Dear Sir,

With reference to last weeks headline ‘Damaged Sign Ignored’, we would like to reassure your correspondent and residents that Councillors, Police and Livin did not ignore this issue and do care and are bothered about the whole town. There is an enormous amount of work that goes on behind the scenes as well as the general efforts to keep Newton Aycliffe safe, clean and running smoothly.

In direct response to the cycle path sign, we would like to thank your correspondent for highlighting the vandalised sign, which had been damaged by a vehicle in early August, not as stated, twelve months previous. Also, your correspondent must have passed this damaged sign on numerous occasions, but we do not have a record of them reporting it!

However, I can confirm that Cllr. Kate Hopper and myself identified the damage on 25th August, DCC responded on 1st September and an order was placed for a replacement, we chased it up on 8th October and again last week. The highways service confirmed the order had been delayed, partly due to Covid-19, and that it was not seen as a priority at this time, which is very frustrating for all concerned.

Finally, our West Division residents can contact Cllr. Hopper and myself by using the contact details below, by text or Facebook and Messenger – other Aycliffe Councillors details can be found on Durham County Council and Great Aycliffe Town Council websites.

Also, if residents want something fixing they can use Durham County Council online at https://doitonline.durham.gov.uk and get an immediate response.

Cllr. Eddy Adam and Cllr. Kate Hopper

Tel: 07900 701966, Email: eddy.adam@durham.gov.uk

Tel: 07900 702365, Email: kate.hopper@durham.gov.uk

Representing DCC West Division