Community Action Scheme

Who takes part in the scheme

The Community Action Scheme is led by our Community Action Team (CAT), which includes members of our Community Protection Service, planning, Neighbourhood wardens and housing teams, who work alongside police and community support officers and fire and rescue teams. As well as delivering some level of enforcement, we have a key role in promoting health and healthier lifestyles.

While our members stay involved throughout the programme, other partners may join in the delivery of certain programmes in line with identified problems or issues.

Why this work is happening

We work across the county and provide resources to target particular areas and problems. We use enforcement powers to encourage owners, occupiers and landlords to take responsibility for their neighbourhood and their properties.

How it works

We normally deliver an 11 week rolling programme, moving around the county and focusing on a certain community each time. This breaks down into:

• two weeks of identifying issues and planning priorities
• seven weeks of action
• two weeks of review

When moved on to another area, any new issues are then dealt with by the existing services in the area. This unique project model, working alongside the community to improve local conditions, means that the impact of the Community Action Scheme continues beyond the project period, with residents experiencing longer-term benefits.

What happens

We will ask residents, businesses and members of the local community for input in areas and problems they would like us to tackle.

Information from those involved with the community informs the main priorities chosen by residents during a residents' engagement event at the start of the CAT programme. We then focus on these during our weeks of action.

Our current project

We are currently in Annfield Plain until 19 May. We'll carry out work in the following streets: Castle Court; Clavering Place; Derwent Drive; Durham Road; Elizabeth Street; Front Street; Granvile Avenue; Hartside Cottages; Hutton Court; James Street; Langley Terrace; Leeholme Court; Mary Street; Mitchell Street; Neale Street; New Front Street; Northgate; Pontop Court; Railway Gardens; Railway Street; South View (side); South View Gardens; Spring Close; Staindrop Terrace; Station Road; Teesdale Court; Thomas Street; Tynedale Terrace; Weardale Terrace; Welsh Terrace; West Road; William Street.

We've listened to what you said

We have listened to the concerns of residents and those that work and visit the area and will focus on:

• rubbish that has been dumped in gardens, on streets and on waste ground being removed
• anti-social behaviour
• dog fouling

Come and speak to us  

We have a mid-action resident surgery at Annfield Plain Community Centre, DH9 8HY on  Thursday 18 April, from 5.00pm to 6.00pm.

This is a chance for you to get updates on the project.We'll be offering free gas keys and cold calling stickers, as well as Crimestopper advice.

Previous projects

We've just completed work in Cockton Hill, Bishop Auckland and prior to that were in Deneside.

Find information on Community Action Scheme - previous projects. 

Future projects

We will be in the following places on the following dates:

• West Ward, Newton Aycliffe, 24 June to 8 September
• Deaf Hill, 30 September to 15 December.