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<title>Harrowgate Hill News Blog</title>
<description>The Blog of Harrowgate Hill, Darlington</description>
<link>http://harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk/news/</link>
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<pubDate> Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 </pubDate>
<author>mike@harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk (Mike Cartwright)</author>
<link>http://www.harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk/news/article.php?id=137</link>
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<title>Changes to Bus Pass Eligibility</title>
<description><![CDATA[From 6 April 2010 the age of eligibility for concessionary bus travel will increase from 60 to 65 over the next 10 years.

This change, announced by Central Government in December 2009, will bring concessionary travel in-line with the changes that are being made to the state pension age from April 2010.

Currently both men and women become eligible for a free bus pass at 60.  As the state pension age for women gradually increases from 60 to 65 over the next 10 years, the age of eligibility for the concessionary bus pass will also increase.   These new

plans mean that by 2020 the age of eligibility for both men and women will have increased at the same rate to 65. 

Central Government decided the fairest method would be a gradual rise in the earliest age for men and women to get bus passes, rather than introduce a one-off rise which would leave those currently close to retirement age facing a full five-year delay. Therefore eligibility will gradually be rising for both men and women, from the age of 60 on 6th April 2010 to 65 on 5 April 2020.

The age of eligibility for the state pension is scheduled to rise by two months every one month.  This means the earliest date on which a person can get a bus pass will depend on which month they were born in and will not fall on their birthday.  

The changes will only affect those due to turn 60 on or after 6 April 2010 and will not affect people who already hold a bus pass.  The eligibility criteria for a disabled persons pass will remain unchanged.  

The attached table sets out when those approaching the age of 60 will become eligible for a concessionary bus pass. 

Questions and Answers - Members of the Public 

Are you taking my bus pass away from me? 

Absolutely not.  For people who have already reached the age of 60 or are due to do so before 6 April 2010 there will be no change whatsoever.  Even if you have not already taken up your entitlement to a bus pass, you will be unaffected by the changes]]></description>
<comments>http://harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk/news/article.php?id=137#Comments</comments>
</item>
<item>
<pubDate> Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 </pubDate>
<author>mike@harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk (Mike Cartwright)</author>
<link>http://www.harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk/news/article.php?id=136</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk/news/article.php?id=136</guid>
<title>Keep Warm, Keep Well.</title>
<description><![CDATA[Keeping Warm this Winter 
Why keeping warm matters
To keep well during winter, it's essential to keep warm. As the weather gets colder, we are all more likely to catch colds or flu; and if your body temperature drops then the risks of a heart attack, stroke or breathing difficulties increase. This is especially true for older people, or those who have a serious disease or are vulnerable due to a physical disability. 
So the best way to combat winter is to keep warm and follow as healthy a lifestyle as possible. What you eat and drink, and the exercise you take, can make a big difference. And, as part of keeping well, it is vital to keep your home warm and keep yourself warm when you go out.
Tips to keep warm
•	Try to keep a constant temperature of 18-21ºC (64-70ºF) in all rooms. If this is not possible or affordable, keep one room warm but pre-heat the bed and bedroom before you go to bed. 
•	Make sure you have some hot food and drink every day. 
•	Take a little exercise every day. 
•	Wrap up warmly before going out, no matter how short the trip. 
•	Keep warm in bed at night. 
Practical and useful common sense suggestions are available on the government's 'Keep warm keep well' website and in the accompanying booklet  ‘Keep warm keep well': www.direct.gov.uk/keepwarmkeepwell
HE-AT offers all households in the Borough of Darlington free and confidential advice and assistance on a range of fuel and energy related issues.  

For further information or to arrange a free and confidential appointment, please telephone on 357345 or e-mail advice@fiftyplus.org.uk 

Call into our office at 9 Clark’s Yard to pick up your free copy of ‘Keep warm keep well’ and our ‘Help with Heating Costs’ Factsheet. 



]]></description>
<comments>http://harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk/news/article.php?id=136#Comments</comments>
</item>
<item>
<pubDate> Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 </pubDate>
<author>mike@harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk (Mike Cartwright)</author>
<link>http://www.harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk/news/article.php?id=135</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk/news/article.php?id=135</guid>
<title>Longfield School Revamp</title>
<description><![CDATA[THREE secondary schools are celebrating today after it was announced that they will share £57.6m of government funding to renew their buildings.

Darlington Council put together a bid earlier this year to the Government’s Building Schools for the Future fund, to transform Hurworth, Longfield and Branksome schools.

The money means that all of the Borough’s secondary schools will have been rebuilt or remodelled in the last four years.

Despite the schools’ success and popularity, all three have older buildings which are increasingly unsuitable for modern education.

Last year all of them made emergency closures as a result of problems with heating systems and electricity or gas supplies.

The money will allow each school to be significantly rebuilt, with some existing buildings retained and modernised.

The work will include providing Longfield, which has Sports College status, with state-of-the-art sports facilities and all three schools will get new facilities available to the community and for teaching Diplomas.

Facilities for children with special education needs will also be improved at the three schools.

Hummersknott, Haughton and Carmel RC schools will also receive some of the funding to update and improve ICT systems.

Plans will now be drawn up with construction work at the schools expected to start in 2011.

They all have sites big enough to take new builds or remodelling work without disrupting the education of pupils, who will continue to attend school on site.]]></description>
<comments>http://harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk/news/article.php?id=135#Comments</comments>
</item>
<item>
<pubDate> Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 </pubDate>
<author>mike@harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk (Mike Cartwright)</author>
<link>http://www.harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk/news/article.php?id=134</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk/news/article.php?id=134</guid>
<title>Fuel Bills</title>
<description><![CDATA[Would you like a warmer home and lower fuel bills?

We can help!

With winter fast approaching and temperatures beginning to drop too many people begin to worry about their fuel bills and find that they are unable to keep their homes adequately warm at an affordable cost.  The rising cost of fuel and low household income both contribute to this problem but trying to heat draughty, poorly insulated homes with inadequate heating systems means that you are burning money in an effort to keep it warm and comfortable.

HE-AT is a new project based at Age Concern Darlington that works in partnership with Darlington Borough Council, NHS Darlington, Darlington Citizens Advice Bureau and the Energy Saving Trust.

HE-AT offers all households in the Borough of Darlington free, confidential quality assured advice and assistance on a range of fuel and energy related issues.  We can help you by:-

•        negotiating with your fuel company about fuel debt, billing errors or disconnection of energy supply; 
•        assisting you to access cheaper tariffs and cost effective payment methods; 
•        helping you access grants available for insulation, central heating and other energy efficiency improvements 
•        helping you to access funds for other types of home improvements.
•        referring you for energy home energy efficiency checks that will enable you to reduce costs
•        helping you to maximise your income.

Advice is available to home owners and to private, council and housing association tenants and is not restricted by age. 

Don’t get caught out by the cold weather, contact us at the HE-AT project at Age Concern for advice before the winter bites. 

For further information or to arrange a free and confidential appointment, please visit our office at 9 Clarks Yard, phone us on 357345 or e-mail advice@fiftyplus.org.uk

]]></description>
<comments>http://harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk/news/article.php?id=134#Comments</comments>
</item>
<item>
<pubDate> Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 </pubDate>
<author>mike@harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk (Mike Cartwright)</author>
<link>http://www.harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk/news/article.php?id=133</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk/news/article.php?id=133</guid>
<title>Pest Control</title>
<description><![CDATA[We provide technical advice and practical treatment for a range of nuisance pests.  Contact us for advice or to book an appointment for pest control treatment by telephoning 01325 388799 or e mailing customerservices@darlington.gov.uk

Residential Properties
The Council provides a free rat and mice control service to all residential properties within the Council boundary. There is a charge of £57.00 + VAT to carry out treatments for the control of other pests for residents living in owner occupied or privately rented properties. There is no charge to Council tenants.

Commercial Properties
Commercial properties are expected to seek assistance from private pest control contractors to deal with pests. We will carry out treatments and charge £66.06 + VAT for rodents and £57.00 + VAT for insects.

The links on the left hand side of the page give further information on common pests.

Simple actions to help prevent problems with rodents
Rats love compost bins. They are warm and full of food. Place wire mesh (1cm x 1cm) under the base of your compost bin or even better put it on a concrete base to stop rats getting in under the bin. 
Keep rubbish in sealed bins with well fitting tops, and keep long grass to a minimum to reduce places for them to live. 
Ensure that drainage is in good repair. Drains are not broken and that inspection chambers are in good condition. 
Inspect your house for any holes or faults in the brickwork. If the hole is not supposed to be there it needs to be repaired. 
Don't scatter food for birds in the garden. If you feed the birds, use a feed container or leave food down only for a short time for ground feeding.]]></description>
<comments>http://harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk/news/article.php?id=133#Comments</comments>
</item>
<item>
<pubDate> Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 </pubDate>
<author>mike@harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk (Mike Cartwright)</author>
<link>http://www.harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk/news/article.php?id=132</link>
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<title>Bus Contracts</title>
<description><![CDATA[At its meeting this week (Tues Sept 8) members agreed to approve proposals that provide the public with better services and save the Council £47,356 in 2010/11 with more savings in the future.
Cabinet decided in April to approve proposals for eight supported bus services in the Borough, to ensure services were provided in areas where they were not commercially viable.  The eight services include the continuation of six existing ones, and two new routes in the Harrowgate Hill area.

The eight services are:
• Service 4 to Minors Crescent, week day early mornings.
• Service 12 Neasham to Durham Tees Valley Airport Monday to Saturday evenings
• Service 12 Darlington to Durham Tees Valley Airport Saturday mornings
• Service 12 Neasham to Durham Tees Valley Airport via Darlington on Sundays
• Services 30a/31a Darlington to Albert Hill, Mowden and Skerne Park Monday to Saturday evenings
• Services 30a/31a Darlington to Albert Hill, Mowden and Skerne Park (when service 14 is not running) on Sundays
• Service 6a/b Darlington to Whinfield via Harrowgate Hill, daily evenings
• Service 6a/b Darlington to Whinfield via Harrowgate Hill and Glebe Road, Monday to Saturday.

The provision of bus service 6a/b in the Glebe Road area will help those who have found bus travel difficult since the withdrawal of the previous commercially operated route.  During the day, this means that local residents will have a half hourly service with an hourly one in the evening. 
Since Arriva have confirmed that they intend to continue operating service 14 to Skerne Park on Sundays, the Council has been able to save money by not running service 30a/31a to Skerne Park at these times.
New timetables are being prepared and will be available from the Tourist Information Centre before services start on November 1 2009. 
New timetables will also be provided at all bus stops, as well as via the Traveline service. Go to www.traveline.info or call 0871 200 22 33.]]></description>
<comments>http://harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk/news/article.php?id=132#Comments</comments>
</item>
<item>
<pubDate> Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 </pubDate>
<author>mike@harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk (Mike Cartwright)</author>
<link>http://www.harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk/news/article.php?id=131</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk/news/article.php?id=131</guid>
<title>Bensham Park</title>
<description><![CDATA[Update on Playbuilders

Since the announcement of Playbuilders coming to Bensham Park, Groundwork has been visiting the site before and over the summer holidays, consulting with children and young people on what improvements in terms of play they feel the park needs. 

A visit into Harrowgate Hill Primary School also took place through Groundwork and classes were asked on how they would like to see the money spent. There were many enthusiastic exciting ideas around climbing, swinging and assault courses.

From the initial consultation with the children and young people Darlington Borough Council and Groundwork are looking at possible locations and will be producing sketch plans with examples of the type of equipment suitable to the area. 

Groundwork will be on site in Bensham Park on 29th September 2009, 3:00pm – 5:30pm. This will be an opportunity for everyone to come along and give comments on the project and the possible proposals. 

If you have any queries about the project please contact Lisa Kwok at Groundwork on 01325 353791 or email lisa.kwok@groundwork.org.uk


Darlington Borough Council received £1.1m of funding through the national ‘Playbuilders’ scheme, which is funded through the Government Department of Children, Schools and Families. Playbuilders is a town wide project which focuses on creating exciting.

play spaces for all ages and abilities but with a particular focus on 8 – 13 years olds, ensuring play is accessible to all and the natural environment and equipment is used to provide challenging, adventurous play opportunities.

Groundwork have been commissioned by Darlington Borough Council to work with them on the project, to consult with local residents and users around Bensham Park gathering ideas on how the £30,000 available for the park can be spent following Playbuilder themes.

Play Rangers End of consultation report
Bensham Park


Children and young people have been being consulted with in Bensham park regarding wha]]></description>
<comments>http://harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk/news/article.php?id=131#Comments</comments>
</item>
<item>
<pubDate> Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 </pubDate>
<author>mike@harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk (Mike Cartwright)</author>
<link>http://www.harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk/news/article.php?id=130</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk/news/article.php?id=130</guid>
<title>A Message from Streetscene</title>
<description><![CDATA["As this is the second day of the improved kerbside recycling service, I have been asked to provide you with an update as to how the changes are taking effect across the Borough and how the new service is progressing.

Reports from the Street Scene teams are positive, around 75-80% of residents have put out the correct items for recycling, Where residents have put out items such as tins or plastic bottles the collection crews are leaving a 'non collection' card with instructions on how to deal with the items left. For information residents simply need to put these items into their black 'refuse' sacks and they will be collected as part of their weekly refuse collection service. These items will continue to be recycled upon arrival at the new waste treatment plant.

Street Scene Area Leaders reported during Monday's collections several areas where we had a very high percentage of 'correct' collections, with very few incidents of 'contamination' of plastics, cans or other items. Of these that stand out are; Shakespeare Road Area, Bellburn Lane/Ivywood Court Area, Devonshire Road, Mayfair Road Area, Albert Hill, Elmcroft and several parts of Faverdale and High Grange. A huge thank you to the residents of these areas.

We will continue to work with residents to get the correct items into the Green Box and Blue Bag in order to improve their service. Should any residents from your ward contact you following the receipt of a card, all the information is available from our website www.darlington.gov.uk/makingwastework. A copy of the leaflet is available to download should residents need one, details of collection dates for refuse collection and recycling are also available along with information on our various waste minimisation and recycling activities. 

Should any resident require a replacement copy of the leaflet sent out in the post this can be arranged by contacting customer services on (01325) 388777 or by e-mailing recycle@darlington.gov.uk"




]]></description>
<comments>http://harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk/news/article.php?id=130#Comments</comments>
</item>
<item>
<pubDate> Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 </pubDate>
<author>mike@harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk (Mike Cartwright)</author>
<link>http://www.harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk/news/article.php?id=129</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk/news/article.php?id=129</guid>
<title>Dog control Orders</title>
<description><![CDATA[There was a Talking Together event about Dog Control on May 13 2009. 

A further public meeting is planned:

Date: Wednesday September 30 2009
Time: 6pm - 7:30pm
Location: Central Hall, Dolphin Centre, Darlington
Programme: Introduction 6pm - 6:15pm
Presentation 6:15pm - 6:30pm
Workshops 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Following the last consultation on Dog Control Orders held in May, Darlington Council has now put together a list of proposed areas where these could be enforced.

Dog Control Orders could be used to address issues such as:

Failing to remove dog faeces (to apply across the Borough)
Not keeping a dog on a lead (to apply only in certain locations)
Not putting and keeping a dog on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer (to apply across the Borough)
Permitting a dog to enter land from which dogs are excluded (to apply only in certain locations)
The proposed locations are attached below. 

Borough Boundary size-A1 [pdf document, 2.3mb]
North West Rural Heighington size-A3 [pdf document, 503kb]
Dog Control Order Urban Area size-A0 [pdf document, 1.4mb] - Dogs on leads in communal areas of allotments only
South East Rural Middleton St George size-A3 [pdf document, 473kb]
North East Rural Sadberge size-A3 [pdf document, 372kb]
South West Rural Hurworth size-A1 [pdf document,1.3mb]
Hard copies will be made available at the Town Hall from Tuesday 1 September.

The Talking Together event will give residents the opportunity to view the proposed locations for the Dog Control Orders and discuss any issues they may have, in workshop groups.

If you cannot attend and would like to put forward your comments there are other ways to get in touch.

Telephone Connecting With Communities on (01325) 388527

E-mail: connecting@darlington.gov.uk

Join the online debate:

Dog Control Discussion Forum

All comments must be received by Friday October 9.

We have checked the maps and allowing dogs onto school property is under consulta]]></description>
<comments>http://harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk/news/article.php?id=129#Comments</comments>
</item>
<item>
<pubDate> Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 </pubDate>
<author>mike@harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk (Mike Cartwright)</author>
<link>http://www.harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk/news/article.php?id=128</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk/news/article.php?id=128</guid>
<title>Summer Nights 2009</title>
<description><![CDATA[Every day of the summer holidays there is a range of activities for people to try, from MAD Thursday events in local parks, chill out sessions at the Dolphin Centre, street cheer, a trip to Bradford Film and TV Museum, football sessions and competitions, film editing courses and Harry Potter film screenings. 
The events and activities are all part of the Youth Service’s drive to ensure there’s plenty for young people to do during the summer.
Details about these events are available on the Click website at www.clicktodo.co.uk which is a one stop shop for events and activities for young people in the Borough.
This is all part of the Darlington Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership’s (CDRP) Summer Nights campaign, aimed at addressing alcohol-related issues during the summer when incidents of anti-social behaviour can increase.
It is a joint action plan compiled by all of the CDRP agencies, which will see Darlington Council’s youth services, trading standards and Street Scene teams working with the police and health services, to tackle alcohol-related problems during the summer months.
Today Operation StaySafe is in action in the town, when police will make high visibility patrols in areas where young people are known to drink and behave anti-socially. 
They will be speaking to any underage drinkers and confiscating alcohol where necessary.
By working together, the agencies involved hope to divert young people away from using alcohol by promoting the other activities available to them. 
Bill Dixon, Darlington Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services and Community Safety, said: “The list of activities for young people to take part in this summer is incredible - there is so much to do. I hope as many young people as possible get involved, rather than drinking and causing a nuisance elsewhere in the Borough.”
Inspector Andrea Clayton from Darlington Police said: “Summer Nights isn’t about spoiling anyone’s fun, it’s about encouraging young people to ]]></description>
<comments>http://harrowgatehillfuture.co.uk/news/article.php?id=128#Comments</comments>
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