http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/RSSFeed.aspx?Feed=PressReleasesLatest 15 Press Releases at Durham County Councilen-GBDurham County CouncilWebAdmin@durham.gov.uk (Web Admin)Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT60http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/pressrelease.aspx?pid=6390Residents in the north of the county are being encouraged to slam dunk the junk to make their communities cleaner, greener and tidier. Community litter picks are kicking off proceedings this week with free dog micro-chipping also available. The project was developed by and is being funded by the Derwent Valley Partnership (AAP) and Durham County Council’s Civic Pride team are supporting with the litter picks and delivering assemblies in local schools. Corinne Walton, AAP coordinator, said: “Tackling environmental and street cleanliness issues was voted as a priority by our local residents so we wanted to deliver a project to maximise the opportunity for people to get involved. “Community groups across the area have chosen their own litter picking locations so with the help of volunteers we can target those unsightly grot spots.” The litter picks will last one hour, and are being carried out on the Derwent Walk at Shotley Bridge, the c2c route at Leadgate and Chare Bank at Ebchester to name but a few.  There will be more arranged at other locations over the coming weeks, with the details being confirmed soon. Keep visiting the Derwent Valley Life website for more information. The dates for those litter picks that have been arranged to date are: 23 May 2013 - Chare Bank, Ebchester 28 May 2013 - Community Bungalow, Burnopfield 3 June - Play park and field, Shotley Bridge 5 June 2013 - c2c route, Leadgate The Government is bringing in compulsory micro chipping for all dogs from 6 April 2016. Having a dog micro chipped means it can be quickly and easily identified if it becomes lost or it strays. Bring your dog along to one of the following locations to have a microchip inserted for free. Puppies must be at least 12 weeks old and owners must provide proof of address: Wednesday, 29 May 10am-2pm in the StrayAid trailer, the Grove Club car park. Wednesday, 5 June 10am-2pm Delves Lane Methodist Church Hall, Delves Lane. Wednesday, 12 June 10am-2pm Dipton Community Centre. Wednesday, 19 June 10am-1.30pm Leadgate Community Centre, Wednesday, 3 July 10am-1.30pm StrayAid trailer, Ebchester Community Centre car park. Wednesday, 17 July 10am-2pm Burnopfield Community Centre. For more information, go to: http://derwentvalleylife.org.uk/ If you would like to attend one of the advertised litter picks please get in touch with Amy Hartnell, Civic Pride Officer on 03000266058 or amy.hartnell@durham.gov.uk. For more information contact the Derwent Valley Partnership Team on: 03000 260 725 or dvaap@durham.gov.uk Alternatively visit: http://derwentvalleylife.org.uk/ Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/pressrelease.aspx?pid=6390http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/pressrelease.aspx?pid=6391County Durham businesses are being encouraged to cash in on a very lucrative Middle East market. A recent report published by the North East Chamber of Commerce identified the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a major export market for fast-growing companies looking to boost export sales.  As a result Business Durham, on behalf of Durham County Council, has utilised its established network of contacts in the UAE, to organise an event at which local companies can learn more about the benefits of exporting to Dubai.  Sponsored by the Government of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, the event will provide an excellent opportunity to pick up expert advice on developing business in the area and to network with like-minded companies, creating future contacts. Stewart Watkins, Managing Director of Business Durham said: “Dubai has earned the reputation as one of the world’s most desirable business destinations.  With a strong economic policy and ambitious growth plans it is now rated among the top ten most popular business locations in the world. In addition, recent economic indicators show an upward trend towards making Dubai a global business hub.” Ian Scott, UK and Ireland Director for the Government of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing feels Dubai has much to share with Durham County Council and the local Chamber of Commerce: “Dubai is committed to retaining its position as one of the world’s leading business destinations with a diverse offering of unparalleled facilities and amenities for companies both large and small. “The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing conducts these seminars with a view to informing members of trade organisations around the UK about Dubai’s unique offering to enterprise and to explaining how to go about setting up in the emirate to further stimulate growth in the region and expand UK businesses.” This free event will be held on Tuesday 11 June, 9.30 am – 12 noon at Ramside Hall Hotel. You can register your details by going to www.businessdurham.co.uk  Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/pressrelease.aspx?pid=6391http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/pressrelease.aspx?pid=6392Durham County Council’s new Cabinet was announced today (Wednesday, 22 May) at the authority’s Annual General Meeting, where a new Chairman was also elected. Cllr Simon Henig confirmed the membership of his Cabinet after being re-elected as Leader of the council. Cllr Alan Napier retains the post of Deputy Leader with additional responsibility for finance and legal and democratic services. Cllr Jane Brown takes up the new post of Cabinet member for Corporate Services, dealing with human resources and ICT. Cllr Ossie Johnson and Cllr Eddie Tomlinson are also new additions to Cabinet. Cllr Johnson takes on the portfolio for Children and Young People’s Services, covering education up to the age of 19, youth services, children’s services, specialist and safeguarding services. Cllr Tomlinson is the new Cabinet member for Housing and Rural Issues. His role covers housing strategy, homelessness and landlords and sees him continuing as the authority’s rural champion. Cllr Neil Foster retains the portfolio for economic regeneration, dealing with development control, economic development, regeneration, assets and tourism, arts and culture. And Cllr Morris Nicholls continues as Cabinet member for Adult Services with responsibility for adult social care services and safeguarding, welfare rights and carers. Cllr Maria Plews is responsible for leisure services, libraries and community and adult education under her role as member for Leisure, Libraries and Lifelong Learning. Cllr Brian Stephens, Cabinet member for Neighbourhoods and Local Partnerships, covers AAPs, community development and asset management as well as customer services, streetscene, highways, waste management and environment, health and consumer protection. Cllr Lucy Hovvels, will again serve as Cabinet member for Safer and Healthier Communities, with responsibility for community safety, Travellers liaison, emergency planning and health and wellbeing. Cllr Simon Henig, Leader of the council, said: “This is an experienced Cabinet which includes representation from all six parliamentary constituencies in County Durham as well as previous experience on all but one of the previous eight district and county councils. “The Cabinet will also be supported by eight other councillors including five newly elected members. This mix of experience and new ideas will stand County Durham in good stead as we continue to face unprecedented budget cuts from central government which could continue for several more years.” Cllr Pauline Charlton was elected as Chairman of the council. A retired school teacher, Cllr Charlton, who represents Evenwood, has chosen Butterwick Hospice and Treetops Children’s Ward, University Hospital of North Durham as her charities for the coming year. “I am thrilled at becoming Chairman,” said Pauline, who has spent the last 12 months as Vice Chairman to Cllr Linda Marshall, JP. She added: “The last year as vice chairman has really whetted my appetite for the coming 12 months. Meeting people is something that I particularly enjoy and I hope to carry on the excellent work of my predecessor Councillor Linda Marshall. “I am looking forward to representing the people of County Durham.” Cllr John Robinson, who represents Sedgefield, has been chosen as Vice Chairman. Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/pressrelease.aspx?pid=6392http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/pressrelease.aspx?pid=6383Football coaching sessions are taking place in Chester-le-Street for children aged five to nine. The On the Ball junior coaching sessions have been organised by Durham County Council to help youngsters develop their football skills and their confidence. During the seven-week course children will learn to improve their football skills and their ability to play as part of a team. The coaching sessions, priced £21 for seven weeks, take place at Riverside Sports Complex, in Chester-le-Street on Wednesdays between 5pm and 6pm. For further information or to book a place people should contact the Riverside Sports Complex on 03000 266 447, email ontheball@durham.gov.uk or visit www.durham.gov.uk/ontheball Tue, 21 May 2013 10:50:00 GMThttp://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/pressrelease.aspx?pid=6383http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/pressrelease.aspx?pid=6384A series of courses is taking place across the summer for those wanting to improve their health. East Durham Rural Corridor Area Action Partnership (AAP) has provided funding to enable the course to take place. Health trainers from the Pioneering Care Partnership in Newton Aycliffe are offering sessions and activities to improve health and wellbeing. The following courses will take place at Bowburn Community Centre: Shape up Your life, starts 10 June, 10.30am until noon, £1. The session offers advice on losing weight, nutrition, positive thinking and much more and is delivered by local health trainer Helen Pinkney. Walking For Health starts on Tuesday, 11 June from 10.30am. Free. Starting from Bowburn Community Centre and lasting approximately one hour. Nia Dance free taster session: Tuesday, 11 June between 4.00pm and 5.00pm. Nia is a non impact workout for people of all ability levels. It is a unique blend of marshall arts, Tai Chi and healing arts like yoga. Nia tones muscles and increases energy. Weekly classes will cost £2 per session. Free Check 4 Life health checks are taking place for those aged between 40 and 74. Make an appointment to have your height, weight and waist measurements checked. Blood pressure and cholesterol checks are also available. Health trainers will also be on hand to offer advice on diet, nutrition, physical activity, stopping smoking and much more. East Durham Rural Corridor AAP has funded the project with £20,000 as improving health was something the community said they would like to see the partnership spend money on.   Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/pressrelease.aspx?pid=6384http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/pressrelease.aspx?pid=6385Clayport Library is on track for holiday fun next week with a series of railway-themed family days. The Durham city library is hosting the free sessions as part of a programme of activities marking Local History Month. On Saturday, 25 May, staff from Darlington Railway Museum: Head of Steam will be holding a children’s activity drop-in between 12.30pm and 4.00pm. Experts from Durham County Record Office will be getting creative with a children’s craft session from 1.00pm to 3.00pm on Tuesday, 28 May. Puffing Billy, one of the world’s oldest surviving locomotives, will be the theme for a drop-in with staff from Beamish Museum between 1.00pm and 3.00pm on Wednesday, 29 May. And on Friday, 31 May, there will be railway crafts and rhymes from 2.15pm. Tickets, priced at £1.00, are also still available for Tom Burnham’s talk on slides from the NERA collection, at 2.00pm on Saturday, 25 May. Places should be booked in advance by calling Clayport Library on 03000 265 524. Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/pressrelease.aspx?pid=6385http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/pressrelease.aspx?pid=6386Free, healthy activities are taking place in Fishburn. Boxercise, bokwa and circuits are just some of the fun sessions encouraging more people to get healthy in time for summer. Health trainers from the Pioneering Care Partnership in Newton Aycliffe are offering the free sessions in the village community centre to help people improve their health and wellbeing. The following activities are taking place: Run England Running Group – Mondays, 10.30 – 11.30am Running is one of the best forms of exercise; it’s good for your heart, to lose weight and can even help you sleep. Boxercise – Mondays, 7.30 – 8.30pm Boxercise combines boxing moves and stances with aerobic choreography to improve total body conditioning. Circuits – Wednesdays, 7.30 – 8.30pm Circuit training is a form of body conditioning training using aerobics. It targets strength building and muscular endurance. Bokwa – Thursdays, 11am – 12noon Bokwa is a unique dance fitness programme that builds strength and endurance driven by the pulsating rhythmic beats of African, Latin, popular dance and house music. Check 4 Life – health checks – fortnightly from Wednesday, 19 June 9.30am – 4.00pm If you are aged 40-74 make an appointment to have a health check, it may just save your life. Health checks include height, weight and waist measurements, a simple finger stick test for cholesterol and blood pressure checks (if eligible) Health Trainers are also trained to offer advice on diet, nutrition, physical activity, goal setting, stopping smoking and much, much more. East Durham Rural Corridor AAP funded this project with £3,000. Members of the public chose this as a project they would like to support as part of a voting event last year. £The Sedgefield Health Network Fund gave the project £6,000. Further information from the Pioneering Care Centre Carers Way Newton Aycliffe DL5 4SF Tel: 01325 321234 Email: healthtrainers@pcp.uk.net. Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/pressrelease.aspx?pid=6386http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/pressrelease.aspx?pid=6387The Garden of Eden play area will officially open on Saturday, June 1 with various other family activities taking place throughout the village, throughout the day. East Durham Rural Corridor Area Action Partnership, one of 14 partnerships set up by Durham County Council in 2009 to help the authority better engage with residents, has developed the play area with funding from the Neighbourhood Budgets of councillors David Brown and John Robinson. Sedgefield Town Council, Livin and County Durham Community Foundation have also provided funding. A child in attendance on the day will be chosen to officially cut the ribbon at the play area with the new Mayor, soon to be elected by the Town Council, at the play area on Eden Drive at 1.00pm on Saturday, June 1.   Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/pressrelease.aspx?pid=6387http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/pressrelease.aspx?pid=6388Residents in Seaham and Murton are being invited to step out to improve their community this week. The Safe Durham Partnership is holding a series of estate walkabouts as part of its latest Not in My Neighbourhood event. Members of the public will be able to join representatives from organisations including Durham County Council, Durham Police and East Durham Homes as they visit communities to identify problems and issues. On Thursday, 23 May, the partners will be in Parkside, Seaham, and on Friday, 24 May they will be in the Westlea area of the town. Anyone who would like to join either of the walkabouts should meet at 10.00am outside the shops in Parkside Crescent, Parkside, on Thursday, or West Grove, Westlea, on Friday. The Not in My Neighbourhood event started on Monday and is already going well, with residents in Deneside and the Barnes Road area of Murton already helping to identify issues in their communities during estate walkabouts. Sgt Ian Dickinson, of Durham Police, said: “This week, we are specifically working to address issues raised by residents and local members at PACT meetings and other events. “Seaham and Murton are safe places to live and are in the safest county in England. Crime and anti-social behaviour are at an all-time-low. “We are also taking the opportunity to reassure residents that we do take their concerns seriously and to remind them how they can play a part in resolving community issues.” Other activities during the week will include two special events tomorrow (Wednesday, 22 May). From 10.30am to 12.30pm, staff from Durham Police and East Durham Homes will be available at Byron Place shopping centre, Seaham, to discuss any community problems. And between 10.00am and noon, representatives from the Illegal Money Lending Team and their mascot Sharky will be offering support and advice on money matters at Easington Social Welfare Centre. The council’s Community Action Team will be holding a drop-in session at the Glebe Centre, Murton, on Thursday, 23 May, focusing on noise nuisance. Residents are invited to call in to find out how noise can affect health and wellbeing and what they can do to deal with a noise problem. The Not in My Neighbourhood event will also include a litter pick at the rear of Parkside shops by the Probation Service and community speedwatch activities. Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/pressrelease.aspx?pid=6388http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/pressrelease.aspx?pid=6389It is hoped a temporary bridge designed to restore access to a dales community, cut off by damage caused by flash flooding, will be in place by early next week. Following extensive enquiries among private contractors yesterday, Durham County Council’s technical services team has located a structure which can be lifted over the semi-collapsed stone bridge, damaged in the weekend’s floods. This crossing would be sufficient to meet the needs of both residents and businesses and is considered the best option for local people. Subject to the agreement of local landowners, this temporary structure could then be lifted to the side of the damaged bridge so that access can continue, while full repairs are carried out to the original stone. The council is today carrying out the necessary land surveys, ahead of the civil engineering works required to support the temporary access. This work will be completed and the bridge delivered at the weekend. It should then be operational by the start of the week for cars and open to heavy goods vehicles 24 hours thereafter. (This allows time for concrete foundations to cure) All potential possibilities were looked at to solve the issue but delays due to the size of other projects and problems with land access resulted in a temporary bridge being the best option. John Reed, head of technical services at the council, said: “I am sure the news that we have sourced a temporary structure capable of serving the needs of both local people and businesses so quickly will be most welcome.  “We are now in detailed discussions with the contactor but understand the bridge can be delivered over the coming weekend. We will install it as soon as possible so that normal daily life can resume in this dales community. “As soon as we have firm dates and times we will ensure that letters are delivered to all homes again by hand. We have worked with our partners in the emergency services throughout this to ensure the public have been kept informed and disruption kept to a minimum. “I would like to thank everyone for their continued patience and assistance and to say that, subject to the agreement of local landlords, I would hope to see repairs start on the stone bridge as soon as possible.” Background: Following Saturday’s significant rainfall, flash flooding has severely damaged Thornhope Beck Bridge which sits just to the North West of Wolsingham. The bridge serves as access to around 40 properties including a number of farms, houses, cottages and local businesses.  The road closure signage was put in place on Saturday as soon as damage to the bridge’s structure was observed. On Sunday morning Durham Constabulary responded to concerns raised within the community that some motorists were continuing to drive across the bridge and a concrete structure, to ensure the safety of the public, is now in place. Pedestrian access remains but daily inspections will be taking place to ensure this continues to be safe.  The only alternative access for this community is via a track which is only suitable for 4x4s. Restoring access for the people affected and ensuring their safety is the priority for the multi-agency team responding to the situation. This includes, Durham County Council, Durham Constabulary, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service and the Civil Contingencies Unit.  Community response: Letters explaining immediate measures taken to ensure the emergency services could continue to provide support to local residents and  assuring people that all possible actions were being taken were hand delivered on Sunday to all those affected. This was carried out by police motorcycle riders. This approach has continued with a further update hand delivered to residents yesterday afternoon. (Monday) In the meantime discussions with residents, businesses and landowners are continuing. The stone bridge The stone bridge has been well maintained and was in good condition. As part of the council’s regular bridge inspection and repair programme the structure had been repaired last year and some improvements to the riverbank in the area had also been completed. All of the county’s structures are regularly examined by experts within the council’s technical services team in line with national standards. A robust maintenance programme is in place. Investigations are continuing, but the speed and volume of the flood water, together with the weight of debris carried rapidly downstream following Saturday’s significant rainfall is believed to have caused the damage.   Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/pressrelease.aspx?pid=6389http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/pressrelease.aspx?pid=6381Urgent help is needed to trace the owners of three horses found running loose in a County Durham village. The ponies were rounded up by the police after being found loose on a road in Pittington. None of the animals have been micro-chipped, which means it has been impossible to trace their owner. Durham County Council has organised for the horses to be cared for on a temporary basis while efforts are made to find out who owns them. However, if the owners cannot be traced quickly the council will have to make arrangements for the animals to be re-homed. Anyone with information is asked to contact Durham County Council on 03000 26 1000 or email horses@durham.gov.uk Mon, 20 May 2013 16:15:00 GMThttp://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/pressrelease.aspx?pid=6381http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/pressrelease.aspx?pid=6378Background: Following Saturday’s significant rainfall, flash flooding has severely damaged Thornhope Beck Bridge which sits just to the North West of Wolsingham. The bridge serves as access to a number of farms, houses, cottages and local businesses.  The road closure signage was put in place on Saturday as soon as damage to the bridge’s structure was observed. On Sunday morning Durham Constabulary responded to concerns raised within the community that some motorists were continuing to drive across the bridge and a concrete structure to ensure the safety of the public is now in place. Pedestrian access remains but regular inspections will be taking place to ensure this continues to be safe.  The only alternative access for this community is via a track which is only suitable for 4x4s. Restoring access for the people affected and ensuring their safety is the priority for the multi-agency team responding to the situation. This includes, Durham County Council, Durham Constabulary, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service and the Civil Contingencies Unit.  Community response: Letters explaining immediate measures taken to ensure the emergency services could continue to provide support to local residents and  assuring people that all possible actions were being taken were hand delivered yesterday to all those affected. This was carried out by police motorcycle riders. This approach will be continued to ensure that people are kept fully informed. Discussions are well underway with local landowners, partner agencies and private contractors to establish the fastest and most suitable way to restore access for everyone. These discussions are continuing with the needs for local residents and businesses at their heart. The bridge has been well maintained and was in good condition. As part of the council’s regular bridge inspection and repair programme the structure had been improved last year. All of the county’s structures are regularly examined by experts within the council’s technical services team. A robust maintenance programme is in place. Investigations are continuing but the speed and volume of the flood water, together with the weight of debris carried rapidly downstream following Saturday’s significant rainfall is believed to have caused the damage. Statement: Adrian White – head of transport and contracts at Durham County Council, said: “Working with our partners in the emergency services we will ensure public safety and restore road access to this community as quickly as possible. “We share the frustrations of local people that another significant weather event has damaged a structure and had an impact on the daily lives of many people. “We will keep all involved fully informed at every stage of the actions we are taking to reinstate normal daily life for all those affected.”   Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/pressrelease.aspx?pid=6378http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/pressrelease.aspx?pid=6380Residents in Ferryhill are celebrating! Their One Point Hub has become the first in County Durham to receive an Investing in Children award. The centre was praised for redeveloping a waiting area as a result of requests from young people. Youngsters said they would like better access to leaflets detailing a range of subjects such as youth provision and sexual health and this resulted in an area of the waiting room being allocated as an information point. When told about the One Point promise, which explains how the service works with families and young people, an idea for a young people’s pledge card detailing the promise, was the result. Young people helped to design the card which is now given to every young person accessing services provided by the teams and details the contact numbers and services available at the One Point centre. The promise ensures young people are treated with respect, that their opinions are valued and that they will never be turned away from a One Point centre. A film explaining services available at One Point has also been uploaded to You Tube and a presentation, designed by some of the young people, will be used in school assemblies to alert more young people to the services on offer at One Point such as further education and careers advice and the Positive Activities for Young People scheme. IiC presented the certificate to the hub during a recent presentation event. Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/pressrelease.aspx?pid=6380http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/pressrelease.aspx?pid=6382Latest: Today Durham County Council has explored a number of options to restore a safe and timely road access to the local community.  Following a number of discussions and inspections the preferred option for this location has been identified as a temporary structure similar to a ‘Bailey bridge’.  The council is urgently seeking information from a number of private contractors regarding how quickly this could be put in place to solve the immediate access issues. It is hoped that, subject to availability, a temporary structure (capable of bearing the weight required by local businesses for their vehicles) could span the current bridge providing safe and secure access within days. Meanwhile, discussions with local landowners are continuing in the hope that permissions to lift the temporary structure to the side of the current bridge could be put in place over the coming weeks. This would then allow full repairs to the historic stone structure which is currently damaged to take place. Adrian White, head of transport at the council, said: “It was vital to look properly at all options but it has quickly become apparent that upgrading the access track across private land to the north would be a very significant project taking weeks. “Other options for a river crossing have also been looked at but are proving difficult to access. “The preferred option therefore is to put a temporary bridge in place to span the current crossing. This solution could, providing a bridge can be sourced, restore immediate access within days. “In seeking a longer term solution and so that we can repair the historic stone structure, we will be reliant on the cooperation of local landowners. “This will involve lifting the temporary structure to the side of the bridge so that full repairs can be carried out. “I would like to thank the community for their continued support and reassure everyone that we are doing everything possible to find a solution as quickly as possible.”   Background: Following Saturday’s significant rainfall, flash flooding has severely damaged Thornhope Beck Bridge which sits just to the North West of Wolsingham. The bridge serves as access to a number of farms, houses, cottages and local businesses.  The road closure signage was put in place on Saturday as soon as damage to the bridge’s structure was observed. On Sunday morning Durham Constabulary responded to concerns raised within the community that some motorists were continuing to drive across the bridge and a concrete structure to ensure the safety of the public is now in place. Pedestrian access remains but regular inspections will be taking place to ensure this continues to be safe.  The only alternative access for this community is via a track which is only suitable for 4x4s. Restoring access for the people affected and ensuring their safety is the priority for the multi-agency team responding to the situation. This includes, Durham County Council, Durham Constabulary, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service and the Civil Contingencies Unit.  Community response: Letters explaining immediate measures taken to ensure the emergency services could continue to provide support to local residents and  assuring people that all possible actions were being taken were hand delivered yesterday to all those affected. This was carried out by police motorcycle riders. This approach has continued with a further update being hand delivered to residents this afternoon. Discussions with residents, businesses and landowners are continuing. The stone bridge: The stone bridge has been well maintained and was in good condition. As part of the council’s regular bridge inspection and repair programme the structure had been improved last year. All of the county’s structures are regularly examined by experts within the council’s technical services team. A robust maintenance programme is in place. Investigations are continuing but the speed and volume of the flood water, together with the weight of debris carried rapidly downstream following Saturday’s significant rainfall is believed to have caused the damage.   Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/pressrelease.aspx?pid=6382http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/pressrelease.aspx?pid=6374A party for the county’s foster carers and their families kicked off Foster Care Fortnight with more than 100, children, young people and their families coming together to enjoy an afternoon filled with fun. Families who care for a young person with the help and support of Durham County Council were invited on Saturday to the Spectrum Leisure Centre in Willington to spend the afternoon together enjoying themselves. The event is held every year at the beginning of Foster Care Fortnight to celebrate foster families and the care they give to children and young people. Florence Coulter, fostering team manager with the council, said: “The event on Saturday was fantastic. “To see so many children really enjoying themselves was amazing. It is so important that children have the chance to come together as too often they don’t realise there are other children in their situation. It’s also a chance for foster carers to catch up with each other. In the North East of England a staggering 450 carers are needed to provide children with a foster family. Foster carers are needed to care for children for anything from several days to weeks to years.  Durham County Council is appealing for anyone interested whether they are a couple, single or living on their own from all walks of life to come forward. When you’re a foster carer for Durham County Council there is a lot of help available to you from a range of professionals, including a clinical psychologist, local foster carer groups and financial support. A series of sessions are taking place across County Durham next week for anyone who has considered fostering and would like to meet families who have already gone through the process and can offer advice and support. Sessions are taking place:     Monday 20 May, anytime between 4.30pm – 6.30pm, Belle Vue Leisure Centre, Consett  Tuesday 21 May, anytime between 4.30pm – 6.30pm, Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre,  Wednesday 22 May, anytime between, 4.30pm – 6.30pm, Bullion Hall, Chester-le-Street   Thursday 23 May, anytime between 11am – 2pm, Fostering Resource Centre, Langley Moor  Thursday 23 May, anytime between 4.30pm – 6.30pm, Gala Theatre, Durham City  Friday 24 May, anytime between 4.30pm – 6.30pm, Four Clocks, Bishop Auckland Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/pressrelease.aspx?pid=6374