Consett North Liberal Democrats

12/09/2026

Yesterday a multi agency walk about took place in the town centre, something I requested a while back and have pushed for, I was extremely happy with how things went and I’m very positive of a good outcome, some partners were unable to attend yesterday but we had a senior safer places officer for community protection neighbourhoods and environment, CCTV support, a rough sleeper outreach worker, a community economic development officer and Consett Police, this is going to be a long post but I feel it’s important to keep you up to date as I know the town centre issues are a major concern for not just my residents but the wider community. A couple of our CCTV cameras aren’t the best, so I’m using some of my neighbourhood budget to upgrade them with some funding from Durham Police and Crime Commissioner I’d like to thank Joy for her help with this.
We discussed the empty decaying buildings in the town centre, action is being taken around these, we are going to be seeing big things happening with the eye sore that is the x catalogue shop. The economic development officer has a large sum of money to spend across the county and I’m delighted to say some of this is going to be spent in Consett, to start with we will soon see the tatty benches/seats taken away to be refurbished, you will see some new shop fronts in middle street/front st including new windows, doors and shutters, I’ll share other works with you in due course, we spent a good amount of time visiting the problem areas and discussing possible solutions,like everything this will take time but I’m confident we we all see massive improvements moving forward. The homelessness situation was addressed and partners are working extremely hard on this, this obviously has a knock on effect around anti social behaviour ect, and I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again please please report any incidents.
Our police are working so hard and I’ve a lot of respect for them, they are severely understaffed, this isn’t just a County Durham problem it’s country wide, we need to push for more police on our streets. When I’m prime minister I’ll get that sorted 😊
Seriously though I came away from yesterdays meeting feeling very positive, we have scheduled another walk about in 4 weeks and this will be a regular thing until things are resolved in Consett.

12/09/2026

Another fantastic night in Blackhill park for Street Food Carousel, the sun shone and a good time was had by all. It’s been brilliant seeing the park full and being used like it always was years ago, we are already planning next years events which Terry and I will be happy to support with funding from our neighbourhood budgets,and of course the Christmas in Consett event which I think is going to be extra special this year. Something that must be addressed is the parking, it would be a real shame if these events couldn’t go ahead next year due to the parking issues that once again happened last night, I’ve included a few photos, it beggers belief how someone can park so close to a junction and think it’s acceptable and could potentially spoil further events taking place, not to mention cause an accident.

07/09/2026

You may of seen posts about the new hospital this morning on Facebook, the final business case has yet to be submitted and hopes are that will be done by January 2027, I really hope things progress, as a new hospital is so desperately needed.

04/09/2026

I asked for a multi agency walk about in Consett town centre to address the current issues, this will take place next week, I will keep you all updated going forward, I’m happy to support the upgrade of two cctv cameras which weren’t upgraded when the others were from my neighbourhood budget,
I will also be attending the regular meetings with the police at jigsaw in Moorside.

25/08/2026

Following a meeting today I’ve received this from the neighbourhood protection manager at Durham County Council.

I’d also encourage people to attend Fridays PACT meeting at St John’s church hall DH8 8EB at 6pm.

We do appreciate the frustration of local residents and businesses and can assure you that partner agencies continue to take action.

Current activity includes:
Daily patrols by Durham Constabulary and Neighbourhood Wardens.
Direct engagement with individuals sleeping rough, focusing on behaviour and encouraging engagement with appropriate support services.
Ongoing referrals and information sharing with the Rough Sleeper Team, and Drugs and Alcohol Team
Removal of discarded needles whenever they are identified, this is on public and private land.
Engagement with private landowners, with notices having been served where appropriate and action subsequently taken by some landowners.
Warning notices issued to individuals in relation to anti-social behaviour and associated issues.

We recognise the impact these incidents are having on businesses and the wider community. Whilst enforcement action is being utilised where appropriate, we continue to balance this with efforts to support vulnerable individuals into suitable accommodation and services.

Partnership working between the Council, Police, and specialist support services remains ongoing, and we will continue to monitor the area closely and respond to any reported incidents.

25/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/14mubG2qdaa/?mibextid=wwXIfr

24/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/196ZCj7hxm/?mibextid=wwXIfr

A reminder about Building Self-Belief’s litter-pick happening tomorrow at 1:30pm!
We look forward to seeing you there 💚💚

24/08/2026

Terry and I have given funding to this free event taking place bank holiday Monday

23/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1d717GHLhu/?mibextid=wwXIfr

23/08/2026

On Saturday Terry and I were invited to Derwent Dene lodge children’s home in shotley bridge, to a superhero’s and everyday hero’s party, I asked firefighters from Consett Fire Station to attend, and the kids had a great time and ended up drenched ! I love this place it’s filled with love from the minute you step through the front door ❤️