Parish Council News

Issue 49July 2017

VILLAGE CENTRE WORK COMPLETEWITTON GILBERT PARISH COUNCIL are delighted to report that the VILLAGE CENTRE project is now complete and that the work was completed on budget. However there was a slight delay in completion due to the Council asking for additional work to be done.

The notice board has explanatory notes on the village themes incorporated within the square and a brief history of the village.

Residernts have been complimentary about the quality of design and workmanship and look forward to the shrubs and flowers maturing in the future years which will further enhance the whole area.

The Parish Council are considering appointing a part-time handyman to look after the Centre and do litter-picking throughout the village.

Just 2 years ago this was a pipe-dream and now it is a reality. Many thanks to all those involved in the process including residents who came along to the consultations meetings in the Village Hall to help shape the project.

CRIME WARNING...

Police across the county are urging motorists to make their vehicles less

vulnerable by ensuring they are securely locked when left unattended as there

has been an increase in reported theft. Anyone with concerns should contact

their neighbourhood policing team by contacting Durham Police on 101.

A ‘MUST READ’ FOR DOG OWNERS!!Dog owners are being advised of new rules that will come into force in County Durham at the beginning of June. Durham County Council is introducing a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to encourage responsible ownership and tackle issues such as dog fouling and strays.People can find out more about the new rules through the council’s #Follow Our Lead, campaign.

The order, which will replace the existing Dog Control Order introduced in 2009, means that from Thursday, 1st June, it will be an offence to: • Fail to pick up dog mess • Allow a dog to stray • Fail to put a dog on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer • Allow a dog into fenced-off play area named in the PSPO

Anyone seen flouting the new rules will be issued with a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN), reduced to £60 if paid within 10 working days.

Failing to pay the FPN will result in court action and a possible fine of up to £1000. The order will not apply to anyone who is blind, disabled or who uses a trained assistance dog.

In order to help owners abide by the new rules, a designated dog exercise area is available at Hardwick Park, Sedgefield, for owners who wish to use it. Similar

areas will also be available soon at Chester-le-Street Riverside Park and Waldridge Fell Country Park.

The introduction of the PSPO follows a public consultation at the end of last year, when more than 80 per cent of those who took part said they were in favour of the move.

Ian Hoult, Durham County Council’s neighbourhood protection manager, said: While a majority of dog owners are responsible, there are still those whose actions impact upon our communities – whether it’s failing to clear up after their dog or being unable to control it when off the lead.

“The new order will enable us to crack down on these problems, making our communities safer, cleaner and more welcoming to everyone.

In order to spread the message about new rules and encourage everyone to abide by them, we’re asking people with dogs to #Follow Our Lead and help inspire others to be responsible owners.

The order is also being supported by a number of town and parish councils, who have requested that play areas they are responsible for are included in the PSPO.

The council’s Civic Pride team will be attending monthly health checks organised by the Dog Trust to offer advice on the PSPO. The drop-in events are free to attend.

For more information on the PSPO, including Frequently Asked Questions, a list of fenced off play areas included in the PSPO and details of free Dog Trust check event, visit www.durham.gov/dogconrol

FOLK SINGING IN WITTON GILBERTSinging has many benefits for your health and can even be fun!!

Why not come along to Breathing Space on a Friday 1-3pm @ St Michael All Angels Church and give it a go.

The sessions are delivered by Benny Graham of the Pitmen Poets fame and run up to the end of July and cost £3. (Not on Friday 30th June)

You can just join us when you canHope to see you there soon

For further information contact gillie on 0191 3711387

These sessions are subsidised with a grant from North East Arts CouncilThese sessions are subsidised with a grant from North East Arts Council

SACRISTON MEDICAL CENTRE After many years attending patients at the surgery Dr Paul Shepherd retired at the end of May. The surgery is delighted to announce that Dr Sarah Gray has joined the team and we hope you will make her welcome.

As always, we are looking for more volunteers to join our patient representation group. Please contact Practice Manager Martin Bell for more information.

Even through we are still in summer we are thinking ahead and planning for the flu season. The flu vaccinations have been ordered and dates when they are available will be published later.

JUST TO REMIND YOU...if you go to your local pharmacy for your flu vaccine you are not supporting the practice – we have no connection to any pharmacy.

Enjoy the sunshine while you can …but REMEMBER YOUR SUN TAN LOTION!!

WITTON GILBERT NURSERYWitton Gilbert Nursery have an exciting summer planned with lots of activities, visitors and visits planned. We will be again working with Pat Bainbridge, Woodland Wonders as well as the local library and a visit to Washington Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.

Our 30 current children are all involved in the transition process to move on into school and their reception year. We have children attend 4 local schools and we wish them and their families good luck.

We welcome 28 new children and their families to nursery, we are offering the original 15 hours as well as an extended 20 hours for those children who are entitled to it. We look forward to working with you on your child’s learning and development in our fun, safe and caring environment.

Our waiting list is now open for any children who turn 2 years old this year. Unfortunately we do not have the capacity for 2 year olds to attend at the moment.

Please contact us for more details or to place your child’s name on our waiting list on 07971799575or l.markwell100@durhamlearning.net

NEED TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS?

For just £40 for the year we will give

you advertising in all four issues of WITTON GILBERT PARISH

NEWSLETTER. So whether it be Taxi service, Childminding,

utility services…. Whatever your business… spread the word. To book an advert contact G.Thompson

on 0191 3711808

WITTON GILBERT W.I.Witton Gilbert Womens Institute will be holding a social evening to include Crafts, games and supper on the evening of 4th September, and anyone is welcome. For more information please contact Christine Stoker on 07960 589231 or Jean Bainbridge on 07894 096880.We will also be holding our regular Christmas Musical Evening on Monday 4th December. Tickets will be on sale in September. More information from Christine or Jean.Visitors or would be members are always welcome at our meetings held on 2nd Monday of each month in the village hall (excluding August). A warm welcome is guaranteed.

Your Parish Councillors

Neil Liddle (Chair) 07950440265

Fraser Reynolds (Vice Chair) 3711198

Arnie Simpson 3712161

Paul Guy 3710455

Lynne Michelle Cowan 3719461

Anthony V. Harries 3710988

Amanda Hillary 3718239

Maria Waller 3718365

Jon Reynolds 3718691

Geo.Thompson (Clerk) 3711808

Published by G.Thompson on behalf of Neil Liddle (Chair) Witton Gilbert Parish Council.Printed by Papercraft 5 Phoenix Road, Crowther Ind Est, Washington Tel 0191 415 7100

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WELL DONE TO C.H.A.D...Fund-raising for kids!!

A Charity Day was held in Witton Club where £800 was raised for local kids in need. Games, raffles and a poker tournament took place. Some of the money was donated to Witton Gilbert Playgroup to cover

their insurance, some was held back for the Halloween Family Disco at 5.30pm on October 28th (all kids go free, adults £2.00), and the rest of the money raised was split between Witton Gilbert Drama Group, the Mary Hayton cancer research fund in Sacriston, and a donation went to the families of kids who were killed or injured in the Manchester bombing. Well done to all who attended and help organise this event!

Witton Gilbert Educational Foundation

A meeting of trustees of the above foundation is to be held to consider applications for grants.Applications for grants will be considered in respect of students who are over 16 and under 25 years of age on 1st September 2017 and undertaking full time further

education at school, college or university.Applicants must be resident in the Ancient parish of Witton Gilbert (which includes Sacriston)Requests for an application form should be made to ;

WGEF13 Friarside

Witton Gilbert,Durham,DH76RY

(Or email cowanlm1@gmail.com for a printable application form)

Completed forms should be returnedby 30th October 2017.

PARISH NOTICEBOARD

There is currently no waiting list for applyingfor an allotment plot so if anyone wishes

to obtain one please ringGeo.Thompson (Clerk) on 0191 3710808