Angela Corner, Community Neighbourhood Engagement Officer, has been analysing some of the returned questionnaires and would like to try and answer some of the points and questions raised.
‘Why ask about things you know the answer to such as keep the green spaces?’
We cannot presume to know the answer to questions, whilst we may suspect we know what an answer will be, it is our responsibility to evidence anything that may end up as a planning policy, without supporting evidence the Independent Examiner will more than likely remove it from the final plan.
Can you get me a bungalow/house?
Great Aycliffe Town Council (GATC) is not and has never been a housing provider.  As the main housing provider, Sedgefield Borough Council housing stock was transferred to livin a number of years ago.  If you would like to apply for social housing you need to contact livin on 0845 505 5500 or contactus@livin.co.uk.
Anti-Social Behaviour
P.A.C.T (Police and Community Together) meetings are held frequently in various locations in the Great Aycliffe area.  At these meetings you can inform police and other residents of any Anti- Social behaviour problems you may be having.  This may then become a priority for the police over the coming weeks. If you would like to know where and when your next PACT meeting will be held you can find details in the Newton News or on the following website www.durham.police.uk/your-neighbourhood/Newton-Aycliffe
The Town Centre
Needless to say a large number of comments have been received regarding the Town Centre.  Including – the litter bins need emptying more; why are we asking about it if it’s privately owned; better facilities elsewhere; too many empty shops to name just a few.
The Town Centre is privately owned by Freshwater Developments – any specific problems should be raised with Bryan Haldane Town Centre Manager either in person at 3 Beveridge Way or by telephoning 01325 300130 . However, all comments received from the questionnaire will also be reported to Freshwater Developments BUT we may be able to write a planning policy that could make it easier for changes of use or new developers to start a business or open a shop in our town centre.
Litter in-between Greenwell Road and the Town Park
The Town Council is aware of this issue and has raised a complaint/ has been liaising with Durham County Council, which is in the process of contacting the land owner to request their co-operation in tidying the site in the near future and thereafter on an ongoing maintenance basis.
Angela Corner said “While I have been engaging with the community and analysing some of the early responses it has become apparent there is confusion over the services which the Town Council provide. There have been a lot of issues raised which are the responsibility of Durham County Council but as they are both generally referred to as ‘The Council’ I believe this is where the problem begins”
For clarification purposes Angela explains:
The Town Council IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for:
• Taking away garden waste and the proposed new charge for this service
• Recycling   • Emptying refuse bins
• Running the Waste Transfer Station (Rubbish Tip)
• Enforcement (litter or dog fouling)
• Education (other than Pre-Schools at Woodham & St. Oswald’s)
• Housing     • Town Centre    • Anti-Social Behaviour
• Newton Aycliffe Youth & Community Centre
• Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre
• Community Facilities    • The Library   • Health Services
• Street lighting (other than when on Town Council land)
• Road repairs    • Traffic Enforcement
• Providing bus services    • Highways     • Schools
Angela Corner said:
I understand that’s a lot of ‘the Town Council don’t do’ BUT what we are trying to do is plan for the future of Great Aycliffe so whilst we might not be ‘responsible’ we may be able to help improve things for the residents of Aycliffe”
The Town Council IS RESPONSIBLE for:
• Special community events – Fun in the Parks, Santa Tours, Fireworks Display, Senior Citizens’ Excursions, Christmas Lights, previously Aycliffe show now Aycliffe Festival
• Assisting and supporting other event organisers – 10k race, 3k Fun Run, Remembrance Parade, Junior Cross Country, Annual Indoor Bowls Competition and Community Enhancement Awards
• 8 excellent parks, all with play equipment
Town Park, West Park, Moore Lane Park, Simpasture Park, Byerley Park, St Oswald’s Park, Woodham Park, Aycliffe Village Park
• Additional play areas at Scott Place, School Aycliffe, Oakfield Sports Complex and Horndale
• 6 Football Pitches, Mini-soccer and six-a-side pitches
• A Skate and BMX Park
• 4 MUGA pitches
• An environmental centre at Moore Lane
• An Environment Officer who works with Communities and Schools to encourage an environmental interest
• 214 allotment plots. 5 allotment sites with pigeon and poultry facilities
• Ground Maintenance and environmental management to:
Great Aycliffe Way, North Agnew Plantation, Cobblers Hall Plantation, Woodham Burn, Simpasture Railway walk, Butterfly Meadow at Rail Halt, School Aycliffe Wetlands, Millfields/Bickford Terrace, Aycliffe Village Greens
• 2 pre-school play settings with ‘Good’ Ofsted ratings
• Maintenance of Aycliffe Angels Memorial Garden and War Memorial and flagpole
• Public seating in many locations
• Bus shelters with litter bins (not ones with adverts)
• Civic Events
• A Civic Pride Team
• Youth Council
• Community Empowerment – Customer Panel, Consultation and Open Days
• Small grants to local voluntary organisations
Angela Corner will be providing feedback over the coming weeks but if you have a burning issues please feel free to contact her on 300700 or angela.corner@great-aycliffe.gov.uk.