spennymoor town community plan 2011 2014
DESCRIPTION
ÂTRANSCRIPT
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
4
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
5
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
6
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
7
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
8
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.”
Resident from Spennymoor
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 Bungalow 175
2 Bedroom Flat 79
2 Bedroom House 231
3 Bedroom Bungalow 2
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
What does this mean for livin?
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.
What does this mean for livin?
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”
Resident from Spennymoor
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”
Resident from Spennymoor
Town
“Antisocial behaviour
and crime in York Hill
Estate”
Resident from Spennymoor
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
What does this mean for livin?
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”
Resident from Spennymoor
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”
Resident from Spennymoor
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”
Resident from Spennymoor
Town
“Training facilities could
be improved.”
Resident from Spennymoor
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.
What does this mean for livin?
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”
Resident from Spennymoor
Town
“Bus services are very
limited on a Sunday, Bank
Holiday or evening”
Resident from Spennymoor
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”
Resident from Spennymoor
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.”
Resident from Spennymoor
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.
What does this mean for livin?
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”
Resident from Spennymoor
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
What does this mean for livin?
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”
Resident from Spennymoor
Town
“New housing
developments are
bringing more families to
Spennymoor but there is
no extra capacity for
pupils at local schools”
Resident from Spennymoor
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.
What does this mean for livin?
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.”
Resident from Spennymoor
Town
“Reputation is poor in
certain areas of
Spennymoor.”
Resident from 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.”
Resident from Spennymoor
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.
76
What does this mean for livin?
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
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.
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”.
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
Qualitative – Interviews and consultation events
Economy and Employment
Quantitative - National statistics and DWP Benefit data
Qualitative – Interviews and consultation events
Accessibility to Services and Facilities
Qualitative – Interviews and consultation events
Health and Well Being Quantitative - National Statistics
Qualitative – Interviews and consultation events
Education and Training Quantitative - National Statistics
Qualitative – Interviews and consultation events
Reputation and Community Cohesion
Qualitative – Interviews and consultation events
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)
94
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
95
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
96
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%
97
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
98
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
99
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