part- Durham County Council National Governing Bodies nerships can recommence BLINDS FACTORY SHOP has announced the fol- of each sport and will con- at register offices, but num- lowing changes to its ser- tact clubs in the county to bers will be restricted as FREE MEASURE & FITTING vices after the introduc- provide an update as soon per national guidance. buy direct from the tion of Tier 3 restrictions: as this is received. • Funerals at Durham FREE factory and save £££’s • All Durham County • Sports changing rooms and Mountsett Cremato- Council and 1Life-operated can reopen with the same ria can take place but are HOME SELECTION SERVICE leisure centres will reopen, measures in place before limited to 15 people. Phone the North East’s original master blind maker although group exercise the lockdown. Information about how classes and activities will • For the time being, Dur- services are affected is Siesta Blinds on 01325 309003 Siesta House, Whinfield Drive, Newton Aycliffe DL5 6AU not take place while the ham County Council librar- available on the council’s Ask about our next day fitting on vertical blinds county remains in Tier 3. ies will remain closed for website at www.durham. www.siestablinds.com Gym and swim members browsing. However, the gov.uk/coronavirus.

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