City of Durham Parish Council

Parish Council commends County Council for its Covid-19 response

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The City of Durham Parish Council has written to the Chief Executive of Durham County Council to thank officers at the County Council who are on the frontline in responding to the Covid-19 pandemic. Along with our wonderful NHS staff, other emergency services personnel, key workers and an incredible team of volunteers, officers at the County Council are putting themselves at risk to support the local residents, businesses etc under immense pressure. Find our letter here:

CoDPC Letter to Terry Collins re Covid-19

Support services available during the Covid-19 pandemic

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A helpline, webpage and support network have been set up to help people in County Durham who are struggling during the Coronavirus pandemic. Help is available to local residents for thing such as food shopping, deliveries, general help and guidance, or someone who can listen and support.

People are advised to accept help from friends, family and neighbours where possible, but anyone in need of extra support can find a list of local groups on the council’s website http://www.durhamlocate.org.uk or fill in our Coronavirus help form at http://www.durham.gov.uk/covid19help

Alternatively, help can be accessed by emailing help@durham.gov.uk or calling 03000 260 260.

Anyone wishing to volunteer to support local residents can also sign up to do so via the Royal Voluntary Service here: https://www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

The Parish Council has also created a helpful list of contacts of support services and local retailers offering food deliveries, etc. This can be found here: Key contacts during Covid-19 outbreak

Residents are asked to continue to follow Government and NHS advice during this pandemic and to seek support where needed.

Parish Council Working Group responds to County Council consultation on selective licensing scheme

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Durham County Council is currently consulting on introducing a selective licensing scheme on privately rented homes in some areas of the County.

In order to respond to this consultation, the Parish Council established a Working Group which consisted of Members of the Parish Council, a representative of Durham Students Union and a local student landlord. The final response of the Working Group can be found here: CoDPC response – Selective Licensing Scheme

It is unlikely that such a scheme will be introduced in Durham City despite the number of HMOs in our parish. To that end, the Working Group is calling on a separate scheme to be introduced to run alongside the County-wide Selective Licensing Scheme to address the issues we are all aware of with HMOs in our parish.

Anyone wishing to find out more about this consultation can find more details here: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/22640/Consultation-on-licensing-of-privately-rented-homes-in-some-areas-of-the-county

Please let your views be known on this important consultation by writing to selectivelicensing@durham.gov.uk by 5pm on 24th May 2020.

Farewell to our beloved colleague Councillor Judith Atkinson

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The City of Durham Parish Council is sad to announce the death of popular Elvet and Gilesgate Parish Councillor Judith Atkinson.
Coun. Atkison sadly passed away at home on 31st January following a short illness. Condolences were expressed across the Council at the sudden passing of our beloved colleague Judith.
Chair of the City of Durham Parish Council Elizabeth Scott led the tributes: “Since her successful election in May 2018, Judith volunteered much of her time to make Durham a better place for everyone and she distinguished herself as an exceptionally caring, warm-hearted and hardworking member of our Council. Judith will be especially remembered for her brilliant contribution to our Council’s Environment Committee and the work she did to launch our very popular business frontage awards for Christmas; a first in the City and something we are keen to continue”.
Coun. Scott added: “Councillors and staff at the Parish Council have expressed to me their real shock and sadness at Judith’s passing in the last few days. We have extremely fond memories of working with Judith and she will be extremely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Judith’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time”.
At the funeral on 15th February, a poem written by Coun. Atkinson herself, titled “the Eternal Optimist” was read by her son and attendees made donations to Blind Life in Durham – an organisation dear to Judith’s heart – at the family’s request.