70 legal notices handed out to tackle community concerns in Easington

The project, organised by Durham County Council’s Community Action Team (CAT), was launched to tackle community concerns in Easington Colliery.

The scheme, which took place between September 1 and October 26, saw a total of 150 issues tackled - mainly around accumulation of rubbish and sewage.

It saw 70 legal notices had been served, 20 bags of litter collected from the Wembley area of easington Colliery and advice was given to 10 residents where bins had not been put out for collection.

The project that saw residents, community organisations, officers from Durham Police and the council come together to help improve the local community and offer advice on issues of health and wellbeing.

Coun Brian Stephens, the council’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “Working as a team with residents, community groups, businesses and partner agencies, the introduction of the CAT has seen a positive effect within the community.

“We are now looking to encourage residents to help continue the good work by getting involved in local community groups and reporting any issues of concern.”

Empty homes are set to be put back into use, while wardens will patrol the village and a monthly litter pick will restart in spring 2015.

An Enviromental Improvement Scheme is also set to take place to transform a former demolition site into a green area. Proposals to establish a Business Forum in the area will be progressed and funding has been secured for a pilot project on Seaside Lane called Shutter Media, which will see high resolution graphics put on shop roller shutters.