Spennymoor Town Community Plan 2011 2014

Revised March 2013

livin Spennymoor Town

Community Plan 2011-14

And

with the community at heart

2

Equality and Diversity livin aims to ensure that Equality and Diversity lies at the heart of our business and allows our customers to access high quality services tailored to their individual diverse needs. It is our policy to provide access to services and employment equality to all, irrespective of age, race or ethnic origin, gender, marital or family status, religious or philosophical belief or political opinion, disability, nationality or sexual orientation. As part of our commitment we, and our working partners, aim to treat everyone as equal citizens and recognise, support and value the diversity of the communities in which they live.

Contact Us

Communities Team

livin, Farrell House, Arlington Way

DurhamGate, Spennymoor, Co Durham, DL16 6NL

0800 587 4538 (free from a landline)

or 0300 111 2234 (low rate call from a mobile phone depending

on your network)

3

Based on the intelligence contained within each Plan, livin has been able to rank the

local community based on; Bronze (potential), Silver (aspiring) or Gold (performing).

This will enable livin to see which communities require more immediate and intensive

interventions whilst ensuring there are mechanisms in place to maintain Gold

standards.

Indicator Ranking

Housing Market Affordability SILVER

Tenancy Turnover SILVER

Demand for livin housing GOLD

Average Repair Costs Per Property SILVER

Long Term Unemployment

(6 - 12 months) BRONZE

Average Household Income GOLD

Rental Debit BRONZE

Educational Attainment (5 GCSE’s Grade C & Above)

GOLD

Environmental Assessment SILVER

Overall Community Ranking

SILVER

Community Ranking - Spennymoor Town

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Page No.

Section 1 Community Profile 8

1.1 Demographics 10

1.1.1 Population – Now and in the Future 10

1.1.2 Religion and ethnicity 14

1.2 Housing 17

1.2.1 Housing Tenure 17

1.2.2 Average House Prices 18

1.2.3 Current Supply and Demand for Housing 22

1.2.4 livin Tenancy Sustainment 26

1.2.5 Vacant /Abandoned properties 28

1.2.6 Future Demand for Housing 30

1.2.7 Average cost of repairs to livin properties 33

1.2.8 Average Cost of Improvement Programmes 33

for livin properties

1.3 Crime and Antisocial Behaviour 36

1.4 Economy and Employment 43

1.4.1 Economic Activity 43

1.4.2 Jobseekers Allowance claimants 48

1.4.3 Department for Works and Pensions Key 49

Benefit Claimants

1.4.4 Household income 50

1.4.5 Vehicle ownership and cost of travel 50

1.4.6 Rental debit in livin properties 52

1.5 Access to Services and Facilities 54

1.6 Health and Well Being 61

1.7 Education and Training 65

Contents

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Page No

1.8 Reputation of the local area and Community 70

Cohesion

1.9 Local Environment 72

Section 2 Community Priorities 77

Section 3 Review of the Community Plan 78

Appendix 1 livin Strategic Framework and Regulatory 79

Requirements

Appendix 2 Methodology 85

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Page No.

Figure 1.1 Aerial overview of Spennymoor Town 8

Figure 1.2 Age Profile of population in Spennymoor Town 10

Figure 1.3 Household profile for Spennymoor Town 11

Figure 1.4 Population projections for Durham County 12

Figure 1.5 Age pyramid projections for Durham County 13

Figure 1.6 Housing tenure in Spennymoor Town 17

Figure 1.7 Average house prices in Spennymoor Town 19

Figure 1.8 livin stock in Spennymoor Town 22

Figure 1.9 Age profile of livin lead tenants in Spennymoor Town 23

Figure 1.10 livin properties available for let during the period 23 24

1 October 2009 to 30 September 2010 26

in Spennymoor Town

Figure 1.11 livin tenancy sustainment in Spennymoor Town 27

Figure 1.12 Range of energy efficient measures that young people 32

would like to see in their future homes

Figure 1.13 Spennymoor Ward Police Beat Area 36

Figure 1.14 Low Spennymoor and Tudhoe Grange Ward Police Beat 36

Area

Figure 1.15 Tudhoe Ward Police Beat Area 36

Figure 1.16: Reported incidents of crime and antisocial behaviour 37

in the Spennymoor Ward, Tudhoe Ward, and Low

Spennymoor and Tudhoe Grange Ward during

December 2010 to June 2011

Figure 1.17 Reported cases of nuisance and antisocial behaviour to 38

livin within Spennymoor Town during the

period 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011

Figure 1.18 Economic activity in Spennymoor Town 43

Figure 1.19 Occupation profile of 16 to 74 year olds in 46

Spennymoor Town

Figure 1.20 Economic inactivity in Spennymoor Town 47

List of Figures

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Page No.

Figure 1.21 Jobseekers Allowance claimants in Spennymoor Town 48

Figure 1.22 Breakdown of persons residing in Spennymoor Town 50

claiming key DWP benefits

Figure 1.23 Levels of health in Spennymoor Town 61

Figure 1.24 Educational attainment within Spennymoor Town 65

Figure 1.25 Route of Environmental Assessment 75

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The community of Spennymoor Town is situated in County Durham; approximately 7

miles south of Durham City and 15 miles north of Darlington. Although the origin of

the name remains somewhat uncertain it is believed to be derived from the Latin

"Spina" which means a thorn and “Mor” which was the Anglo Saxon word for moor.

Figure 1.1: Aerial overview of Spennymoor Town Source: Ordnance Survey

It was not until the 19th Century that Spennymoor really began to develop and

expand due to the emersion of the coal and steel industries. The opening of

Merrington Colliery in 1841 brought a number of

migrant workers to live in Spennymoor resulting

in a large number of basic pit houses being built.

Other local collieries were located at nearby

Whitworth, Page Bank, Tudhoe, Ferryhill and

Mainsforth, resulting in mining becoming the

primary source of employment for local residents. The closure of these collieries

during the late nineteenth to mid twentieth century saw the demise of the mining

industry within the area, with Whitworth colliery finally closing in 1974.

From its opening in 1835 through to closure in 1901, Tudhoe Iron Works also

provided employment for many residents in Spennymoor Town and the surrounding

area.

Section 1 Community Profile

During the mid 19th to 20th

Century coal mining was the

main source of employment

for many local residents.

9

The coal industry was replaced by manufacturers of consumer goods, with the

factories of Electrolux, Smart and Browns, Thorn Lighting and Black and Decker

being established. Sadly over the last decade the manufacturing base within

Spennymoor Town has also been subject to demise.

In 1963 the first private building developments, since those built to house pit

workers, were started with an 800 property estate at Greenways and a 300 property

estate at Tudhoe Grange. By the end of the year over 1,120 substandard houses

had been cleared and as many new Council houses built ready for letting. In 1968

development work saw the Tudhoe Ironworks site, turn into the Bessemer Park

Housing Estate.

Once part of the former “Sedgefield Borough”, Spennymoor Town is now served by

the unitary authority of Durham County Council. The community is part of the

Spennymoor Township and is served by Spennymoor Town Council. It is also part

of the Spennymoor Area Action Partnership (AAP) which covers the areas of:

Spennymoor, Middlestone Moor, Kirk Merrington, Tudhoe, Croxdale, Sunderland

Bridge and Hett.

Spennymoor Town has a rich cultural and artistic history. During the 1930’s, with

funds from the Pilgrim Trust, Bill Farrell and his wife Ceridwen, established the

Spennymoor Settlement project. The aim of the Spennymoor Settlement is “to

encourage tolerant neighbourliness and voluntary social services, and give its

members opportunities for increasing their knowledge, widening their interests, and

cultivating their creative powers in a friendly atmosphere”. This aim can be closely

aligned with livin’s own corporate mission and value of working with the community

at heart to sustain and grow safe, cohesive and vibrant communities.

In addition to providing a preschool play centre, Citizen Advice Bureau and Lawyer

Service the Settlement also helped to provide creative activities for unemployed

miners. It was also home to the town's first library. Spennymoor Settlement is

currently located within the “Everyman Theatre” in O’Hanlon Street, which provides a

centre for the arts, prominently drama and music.

A number of famous local people can be found amongst the history of Spennymoor

Settlement, including Spennymoor born painter Norman Cornish, and the Shildon

born writer Sid Chaplin. Norman Cornish has exhibited a wide range of paintings at

both local and national galleries and exhibitions. His paintings were influenced by

early memories of the local area and mining life, with many of Spennymoor’s streets

and landmarks appearing in his artwork. One of Norman Cornish’s most noted

works is the large Durham Miner’s Gala mural located in nearby County Hall at

Durham.

10

1.1 Demographics

1.1.1 Population- Now and in the future

The population within Spennymoor Town is

approximately 14,109 (Census, 2001, Lower

Level Super Output area (LLSOA), KS01, 001A,

001B, 001C, 001D, 001E, 003C, 003D, 005D,

005E).

48.2% of the total population are male with the remaining 51.8% being female

(Census, 2001, LLSOA, KS01, 001A, 001B, 001C, 001D, 001E, 003C, 003D, 005D,

005E).

Population data indicates that Spennymoor Town has a diverse range of age groups.

There is a higher percentage (54.7%) of persons aged between 25 to 64 years old

living in the community when compared to the Durham County (53.3%) and North

East (52.6%) averages. To facilitate good levels of economic activity within the area

it is essential that a high percentage of the population are of working age and

contributing to the local economy through employment or actively seeking work.

There are a lower percentage of younger persons aged 0 to 15 years (18.4%) and

16 to 24 years (10.5%) living within the community when compared to the Durham

County and North East averages.

The population of residents aged 65 years or more (16.4%) remains in line with

Durham County and North East averages.

Figure 1.2: Age profile of population in Spennymoor Town Source: Census 2001, LLSOA KS02, 001A, 001B, 001C, 001D, 001E, 003C, 003D, 005D, 005E

18.4

10.5

54.7

16.4

19.1 11.0 53.3 16.5

19.8

11.1

52.6

16.6

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Persons aged 0-15years

Persons aged 16-24

Persons aged 25-64 years

Persons aged 65years or more

%

SpennymoorTown

DurhamCounty

North East

The population of

Spennymoor Town is

approximately 14,109.

(Census, 2001)

11

The main household types within Spennymoor Town are single person households

(29.5%), followed by households consisting of married couples with no dependent

children (22.1%) then married couples with dependent children (17.8%).

Figure 1.3: Household Profile for Spennymoor Town Source: Census 2001, LLSOA, KS20, 001A, 001B, 001C, 001D, 001E, 003C, 003D, 005D, 005E

The percentage of married households with no dependent children is marginally

higher than the Durham County (21.7%) and North East averages (19.9%). The

percentage of married couples with dependent children is comparative with the

Durham County (17.7%) and North East average (16.9%).

The higher percentage of married couples and families living in Spennymoor Town

may be attributed to the age profile of the community which indicates that 65.2% of

residents are aged 16 to 64 years.

Trend based projections from DCC indicate that the County wide population will

initially decline by 2016 before increasing to an estimated total of 501,625 in 2026

(Strategic Housing Market Assessment, DCC, 2010). Figure 1.4 illustrates the actual

population totals within Durham County for the period 1981 to 2007. Future

population figures up to the year 2026, as projected by DCC, are shown in pink on

the graph.

17.8%

22.1%

3.5% 4.3%

6.6%

3.6%

29.5%

0.0% 11.0%

1.6% Married couple household with dependentchild(ren)

Married couple household with no dependentchild(ren)

Cohabiting couple household with dependentchild(ren)

Cohabiting couple household with nodependent child(ren)

Lone parent household with dependentchild(ren)

Lone parent household with no dependentchild(ren)

One person household

Multi person household: All student

Multi person household: All other

Multi person household: With dependentchild(ren)

12

Figure 1.4: Population projections for Durham County

Source: Durham County Strategic Housing Market Assessment, 2010

The late 1950’s through to the early 1970’s saw a

steady rise in the number of births throughout the

Country. The progression of this ‘baby boom’

period has caused, and will continue to cause,

different challenges to the County’s population.

Currently this generation falls entirely within the

economically active age group (generally 16 to 64

years), but shortly will begin the transition into retirement and will be the main driver

of an ageing population over the coming years. Increasing life expectancy will also

contribute towards the County’s growing elderly population. DCC’s age pyramid

(figure 1.5) highlights the expected increase in the 65 plus age group and decline in

the economically active age group. The projection of an increasing elderly

population, coupled with an associated fall in the numbers of persons that are

economically active will see an increased demand on fiscal, housing and health

provisions throughout the County during the coming years.

To facilitate good levels of economic activity within an area it essential that a high

percentage of the population are contributing to the local economy through

employment or by actively seeking work. To encourage and attract an economically

active population to reside in an area it is imperative for there to be a good supply of

local sustainable jobs and affordable housing.

2008-based projections: various trends for the overall population

465000

470000

475000

480000

485000

490000

495000

500000

505000

510000

515000

520000

525000

530000

535000

540000

545000

550000

555000

1981

1983

1985

1987

1989

1991

1993

1995

1997

1999

2001

2003

2005

2007

2009

2011

2013

2015

2017

2019

2021

2023

2025

Nu

mb

er

anticipatedactual

DCC

Principal

DCC Lower

95%

DCC NC

ONS

Principal

By 2026 the number of

persons in the “economically

active” age group within

County Durham will total less

than present.

An ageing population, and

fall in the number of persons

economically active by 2026

will place an increased

demand on fiscal, housing

and health provisions.

13

Figure 1.5: Age pyramid projections for Durham County Source: Durham County Council, Strategic Housing Market Assessment, 2010

Although Spennymoor Town does not currently have an ageing population there is a

probability of this emerging over the next 20 to 30 years. There are currently more

persons aged between 25 to 64 years living in the community, many of whom in 20

to 30 years’ time have begun their transition into retirement, and a lower than

average number of children and young persons aged between 0 to 24 years. If

efforts are not made to continually encourage and attract younger households to the

community through the provision of affordable and accessible housing and

sustainable employment then it is likely that an ageing population will become

prominent. An ageing population can result in decreasing levels of economic

activity; this is turn can have a detrimental effect on sustainability and the local

economy.

DCC estimates indicate that in 2010 there were 206,281 households countywide.

This number is expected to increase by 24.9% to a total of 257,651 households by

2030 (Strategic Housing Market Assessment, DCC, 2010). By 2030 single person

households (including single pensioners) are expected to double (100.3%) to 56,564;

whereas two person households are only expected to increase by 18% to 14,087.

Larger households of three persons or more are expected to reduce by 26.9% to

19,281. This decrease in larger households, coupled with a significant increase in

single person households, will have a major impact on the supply and demand of

housing throughout the County.

2008 based projections: the Age Pyramids for County Durham in 2008 and 2026 implied by

the DCC and ONS projections

40000 30000 20000 10000 0 10000 20000 30000 40000

0-4

5-9

10-14

15-19

20-24

25-29

30-34

35-39

40-44

45-49

50-54

55-59

60-64

65-69

70-74

75-79

80-84

85-90

90+

ag

e g

rou

ps

year 2008 year 2026

ONS 2026

ONS 2008

2026 DCC

2008 DCC

2 per. Mov. Avg.(2008 DCC)2 per. Mov. Avg.(ONS 2008)2 per. Mov. Avg.(2026 DCC)2 per. Mov. Avg.(ONS 2026)

14

1.1.2 Religion and Ethnicity

An understanding of the ethnic and religious structure of the local population enables

livin to ensure that its services are equally accessible, responsive and tailored to the

needs and requirements of all residents living within livin local communities. It will

also help livin to ensure that any minority groups are consulted with during future

research and intelligence gathering, and allows for consideration of any specific

needs in relation to access for housing, health, and employability during the creation

of each community’s key priorities and Local Offers.

2001 Census data indicates that the main religion in Spennymoor Town is

Christianity (83.4%). 0.2% stated their religion to be Sikh, together with 0.1% stating

their religions to be Buddhist or Muslim. 0.03% of the population stated their religion

to be Jewish and a further 0.1% of the population stated their religion to be “other”.

The remaining population stated they had no religion or did not provide details

(Census, 2001, LLSOA KS07, 001A, 001B, 001C, 001D, 001E, 003C, 003D, 005D,

005E).

Ethnicity within the community predominantly consists of White British (98.9%). The

remaining 1.1% of the population is from other ethnic backgrounds including; Irish,

Other White, Mixed White and Black Caribbean, Mixed White and Black African,

Mixed White and Asian, Asian or Asian British Indian, Asian or Asian British Other

Asian, Black and Black British African, Black and Black British Caribbean, and

Chinese (Census, 2001, LLSOA KS06, 001A, 001B, 001C, 001D, 001E, 003C, 003D,

005D, 005E).

Recent research conducted by DCC and NHS Darlington estimated that between

0.43% to 0.57% of Durham County’s population consists of people from Gypsy,

Roma and Traveller Households (Renaissance Research, 2010). Further analysis of

these figures is currently not possible due to a lack of further data and intelligence.

DCC’s Gypsy, Roma and Traveller site at East Howle is the only permanent

residential site within livin’s area of operation.

15

What does this mean for livin? It is imperative that the available housing stock within the community is able to meet

the housing demands of the current and future population. Currently the majority of

households in Spennymoor Town consist of families and couples, the majority of

whom will have a housing need for larger sized quality homes with two bedrooms or

more. 60% of livin’s current properties within the community are two to four bedroom

flats and houses, all of which can be utilised to meet the housing need for couples

and families.

To facilitate good levels of economic activity in a community it is essential that a high

percentage of the population are contributing to the local economy through

employment or actively seeking work. To achieve this it is important that efforts are

made to continually attract and encourage younger households to move into the

community through the provision of affordable and accessible housing and

sustainable employment. It is also necessary for there to be a range of accessible,

local services and support organisations that can provide family centred support to

these households.

Key Demographic Characteristics:

65.2% of residents in the community are aged 16 to 64 years. This is marginally

higher than the Durham County average of 64.3%.

16.4% of residents in the community are aged 65 years or more.

55.9% of households living in the community are couples, or families, this is

comparable to the rest of Durham County.

29.5% of households consist of single persons. This is marginally higher than

the Durham County average. County Council projections indicate that the number

of single households will significantly increase over the coming years.

Trend-based projections indicate that the Countywide population will increase

to an estimated total of 501,625 in 2026 (DCC, 2010).

Currently the majority of the countywide population fall into the “economically

active” age group; however these residents will soon begin the transition in

retirement and will be the main driver of an ageing population.

98.9% of residents are White British. The prominent religion in the community is

Christianity (83.4%).

16

32% of livin’s current housing stock within this community consists of one to three

bedroom bungalows, and one bedroom flats within its sheltered schemes at King

William Grange and Butterby Grange. The letting of bungalows and properties within

sheltered schemes are normally eligible for persons aged 60 or over, or those with a

medical need. Current demand for properties within all of livin’s sheltered schemes

is typically low.

Demand for one bedroom bungalows is typically low throughout all of livin’s

communities. Countywide there is currently a high demand for bungalows with two

bedrooms or more, and analysis of population trends and future population

projections expects this level of demand to continue for larger sized bungalows.

However, consideration must be given to the forthcoming Welfare Reform and its

potential for significantly increasing demand for smaller sized properties for persons

under 65. To ensure the housing stock within the community is able to meet current

and future levels of demand it is necessary for livin to complete a comprehensive

review of the provision and suitability of its current housing stock for older persons.

An understanding of the ethnic and religious structure of the local population will

enable livin to ensure that its services are equally accessible, responsive and

tailored to the needs and requirements of all residents living within its local

communities.

17

1.2 Housing

1.2.1 Housing Tenure

The community of Spennymoor Town has a wide range of housing tenures. This is

very important as a diverse mix of different housing tenures will positively contribute

towards making the community more sustainable, by meeting the need of a cross

section of the population.

Figure 1.6: Housing Tenure in Spennymoor Town Source: Census, 2001, LLSOA KS18, 001A, 001B, 001C, 001D, 001E, 003C, 003D, 005D, 005E

The majority of households living in Spennymoor Town own their properties (68.3%).

24.5% of households own their property outright and 43.4% own their home through

a mortgage or loan scheme. 0.4% of households own their home through a shared

ownership scheme. This is higher than the County average where 66.9% of

households own their own properties.

Social housing consists of domestic properties

which are owned by Registered Providers (RP’s),

or the Local Authority. All social housing in

Spennymoor Town that was previously owned by

Sedgefield Borough Council is now owned and

managed by livin. 19.1% of households in the community live in homes provided by

livin, and a further 7.6% of households live in homes provided by other RP’s

including Home Group, Three Rivers Housing, Places for People, Hanover Housing,

Tees Valley Housing and Railway Housing. There are a number of shared

ownership properties provided by Home Group at Derwent Terrace.

24.5%

43.4%

0.4%

19.1%

7.6%

3.3% 1.6%

Owner occupied: Owns outright

Owner occupied: Owns with a mortgage orloan

Owner occupied: Shared ownership

Rented from: Council - Local Authority -including livin

Rented from: Housing Association /Registered Social Landlord

Rented from: Private landlord or lettingagency

Rented from: Other

26.7% of households in the

community live in social

housing. This is marginally

higher than the Durham

County average of 25.4%.

18

There is a lower than average percentage (3.3%) of households in Spennymoor

Town living in privately rented properties when compared to the rest of the County

(5.0%). In the past the private rented sector has played an important role in the

housing market by offering accommodation for those households unable to access

owner-occupation or socially rented housing.

Tighter controls and restrictions on mortgages

and financial lending are likely to place an even

higher future demand on the private rented

housing market from low income households or

first time buyers. Those households unable to access social housing will be required

to look to the private rented sector to meet their housing need; placing an even

higher demand on this already limited sector. Residents feel that over the last few

years the number of buy to let properties within the community has increased and

are concerned about increasing incidents of poor tenancy management from

“absent” landlords resulting in poorly maintained properties and increased incidents

of nuisance and antisocial behaviour.

During consultation residents personally expressed concerns about the number of

properties within Spennymoor Town that are currently up for sale or empty as a

result of the current economic climate.

There is a residential Gypsy, Roma and Traveller site

located at East Howle near to Spennymoor Town.

The site is provided by DCC and has 25 permanent

pitches. It is the only permanent residential site

within livin’s area of operation.

Generally, Spennymoor Town exhibits a balanced

housing market with good levels of owner occupation

and social housing. To facilitate and maintain

sustainability within a community it is important for there to be varied range of

housing options available to meet the demands and needs of local residents.

1.2.2 Average House Prices

Land Registry data for January to March 2010 indicates that the average house price

in DL16 6 and DL16 7 (covering Kirk Merrington, Spennymoor, Middlestone Moor

and Byers Green) was £122,833. This price is over £25,200 higher than the Durham

County average of £97,556 for the same period (Land Registry, 2011).

Terraced house prices for DL16 6 and DL16 7 for this period were on average

£76,695. The average price of a terraced property in Durham County for this period

was £60,742. Countywide, detached properties cost an average £21,200 more, and

semidetached properties an average £14,200 more when compared to Spennymoor

Town.

3.3% of households in

Spennymoor Town live in

privately rented properties.

“Increasing numbers of

properties are being

bought by landlords out

of the area to rent out.”

Resident from Spennymoor

Town

19

It has not been possible to obtain individual house price data for Spennymoor Town

alone. It is recognised that the differing affluences and desirability of properties

within the areas included in the postcodes DL16 6 and DL6 7 will have a bearing on

the local house prices for each individual community. Information obtained from the

Right Move website in September 2011, indicates that current property prices within

Spennymoor Town (including York Hill and Tudhoe) range from £32,000 for a

terraced property to £700,000 for a detached property. Approximately a third of the

properties for sale in Spennymoor Town at this time are priced at over £100,000.

Figure 1.7: Average House Prices in DL16 6 and DL16 7 (January to March 2010) Source: Land Registry, 2011

The County Durham Strategic Housing Market Assessment (DCC, 2010) assessed

affordability between lower quartile house prices and lower quartile earnings.

Based on these figures buyers would need to borrow 4.6 times their income (based

on lower quartile earnings) to purchase a property (based on lower quartile house

prices) in the area of the former Sedgefield Borough. Access to lending on homes is

calculated using a multiplier of 3.5 for single households and 2.9 for households with

two or more incomes.

For Spennymoor Town, buyers will need to borrow 5.78 times their own income to

purchase a property within the area of DL16 6 and DL16 7 (covering Kirk Merrington,

Spennymoor, Middlestone Moor and Byers Green). This has resulted in a

community ranking of SILVER. However, intelligence indicates that this figure could

be slightly higher given current house prices from Right Move. Full details of the

methodology for this ranking can be found in Appendix 2.

£30,563 £76,695 £108,639 £199,993 £122,833

£73,445 £60,742

£94,403

£178,711

£97,556

£0

£50,000

£100,000

£150,000

£200,000

£250,000

SpennymoorTown

Durham County

20

Spennymoor has been defined by DCC as a main regeneration town and is

proposed as the focus for housing growth in South Durham. As a result this will

provide a number of residential and commercial developments and regeneration

opportunities within the community. The County Durham Plan Core Strategy

Consultation Paper (DCC, 2011) proposes a large future housing allocation of 2,400

houses for the community, although this reflects the

large number of sites either under construction or

with planning permission.

There are currently a number of new housing

developments being built in the community and

surrounding areas. These include a mix of

affordable and executive two to five bedroom homes

at Burton Woods, two to four bedroom homes at

Thinford Gardens and a mix of affordable and social

housing at nearby Middlestone Moor.

During livin’s consultation there were concerns from

residents about the affordability of property in the community for first time buyers as

a result of reduced mortgage products and financial lending. The cost of buying a

home within the community is less affordable when compared to the County

multiplier of 5.2 (Strategic Housing Market Assessment, DCC, 2010) but more

affordable when compared nationally (6.28). Residents perceive a need for the

provision of more “affordable” homes that would allow options for first time buyers

and young families to access the housing market.

Although there are a number of current Government incentives available nationwide

to help first time property buyers these are only available on new build properties. A

new scheme called First Buy has been introduced from September 2011. This

scheme will be jointly funded by the Government and house builders and will provide

a 20% loan to top up the first time buyer’s own deposit of 5%. This will allow them to

take out a mortgage for 75% of the property’s value. The loans will be free of charge

for the first five years and must be repaid when the property is resold. The funds will

then be recycled to fund more homes in the scheme. Current HomeBuy and

FirstBuy schemes in Spennymoor Town are located at Burton Woods and Thinford

Gardens.

“No affordable homes

for young persons and

families – not easy to

obtain or afford a

mortgage.”


Town

21

What does this mean for livin?

Given the total percentage of residents living in social housing within Spennymoor

Town, RP’s have a significant stake in the housing market within this community. It

is important that as a major housing provider within Spennymoor Town and a key

player in the housing market livin understand their role in balancing the market whilst

making efforts to help meet housing need, as identified in DCC’s Housing Strategies.

livin needs to consider the health of the local housing market and the ability of

households to meet their own housing need. Lack of access to the owner occupier

and the private rented sectors can increase pressure on livin’s housing stock,

particularly for single households, young couples and families.

Spennymoor Town has been identified by DCC as a major regeneration town for

housing and industry in South Durham which can provide potential development

opportunities for livin within the community. As a key strategic partner, livin will

actively support DCC with its aim to increase the number of housing allocations

within the community. This may be through the development and acquisition of

housing stock, redevelopment of low demand housing stock or the potential of

bringing non livin properties that are currently empty back into use.

Key Housing Market Characteristics:

The community has a wide range of Housing Tenures; this is important as a

diverse mix of tenures will contribute towards making an area more sustainable by

meeting the need of a cross section of the population.

67.9% of households own their property outright, or through a mortgage or loan

scheme. 0.4% own their home through shared ownership.

The community has a marginally higher percentage of Social Housing (26.7%)

when compared to the rest of Durham County.

Only 3.3% of properties in the community are privately rented properties. The

private rented sector plays an important part in any local housing market as it is

able to offer accommodation for those unable to access owner occupation or

social housing.

Land Registry data indicates that during January to March 2010 the average cost

of buying a property in the community was nearly £25,200 more when compared

to the Durham County average.

Residents perceive a need for “affordable” housing within the community; to

enable first time buyers and young families access to the housing market.

22

1.2.3 Current Supply and Demand for Housing

livin Housing Stock

livin currently owns and manages a total of 1,121

properties in Spennymoor Town (livin, 2011).

Ownership of these properties transferred to livin

in March 2009 as part of a stock transfer from

the now disbanded Sedgefield Borough Council.

These properties include one to three bedroom bungalows, two to four bedroom

houses, one to three bedroom flats, and one four bedroom flat. There are also two

sheltered housing schemes located at Butterby Grange, and King William Grange.

A good range of housing stock located within a community will provide a greater

level of choice for housing applicants, including single persons, couples, families and

older persons. Spennymoor Town has a wide range of properties types ranging from

one bedroom flats and bungalows through to larger three and four bedroom houses,

making the community a popular choice for many applicants, helping to maintain an

overall level of high demand for livin’s properties.

Since March 2009, there have been four properties within Spennymoor Town

purchased from livin through the “Right to Buy” scheme.

A breakdown of livin’s stock in Spennymoor Town and the age profile of lead tenants

can be seen in the following tables:

Property Types

1 Bedroom Bungalow 129

1 Bedroom Flat 88

1 Bedroom Flat in Sheltered accommodation 50


2 Bedroom Flat 79

2 Bedroom House 231


3 Bedroom Flat 4

3 Bedroom House 336

4 Bedroom Flat 1

4 Bedroom House 26

Total 1121

Figure 1.8: livin stock in Spennymoor Town (as at 11 July 2011) Source: livin, 2011

livin own 1,121 properties in

the community; 27% of these

are bungalows and 53% are

houses.

23

Age Range (based on age of lead tenant)

16-20 21

21-30 116

31-40 143

41-50 148

51-60 149

61-70 178

71 & Over 352

Unknown (Void, non livin managed) 14

Total 1,121

Figure 1.9: Age profile of livin lead tenants in Spennymoor Town (as at 11 July 2011) Source: livin, 2011

It is important that stock levels within a community are able to meet current and

future demands for housing. Housing demand within Spennymoor Town is high for

properties with two bedrooms or more. Demand for one bedroom bungalows and

one bedroom flats within livin’s sheltered scheme is lower when compared to other

property types owned by livin in this community.

27% of livin’s housing stock in Spennymoor Town consists of bungalows. Of this

total number of bungalows 58% have two or more bedrooms. Although livin’s

bungalows located within the community may be utilised to meet the future demand

of an ageing population, and those wishing to remain in mainstream housing through

their later years, current policies may restrict eligibility for lettings to younger couples,

families and smaller households.

The low number of lead tenants within the 16 to 20 age range may be the result of

younger persons being unable to take their first steps into renting a property of their

own. This may be due to financial restrictions, difficulties posed by the current

economic climate, or their eligibility for social housing.

livin Housing Demand, Need and Turnover

Since 1 October 2009 livin has allocated properties through a Choice Based Lettings

(CBL) scheme, known as Durham Key Options (DKO). DKO is a partnership of local

housing providers across County Durham. CBL allows applicants to place an

interest, or “bid”, for the type of property they require

based on their circumstances.

Analysis of livin’s housing register in February 2011

found there to be 395 active applications for housing

received from residents already living in Spennymoor

Town. 42% of these applicants were banded by

DKO as Bands A to C+ due to them having a

statutory housing need. This percentage of

households in housing need may be linked to the inability to obtain a mortgage or

There are currently 167

households from

Spennymoor Town

registered with Durham

Key Options that are in

statutory housing need.

24

loan due to current lending restrictions, or restricted access to the private rented and

social housing sectors as a result of the current underlying economic climate. 16%

of these applicants are aged 17 to 25 years, and a further 31% are aged 60 years or

more.

During the period 1 October 2009 to 30 September 2010, there were 112 livin

properties available for let in Spennymoor Town making livin’s stock turnover within

the community 9.9%. This is a comparable level of turnover when compared to the

total turnover of all livin housing stock (9%) for the same period.

Based on national benchmarking figures provided by HouseMark this low level of

stock turnover has resulted in the community being ranked as SILVER for Tenancy

Turnover. Full details of the methodology used for this ranking can be found in

Appendix 2.

1 Bed

Bungalow

1 Bed Flat

1 Bed Flat (Sheltered Scheme)

2 Bed Bungalow

2 Bed Flat

2 Bed House

3 Bed Flat

3 Bed House

Number of properties

8 22 4 8 20 28 1 21

Number of bids

79 205 17 175 306 988 25 401

Figure 1.10: livin properties available for let during the period 1 October 2009 to 30 September 2010 in Spennymoor Town Source: livin, 2011

To maintain sustainability within a community there will always be a need for some

level of tenancy turnover. However, it is important that turnover does not reach a

level where it becomes detrimental to housing demand, the community’s reputation

or the local economy. Likewise, levels of turnover must not be as low as to restrict

access to social housing for those households with housing need.

The types of properties available for let within the community during the period 1

October 2009 to 30 September 2010 were a mixture of one and two bedroom flats,

bungalow and houses together with three bedroom houses and a three bedroom flat.

There was limited turnover of two bedroom bungalows and no turnover of four

bedroom properties within the community. There was no turnover of three bedroom

bungalows, although it is important to note that livin only own two of these properties

within this community.

Limited turnover of livin’s properties will see a number of households being required

to consider other housing options to meet their housing need. Again for many

households, including first time buyers or those on a low income, buying their own

home is not a viable option leading to an increased demand on the private rented

sector. High market rents or a lack of availability of larger properties within this

housing sector may ultimately force some households to move out of the local area

in search of suitable accommodation.

25

There were a total of 2,196 bids received for these 112 properties. Based on the

total number of bids received per property the highest demand was for two bedroom

houses; receiving on average 35 bids per property. This was also high levels of

demand for livin’s three bedroom properties and two bedroom flats.

Countywide there is currently an increased demand for bungalows with two

bedrooms or more (County Durham Strategic Housing Market Assessment, DCC,

2010). Demand for two bedroom bungalows within the community is good with a

total of 175 bids being received for a total of 8 properties.

It is however important to remember that policy decisions and legislation will affect

the levels of demand for particular house types. A high level of demand for two

bedroom houses and flats could be due to need and eligibility from several

household groups including families, couples, and single persons whereas three and

four bedroom properties will only be eligible for larger families, and bungalows for

older persons or those with a medical need. If after one advertising cycle with DKO,

a bungalow is unable to be let, livin may consider lowering the age restriction to

increase eligibility for more applicants. It is important that lettings policies are

regularly reassessed to reflect the supply of housing and the current levels of

demand with the aim of promoting sustainability within an area.

As is typical within all of livin’s communities, demand for one bedroom bungalows

within Spennymoor Town was lower than for other larger property types. There was

also very low demand for one bedroom flats located within livin’s sheltered schemes.

As demand for these property types is currently low there is potential for them not to

meet future housing demand thus requiring livin to conduct a stock options appraisal

and review of its housing stock for older persons. However, there will be a need to

consider the forthcoming Welfare Reform and its potential for again increasing

demand for smaller sized properties for persons aged under 65 years.

Of the 112 properties available to let in Spennymoor Town during the period 1

October 2009 to 30 September 2010, only 9 were required to be advertised with CBL

on three or more consecutive bidding cycles before being let. Although bids may

have been received for a property within each individual bidding cycle they were not

allocated for let due to the applicant withdrawing their bid upon offer. This can

indicate either unpopular property types, or unpopular locations within the

community. These properties were predominantly flats within livin’s sheltered

schemes and one to three bedroom flats. A number of these flats were located

within York Hill Estate.

During the period 1 October 2009 to 30 September 2010 the highest demand

was for two and three bedroom houses and two bedroom flats.

26

During consultation a number of issues were raised in relation to York Hill Estate.

York Hill Estate consists of solid brick built, flat roofed properties. Properties within

this estate are owned by livin, private landlords and owner occupiers. The majority

of issues raised centre on the areas of York Hill Crescent and Tweed Road and

relate to concerns about environmental appearance, poorly maintained gardens and

boundary walls and fences, and increased levels of nuisance and antisocial

behaviour.

The level of demand for livin properties within the Estate is lower when compared to

other livin owned properties located throughout Spennymoor Town. Demand is

particularly low for the flats on York Hill Crescent and Tweed Road, and there are

higher levels of turnover when compared to the rest of Spennymoor Town. York Hill

Crescent, Tweed Road and St Davids Close are currently subject to a local lettings

policy with DKO which is reviewed on an annual basis. Therefore preference for the

allocation of houses and bungalows within these areas is given to applicants over

the age of 25 years. Applicants under the age of 25 will only be considered for a flat

in the area if they have agreed to tenancy support from a recognised agency for a

minimum period of six months.

Data from DKO’s database indicates a good level of overall demand from applicants

for livin housing within the community. Due to the high number of bids received per

property advertised, low numbers of hard to let properties in the community and a

high amount of applicants indicating Spennymoor Town to be an area of preference;

the community has been ranked as GOLD. Full details of the methodology used for

this ranking can be found in Appendix 2.

During consultation residents expressed concerns about the increasing demand for

socially rented and private sector properties as a result of restricted access to owner

occupation for many households due to restricted mortgage products and financial

lending. An increased level of demand for social housing from couples and families

is evident from the high number of bids received by livin when a property with two

bedrooms or more becomes available for let in the community.

1.2.4 livin Tenancy Sustainment

There is a high percentage of long term tenancy

sustainment within the 1,121 properties owned by

livin in Spennymoor Town. These high levels of

tenancy sustainment are reflected in the low level of

turnover of livin properties in this community.

As at 13 July 2011, 35% of livin tenants have

sustained their current tenancy for a period of 0 to 4 years. A further 22% of tenants

have sustained their tenancy for a period of 5 to 9 years and 43% of tenants who

have a tenancy in this community have lived in their current home for 10 years or

more.

43% of tenants who have

a livin tenancy in this

community have lived in

their current home for 10

years or more.

27

Figure 1.11: livin tenancy sustainment in Spennymoor Town Source: livin, 2011 (not including void properties or non livin managed properties)

In June 2011, livin and other partner agencies participated in a Youth Forum event

with local schools and Spennymoor Extended Services. The Forum involved a

number of young people aged 10 to 14 years predominantly from Spennymoor,

Byers Green, Kirk Merrington, and Middlestone Moor, and was utilised to obtain

views and opinions about their communities, housing and lifestyles. During the

event, 52.4% of youths stated they were happy living in their current home. From a

total of 42 youths surveyed during the event, 33.3% have lived in their current home

for up to four years, and 38.1% have lived in their current home for 10 years or more.

Community sustainability requires an appropriate level of tenancy turnover. High

levels of tenancy sustainment within social housing can be for a multitude of

reasons. Although some may be favourable it is important to ensure that tenants are

not remaining in their current home due to restrictions in their housing options (i.e.

ability to purchase own property) or financial restrictions around the cost of

relocating.

High tenancy sustainment may result in housing stock being under occupied. Larger

households may over time reduce in size due to children growing up and leaving

home, relationships breakdowns, or bereavement. In additional to a detrimental

effect on the level of housing demand within a community there may be financial

implications to the tenant as a result of the forthcoming Welfare Reform which aims

to reduce benefit payments for tenants that under occupier their homes (excluding

persons aged over 65 years).

390

242

476

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

500

0-4 years 5-9 years 10 years +

Nu

mb

er

of

Ten

an

cie

s

Spennymoor Town

28

1.2.5 Vacant / Abandoned Properties

High levels of void or empty properties can be a strong indicator of low demand for

housing within an area. Spennymoor Town and Middlestone Moor has a low

percentage of housing stock consisting of empty and/or abandoned properties;

indicating a good level of demand for housing within this community.

Data obtained from DCC’s Council Tax database in July 2011 indicates there to be

an overall total of 80 possible properties that have been empty and/or abandoned

(this figure may include properties that are currently for sale) for a period of six

months or more within Spennymoor Town and Middlestone Moor. Based on a total

of 7,203 domestic dwellings (Census, 2001, LLSOA, KS16, 001A, 001B, 001C,

001D, 001E, 003C, 003D, 005C, 005D, 005E) this is only 1.1% of the total number of

dwellings in the community. Data collection limitations have restricted further

detailed analysis of this information.

29


Demand for livin housing in this community has been ranked as Gold. It is essential

that this ranking is maintained to this level over the coming year.

Key Supply and Demand Characteristics:

livin currently own 1,121 properties within the community; 53% are two to four

bedroom houses and 27% are bungalows.

57% of these bungalows have two bedrooms. There are only 2 three bedroom

bungalows and no four bedroom bungalows owned by livin in the community.

42% of applicants on the housing register with Durham Key Options that currently

live in the community were classed as having a statutory Housing Need (Bands

A to C+).

During 1 October 2009 to 30 September 2010, 112 properties became available

for let; making tenancy turnover within the community 9.9%.

During 1 October 2009 to 30 September 2010 there was no turnover of three

bedroom bungalows or four bedroom properties. Households requiring these

property types may be forced to access the private rented sector or move out of

the village to meet their housing need.

Demand for properties with two or more bedrooms is high. There is a high

demand Countywide for these property types.

Demand is lower for one bedroom bungalows in the community and there is

very low demand for properties within livin’s sheltered schemes. This is typical

in all of livin’s communities.

There were 9 properties that were hard to let during the period 1 October 2009

to 30 September 2010. The majority of these properties were one to three

bedroom flats.

Local residents are concerned about the affordability of properties within the

community and access to the housing market for first time buyers.

Demand for some properties in York Hill Estate is low, and the level of turnover

is higher when compared to the rest of Spennymoor Town.

43% of livin tenants living within the community have sustained their tenancy for

a period of 10 years or more.

30

The projection of an ageing population throughout the County over the coming years,

in conjunction with high levels of demand for properties with two bedrooms or more,

highlights a clear need for livin to review its provision of current housing stock to

meet the current and future housing needs of the local population. It is important

that to maintain sustainability within the community there is a good supply of

accessible family homes. livin must consider that residents are concerned about the

current economic climate and how mortgage and lending restrictions are increasing

the levels of demand for social housing within the community. There must be

consideration for affordable housing that will meet the needs of the wider community.

Spennymoor Town has a reasonable level of supply of two bedroom bungalows.

Countywide there is an increased demand for two bedroom bungalows, and based

on DCC’s future population projections it is expected that this trend will continue.

There is low demand for properties within livin’s sheltered schemes and one

bedroom bungalows. This indicates that this property type is currently no longer

meeting housing demand within the community and indicates a need for livin to

conduct a stock appraisal and review its provision of accommodation for older

persons. There is a number of other RP’s operating within the community that also

provide accommodation for older persons. It is important that when conducting a

stock appraisal livin recognises the effects on demand that this additional provision

of accommodation, and the forthcoming Welfare Reform, will have on the demand

for livin’s bungalows and sheltered accommodation.

Demand for livin properties within York Hill Estate is lower when compared to the

rest of the community, specifically the flats located in York Hill Crescent and Tweed

Road. The level of turnover within the area is also higher when compared to the rest

of Spennymoor Town. Additionally the area has a poor reputation and there are

concerns from residents about its overall environmental appearance and levels of

nuisance and antisocial behaviour. livin are aware of the issues surrounding the

levels of turnover and demand within this area and must consider interventions to

improve the overall appearance of the area, reduce levels of nuisance and antisocial

behaviour and improve the overall reputation of the area.

Community sustainability requires an appropriate level of tenancy turnover. It is

important that consideration be given to the reasons behind high levels of

sustainment to ensure residents are not being forced to remain in their current home

due to restrictions in their housing options or financial circumstances.

1.2.6 Future Demand for Housing

Population and household projections for a community can be utilised by a number

of different service providers to predict the future level of demand on their services.

In conjunction with other social, economic, and environmental indicators these

projections may be used to forecast the demand and need for housing in a

community.

31

DCC have conducted a Strategic Housing Market Assessment (DCC, 2010) which

can be utilised by RP’s to help determine the expected level of demand for housing

over the coming years and assist them in developing future housing strategies.

Population and household projections within this Community Plan are based on this

assessment.

It is expected that the vast majority of older persons will decide to remain in their own

homes with mainstream housing providing the primary means of meeting this

demand. Local RP’s will be required to support this by providing extra support

services and help for people to adapt their homes to meet their changing needs.

Some vulnerable groups will require support or bespoke housing solutions and it is

expected that there will be a sharp growth in demand for specialist housing projects

for persons aged 75 years or older during the coming years. The decisions of older

households to remain in their homes will influence the supply of housing available for

other household groups. As a result it is important that local RP’s recognise the

potential opportunities for supporting older households to downsize, thus releasing a

supply of larger family homes for other household groups.

In recognition of this increased demand on mainstream housing the Northern

Housing Consortium (NHC) published a guide to Age Friendly Communities in the

North: People and Places 2020. This publication is the result of a two year project

involving consultation with local communities and key Consortium members, and

focuses on building an evidence base to demonstrate the significant impact housing

can have on the physical and mental health and wellbeing of older people.

During the Youth Forum event, livin spoke to local youths about their aspirations for

their future homes. There are a high percentage of youths that wish to continue to

live within the local area when they move to their own home. 45.2% of youths

indicated a desire to continue to live in Spennymoor Town or nearby communities

including Chilton, Ferryhill, Middlestone Moor and Middridge.

During livin’s consultation local residents did not provide any comments relating to

energy saving measures or increasing energy efficiency within their homes.

However, discussion with local youths found them to have a good knowledge of the

measures available to increase energy efficiency within their future homes. More

than a third (38.1%) stated that they would like to see solar power used to power

their future homes, and just under a quarter (21.4%) would like the energy in their

future home to be generated through wind turbines.

32

Energy Efficiency Measure % of youths indicating this measure to be part of their future home (able to indicate more than one answer)

Solar Power 38.1%

Composting Equipment 9.5%

Electric car charging point 26.2%

Under floor heating 21.4%

Wind Turbine 21.4%

Grassed Roofs 11.9%

Thermal Energy 9.5%

Triple Glazing 2.4%

Water butts 9.5% Figure 1.12: Range of energy efficient measures that youths would like to see in their future

homes

There was increased knowledge about the use and benefits of electric vehicles with

26.2% stating that they would like to see electric car charging points provided in their

future homes.

What does this mean for livin? livin’s Development and Asset Management strategies must take into account future

population projections and consider the expected demand for social housing within

the community to ensure housing stock meets the future needs and demands of

local residents.

Key Future Demand Characteristics:

An ageing population, and fall in the number of persons economically active by

2026 will place an increased demand on fiscal, housing and health

provisions.

By 2030 the County is expected to see:

single person households increase by 100.3%

two person households increase by only 18%

three person households or more decrease by 26.9%

The majority of older persons will want to remain in their own homes through their senior years. This will place an increased demand on mainstream and social housing.

Increased future demand is expected for support services for vulnerable groups, and a need for bespoke housing solutions or specialist housing projects for persons aged 75 years or more. It is important that livin’s housing stock is able to meet the future demands of an ageing population.

.

33

During 2009/2010, livin’s average repair cost per property in Spennymoor Town

was £612, during 2010/2011 this increased to £636 per property.

livin will also have to consider its current housing provision and how it will meet the

needs of an increasing elderly population whilst also finding bespoke solutions to

meet the individual needs of vulnerable groups. Anticipation of an ageing population

and low demand for livin’s one bedroom bungalows and sheltered housing schemes

in the community highlights the requirement for livin to review its current provision of

housing stock for older persons. There may also be potential opportunities for

housing providers to support older households to downsize thus releasing a supply

of larger family homes for other household groups.

The current economic climate and an increasing awareness surrounding the benefits

of installing energy efficient measures within homes may over the coming years

begin to influence the levels of demand for livin’s properties. This will require livin to

investigate the potential benefits of installing a range of energy efficiency measures

within its current properties and future developments. In addition to helping reduce

the consumption of energy in livin homes these measures may also see cost saving

benefits for tenants through reduced energy bills.

1.2.7 Average cost of Repairs to livin properties

The repair and maintenance of livin’s properties is essential to ensure that they

remain in excellent condition and to the high standards expected by tenants.

Spennymoor Town has been awarded a ranking of SILVER for average repair costs

per property when compared to other livin communities. Full details of the

methodology used for this ranking can be found in Appendix 2.

During the period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010 livin, together with its repairs and

maintenance partner Mears, completed 4,138 repairs (including gas safety) to

properties in Spennymoor Town. 34% of these repairs were emergency repairs

which required immediate attention.

The average repair cost (including gas safety) per property across all of livin’s 19

communities for the period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010 was £604.

During 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011, the number of completed repairs (including

gas safety) to livin properties in Spennymoor Town increased to 4,260. 35% of

these repairs were emergency repairs which required immediate attention.

1.2.8 Average cost of Improvement Programmes for livin properties

Over the next few years, and as part of promises to tenants, livin is investing over

£100 million in a rolling programme of modernisation and improvements to the

properties that it owns.

34

During 2010/2011, livin improved 555 of its properties in Spennymoor Town at an

average cost of £6,411 per property.

The modernisation and improvement programme that livin is carrying out on its

properties is to a much higher standard of works than that of the Government's

Decent Homes Standard.

The improvements that livin are completing include:

New Kitchens

New Bathrooms

Central Heating Replacement

Electrical Works

Internal and External Door Replacement

Roofing works

During a programme of works not all of livin’s properties will receive all of the above

improvements at the same time. There are a number of factors that determine which

improvement works are completed at the property during forthcoming programmes in

each community. For example some properties may only receive new internal and

external doors, whereas other may be due new internal and external doors plus a

replacement of the kitchen and bathroom.

A number of improvement programmes have already been completed in

Spennymoor Town. During the period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010, livin and its

partners completed internal modernisations and improvements to 374 properties at

an average cost of £6,488 per property.

During 2010/2011 internal modernisations and improvements were made to 555

properties at an average cost of £6,411 per property. These properties received a

number of improvements including new kitchens and bathrooms, internal and

external doors, a full electrical rewire and new heating system.

During 2011/2012 livin expects to carry out a full range of improvements to a further

114 of its properties in Spennymoor Town at an expected average cost of £15,370

per property. The majority of these properties will receive a new kitchen and

bathroom, internal and external doors, heating system, full electrical rewire and new

roof.


The community has a reasonable repair cost per property resulting in a ranking of

SILVER. However over one third of the repairs required to livin properties in the

community during 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 were emergencies. Investigation into

the causes of these repairs may be considered in an attempt to minimise the amount

of emergency repairs required within our properties.

35

Since 2009, livin have conducted a number of improvement and modernisation

programmes to its properties within Spennymoor Town. It is expected that as a

result of these improvement programmes, together with the future programmes

scheduled for completion during 2011/2012 there will be a reduction in the repair

costs for these properties during the coming years.

36

1.3 Crime and Antisocial Behaviour

The community of Spennymoor Town is located in the Police Beat areas of

Spennymoor Ward, Low Spennymoor and Tudhoe Grange Ward, and Tudhoe Ward.

There is a staffed Police station located in Town Centre of Spennymoor.

Figure 1.13: Spennymoor Ward Police Figure 1.14: Low Spennymoor and Tudhoe Beat Area Grange Ward Police Beat Area

Source: Police.uk Source: Police.uk

Figure 1.15: Tudhoe Ward Police Beat Area Source: Police.uk

From the 1 December 2010 to 30 June 2011 Durham Constabulary reported the

level of crime and disorder within the Low Spennymoor and Tudhoe Grange Ward to

be “Average” when compared to the rest of the Police Beat Wards within England

and Wales.

The level of crime and disorder within the Spennymoor Ward and Tudhoe Ward were

reported to be “Average” for the months of December 2010 to April 2011, and June

2011. During the month of May 2011, the level of crime and disorder in these wards

was reported as “Above Average”.

37

During December 2010 to June 2011 the police received 996 reported incidents

of crime and antisocial behaviour within the community of Spennymoor Town.

(Police.uk, 2011)

During this period there were a total of 996 reported incidents of crime and antisocial

behaviour in the community of Spennymoor Town (Police.uk, 2011). Of this total

58.5% were in relation to antisocial behaviour, 25.9% were in relation to “other”

crimes (including criminal damage, shoplifting and drugs), 10.3% were in relation to

violent crime, 3.0% were in relation to burglary, and 2.1% were in relation to vehicle

crime. 0.1% was in relation to robbery.

Figure 1.16: Reported incidents of crime and antisocial behaviour in the Spennymoor Ward, Tudhoe Ward, and Low Spennymoor and Tudhoe Grange Ward during December 2010 to June 2011 Source: Police.uk, 2011

livin’s Support and Intervention Team received 46 complaints of nuisance or

antisocial behaviour occurring within Spennymoor Town during the period 1 April

2010 to 31 March 2011. The most frequent complaint received by livin was due to

offensive behaviour or gestures (abusive language, offensive hand gesticulation).

6 2 3 5 4 10 5

95

114 109

122

143 140

2 3 4 5 7 9

15 21 19 17

12 19

10

29

46 46 41

46 50

32

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

Dec-10 Jan-11 Feb-11 Mar-11 Apr-11 May-11 Jun-11

Nu

mb

er

of

rep

ort

ed

in

cid

en

ts

Burglary

AntisocialBehaviour

Robbery

Vehicle Crime

Violent Crime

Other

38

Figure 1.17: Reported cases of nuisance and antisocial behaviour to livin within Spennymoor Town during the period 01 April 2010 to 31 March 2011 Source: livin, 2011

Durham Constabulary’s reported crime figures closely mirrors the issues raised by

local residents and the Police Beat Team during livin’s consultation. Both local

residents and the community’s Police Beat Teams

highlighted a number of issues relating to antisocial

behaviour, damage to property, and the drinking of

alcohol in public places. There were specific

complaints about older youths causing damage and

nuisance at the play parks located near to St Paul’s

Gardens, Mount Pleasant Court, St David’s Close

and outside Spennymoor Leisure Centre.

The Police Beat Teams also reported increased

incidents of motorbikes and quad bikes being driven on footpaths and bridleways

around the Town Centre and York Hill Estate and problems relating to nuisance and

antisocial behaviour caused by households living in

private rented properties close to the Town Centre.

These views are reflected in Durham Constabulary’s

reported crime data which indicates that antisocial

behaviour equates to more than 50% of reported

Police incidents during December 2010 to June

2011.

4

10

12

2 3

2

4

1 2

1

4

1

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14N

um

ber

of

rep

ort

ed

co

mp

lain

ts

“Scared by youths

drinking on the streets”


Town

“Ongoing problems

with motorbikes driving

on footpaths and

bridleways”

Spennymoor Police Beat

Team

39

There was recognition that specific areas in the community, including Festival Walk

and the Town Centre, York Hill Estate, and areas surrounding Mount Pleasant Court,

are more affected than others by incidents of nuisance and antisocial behaviour.

High levels of antisocial behaviour or nuisance

caused by young persons can often suggest a need

for an enhanced programme of diversionary activities

(e.g. sporting events or activities, play or craft

activities and youth clubs) within the local area.

Research has proven that the provision of

diversionary activities that have been developed in

conjunction with the young persons living in the

targeted area can have a positive effect on lowering

levels of antisocial and nuisance behaviour.

Recent consultation completed by DCC (Residents Survey, 2010) highlighted that

within the Spennymoor AAP area, 2% of residents feel unsafe in their local

communities during the day. The AAP’s with the highest fear of safety during the

daytime were Bishop Auckland and Shildon, and 4Together, both with a percentage

of 3%. 12% of Spennymoor AAP residents stated they felt unsafe in their local area

during the evening, this being the 5th highest out of all of the County’s 14 AAP’s. The

AAP with the highest fear of safety during the evening was Bishop Auckland and

Shildon with 15%. Countywide, 42% of residents completing the survey indicated

the main reason for feeling unsafe in their local community is due to youths

congregating on the street.

Although there are a number of facilities and activities provided for children and

young persons at Spennymoor Leisure Centre and throughout the community, both

the Police Beat Teams and local residents feel that these are sometimes

underutilised. Many of the youths responsible for causing nuisance and antisocial

behaviour in the community do not attend these activities. Reasons for youths not

using the provided facilities and activities are perceived to be affordability, the

provision of activities that youths are not interested

in, and a lack of encouragement and support from

some parents for their children to join organised

activities.

During a Spennymoor AAP Forum event held in

November 2010 the provision of activities for children

and teenagers was also rated one of the top three

priorities for the local AAP area by forum members.

The “Provision for children and teenagers” will

continue as one of the AAP’s priorities for 2011/12.

“Youths cause a

nuisance outside the

Leisure Centre on an

evening”


Town

“Antisocial behaviour

and crime in York Hill

Estate”


Town

40

During livin’s consultation events a number of local residents and community

representatives highlighted problems with increasing incidents of antisocial

behaviour being caused by certain individuals residing in York Hill Estate. There

were also complaints about incidents of noise and nuisance behaviour around the

bus stop at St Davids Close.

Residents in York Hill Estate are concerned that these increasing incidents are

having a detrimental effect on the reputation of the area and have seen a number of

households move away from the area. During the period 1 April 2010 to 31 March

2011, over a quarter of nuisance and antisocial behaviour complaints (26%) received

by livin related to York Hill Estate.

Information gained from the Youth Forum conducted in June 2011 found issues

around crime and antisocial behaviour in their local community to be of significant

importance to them. Many of the youths had an awareness of incidents of noise and

nuisance behaviour occurring in the area where they lived. A number of youths said

they often feel intimidated when using their local play areas as a result of older

youths gathering in the area on an evening and weekend. The play area at Tudhoe

Moor was highlighted to be a specific problem with younger youths stating that they

will often stay away from this play area for fear of older youths causing problems.

Residents are fearful that ongoing budget cuts and reductions being imposed by

local Police Authorities will see the removal of the local Police Beat Officers from the

community and a reduction in the services they provide to the local community.

Currently Durham Constabularly provide dedicated Police Beat Teams that carry out

high visability patrols throughout their local communities with the aim of dettering

crime and antisocial behaviour.

The community has an active “Pubwatch” group ran by local licensees and there are

a number of Neighbourhood Watch groups located in specific areas.

41


It is important that livin maintains its commitment to providing a robust and

responsive service for dealing with incidents of nuisance and antisocial behaviour in

local communities.

Key Crime and Antisocial Behaviour Characteristics:

For the period December 2010 to April 2010, and June 2011 the level of crime

and disorder within Spennymoor Town was considered by the Police to be

“Average” when compared to the rest of the Police Beat Teams in England and

Wales.

During the same period there were 996 reported Police incidents of crime and

antisocial behaviour in Spennymoor:

58.5% of reported incidents were in respect of antisocial behaviour

25.9% of incidents related to other crimes, such as criminal damage,

shoplifting and drugs

10.3% of incidents related to violent crime

3% of incidents related to burglary

2.1% of incidents related to vehicle crime

0.1% of incidents related to robbery

During the period 1 April 2010 and 31 March 2011, livin’s Support and

Intervention Team received 46 complaints of nuisance or antisocial behaviour.

26% of these complaints related to incidents in York Hill Estate.

Consultation found local residents are concerned about antisocial behaviour

caused by local youths and the drinking of alcohol in public places.

The Police report ongoing problems with youths causing antisocial behaviour

and drinking alcohol in local play areas, and increased reports of motorbikes

being driven on public footpaths and bridleways.

A recent survey found that 2% of residents living in the Spennymoor AAP area

feel unsafe in their community during the day and 12% during the evening.

Residents are concerned about the levels of crime and antisocial behaviour in

York Hill Estate.

42

livin is aware that partnership working is essential when addressing and dealing with

crime and antisocial behaviour in its communities. As such livin will continue to

actively work with local residents and community groups, the Police, DCC and other

agencies through the attendance of staff members at PACT meetings, Residents

meetings and other local events to promote it services and offer help and support to

victims of nuisance or antisocial behaviour.

livin is already a contributing partner to the Safe Durham Partnership and plays an

important role in supporting the partnership to help people feel safer within their local

communities.

There are particular concerns from residents and the local Police about nuisance

and antisocial behaviour being caused by youths in the community. This highlights

an opportunity for livin to work closely with local youths, DCC, Spennymoor Town

Council, Spennymoor Area Action Partnership, and other community organisations

to develop and support diversionary activities for children and young persons within

the community.

Although there are two local youth groups operating in areas surrounding York Hill

Estate, together with Spennymoor Youth and Community Centre there may be

further opportunities for livin and other partner agencies, including DCC and

Spennymoor AAP, to provide an enhanced programme of diversionary activities that

can target youths from the estate. To encourage good levels of participation it is

important that activities are developed in conjunction with local youths to ensure

good levels of participation.

Both consultation and anecdotal evidence from livin staff members has highlighted

York Hill Estate to be an area of concern as a result of increasing incidents of

nuisance and antisocial behaviour. These incidents are seen to be detrimental to the

reputation of the estate and part of the cause for lower demand for livin properties

and higher turnover. livin understands that to increase sustainability low levels of

crime and antisocial behaviour are essential, as is the community having a good

reputation as being a safe and pleasant place to live. It is important that by working

in partnership livin consider a range of interventions and tenancy support measures

that can be introduced within York Hill Estate to reduce levels of nuisance and

antisocial behaviour to create a more positive reputation for the area.

43

During 2001 economic activity within Spennymoor Town was 64.2%; this was

higher than the County average of 60.2%.

(Source: Census 2001)

1.4 Economy and Employment

1.4.1 Economic Activity

“Economic activity relates to persons aged 16 to 74 years who are in employment, or

actively seeking employment and are available to start work within 2 weeks.”

(Source: Census, 2001)

Of this total economic activity 43.5% were in full time employment and 10.6% in part

time employment. 4.6% of residents were self-employed; this being less than the

Durham County average of 5.4%. It is acknowledged that as a result of the current

economic climate the level of economic activity within the community may have

changed since this data was collated in 2001.

The 2007 Indices of Deprivation indicates that in relation to employment, 39.6% of

residents living in the Spennymoor AAP area are deemed to be in the top 10%

nationally deprived (Communities and Local Government (CLG), 2007). This is

higher than the Durham County average where 32.2% of residents are deemed to be

in the top 10% nationally deprived.

Figure 1.18: Economic Activity in Spennymoor Town Source: Census 2001, LLSOA, KS02, 001A, 001B, 001C, 001D, 001E, 003C, 003D, 005D, 005E

During the period 2006 to 2008, the Spennymoor AAP area was home to 4.1% of

businesses that were operating within Durham County. 81.4% of these businesses

employed less than 10 employees, whilst 18.5% employed 11 or more employees

(Annual Business Inquiry, 2008).

10.6

43.5

4.6 3.7 1.8 10.7 38.5 5.4 3.7 1.8

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

%

SpennymoorTown

DurhamCounty

44

The largest industrial estate within the local area is located at Meadowfield, with

smaller estates located at Willington, Bowburn,

Chilton and Spennymoor. However, development is

currently under way on DurhamGate in Spennymoor,

a large mixed-use regeneration scheme which will

incorporate business, living and leisure.

livin currently own three retail units within the

community, these are currently let on lease to local

businesses.

The availability of local employment was a key issue

highlighted by residents during livin’s consultation. It was reported that a lack of long

term local employment and recent redundancies from local businesses has placed

an increased requirement for residents to travel out of the area to gain sustainable

employment. This necessity to travel is currently being hampered by rising fuel costs

and the affordability of car ownership and taxi hire; together with an increased

reliance on what is seen by residents to be a restrictive bus service to surrounding

areas. The proposed retail and commercial developments at the DurhamGate site

and the Hitachi factory in Newton Aycliffe will hopefully help to boost economic

activity and employment opportunities for local residents.

Consultation also highlighted that a number of residents travel to nearby Bishop

Auckland, Durham and Darlington to access a more varied choice of high street

retailers and larger supermarkets. Approximately eight retail units within Festival

Walk, the main shopping area of the community, are empty (DCC, 2010). Residents

are concerned that unless more people shop locally and help contribute to the local

economy and businesses this will worsen over the coming years. In an attempt to

encourage local residents and visitors to shop within the community a number of

local organisations, including DCC, Spennymoor AAP and South Durham Business

Network have launched “Spennymoor Shop Local”. It is hoped that this initiative will

help to boost economic activity within the town centre and increase revenue for local

businesses.

Information gathered during the Youth Forum further indicates that the majority of

families travel outside of the community for retail services. Local supermarket Asda

was highlighted as being the most popular place within the community for grocery

shopping. There was reference made to the limited choice of retail shops within the

town centre, with a large number of youths highlighting their wish for big brand

named stores such as Primark, to move into the area.

The importance of sustainable employment and enhanced job prospects within the

local area, together with a need for regeneration of Spennymoor town centre was

acknowledged at Spennymoor AAP’s Forum Event in November 2010. At this event

forum members voted these issues as two of the top three priorities for the AAP.

“No local jobs available

– need to travel out of

the area for work”


Town

45

The community has a high percentage of persons employed in elementary

occupations (e.g. labourers, kitchen assistants, bar staff, farm labourers) or as

plant and machine operators when compared to the rest of the County.

(Source: Census, 2001)

As a result “Employment and Job Prospects” and “Town Centre” regeneration are

Spennymoor AAP priorities for 2011/12.

Census data indicates that residents within Spennymoor Town are employed in a

wide range of different occupations (Census 2001, LLSOA, KS02, 001A, 001B,

001C, 001D, 001E, 003C, 003D, 005D, 005E).

There is a marginally higher percentage (13%) of skilled trade workforce (including

Motor Mechanics, Electricians, Plumbers, Plasterers and Chefs) living in the

community when compared to the Durham County average (12.7%).

There are a low percentage of residents in the community employed as

professionals, such as Doctors and Dentists (6.9%), or in a management or senior

roles (9.7%) when compared to the rest of the County. Low levels of employment

within these occupations also reflect the lower percentage of residents in the

community who hold an educational qualification at levels 3 to 5 (section 1.7) when

compared to the rest of Durham County. Level 3 qualifications are necessary for

progression to higher education or University.

Qualifications at levels 4 to 5 are equivalent to degree

or professional level.

2001 census data highlighted that a high percentage

of residents within this community were employed

within the plant and machine processing industry.

Over the past ten years this industry has been one of

the hardest hit resulting in many large scale local

employers, including Black and Decker, Flymo, Thorn

and Electrolux relocating or ceasing to trade. This

reduction in local job opportunities within the industry;

combined with 38.7% of residents who hold no educational qualifications indicates a

need for an increased provision of skills and training courses. This can help local

residents to retrain or gain new qualifications, skills and experience thus assisting

them into long term employment.

“Need more training

facilities and courses in

Spennymoor so

unemployed residents

can retrain”


Town

46

Figure 1.19: Occupation profile of 16 to 74 year olds in Spennymoor Town Source: Census, 2001, LLSOA KS12A, 001A, 001B, 001C, 001D, 001E, 003C, 003D, 005D, 005E

During livin’s consultation there were concerns expressed by local residents about

the availability and opportunities for training and skills courses for residents not in

employment. Residents are concerned that job opportunities for school leavers

within the community are poor; and have highlighted

an increased need for apprenticeship opportunities

within local businesses.

Economic inactivity was lower than the County

average (39.8%) with a total of 35.8% of the

population not employed, and not actively seeking

work. The number of residents that are retired

(14.9%) within the community was comparable with

the Durham County average (14.8%).

“Economic inactivity relates to persons aged 16 to 74 years who are not in

employment, or not actively seeking employment and available to start work within 2

weeks.” (Source: Census, 2001)

There were a lower percentage of persons (9.4%) in the community who were

unable to work due to being permanently sick and / or disabled, or looking after their

home/family when compared to the rest of the County.

9.7 6.9 10.5 11.4 13.0 6.5 7.7 16.6 17.7

11.6

9.2

12.1 11.7 12.7

7.3 8.4

13.3 13.7

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

%

SpennymoorTown

Durham County

“Should be more

apprenticeship

opportunities for

younger residents”

Resident from

Spennymoor Town

47

There are high

percentages of

residents claiming

Jobseekers Allowance

for up to 12 months

when compared to the

Durham County

average.

Figure 1.20: Economic inactivity in Spennymoor Town Source: Census, 2001, LLSOA KS12A, 001A, 001B, 001C, 001D, 001E, 003C, 003D, 005D, 005E

Analysis of Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) data from March 2011

highlights that the community of Spennymoor Town has a higher percentage of

persons who have been claiming Jobseekers

Allowance for up to 6 months (76.4%) when compared

to the County average (73.5%).

Longer term unemployment within the communities is

also higher than both County and National averages.

19.9% of residents have been claiming Jobseekers

Allowance for a period of 6 to 12 months when

compared to 18% throughout the County and 17.3% at

National level.

This higher percentage of residents claiming Jobseekers Allowance for a period of 6

to 12 months has resulted in the community being ranked as BRONZE. Full details

of the methodology for this ranking can be found in Appendix 2.

However, the percentage of residents claiming Jobseekers Allowance for 12 months

or more (3.7%) is lower than County average of 8.4%, and more than half the

National average of 14.2%. This indicated that lower numbers of persons within

Spennymoor Town are claiming Jobseekers Allowance for more than 12 months

when compared to the Durham County and national averages.

Sustainable communities require high levels of economic activity; this can be

facilitated by a high percentage of the resident population being economically active.

Although long term unemployment is low when compared to County and National

levels, it is important that local service providers work in partnership to proactively

14.9

3.0

5.7

9.4

2.8

14.8

5.1

6.3

10.3

3.3

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

Retired Student Looking afterhome / family

Permanentlysick /

disabled

Other

%

SpennymoorTown

Durham County

48

There is a need to

provide help and

support for residents

aged 25+ to help them

gain employment.

identify and minimise the barriers to work experienced by residents who have

become unemployed within the last 12 months.

1.4.2 Jobseekers Allowance Claimants During August 2010, there were a wide age range of residents that were claiming Jobseekers Allowance in Spennymoor Town (DWP, 2010). 27% of persons claiming Jobseekers Allowance were aged between 16 to 24 years; this being significantly lower than the County average of 34%. The percentage of persons aged 25 to 49 years claiming Jobseekers Allowance (55%) was higher than the County average of 52%. The percentage of residents aged 50 years or more claiming Jobseekers Allowance (18%) is also higher than the Durham County average (14%).

Figure 1.21: Jobseeker Allowance claimants in Spennymoor Town Source: DWP, August 2010

The percentage of persons aged 25 years and over that were claiming Jobseekers

Allowance was higher than both County and North East averages. This highlights a

need for service providers to target this age group when delivering future skills and

training courses. It is important that future skills and training courses targeted at this

age group will help the individual to meet their training needs and gain sustainable

employment.

27

55

18

34 52 14 0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Claimants Aged 16-24

Claimants Aged 25-49

Claimants Aged 50and Over

%

SpennymoorTown

Durham County

49

During livin’s consultation events a number of

residents expressed concerns about the lack of local

employment opportunities. In order to access

employment residents are required to travel out of

the community to surrounding towns and cities.

Many feel that this requirement to travel is restricted

by the cost of owning private transport and the

restricted timetables and routes covered by local bus

companies. There are concerns that ongoing

service cuts imposed by DCC may see local bus

timetables further reduced thus restricting access to

further education, training and employment for many

residents.

A number of residents highlighted the need for an increased provision of local

training courses to help unemployed residents gain

new skills and qualifications to help them into

employment. Bishop Auckland College Skills and

Enterprise Centre, and Bishop Auckland College

Business Training Services are both located within

the community, providing a number of training and

skills based courses for local residents wishing to

gain new qualifications or retrain to gain new

employment. During consultation residents made no

comments in relation to the facilities and services

provided by Bishop Auckland College; instead they highlighted a perceived need for

more opportunities and availability for skills and training courses within Spennymoor

Town.

A high percentage of persons claiming jobseekers allowance within the community

may be attributed to the number of residents that were employed in machine and

plant processing businesses and the economic downturn that these industry types

have seen over the past few years. To reduce unemployment it may necessary for

residents to retrain and learn new skills that will enable them to enter new industries

and gain sustainable employment.

1.4.3 Department for Works and Pensions Key Benefit Claimants

During August 2009, the total percentage of residents claiming a key DWP out of

work benefit was higher than the Durham County average of 21%. The majority of

residents in Spennymoor Town claiming a key benefit were in receipt of Incapacity

Benefit (12%); this being marginally higher than the County average of 11%.

“Lack of local

employment – need to

travel out of

Spennymoor to find

work”


Town

“Training facilities could

be improved.”


Town

50

During 2001 the weekly

household income in

Spennymoor Town was

£3 more than the North

East average.

These figures are comparative with the intelligence contained in Section 1.6 which

indicates the general health of the population within Spennymoor Town to be

comparable when compared to the rest of the County.

Figure 1.22: Breakdown of persons residing in Spennymoor Town claiming key DWP benefits Source: DWP, August 2009

1.4.4 Household Income

During 2001/02 estimates of mean weekly household income (gross) in Spennymoor

Town was £3 per week higher than the North East average of £410 (ONS, Wards of

Spennymoor, Low Spennymoor and Tudhoe Grange,

and Tudhoe, 2005).

Based on this intelligence the community has been

ranked as GOLD for average household income.

Full details of the methodology for this ranking can

be found in Appendix 2.

Residents at livin’s consultation events expressed significant concerns about the

rising levels of fuel, housing and travel costs and how the affordability of these costs

are beginning to have a detrimental impact on income and lifestyle.

1.4.5 Vehicle Ownership and Cost of Travel In 2001, 31.8% of households in Spennymoor Town did not own a car or van; this

being comparable to the County average of 31.4%. 44.3% of households owned

one car or van, and the remaining 23.9% owned two or more cars or vans (Census,

2001, LLSOA, KS17, 001A, 001B, 001C, 001D, 001E, 003C, 003D, 005D, 005E).

6

12

2

2

1 1 0

0 Job Seekers

Incapacity Benefits

Lone Parent

Carer

Others on Income RelatedBenefits

Disabled

Bereaved

Unknown

51

Although levels of vehicle ownership may have altered since 2001, the rising cost of

fuel and other related costs will now have a significant impact on vehicle usage,

particularly amongst low income households. Low levels of vehicle ownership and

restricted use can affect residents’ lifestyles by restricting access to services and

facilities outside of the local area.

The 2001 census indicated that 36.4% of residents in Spennymoor Town travelled to

work driving a car or van (Census, 2001, LLSOA, UV39, 001A, 001B, 001C, 001D,

001E, 003C, 003D, 005D, 005E).

Throughout livin’s consultation a number of residents expressed their concerns

about the need to travel outside of the local area for access to shopping,

employment, and specialist services such as colleges, universities and hospitals.

Residents are also concerned about the increasing cost of travel relating to vehicle

ownership, and public bus and taxi services.

This reliance on travel outside of the local area, places an increased need on a

reliable public transport system for households that do not own their own vehicle.

There are fears from residents that ongoing budgetary reductions to rural transport

services imposed by DCC will see many residents become more isolated and

detached from obtaining specialist services whilst restricting their ability to gain

sustainable employment. There were specific concerns about access to services for

older persons who are reliant on public transport to meet their travel needs.

Key Economic characteristics:

During 2001/02 the weekly household income estimate was £3 more than the

North East average of £410.00.

During 2001, economic activity within the community was 64.2%; this is higher

than the Durham County average.

35.8% of residents in 2001 were not in employment, and not actively seeking

work. 9.4% of residents were economically inactive due to being permanently

sick or disabled.

In 2001, 47.3% of residents in Spennymoor Town were employed in

elementary, process, plant and machinery roles, or in skilled trades. 33.4%

of residents were employed in professional and management roles.

During March 2011, the percentage of residents claiming Jobseekers

Allowance for up to 12 months was higher than the County average.

The percentage of residents aged 25 years and over that are claiming

jobseekers allowance is higher when compared to the County average.

52

By the end of the financial year 2010/2011 livin reduced its outstanding rental

debit figure (unpaid rent) to 2.08%; by a total of £5,104.

1.4.6 Rental Debit in livin properties

To assess the rent payments made by tenants within livin properties in Spennymoor

Town an analysis and comparison of livin’s rental debit figures for 2009/2010 and

2010/2011 have been used.

For the financial year 2009/2010, the total rental debit charge (rent charged for all of

livin’s properties in Spennymoor Town) was £3,723,198. At the end of this financial

year there were outstanding arrears (unpaid rent) of £84,544; making an unpaid

rental debit charge of 2.27%.

For the financial year 2010/2011 the total rental debit charge was £3,817,800. At the

end of this financial year there were outstanding arrears of £79,440; making an

unpaid rental debit charge of 2.08%.

Based on the unpaid rental debit charge of 2.08% for the financial year 2010/2011,

Spennymoor Town has been ranked as BRONZE. Full details of the methodology

for this ranking can be found in Appendix 2.

Since 2009, livin have introduced and promoted a number of different payment

options to make paying rent as easy and accessible as possible for tenants. These

include Direct Debit or the option to pay their rent via payment card. Payment cards

can be accepted at over 60 local outlets (including Post Offices) wherever the

“Paypoint” sign is displayed

Although there were no specific comments made by residents during consultation

events livin is aware that the rising level of housing costs and the current economic

climate is increasing the level of debt for low income households and many

community members.


Although livin will aim to reduce the outstanding rental debit year on year the current

economic climate and future reforms to the Welfare Benefit system will provide for

challenging times. These challenges will require livin to work proactively with

tenants and other household members by providing a dedicated Financial Inclusion

Team to provide guidance or sign posting about money and debt management.

livin must be aware of the contribution made by partners in supporting residents and

tenants to gain new skills and employment, and increase their economic wellbeing.

It must support local community organisations that offer these services by ensuring

their resources are fully utilised by local residents and that their existence is widely

publicised throughout the local area.

53

Consultation has found there to be an identified need for an increased provision of

local skills and training courses that can help more local residents to attain new skills

and qualifications for employment. It is evident from the analysis that any

employability work undertaken by livin within the community must help reduce the

number of persons claiming Jobseekers Allowance.

There should be extra emphasis placed on those residents aged 25 years and over

that are claiming Jobseekers Allowance.

livin needs to understand the barriers to employment experienced by residents and

tenants and assess the level of support it can offer. During consultation events

residents were apprehensive about recent financial cut backs to local bus services,

the rising cost of transport and the effect these are having on access to services,

education and employment. This reduction in public transport services together with

the increasing cost of vehicle ownership has the potential to make travelling to work

a major barrier to employment for some residents within Spennymoor Town.

The effects of the recession and current economic downturn are being felt by a large

number of households within livin’s local communities. As a result livin must be

mindful that its tenants and local residents will potentially need support through these

financial difficulties. This could mean signposting tenants and residents to debt

management and financial inclusion support agencies.

54

Spennymoor Town provides access to a wide range of local services and facilities

1.5 Access to Services and Facilities

The community has good access to health related facilities with three GP and

medical surgeries being located within the Town Centre. There are also a number of

dentist surgeries and chemists located in the community. Access to more

specialised health services and hospitals can be found at nearby Bishop Auckland,

Durham and Darlington. Although residents are generally satisfied with the provision

of health care facilities within the community some residents highlighted problems

with access, if they live outside of the town centre and do not have access to private

transport, and problems with a lack of parking spaces provided near to these

facilities.

The community provides good transport links for

commuters with easy access to major roads

including the A1, and M1 motorway. There is

access to a range of local bus services from the

town centre which provides access to nearby

Bishop Auckland, Durham and Darlington. A

recent survey of residents living within the

Spennymoor AAP area indicated that 85% were

satisfied with public transport; this being one of

the highest levels of satisfaction throughout the

County (DCC, 2010).

However, consultation with local residents have found there to be clear concerns

about the provision of public transport around areas outside of the town centre.

Residents highlighted concerns about the reliability, cost and restrictions of the

current public transport service and its necessity for providing essential access for

many residents to shopping, employment and education. A large number of

residents highlighted problems caused by

limited bus services on Sundays and Bank

Holidays. There is also perceived to be a lack

of bus services to neighbouring settlements,

particularly on an evening. Many residents are

confused about the routes and timetables

provided by local bus companies and find it

hard to obtain this information unless they have

access to the internet. The rising costs of fuel

and vehicle ownership will continue to place an

increased need on a reliable and regular public transport system that is able to serve

the needs of the community as a whole.

“Some elderly residents

rely on the bus service to

access the shops for their

groceries”


Town

“Bus services are very

limited on a Sunday, Bank

Holiday or evening”


Town

55

Places of worship within the community include:

St Andrews C of E Church, St Charles RC

Church, St Paul’s C of E Church and Trinity

Methodist Church at Edward Street.

A number of retail stores are located within the

community; although access to transport is

required for more specialist retail services.

Within Spennymoor Town there is a main high

street on which the majority of retail businesses

are located. Adjacent to the high street is

Festival Walk, the local shopping precinct. There are three large supermarkets,

including Aldi, Lidl and Asda, all located within the town centre. The number of

retailers situated within the high street and Festival Walk has decreased over the

past years. A number of commercial properties within Festival Walk are empty,

leaving only a handful of branded stores and local retailers within the precinct. The

number of stalls at the local market held in the town centre has also decreased. livin

currently own three retail units within the community, these are currently let on lease

to local businesses.

The current appearance of Festival Walk and the reduction in the number of retailers

located within the town centre is a major concern for residents. Information gathered

during all consultation events and the Youth Forum highlighted that a large number

of residents in the community will often now travel to nearby Bishop Auckland,

Darlington and Durham to access a wider range of high street stores.

Residents are concerned that unless there are more incentives for people to shop

locally, through the redevelopment of Festival Walk, and the attraction of brand

name retailers to the high street, the situation will continue to worse resulting in even

more local stores closing and an ever increasing need for travel outside of the

community. This will result in increased costs of travel, and inconvenience for many

residents, specifically the elderly and those without access to private transport.

To encourage local residents and visitors to shop within the community the

“Spennymoor Shop Local” scheme has been launched. It is hoped that this initiative

will help to boost economic activity within the town centre and increase revenue for

local businesses. The need for regeneration of the town centre was acknowledged

at Spennymoor AAP’s Forum Event in November 2010. At this event forum

members voted the regeneration of the town centre as one of the top three priorities

for the AAP for 2011/12.

Spennymoor Town Hall is owned and managed by the Town Council. The main hall

and a number of smaller rooms are available to hire for members of the local

community and local community organisations. The hall and rooms can be used to

provide venues for public performances and civic and private functions.

“Poor selection of shops in

the town centre – need to

travel to Durham or

Darlington for a more

varied choice of stores”


Town

56

Spennymoor Town Hall Gallery is also located within the Town Hall providing a

purpose built exhibition space for local artists, and free access to visitors and local

residents. Recent exhibitions have included pieces from famous local artists

including the Spennymoor born painter Norman Cornish.

The Town Hall is also home to Durham Mining Museum which provides details and

information relating to the history and culture of the coal mining industry in the North

of England.

The Surestart Children’s Centre at Tudhoe Moor Nursery provides early learning and

day care services for families with children under the age of five. In addition the

Centre also provides a range of family orientated courses and support services,

together with access to health visitors and other health related professionals.

Bishop Auckland College provides a number of vocational qualifications and access

to skills and practical based training for local residents at their outreach learning

centre at Merrington Lane. The Centre provides a number of full and part time

courses for school leavers and adults. It also hosts a number of employability

courses which aim to help and support local residents to gain new skills to help them

find employment. Access to other local colleges at

nearby Bishop Auckland, Durham and Darlington

all require access to transport.

There are a number of local community venues

including St Paul’s Centre located close to the town

centre and Tudhoe Community Centre located

adjacent to York Hill Estate at St David’s Close.

These Community Centres provide a valuable service to local residents and are

often venues for youth groups, residents meetings, coffee mornings and other

private and public functions.

St Paul’s Centre hosts a number of educational activities, including English and

Maths tuition, and family activities. The Centre also provides a monthly family

cinema club. Tudhoe Community Centre and St David’s Church also host weekly

youth groups for children and young persons living in the local area.

Spennymoor Youth and Community Centre is located at Merrington View and hosts

a wide range of activities for children and young people within the area. The Centre

provides a youth drop in service and a number of youth projects and related activities

throughout the school term and holiday periods. Youth groups are held throughout

the week for youths aged 13 to 19 years old, and on a Sunday. The Centre also

hosts an Activity Group enabling young people to participate in a number of planned

projects relating to outdoor activities. During the week detached youth workers work

from the Centre to help and support young people within the Spennymoor area into

positive activities.

“I like to use the play areas

around where I live”

Youth from Spennymoor Town

57

There are a number of play areas and recreational facilities located throughout the

community. Spennymoor Town Council provide and maintain the play area and

multi-use play area (MUGA) at Tudhoe Moor, together with cricket fields at

Spennymoor and Tudhoe, football pitches at High Whitworth and Tudhoe Colliery,

and the Village Green at Tudhoe Village.

Spennymoor Football Club, and Tudhoe and

Spennymoor Cricket Clubs provide a number of

sporting opportunities for local youths.

Jubilee Park is managed by Spennymoor Town

Council. The park covers 4.6 acres and

provides a wide range of recreational activities.

Facilities include a play area and play

equipment, bowling greens and pavilion, tennis

courts, all weather football pitches, picnic areas, mother and toddler facilities and a

sensory garden.

At the Youth Forum in June 2011 there were a number of key issues raised by

youths including the need for enhanced play facilities in their local areas. This issue

was common throughout the communities of Spennymoor, Kirk Merrington, Byers

Green and Middlestone Moor. 52% of the youths that attended the event stated they

would like more designated play areas within their local area. There were comments

about poorly maintained equipment in local play parks and Jubilee Park and dog

fouling on playing fields and areas surrounding play facilities. Some of the younger

Forum members said they sometimes feel intimidated by older teenagers using the

play areas as a place to “hang out” on an evening and weekend.

Spennymoor Town has a large leisure centre provided by DCC. The Centre

provides a large free-form leisure pool, multipurpose sports hall, gymnastics centre,

and fitness suite. It provides a range of health

related activities for children and young persons

and during school holidays provides a full

programme of activities. The gymnastics centre

is utilised by South Durham Gymnastics Club

and Spennymoor Boxing Academy is also

based within the centre; both of which are well

attended by local youths. A number of

residents and youths spoke about problems

surrounding the affordability and cost of access

to the Centre’s facilities and the costs associated with accessing other local activities

throughout the community.

The Spennymoor Arts Resource Project is also situated within the Leisure Centre

and provides access to purpose built artist workshops and an exhibition space. The

“Some of the play areas

need cleaning as there is

sometimes graffiti and dog

fouling in them.”

Youth from Spennymoor Town

“Sometimes can’t afford to

use the leisure centre or

pay for activities for the

children.”


Town

58

Project offers a wide variety of arts resources and entertainment for families and

young people, including music and dance workshops, film making, and art

workshops. There are a number of art exhibitions by local artists held throughout the

year within the centre.

There are a number of local groups in the community providing drama and art based

activities for local residents. The Spennymoor Settlement provides a number of art

and drama activities, together with educational courses at the Everyman Theatre in

O’Hanlon Street. They also host a number of exhibitions for local artists together

with regular theatre performances. Spennymoor Youth Theatre Group (SYTG)

based in Tudhoe Grange School also provides youth drama opportunities for young

people throughout Spennymoor Town and Durham County.

The community is also served by Spennymoor Extended Services (SES). SES

provides a range of services for families such as childcare, parental support, adult

learning, activities for children, and access to specialist services. This service is

available to children, young people and families in and around the Spennymoor area.

SES also work closely with the Local Learning Partnership (LLP) to publicise and

promote adult and family learning activities within the local area.

A large percentage of youths attending the Youth Forum indicated that they would

like to see an increased provision of arranged after school and weekend activities in

their local areas. This was also consistent with feedback received from local

residents during consultation events. The types of activities identified by the youths

were mainly health and fitness related (i.e. dance and sports clubs) together with the

provision of more youth based activities at the local leisure centre. There was

considerable interest for the provision of an internet cafe and meeting place within

the town centre itself. A lot of the youths spoke about the provision or promotion of

activities that would help them achieve their future aspirations. These included

opportunities for singing, dance, drama and the promotion of sports activities

available in and around Spennymoor.

During a Spennymoor AAP Forum event held in November 2010 the provision of

activities for children and teenagers was rated one of the top three priorities for the

local AAP. The “Provision for children and teenagers” will continue as one of the

AAP’s priorities for 2011/12.

Research for this Community Plan has highlighted a good provision of services,

activities and facilities that can be utilised by local children and young persons.

However, when asked about their knowledge of the activities available for local

children and teenagers it is apparent that a large number of residents are unaware of

what provision is actually in place in the areas around where they live. Local youths

have a better knowledge of the provision of facilities and activities available to them

but stated that they would like more input into the types of activities provided.

59

Located in the Town Centre is one of DCC’s local libraries. There is a free provision

of internet and email facilities and the library also contains a HealthZone information

point. HealthZone provides information and leaflets for local residents to help them

adopt a healthier lifestyle, learn more about an illness, or locate a local support

group. The HealthZone is located within a prominent place within the library,

resulting in a number of persons that visit the library taking interest in the books and

leaflets it contains. Publicity for HealthZone is conducted countywide by DCC.

Although the community is served by a broadband Internet connection access to this

service may be inaccessible for a number of households due to cost implications.

Spennymoor Town Council own a number of allotment sites within Spennymoor

Town which can be used to grow fresh vegetables, fruit and flowers. Although livin

own a number of garden sites in surrounding towns and communities there are none

located within Spennymoor Town.

livin work with, and provide advice and support to three active Residents

Associations within the community. These include; Tudhoe Residents Association,

Green Lane Residents Association and Greenways Residents Association.


Key Services Characteristics:

The community has a good range of health care facilities, including GP

surgeries, dentists and chemists.

There is good access to supermarkets, with three large stores being located

within the town centre.

There are a number of play areas and facilities located within the community

that provide a wide range of health and social activities for children and young

persons.

The Leisure Centre located within the town centre is well utilised by a number

of local residents, children and older youths. Some households are unable to

afford the fees for use of the Leisure Centre facilities and its activities.

Some activities provided for children and young persons are underutilised.

Local youths want to have a say in the activities that are provided for them

Many local residents are unaware of the provision of activities and facilities for

children and young people within the community.

Satisfaction with the public transport service in the area is poor with many

residents feeling that the current provision is expensive and restrictive for their

needs. Residents are concerned that public sector spending cuts will further

reduce essential transport links with surrounding villages and towns.

60

livin needs to be aware of the positive impact that local services and service

providers have on sustaining local communities.

Limited access to public transport within the community will not only increase the

barriers to employment experienced by livin tenants and local residents but can also

restrict vital access to supermarkets, education, sporting facilities and healthcare; all

of which are vital components of a sustainable community.

Within any community there should be a good provision of accessible and affordable

youth based activities that will actively encourage engagement and participation in

health and social related activities. Although there are a wide range of activities and

facilities within Spennymoor Town, local residents seem to have a limited knowledge

of these. To encourage and promote local activities and facilities within the

community there is a need for closer partnership working from all providers to jointly

promote their activities. As a major RP operating within the community livin is ideally

placed to help highlight and promote the services and facilities that are available to

local children and young persons.

livin must understand the pressures that local communities are under as a result of

service cuts, and work in partnership with organisations such as DCC to ensure that

the effects of any service reductions are minimal and that tenants, residents and

service providers are aware of their implications.

There are also opportunities for livin to enhance and capitalise on the community’s

rich artistic and cultural heritage through the work of the Spennymoor Settlement and

other local community groups within the area.

61

During 2001, the number of

persons in “Good” health in

Spennymoor Town was

0.6% higher than the

County average.

1.6 Health and Well Being

The general level of health in Spennymoor Town is

comparable to that of the County as a whole

(Census, 2001, LLSOA, KS08, 001A, 001B, 001C,

001D, 001E, 003C, 003D, 005D, 005E). The total

percentage of persons in “Good” general health is

0.6% higher than the County average. The

percentage of residents who indicated that they were in “Not Good” general health is

0.4% lower when compared to the County average.

2001 Census data indicates that 18.5% of persons of working age suffer from a

limiting long term illness (Census, 2001, LLSOA, KS08, 001A, 001B, 001C, 001D,

001E, 003C, 003D, 005D, 005E). This is lower than the County average of 19.8%.

“A limiting long-term illness covers any long-term illness, health problem or disability

that limits daily activities or work. Working age is defined as persons aged between

16 to 64 years inclusive for men and 16 to 59 years inclusive for women.”

(Census 2001)

The 2007 Indices of Deprivation indicates that in relation to Health, 39.6% of

residents living in the Spennymoor AAP area (including Spennymoor Town) are

deemed to be in the top 10% nationally deprived (CLG, 2007). This is higher than

the Durham County average where 35.7% of residents are deemed to be in the top

10% nationally deprived.

Figure 1.23: Levels of Health within Spennymoor Town Source: Census, 2001, LLSOA, KS08, 001A, 001B, 001C, 001D, 001E, 003C, 003D, 005D, 005E

63.2

24.0

12.8

62.6 24.2 13.2 0.0

10.0

20.0

30.0

40.0

50.0

60.0

70.0

General health:Good

General health:Fairly good

General health: Notgood

%

Spennymoor Town

Durham County

62

There are three GP surgeries and medical practices located within the town centre

providing health care to local residents. For a number of residents, including the

elderly or those with restricted mobility, living outside of the town centre there will be

a requirement to travel to access these facilities. There were concerns from elderly

residents living in the Tudhoe and York Hill areas, who are worried about reducing

public transport services and the increasing costs of taxi fares to access local

healthcare.

The community is well served by a number of health and sporting facilities; including

a large Leisure Centre, Jubilee Park, cricket fields at Spennymoor and Tudhoe, and

football fields at High Whitworth and Jubilee Park. There are also a number of

children’s play areas located throughout the community; including a multiuse games

area and play park in Tudhoe Moor provided by Spennymoor Town Council.

Jubilee Park, which is also owned and managed by Spennymoor Town Council,

provides a number of outdoor sporting and recreational facilities for local residents.

Facilities and activities cater for a wide range of ages and include bowling greens,

tennis courts, all weather football pitches, picnic and play areas.

The local Leisure Centre includes a large free-form leisure pool, multipurpose sports

hall, gymnastics centre, and fitness suite. These facilities enable the County Council

to provide a wide range of health and sporting

activities for all age groups and abilities including

badminton, basketball, five-a-side football,

netball, fitness suite activities, aerobics,

swimming and boxing. The gymnastics centre is

utilised by South Durham Gymnastics Club and

Spennymoor Boxing Academy is also based

within the centre.

When asked about the provision of health related

facilities and activities within the community residents raised issues about

affordability and access to facilities for low income households. There were specific

comments relating to the cost of gym membership within the leisure centre, and the

cost of health related activities provided throughout the community in general. A

number of residents explained that the rising cost of food and transport is restricting

the amount of money that they are able to spend on health related activities. During

consultation two residents stated that they were no longer able to access the leisure

centre or other health related activities due to a low household income and an

increase in the cost of living.

Although there are a number of free play facilities provided throughout the

community a number of youths spoken to during the Youth Forum stated they do not

always use them on an evening and weekend due to intimidation from older youths

also using these areas.

“Can’t afford the health

based activities – need to

buy food and other

household items”


Town

63

The Police Beat Teams and local residents also commented on how the play areas

are often used by older youths to drink alcohol resulting in incidents of nuisance and

antisocial behaviour occurring in the local area.

Residents perceive there to be a need for increased facilities and activities for older

youths and teenagers. Although there are a number of activities and facilities

provided throughout the community during term

time and the school holidays by local service

providers these are felt to be underutilised due to

the cost implications for low income households,

or because the provided activities are not of

interest to the youths. It was suggested that an

increased provision of activities and facilities that

more children and young people are willing to

participate in, and that they can afford to access

may help to reduce levels of nuisance and antisocial behaviour in the community.

During the Youth Forum a number of youths put forward suggestions for Jubilee

Park that included improving existing activities, and complained that the existing

equipment is often broken.

Residents highlighted a need for local service providers to better promote the

services they provide within the local community. Residents feel they are not always

aware of the health related services and activities provided within their community

unless there is publicity through local schools or newspapers. This prompted

suggestions for a joined up approach from all health related service providers to

publicise their facilities and activities to increase awareness for all members of the

local community.

The Surestart Children’s Centre at Tudhoe Moor Nursery provides a number of

health based services including advice and support on adopting a healthy lifestyle,

healthy eating and nutrition for children and families, and access to health visitors

and other health related professionals.

There was also discussions by residents about the need for GP’s and other related

service providers to proactively help encourage and improve lifestyles for local

residents through the promotion of health related activities and initiatives, specifically

amongst those aged 16 to 25 years.

“Spennymoor needs more

activities for older children

and teenagers”

Resident from Spennymoor Town

64


There has been a long established connection between health and housing. As a

result of the Government’s Health Reform proposals a stronger role will emerge for

livin to act in partnership with local health providers to improve the health and

wellbeing of its tenants and their families.

As a “frontline” service provider livin has privileged access to tenants and their

families; providing the potential for signposting to health related services. Good

levels of health can have positive effects on educational achievement and help the

level of employment within a community. It is important that health related activities

and facilities within the community are accessible and affordable by all.

Although levels of health within Spennymoor Town are comparable with the rest of

the County it is important that livin utilises involvement and interaction with its

tenants and their families to maintain and further enhance the levels of health within

the community.

There are a number of projects that livin could support that will link into the

preventative health agenda; making it critical that livin engages and works in

partnership with other local health based stakeholders to ensure maximum use of

resources.

Key Health Characteristics:

During 2001, general levels of health in the community were better when

compared to the County average.

18.5% of “working age” residents are suffering from a limiting long term

illness.

There is access within the community to a number of health based facilities and

activities; including a Leisure Centre with swimming pool and gym, Jubilee Park,

cricket fields, football fields and children’s play areas.

Residents are concerned about the affordability and access to health related

facilities and activities.

Residents perceive there to be a need for more activities and facilities for older

youths and teenagers. Youth activities need to be affordable and reflect the

hobbies and interests that youths wish to participate in.

65

2001 census data

indicates that 38.7%

of residents have no

qualifications.

1.7 Education and Training

Levels of educational attainment for residents are

marginally lower within Spennymoor Town when

compared to the Durham County average (Census,

2001, LLSOA, KS13, 001A, 001B, 001C, 001D, 001E,

003C, 003D, 005D, 005E).

2001 Census data indicates that 38.7% of the population in the community have no

formal qualifications.

The percentages of residents attaining level 1 (17.8%) and level 2 (18.7%)

qualifications are marginally higher when compared to the Durham County averages.

Level 1 qualifications include 1+'O' level passes; 1+ CSE/GCSE any grades; NVQ

level 1; or Foundation level GNVQ. Level 2 qualifications include 5+GCSEs (grades

A-C); 1+ 'A' levels/'AS' levels; NVQ level 2; or Intermediate GNVQ.

Based on 18.7% percentage of residents attaining level 2 qualifications (5+ GCSEs

A-C grades) the community has been ranked as GOLD for educational attainment.

Full details of the methodology for this ranking can be found in Appendix 2.

Figure 1.24: Educational attainment within Spennymoor Town Source: Census, 2001, LLSOA, KS13, 001A, 001B, 001C, 001D, 001E, 003C, 003D, 005D, 005E

5.9% of residents hold qualifications at level 3; this being less than the County

average of 7.4%.

38.7

17.8 18.7

5.9

11.7

7.2

36.0 17.0 18.1 7.4 14.5 7.1 0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

%

SpennymoorTown

DurhamCounty

66

The community is well served by a number of pre-school, primary and

secondary educational establishments.

Level 3 qualifications are necessary for advancement into University, higher

education or professional qualifications and include 2+ 'A' levels; 4+ 'AS' levels; NVQ

level 3; or an Advanced GNVQ.

There are also a lower percentage of residents (11.7%) that hold qualifications at

levels 4/5 when compared to the County average (14.5%). A level 4/5 qualification is

equivalent to a First Degree, Higher Degree, NVQ levels 4 and 5, HNC, HND, or

professional qualifications including qualified teacher, medical doctor, dentist, nurse,

midwife, or health visitor. This low percentage of residents educated to degree or

professional is reflected in the low number of residents employed in roles as

Professionals (doctors, dentists, teachers), Managers, or in Associate Professional

and Technical roles.

The 2007 Indices of Deprivation indicates that in relation to education, 10.3% of

residents living in the Spennymoor AAP area are deemed to be in the top 10%

nationally deprived (CLG, 2007). This is notably better than the Durham County

average where 18.5% of residents are deemed to be in the top 10% nationally

deprived.

The community is well served by a number of primary, junior and secondary

education establishments. The community has nine primary/junior schools;

Spennymoor West Infants, North Park Primary, King Street Primary and Junior,

Tudhoe Colliery Primary, Ox Close Primary, Rosa Street Primary, Bessemer Park

Infants, North Road Junior and St Charles RC Primary.

There are currently two secondary schools located within Spennymoor Town;

Tudhoe Grange and Spennymoor Comprehensive. However, DCC and the

Spennymoor Learning Community Trust have recently proposed for these two

schools to be merged, and a new purpose built school to be situated on the current

Spennymoor Comprehensive site. It is expected that this new school will be

managed by the Spennymoor Learning Community Trust.

There are no “faith” schools located within the community that can accommodate

pupils aged 11 years or older. As a result a number of local children attend faith

schools at nearby Bishop Auckland and Durham. Recent changes to DCC’s school

transport plan have seen the removal of funded transport arrangements to faith

schools in these areas. During consultation a number of residents expressed

concerns about the extra costs and problems with providing access to private or

public transport to these schools for their children.

There are three specialist schools located within the community at; Whitworth

School, The Meadows, and The Oaks.

67

There are numerous pre-school nursery facilities

within the area with provision being found at

Spennymoor West Infants, Ox Close Nursery,

Bessemer Park Nursery, Tudhoe Moor Nursery and

North Park Primary, and private day care nurseries at

Merrington Lane and Tudhoe Moor. There is a

Surestart Children’s Centre provided at Tudhoe Moor

Nursery. This provides access to information, help

and support, and preschool education and day care

for local families with children under the age of five.

The nearest further education colleges are located at

Bishop Auckland, Darlington and Durham with all

requiring access to public or private transport. Bishop Auckland College also provide

an outreach learning centre located at Merrington Lane. For many residents access

to further education will require travel out of the local area, this being hampered by

the rising costs of vehicle ownership and what is seen to be a restricted public

transport service.

The Local Learning Partnership (LLP) for Spennymoor, Byers Green and Kirk

Merrington is a partnership of local centres and learning providers which aims to

provide learning opportunities to residents within

the local community. LLP offer a range of non-

accredited and accredited courses ranging from

health and leisure, to employment related and arts

courses in various community venues.

At livin’s consultation events residents expressed

concerns about the opportunities for training and

education in the community for adults and school

leavers. Many residents felt there to be a need for

more skills based courses that will help local

residents secure future long term employment or enable them to enter further or

higher education. Residents are also concerned that the opportunities for training

and vocational courses for school leavers are restricted within the community.

However the recently opened outreach learning centre provided by Bishop Auckland

College provides a number of vocational qualifications and access to skills and

practical based training for local residents.

During the Youth Forum, youths indicated “Education and Training” to be of

significant importance to them. Information gained from youths living in the areas of

Spennymoor, Middlestone Moor, Byers Green and Kirk Merrington highlights the

hopes of many to continue their education to degree or professional level to enable

them to become employed in professional or skilled roles such as teachers, doctors,

accountants, health professionals and veterinarians.

“I think there is a need for

more training facilities in

Spennymoor and

opportunities for school

leavers”


Town

“New housing

developments are

bringing more families to

Spennymoor but there is

no extra capacity for

pupils at local schools”


Town

68

It is hoped that a requirement to travel out of the local area to access higher

education, and the rising costs of University fees do not restrict access into these

professions. As a high level of economic activity is essential for maintaining

community sustainability it is important that local service providers work in

partnership to help and encourage local youths to continue their education with the

hope of gaining sustainable employment.

During consultation residents expressed concerns about an increased demand for

primary school places as a result of ongoing residential development within

Spennymoor Town. There were also concerns raised that the proposed merger of

Tudhoe Grange and Spennymoor Comprehensive may not be able to meet the

future demand for secondary education places within the community if housing

development continues. If future supply of educational places within the community

is not able to meet demand this could result in families being required to move away

from Spennymoor Town to secure access to education for their children.


Education is a cornerstone of a sustainable community as it will promote financial

inclusion and help increase economic activity.

It is likely that at least 38.7% of residents in the community have no formal

educational qualifications, this being higher than the Durham County average.

Although livin cannot play a direct role in the provision of education there may be

Key Education Characteristics:

In 2001, 38.7% of residents within the community held no formal educational

qualifications; this is higher than the Durham County average.

18.7% of residents within the community have attained qualifications at level 2

(5+ GCSE’s grades A-C or equivalent).

11.7% of residents within the community are educated to Degree or

Professional level.

There is good access to pre-school, primary and secondary education with a

number of schools being located within the community.

Bishop Auckland College’s outreach learning centre at Merrington Lane provides

access to practical and skilled trade training and qualifications.

Access to other further and higher education colleges at Bishop Auckland,

Durham and Darlington require access to public or private transport.

Residents are concerned that the cost of public transport and the current service

provision within the community is restricting access to education.

.

69

opportunities to link with local education providers such as Surestart, local schools,

and colleges to help increase educational opportunities for its tenants and local

residents.

Low levels of educational attainment within the community and concerns from

residents about access to skills based vocational courses and qualifications

highlights a need for the increased provision and publicity of training courses within

the local community.

70

1.8 Reputation of the Local Area and Community Cohesion

To increase sustainability within an area it is

important that the community is seen as a good

place to live with high levels of community cohesion.

Feedback gained from the consultation events

indicates that although Spennymoor Town in general

is seen to be a decent place to live there is a poor

perception of specific areas which is decreasing the

overall reputation. A number of youths living in the

community stated that they have good relationships

with their neighbours and are happy living in their current homes.

A poor reputation for an area can last for many years and remain regardless of

significant changes and improvement to social,

economic and environmental factors. A reputation

even if it is a perception, can have a detrimental

effect on housing demand within a community. It

can also tarnish the reputation of the local

community and that of the RP’s providing social

housing within the community.

Both local residents and the Police Beat Teams

raised concerns about the behaviour and attitude of a small minority of residents

living in specific areas who diminish the reputation of the community as a whole; the

area of York Hill Estate and an area of privately rented terraced properties near to

the Town Centre being predominantly mentioned. There were also comments about

the increasing number of youths seen “hanging about” on the streets drinking alcohol

resulting in damage to property, nuisance and antisocial behaviour.

Community cohesion and interactions between residents is deemed to be low within

specific areas. There is a recognised link by both residents and livin staff between

low levels of community cohesion, and areas which have a poor reputation and

environmental appearance and high levels of nuisance and antisocial behaviour.

What does this mean to livin?

It is important that as one of the largest RP’s in the community, livin has a role to

play as “place maker”. livin is aware that to increase the reputation of specific areas

within this community and to enhance community cohesion the involvement of local

residents and other service providers (including other RP’s) is imperative.

Throughout this Plan a number of concerns have been identified relating to the area

of York Hill Estate.

“Community spirit in some

areas is non-existent.”


Town

“Reputation is poor in

certain areas of

Spennymoor.”


Town

71

These include low demand for specific property types belonging to livin, and

increased levels of nuisance and antisocial behaviour from certain families and

individuals. livin recognises the detrimental effect these issues are having on the

reputation of the area and levels of community cohesion and will be required to

conduct a range of short and long term interventions throughout the duration of this

community plan to facilitate improvement to the estate.

To enable the success of this Community Plan and the achievement of the Local

Offers, it is important that local residents and community groups play an important

role. The involvement of the local community in delivering these Local Offers can

help empower local residents to make a difference in their local communities, and

develop partnership working to improve the overall reputation of the community and

enhance community cohesion.

72

Dog faeces, litter, rubbish and broken glass in public areas is a concern for local

residents.

1.9 Local Environment

The majority of environmental feedback received from residents during the

consultation events centred on concerns about dog fouling in public areas, the need

for an enhanced street cleaning provision to remove litter and broken glass and

improvements to local play areas.

Residents are concerned about increased amounts of litter, rubbish and broken

glass being found on public highways and footpaths, dedicated parking areas, and

other open space green areas. Binge drinking and the prevalence of youths hanging

round the streets on a weekend, evening and during school holidays were perceived

to be the main causes for this.

The issue of dog fouling and the failing of owners to

remove faeces was a common complaint during all

consultation events. Residents are particularly

concerned about increased incidents of dog fouling in

public play areas, particularly on the local playing

field, commonly referred to as the “Daisy Field” and in

children’s play area.

Further causes for concern were the limited number of

car parking spaces within the community. A number

of residents explained how increasing levels of vehicle ownership is resulting in

parking and access problems, as many of the post war estates and terraced streets

within Spennymoor Town were designed without dedicated areas for parking. There

are specific problems in areas where a high

percentage of households are elderly and/or disabled

and for mobility purposes need their vehicle to be

parked close to their property. A number of residents

living in livin’s bungalows in St Paul’s Gardens have

raised concerns about the lack of dedicated parking

facilities in the area. livin is also aware of concerns

raised by households in Tudhoe Moor Estate over the

lack of dedicated parking facilities and how this results

in many vehicles being parked on public footpaths.

There were also requests for an enhanced maintenance programme of public

footpaths and highways by DCC due to many being littered with potholes and

crumbling tarmac and/or paving slabs. There was specific reference to areas

surrounding York Hill Estate.

“No dedicated parking

facilities near to my

home.”

Resident from

Spennymoor Town

“Dog fouling present

in play areas - litter

and broken glass on

the streets.”

Resident from

Spennymoor Town

73

There is a perceived need from residents for more external facilities for older children

and teenagers. Residents are concerned that

local play areas throughout the community are

often used by older youths and teenagers as

places to drink alcohol and smoke often

deterring younger children from using them.

Feedback from livin’s consultation events also

highlighted concerns from residents about the

environmental appearance of specific areas

within the community as a result of poorly

maintained properties, damage or disrepair to

boundary walls and fences and untidy and overgrown gardens. There were a

number of specific concerns relating to the areas of York Hill Estate including

damage and disrepair to boundary walls and fences, and the untidy and overgrown

condition of a number of gardens within the Estate. Many residents that live in or

around the Estate expressed annoyance about the condition and appearance of

specific properties and their gardens, and how this is having a detrimental effect on

the overall appearance of the area.

It is evident from information gathered during the Youth Forum that a number of

children and young persons living within Spennymoor Town are concerned about the

cleanliness and environmental appearance of the areas around which they live and

play. There were concerns about the presence of litter and dog fouling in the

community, together with broken glass in play areas from older youths drinking

alcohol and abandoned shopping trolleys from the local supermarket. There were

specific concerns about litter and graffiti around Festival Walk shopping area, the

under pass to the “Daisy Field”, Jubilee Park and other local play areas. A number

of youths complained about the presence of dog fouling in local play areas and on

the “Daisy Field” and how this can prevent use of these areas. There was strong

agreement for a need for more litter and dog fouling waste bins to be located within

the community, with particular emphasis placed on areas surrounding local play

areas.

On the 24 August 2011 an Environmental Assessment of the community was

conducted by members of livin’s Communities Team. The Assessment was

completed by assessing a number of environmental indicators at six designated

“stopping” points on a pre-determined route through the community. At the

designated stopping points a number of environmental indicators were assessed and

a number of points awarded.

“Some properties in York

Hill Estate have poorly

maintained gardens and

boundary walls/fences.”


Town

74

During the assessment there were a number of highlighted issues relating to the

condition of public footpaths, parking facilities, litter, dog fouling, and empty

properties within Festival Walk. There was evidence of litter and rubbish found at

Festival Walk and within Tudhoe Moor and York Hill Estates. Dog fouling was also

present within these two estates and on Marmaduke Street.

There was some evidence of damage and disrepair to public footpaths at Durham

Road, North Road and Tudhoe Moor Estate. There was extensive evidence of

disrepair to public footpaths within York Hill Estate, specifically around York Hill

Crescent and Tweed Road. Disrepair to the public highway was identified at Dundas

Street and Durham Road.

The Assessment identified a number of areas with parking issues caused by a lack

of available parking facilities. There are limited parking facilities at the top of the

High Street near to St Paul’s Church, and within Tudhoe Moor Estate resulting in a

number of vehicles being parked on public footpaths causing obstructions to

pedestrians

An Assessment of the area around Festival Walk found there to be evidence of litter

and rubbish. A number of commercial properties within Festival Walk and the High

Street are empty. Some of these empty properties have been boarded up giving the

area a “run down” appearance. The current condition of Festival Walk and the loss

of retailers from the area are major concerns for local residents and service

providers. There was also graffiti present on the external wall of DCC’s library at

Cheapside.

Apart from some properties located within York Hill Estate the majority of homes

within the vicinity of the stopping points were well maintained with tidy gardens.

Within York Hill Estate there were a number of identified areas for concern. These

were similar to those raised by local residents included poorly maintained properties,

gardens, and boundary walls and fences. Litter and dog fouling were also found

within the Estate. Areas of the public highway and footpaths are in disrepair and

some of the public grassed areas are in need of attention.

Based on the points awarded at the pre-determined stopping points, the community

scored a total average value of 27. As a result the overall condition of the

community has been ranked as SILVER. The full methodology relating to the

Environmental Assessment can be found in Appendix 2.

75

Figure 1.25: Route of Environmental Assessment

76


A good Environmental Assessment scoring and Silver ranking is a good result for the

community. It means that the community does not require intensive support and

may only require targeted work in specific hotspot areas. It is important that livin

ensure that future Environmental Assessments are conducted at appropriate

intervals to ensure the community is able to maintain or improve its current ranking.

As a result of community feedback, and livin’s Environmental Assessment a number

of hotspot areas within Spennymoor Town have been identified. Although livin

cannot play a lead role in targeted environmental improvements at all hotspot areas

within the community it is important that a partnership approach be adopted with

DCC, Spennymoor Town Council, Spennymoor AAP and other local service

providers and community groups to facilitate the enhancement and improvement of

these areas.

A number of environmental issues have been highlighted by local residents and livin

staff members in relation to York Hill Estate. As livin owns a number of properties

within this Estate it is important that it plays a lead role in conducting environmental

improvements. Improvement works will require close partnership working with DCC

in relation to repairs to public footpaths and highways. livin will also be required to

carry out an assessment of the current condition of the boundary walls and fences at

properties that it owns within York Hill Estate to determine any necessary

improvements.

livin is committed to ensuring that its local communities remain clean, tidy and

pleasant places to live. As such it will adopt a robust approach to taking action on

those tenants who breach their Tenancy Agreement by allowing their property’s

garden to become overgrown and untidy. As a number of properties within York Hill

Estate have been identified as having poorly maintained gardens it is important that

livin conduct more frequent assessments of the environmental appearance of this

area and take a robust approach to dealing with its tenants who do not keep their

gardens in an acceptable condition.

The limited availability of parking facilities within livin’s estates, including St Pauls

Gardens, Tudhoe Moor and York Hill Estate is a problem for many local residents.

Limited parking facilities are resulting in vehicles being parked on public footpaths,

and many residents with mobility problems are unable to park their vehicle near to

their property. Therefore, it will be necessary for livin to conduct an assessment of

current parking facilities within these areas to determine the feasibility of

implementing a course of action to improve existing facilities.

77

Based on the information contained within this community plan livin has been able to

identify and assess a number of key strengths and challenges that are being faced

by residents living in the community of Spennymoor Town.

To improve the levels of sustainability within this community it is important that key

strengths are maintained; together with conscientious efforts being made by livin,

other community stakeholders and local residents to address and reduce identified

challenges.

Taking into account these challenges livin has developed six key priorities for the

community:

The development of these key priorities and the creation of realistic action plans that

can be used by livin, community stakeholders and local residents to address and

achieve them will enable the maximisation of internal and external resources

available throughout the community.

Help to influence and maintain services that benefit the needs of local residents

and the community as a whole (including transport services, play facilities and

local retail services).

Develop a partnership approach to reducing barriers to work and increasing

employment opportunities for local residents, specifically those aged 25 years

and over (including supporting the provision of local skills and training courses)

Develop a partnership approach to developing health based initiatives to help

residents to adopt and maintain healthier lifestyles to further improve levels of

health.

Maintain a partnership approach to reduce incidents of low level crime and

antisocial behaviour.

Develop a partnership approach to supporting a range of diversionary activities

for children and young persons.

Assist with targeted environmental improvement to hotspot areas, specifically

in the area of York Hill Estate

Section 2 Community Priorities

78

The original actions contained within this Community Plan were revised in March

2013.

Based on what livin has learnt from your community, and our work with local partners

we have now developed a set of Local Offers for Spennymoor Town. The Local

Offers have taken into account the original actions from the community plan and the

views of the community obtained through consultation, leading to a new set of

standards and actions aimed at supporting and benefiting your area. Delivery of the

Local Offers will be monitored by livin tenants.

A copy of livin’s Local Offers for Spennymoor Town can be found on our website at

www.livin.co.uk.

This main Community Plan will be revised in 2014.

Section 3 Review of the Community Plan

http://www.livin.co.uk/

79

APPENDIX 1

livin STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

&

REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

80

livin Strategic Framework

livin’s role as a Registered Provider of social housing extends beyond managing

houses. This has been identified within livin’s Corporate Plan for 2011 – 2014 which

highlights the importance of improving the economic viability of local communities,

followed by social factors such as health and education, and enhancing the local

environment.

As such livin is focused on supporting the development of sustainable communities

for the current and future generation of residents. This is articulated through the

Company’s vision, mission and personality which are;

Mission “working with the community at heart”

Vision “sustaining and growing safe, cohesive and vibrant communities through

excellent customer services”

Personality “Caring, supportive, helpful and community orientated”

It is acknowledged that livin can play a key role in contributing to the delivery of

sustainable communities. By developing strong and coordinated partnership working

with residents and key stakeholders livin will develop:

Prosperous Communities - addressing economic viability of communities by

helping people to improve their financial circumstances, become less dependent

on benefits, positively address employability and increase financial confidence.

Healthy Communities – addressing social wellbeing, community cohesion and

health inequalities by improving health and wellbeing, secure access to further

opportunities and develop their aspirations.

Green Communities – addressing environmental quality and sustainability by

enhancing the setting of homes and promoting and supporting green initiatives in

communities.

During April 2011, livin introduced the “Your Voice, Local Choice”, Local Offer

document to ensure that “the right services are delivered in the right place for the

right people”. The Local Offer is a list of ten pledges that livin has made to tenants in

order to deliver key priorities. Full details of the pledges contained in livin’s Local

Offer can be found on the website at livin.co.uk or alternatively a copy can be

requested by contacting livin on 0845 505 5500 or 0300 111 2234 (low rate from a

mobile depending on network).

In addition to helping livin work towards sustaining and growing safe, cohesive, and

vibrant communities the Community Plans will play an important role in shaping and

81

articulating the Local Offer to tenants. They are the delivery mechanism for the

pledges contained within the Offer and will enable livin, community stakeholders and

local residents to tailor services and resources to the specific needs of each

individual community and enhance local service delivery. This relationship is

illustrated in the diagram below:

The development and implementation of the Community Plans represents a strategic

change in livin’s approach to supporting the sustainability of communities and will

help deliver the corporate improvement themes of “Customer Focussed Services”

and “Efficient Assets” by:

improving lives, neighbourhoods and communities

improving customer involvement and empowerment, and

increasing the sustainability of tenancies and homes

The Plans will be utilised to inform and enhance livin’s strategic planning and asset

management framework whilst helping to deliver customer and community focused

investment. They have an impact on all areas of service delivery, renewal and

regeneration, and have departmental cross cutting themes.

Local Offer

Established guiding principles

Locality 1

Byers Green

Kirk Merrington

Middlestone Moor

Spennymoor Town

Locality 2

Dean Bank

Ferryhill Village &

Cleves Cross

West Cornforth

Bishop Middleham

Chilton & Chilton Lane

Locality 3

Trimdon Village

Trimdon Grange

Trimdon Colliery

Fishburn

Sedgefield

Locality 4

Shildon

Middridge

Locality 5

Aycliffe Old Town

Aycliffe New Town

Aycliffe Village

Community Plan Strategy

82

Each Plan takes into account a whole spectrum of current national, regional and

local strategic agendas whilst retaining enough flexibility to address future emerging

policy and structural changes at all levels. They complement the Government’s

Localism Bill by facilitating and empowering local communities to improve local

services in their local area and careful consideration has also been given to relevant

housing strategies adopted by Durham County Council and the implications of the

Housing and Communities Agency (HCA) new role in regulating social landlords.

Tenant Services Authority Regulatory Requirements

The development and implementation of Community Plans also reflects livin’s

commitment to adhering to the Tenant Services Authority’s (TSA) current regulatory

regime. This regime requires livin to meet six separate service standards:

Tenant Involvement and Empowerment

Home

Tenancy

Neighbourhood and Community

Value for Money

Governance and Financial Viability

Comprehensive consultation to support each Plan will help livin to enhance customer

services and encourage local residents to become more responsible for local

services and the improvement of their communities thus addressing the Tenant

Involvement and Empowerment standard.

The Home standard will be addressed by assessing the current condition of the

current housing stock in each community to ensure that it is of high quality, well

maintained and suitable for demand.

It is crucial that the Tenancy standard be incorporated into the outcomes of the

Community Plan through the consideration and effective use of lettings policies, rent

management policies and the enhancement of tenancy sustainment.

As part of the Neighbourhood and Community standard livin is required to deliver on

three separate outcomes; local cooperation, antisocial behaviour and community

management. All of these will outcomes will be considered and addressed within the

outcomes of each Plan.

The Plans will also address the Value for Money standard by ensuring that livin

prioritise resources based on the actual needs and requirements of local residents

whilst enabling confidence for external stakeholders and businesses to invest in the

communities.

http://www.tenantservicesauthority.org/server/show/nav.14690






83

Durham County Council Strategic Framework

Durham County Council’s “Sustainable Communities” Strategy 2010-2030 is the

overarching plan for delivering long lasting improvements throughout the County. It

sets out five key strategic priority themes that will be focused on during the next 20

years:

Altogether Wealthier

Altogether Better for Children and Young People

Altogether Healthier

Altogether Safer

Altogether Greener

Whilst, Registered Providers are essential partners in delivering sustainable

communities, local authorities have the key strategic responsibility in this area. This

is particularly important for livin given its current geographical boundary within

County Durham and its relatively high levels of deprivation. Therefore the

Company’s approach of aligning key elements of its Corporate Plan 2011 – 2014 to

the priorities set out in Durham County Council’s Sustainable Communities Strategy

is vital in allowing the Company to play its role as a key partner in delivering

sustainable communities.

The provision of sustainable communities and vibrant and successful towns sits

within the key strategic theme of “Altogether Wealthier” and places a significant

emphasis on local housing markets and improvements in employability and skills as

key drivers in this achievement. Although the provision of a successful housing

market is predominantly featured in the theme of “Altogether Wealthier” there can be

cross cutting themes across the other four priority themes as demonstrated in the

community plans.

This theme of housing being a key driver in creating sustainable communities is

further detailed in “Building Altogether Better Lives: A Housing Strategy for County

Durham 2010-2015” (DCC, 2010). This strategy focuses on the ability for housing

and other related services to create better life chances for persons living in County

Durham by delivering better housing markets and high quality housing stock through

enhanced partnership working.

National Housing Federation

Research conducted by the National Housing Federation (NHF) found that numerous

RP’s are now using their presence and impact within their local communities to

provide services outside of their core housing management activities.

These activities are centred on employment and enterprise services, education and

skills services, wellbeing services, poverty and social inclusion, safety and

community cohesion.

84

During 2006/07 the NHF found that RP’s nationally delivered 6,800 community

services (including facilities) and invested £435 million (£272 million internal and

£163 external) into resources outside of their core areas of activity. This study

highlighted the prominence that RP’s have within their local communities and their

perfect position to act as place makers in their communities.

Further information and details relating to this research is contained within the full

NHF report, “The scale and scope of housing associations activity beyond housing”.

85

APPENDIX 2

METHODOLOGY

86

livin Communities With the help of livin’s Tenants Panel 19 local communities were defined. These 19

communities are also loosely based around Durham Constabulary’s local Police

“Beat” patches and are detailed below:

To successfully complete each individual Plan a wide range of quantitative and

qualitative data from an extended range of sources has been utilised. Data obtained

from these sources has focused on several social, economic and environmental

indicators.

Locality Community Estates

1

Byers Green Byers Green

Kirk Merrington Kirk Merrington

Middlestone Moor Middlestone Moor

Spennymoor Town Town Centre (inc Bessemer Park) York Hill Tudhoe Tudhoe Grange

2

Dean Bank Dean Bank

Ferryhill Village and Cleves Cross Ferryhill Village Cleves Cross

West Cornforth Topside Lowside

Bishop Middleham Bishop Middleham

Chilton and Chilton Lane The Poets Windlestone

3

Trimdon Village Trimdon Village

Trimdon Grange Trimdon Grange

Trimdon Colliery Trimdon Colliery

Fishburn Fishburn

Sedgefield Sedgefield

4

Shildon Central Shildon Jubilee Fields New Shildon

Middridge Middridge

5

Aycliffe Old Town Shafto Simpasture Central

Aycliffe New Town Horndale Agnew Burnhill Western

Aycliffe Village Aycliffe Village

87

Qualitative data collection methods has required livin to hold a number of

consultation events within the community to gain the views and opinions of local

residents, and children and young people together with anecdotal data from

interviews with members of staff from livin’s Communities and Home Support

Teams.

Social, Economic and Environmental Indicators

Several social, economic and environmental indicators have been established for

each community; with some being benchmarked against County and National data

averages.

The table below shows the themes and topics each Community Plan has explored

and the data sources used to populate the required intelligence.

Themes Method

Housing

Quantitative- National statistics, livin stock data, DKO lettings data, Council tax data, Durham County Council strategic housing market assessment, House price websites and Land Registry data

Qualitative – Interviews and consultation events

Crime Rates and Perception of Crime

Quantitative – Durham Constabulary crime data and livin internal data


Economy and Employment

Quantitative - National statistics and DWP Benefit data


Accessibility to Services and Facilities


Health and Well Being Quantitative - National Statistics


Education and Training Quantitative - National Statistics


Reputation and Community Cohesion


Local Environment (including built environment, management of public areas)

Qualitative – Interviews, consultation events and community environmental assessments

88

Community Views and Opinions

The community in Spennymoor Town were invited to tell livin their views, concerns and opinions about their local community. A

number of consultation events took place during May 2011 and June 2011 at local community centres, Spennymoor Library and

Leisure Centre. Consultation was also conducted at meetings held by Greenways Residents Association and Tudhoe Residents

Association. During June 2011, livin and other partner agencies participated in a Youth Forum event involving a number of young

people (aged 10 to 14 years) predominantly from Spennymoor Town, Byers Green, Kirk Merrington, and Middlestone Moor to

obtain views and opinions about their communities, housing and lifestyles. Anecdotal evidence to support the intelligence

contained in this plan has also been obtained from the Police Beat Teams for Spennymoor Town and livin staff members.

The table below highlights the main concerns and areas for improvement highlighted during livin’s public consultation events:

Themes Community Comments

Housing

Not a lot of community spirit

Fencing too low - should be higher as people have pets and should be given option to help buy fencing

Too many houses empty

Too many houses not enough employment

Buy to let increasing

Bungalows - brickwork needs fixing

No job security - can’t get a mortgage

Entrance way to flats (Mount Pleasant) untidy

Not enough houses (social)

Affordability - first time buyers can’t afford to purchase properties

Don’t know who our neighbours are anymore – no cohesion

Flats on York Hill should be changed to housing

Poor condition of gardens at Tweed Road and York Hill Crescent

Poor garden conditions (worse in Summer)

Young people cannot afford their own property

Housing is becoming expensive for single parents

Under occupation

All executive type homes maximum money to developer, no bungalows

89

No affordable homes for local young people, building executive homes (more income)

Where is the affordable housing for young people who would like to get on the property ladder

Suitability of housing - flats with ASB next to houses

Crime and Antisocial Behaviour

Good relationship with police

Youth gathering at laundry area litter in area

Nothing for kids to do

Big kids take over the park so little ones can’t go in

Cut backs in other areas will increase crime

Ok

Why is Spennymoor Police Station part-time

When new play areas are built – they are broken straight away

Don’t like how people are being abusive and wreck equipment

Could be improved, experienced noise, nervous because of people who go around estate

Youth gathering and causing nuisance at leisure centre

Footpath in Fairview damaged, also damaged lights, youths/adults

Scared by youths drunk on streets

Few problems at St David's Close

Noisy on night at bus stop at St David's Close

Quite quiet - Tweed Road area

York Hill problems with crime

Parents don’t make youths behave - ASB when on streets

Very few problems in St David's area except the bus stop

ASB from single tenants in York Hill Crescent and Tweed Road

ASB and underage drinking

Mini motorbikes, quad bikes on paths, bridleways etc. – safety risk

Dealing with crime and ASB starts at home - educate and penalise bad parents

Try educating the parents first. They are the educators in life. Teachers are there to extend the education

Mini motorbikes on bridleway next to the estate

90

Economy and Employment

No local jobs - need to travel out of area

No apprenticeships

Better job opportunities in other countries need to move away

No local jobs - people been made redundant

Too many short term jobs

Massive effect no jobs in area

Taxi fare are too high

Expensive to run cars

Lack of employment - need to travel to work

Shops should be reopened to create more jobs in the area and open spaces could be used for housing

No local jobs for community sustainability

Building lots of new homes but no jobs to support local infrastructure, will be commuter town not a community

People leave the town for major shopping, no input into the local economy

Access to Services and Facilities

Town centre is going dead

Community buses - SBC stopped buses

Bus routes don’t know which bus to get - not reliable

No bus to Ferryhill or West Cornforth on a night

Cost of services (youth club etc.) for children

Shopping in the town - empty shops

Need a scout group in Spennymoor

Local buses - not reliable, don’t give access to where you want to go

Not enough access to doctors (parking and appointments)

Would love a variety of shops in our area

Shops could be improved - more choice

More activities for teenagers

Bus routes - outlying areas can’t get out

Precinct needs demolishing - not enough local shops

Use local shops - need more in precinct

Youths won’t use play facilities

Rebuilding programme required

91

Limited bus service on Sundays

What’s on guide provided for "youths"

Not enough for children to do

No bus service on Sundays

Need to travel for specialist shops i.e. furniture etc.

Need bus services increased on Tudhoe estate stops at 7.30 p.m. No services on Sundays

Repairs made very quickly (livin properties)

Festival Walk needs cleaning and tidying

Bus routes restricting access to work etc. - less buses on a night

Need a bus round Greenways estate everyday

No bus on a Sunday at Kirk Merrington and day times too

Transport links to and from the town centre not acceptable we have a lot of OAPs who cannot drive but need the links for social events etc.

Need to keep bus service around estates

Lack of public transport certain times of the day Mon - Fri - none at all on Sundays

Public transport bus service is a joke for elderly people who don’t drive

People living on the Greenways who do not drive are unable to have access to transport (buses) on Sundays

Loads of new houses no infrastructure growth planning and no new jobs for sustainability. A commuter town not a community.

Derelict town centre - Festival Walk

Health and Well Being

Need to promote activities/services better

They want everyone to join in the clubs and activities

Good

More equipment in Jubilee Park for older children

More activities for teenagers - gyms etc.

Gym fees should be cheaper

Lack of sauna and steam facilities

Gym membership prices are very high

Doctors to be more proactive (younger peoples health)Health facilities could be improved

With transport cut backs - how does the elderly manage - i.e. access to doctors, shopping facilities etc.

92

Education & Training

Should be more training facilities in Spennymoor

Removal of funded transport to faith schools from town

Youth club - out a same time as school - North Park Primary School

Training facilities could be improved

Dislike senior schools merging

Could be more training for school leavers

Merger of high schools in area causing problems where to send our children

Against merger - will need more comprehensive schools for ongoing housing developments

Training for what? No jobs in this area

Not enough primary school places in local schools proposed demountable classrooms to cope

No aspirations for a lot of young people i.e. jobs future career

What prospects have school leavers got, what training is available to them, not all young adults want to go to university

Reputation and Community Cohesion

I think the town is picking up whereby shops are reopening

Okay place to live

York Hill Estate has a bad reputation

Reputation bad in some areas of Spennymoor especially Middlestone Moor

Ok place to live but has a bad reputation

York Hill Estate has a terrible reputation

Reputation decreased - young people hanging about

Poor reputation of estate due to three families/households

General "fair reputation" - pockets of problem areas

Concerns area being run down by problem tenants

A lot of people only care about themselves now you don’t matter

Public Apathy

Community spirit in younger some generation non existent

93

Environment

Not enough parking spaces

It’s a mess needs cleaning, litter

Broken glass in car parks

Play area - litter and cans in area

MUGA gets used by younger children (Mount Pleasant Court)

Paths crumbling

Mobile skate park - nothing for youths to do

Litter from kids round laundry area (Mount Pleasant Court)

Don’t always use grassed areas

Dog Fouling

Ox Close Crescent - play park gone - youth drinking, nothing for kids to do

Dog Fouling

Very clean always could picking up litter, downside no dog fouling bags

Local environment clean and tidy

Play areas good but there is dog fouling

Broken glass on paths

Fencing in front garden needs sorting out on York Hill Estate

More lighting needed in certain areas

Problems with letter (youths dropping litter)

Litter big issue also problems in woods people drinking

Play areas for younger children don’t want to play in play area because of older youths

Glass on paths, layby, sub-station behind Rothman Close used as meeting point for youths in summer

Poor condition of footpaths at rear of estate Tweed Road, St David's, York Hill

Play area should be for younger children - older teens always hanging around

Take away litter all over local roads

Parking at St Pauls Gardens (50-57)

Dog fouling a major issue - no wardens around at the right times of the day

Better play area for older children in park (up to 16)

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Community Ranking Methodology

Based on the intelligence contained within this Community Plan livin has been able to rank the community based on; Bronze

(potential), Silver (aspiring) or Gold (performing). This will enable the identification of the communities which require more

immediate and more intensive interventions whilst ensuring there are mechanisms in place to maintain Gold standards.

The following are details of the methodology used by livin when determining the ranking for each community indicator:

Indicator Ranking

Housing

Market

Affordability

Affordability ratios have been devised by comparing income to house prices in order to calculate how many times their average income an individual would be required to borrow to purchase their own property. It is particularly interesting to assess how well lower income households can access the housing market. To gauge access to entry level housing the data used is the lower quartile income of residents within the former area of Sedgefield Borough and the average price of terraced housing within the community (the assumption is that this house type is often the lower quartile house type). Data sources for this information were the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) 2010 and land registry house price data. To assess the level of affordability it is important to rank the multiplier by the England average. In England during 2009 the lower quartile house price was 6.28 times the lower quartile full-time individual earnings (http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/statistics/housingplanningstatistics2010). Access to lending on homes is still calculated using a multiplier of 3.5 for single households and 2.9 for dual income households, therefore a multiplier of 3.5 or less can be deemed as affordable.

Gold = Multiplier of 0 to 3.5 is affordable Silver = Multiplier of 3.6 to 6.3 Bronze = Multiplier of 6.4 and above

Tenancy

Turnover

Tenancy Turnover is determined by the percentage of houses available to let compared with the total housing stock in a community. It is recognised that this methodology is very simplistic and there are several factors that should be considered in conjunction with this ranking. These include:

Turnover rates in specific house types are generally higher than others (one bedroom bungalows) so consideration must be given to the total community stock profile

Gold communities will have a lower tenancy turnover; however a Gold ranking could indicate lack of access to housing and affordability issues requiring more households to have a housing need for socially rented properties in a particular community

It is important that when considering tenancy turnover; further investigation be given to the

Gold = 5% turnover or less Silver = 8-9% turnover Bronze = 10% turnover or more

http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/statistics/housingplanningstatistics2010

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circumstances surrounding the ranking and circumstances that may have contributed towards a high level of turnover. Further investigation should also be made into stock types within the community and the accessibility and affordability of housing. To compile the percentage rates used to calculate this ranking consideration has been given to Housemark’s national Benchmarking figures

Demand for

livin housing

Demand for livin properties has been determined by the comparison of three indicators of demand taken from Durham Key Options (DKO) data. Each of these indicators has been scored accordingly with the overall score of all three determining the ranking allocated to the community:

Hard to let properties in a community: This is defined as properties that have been advertised in three or more bidding cycles with DKO before being let. It is important to note that the presence of low demand house types within a community can increase the percentage of hard to let properties within a community. - No properties hard to let = 5 points - 1 to 2% of properties hard to let = 3 points - 3% or more properties hard to let = 1 point

Area of preference: Upon application households can choose their areas of choice. These indicate a “perception” of an area therefore producing a demand. Areas of preference between communities have been determined by analysing the number of applicants showing a preference for each community compared to the amount of applicants received by livin (by percentage). Applicants can indicate a preference for more than one area and it must be noted that area of preference is made at point of first application to DKO and is a snapshot in time. Often applicants do not update their areas of preference and these areas of preference may differ from their original indications during time spent on the housing register. - 50% or more applicants expressing the community as an area of preference = 5 points - 21 to 49% of applicants expressing the community as an area of preference = 3 points - 0 to 20% of applicants expressing the community as an area of preference = 1 point

Average (mean) bids per property by community: Demand is evident by the volume of bids received for a property. It is noted that this method will disguise some house types or localised areas where the bids per property are very low and in some areas where there are exceptional number of bids per property. - 20 bids or more = 5 points - 10-19 bids = 3 points - 9 bids or less = 1 point

These three indicators considered together give livin a fair indication of demand for livin’s communities. However, anecdotal evidence from staff has uncovered that this methodology may disguise the actual experience of demand in livin communities by using a general mean average

Gold = 11 to 15 points Silver = 6 to 10 points Bronze = 1 to 5 points

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over all house types and sizes. This ranking together with the analysis does indicate areas of further in depth analysis.

Average

Repair Costs

Per Property

This has been calculated by analysing the total repair costs for livin properties within each of the 19 communities for the period 01 April 2009 to 31 March 2010. To calculate the average repair cost per property the total cost of all repairs for all livin properties in the community has been divided against the total number of stock livin owns within the community.

Gold = £599 or less Silver = £600 to £650 Bronze = £600 or more

Long Term Unemployment

(6 to 12 months)

This ranking is based on data supplied by the DWP in March 2011 and relates to the percentage of persons residing in Spennymoor Town claiming Jobseekers Allowance for a period of 6 to 12 months. This data has been compared to the overall percentage for Durham County of 18%. Data was obtained from the NOMIS Official Labour Market Statistics supplied by the Office for National Statistics.

Gold = 17% or less (lower than the County percentage) Silver = 18% (equivalent to the County percentage) Bronze = 19% or more (higher than the County percentage)

Average

Household

Income

This ranking is based on national statistics and relates to model-based average weekly household total income estimates for households in Spennymoor Town for 2001/2002. This data has been compared to the North East average weekly household total income estimate of £410.00. Data was obtained from the Office for National Statistics.

Gold = £411.00 or more Silver = £410.00 Bronze = £409.99 or less

livin Rental To assess the rent payments made by tenants within livin properties in Spennymoor Town an Gold = 0 to 0.99%

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Debit analysis and comparison of livin’s rental debit figures for 2009/2010 to 2010/2011 were utilised.

The total rental debit charge is the total rent charged for all livin properties within Spennymoor Town throughout a financial year. At the end of the financial year the total amount of rent payments collected by livin is offset against the total rental debit. The total amount of rent payments collected by livin is calculated within the first week of the following financial year; this ensures that any housing benefit payments have been processed and credited to the relevant rent account. All housing benefit payments paid by DCC are received every 4 weeks and are paid in arrears. By offsetting the amount of rent paid throughout the year against the total rental debit charge for the year livin are able to calculate how much outstanding debt it has within each individual community. This outstanding debt is commonly referred to as “rent arrears”. This figure is then calculated as a percentage of the total rental debit charge and has been used to provide the community’s ranking. livin has not been able to base the ranking of rental debit against any validated local benchmarking figures.

Silver = 1.00% to 1.99% Bronze = over 2.00%.

Educational Attainment (5 GCSE’s Grade C &

Above)

This ranking is based on national statistics from the 2001 Census data and relates to the percentage of persons residing in the community of Spennymoor Town that have an educational attainment of 5 GCSE’s Grade C and above. This data has been compared and ranked against the County and North East averages of 18%. Data obtained from the Office for National Statistics at www.statisics.co.uk

Gold = 19% or more Silver = 18% Bronze = 17% or less

Environmental

Assessment

On 24 August 2011, staff from livin’s Communities Teams conducted an Environmental Assessment on a pre-determined route through the community. At each of the “stopping points” a number of economic indicators were scored. The maximum number of points that can be awarded at each stopping point is 35. Environmental indicators include:

Grassed areas & shrubs

Fly tipping & litter

Garages

Pathways, roads & parking

Gold = 30 to 35 points

Silver = 21 to 29 points Bronze = 0 to 20 points

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Trees

Boundary walls & fences

Gardens The route through the community began at St Pauls Church on Whitworth Terrace and continued down the High Street, through Festival Walk and onto Cheapside. The route then progressed along Low Grange Road onto Durham Road. At the end of Durham Road (Five Lane Ends) the route split into three different directions. The first being along St Charles Road into Tudhoe Village, the second being into and around York Hill Estate, and the third being along North Road and Green Lane into Tudhoe Moor Estate. The total number of points attained throughout the assessment is then divided by the number of stopping points to provide an average total for the community. The community scored a total of 164 points (164 divided by 6 = 27). Full details of the Environmental Assessments can be found at: www.livin.co.uk

http://www.sedgefieldboroughhomes.co.uk/

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Total Score for Spennymoor Town This score is based on a range of economic, social, and environmental indicators contained within the Community Plan for Spennymoor Town. These issues have been scored against strategic priorities from livin’s Corporate Plan 2011-2014. The maximum a community can score is 36. This is based on a maximum of 15 points for economic issues, 12 points for social issues and 9 points for environmental issues.

Contact Us:

livin, Farrell House, Arlington Way, DurhamGate, Spennymoor, Co Durham, DL16 6NL visit: livin.co.uk e: [email protected] t: 0800 587 4538 (free from a landline) or 0300 111 2344 (cheap rate from mobiles depending on your network)

0

5

10

15

Economic Social Environmental

Low level

issues

Prominent issues

Substantial

issues

20

http://www.livin.co.uk/

mailto:[email protected]

Spennymoor Town Community Plan 2011 2014

Documents

Transcript of Spennymoor Town Community Plan 2011 2014