Ushaw College, Durham. March 2010. – Derelict Places

It was second time lucky visiting this place. Went both times with Sgt Pepper. The first time was a fleeting visit but we couldn’t find a way in, The snow hindering us somewhat. After scouting for the entrance on the web, We went back and managed to get in. It was somewhat fun getting in, i must add

via Ushaw College, Durham. March 2010. – Derelict Places.

British Acrobatic Gymnastics Blog: British Championships 2010: Report

The junior 12-19 competition was smaller than in recent years, with partnerships either moving up to the senior competition or having to train out-of-age until they can move on. European medallists, Jasmine Danby and Chelsea Fisher from Deerness gave the audience a special treat with their energetic combined routine, winning them the National title and gold medal, with the new partnership of Baker and Bigmore from Spelthorne taking silver and the Wakefield pair in third. The second title up for grabs was for the highly-fought after Junior Womens Groups.

via British Acrobatic Gymnastics Blog: British Championships 2010: Report.

Victory for anti-speeding campaign

Victory for anti-speeding campaign (From The Northern Echo).

RESIDENTS are celebrating after securing new measures to cut speeding through their village.

A range of new measures are to be installed in Ushaw Moor, near Durham City, following a long-running community campaign.

New ‘gateway’ features including road markings and signs are to be added to Broom Lane and Cockhouse Lane to remind motorists of their respective 40mph and 30mph speed limits.

Elsewhere, unrestricted parking bays will be painted on both sides of Station Road.

There are also plans to introduce time limits for parking spaces outside shops on Durham Road, although these will need to go through public consultation and could take longer. If there are objections, the changes could go before a Durham County Council highways committee.

John Booth, secretary of Hunter’s Gate Association, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled.

“Over the past few years there’s been a significant problem with cars speeding through the village.

“We did a community survey and parking and speeding came out highly.

“We wanted to do something about it. This shows the authorities are willing to work with the community.”

Development of the scheme has involved Durham County Council, Durham Police and Mid-Durham Rural West Area Action Partnership (AAP).

County councillor John Wilkinson has pledged £9,000 of his neighbourhood fund for the project.

He welcomed the plans, saying: “Unfortunately, past Deerness Sports Centre the road drops down past the cemetery and people find it very difficult to slow down.”

Sergeant Dave Coxon said: “The public had expressed concern about the way we were policing the village, in terms of speeding and anti-social behaviour so we targeted those areas.

“We’re interested in working with the local authority and partners to improve the quality of life.”

It is hoped some of the measures will be installed in the next two months.

Campaigners will also push for zebra crossings on Whitehouse Lane, Durham Road and Station Road, each of which Mr Booth said would cost £35,000.

“We’re hoping that once we get the gateway in place that will be followed up by enforcement by the police and after that we’ll look at getting safe crossings,” he said.

Brandon and Byshottles Parish Council

A scheme at Oakridge Road, Ushaw Moor to provide 6 hard standing parking bays has been identified due to complaints from local residents about the lack of parking and damage to local roadside verges. The Parish Council has pledged £2,000 to the scheme. The Age Concern Hall at Ushaw Moor will also benefit from an upgraded footpath to enable elderly residents to access the facilities more safely.There are plenty more projects in the pipeline between now and the end of the financial year including traffic calming and speeding measures, village appraisals, youth activities and children’s play.For more information on your AAP contact the Co-ordinator, Andy Coulthard and his staff team who are based at Park House, Durham Rural Community Council building, Lanchester on 01207 529085.

via Brandon and Byshottles Parish Council Home.brandon and byshottles parish council,announcements

Garden Waste Collection

Garden Waste Collection due to start in April, leaflets sent out before this date,  with details of first collection date.