Residents in Great Aycliffe & Middridge can find out how local issues are being tackled when the local area action partnership holds their next board meeting later this month.

The Great Aycliffe & Middridge Partnership board will be meeting on Tuesday 16 July 2019, between 6.00pm and 8.00pm at Aycliffe Village Hall, and members of the public are invited to go along to observe proceedings. Local people can also raise any local neighbourhood or policing issues that they would like the board to address. These ideally need to be put in writing and sent in advance of the meeting.

There’ll be an open drop-in session from 5.30pm, where people can come along and talk to Durham County Council staff about the proposals for the new Durham History Centre, before the main meeting starts at 6.00pm. Durham History Centre will bring into one central location the story of the history and heritage of the county, as told through historic records, photographs and objects. The proposals will bring Mount Oswald Manor House back into use, adding a high quality, visually appealing extension which will complement the existing building. The extension will provide space for exhibitions, activities and events, which celebrate our County’s history, and a secure home for the heritage collections. There will be an attractive destination café for all, as well as a catering offer. There will be space to view original historic documents and objects both physically and digitally, and a dedicated volunteer room. A classroom will expand access for children and schools countywide. The consultation on these proposals will run until Sunday 28 July 2019.

Having had the opportunity to look at proposals around the history of the county, Board members will then be looking to the future, with a presentation on the new vision for County Durham. To develop a vision for County Durham 2035, residents, communities, businesses and special interest groups have taken part in extensive consultation to consider and discuss the future of the County. Now views are being sought on the Vision document itself.

Previous feedback has been taken on board, and a draft document developed based on three strategic ambitions for County Durham over the next 15 years:

• more and better jobs

• people live long and independent lives

• connected communities

We’ll be asking for thoughts on whether people agree that the Vision strikes the right balance of priorities and ambitions for the county, and how we can work together to achieve our aspirations.

Further information on both the Durham History Centre and the County Vision consultations is also via the website: www.durham.gov.uk/consultation

Anyone who would like to attend the meeting should register in advance by ringing 01325 327441, or by emailing gampaap@durham.gov.uk

Great Aycliffe & Middridge Partnership is one of 14 Area Action Partnerships set up by Durham County Council in 2009.