Shildon Community Plan 2012 2014

1

livin Shildon

Community Plan 2012-2014

with the community at heart Revised March 2013

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 Community 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 BRONZE

Demand for livin housing GOLD

Average Repair Costs Per Property SILVER

Long Term Unemployment

(6 - 12 months) BRONZE

Average Household Income BRONZE

Rental Debit SILVER

Educational Attainment

(5 GCSE’s Grade C & Above)

BRONZE

Environmental Assessment SILVER

Overall Community Ranking

BRONZE

Community Ranking- Shildon

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 Mosaic household profile 14

1.1.3 Religion and ethnicity 14

1.2 Housing 18

1.2.1 Housing tenure 18

1.2.2 Average house prices 20

1.2.3 Current supply and demand for housing 23

1.2.4 livin tenancy sustainment 29

1.2.5 Vacant / abandoned properties 30

1.2.6 Future demand for housing 33

1.2.7 Average cost of repairs to livin properties 35

1.2.8 Average cost of improvement programmes 35

for livin properties

1.3 Crime and Antisocial Behaviour 38

1.4 Economy and Employment 50

1.4.1 Economic activity 50

1.4.2 Jobseekers Allowance claimants 57

1.4.3 Department for Works and Pensions key 59

benefit claimants

1.4.4 Household income 59

1.4.5 Vehicle ownership and cost of travel 60

1.4.6 Rental debit in livin properties 62

1.5 Access to Services and Facilities 65

1.6 Health and Wellbeing 78

Contents

5

Page No

1.7 Education and Training 85

1.8 Reputation and community cohesion 91

1.9 Local environment 93

Section 2 Community Priorities 100

Section 3 Review of the Community Plan 101

Appendix 1 livin Strategic Framework and Regulatory 1102

Requirements

Appendix 2 Methodology 108

6

Page No.

Figure 1.1 Aerial overview of Shildon 9

Figure 1.2 Age Profile of population in Shildon 10

Figure 1.3 Household profile for Shildon 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 Shildon 18

Figure 1.7 Average house prices in Shildon ( DL4 1 and DL4 2) 20

Figure 1.8 livin stock in Shildon 24

Figure 1.9 Age profile of livin lead tenants in Shildon 24

Figure 1.10 livin properties available for let during the period 26

1 October 2009 to 30 September 2010

in Shildon

Figure 1.11 livin tenancy sustainment in Shildon 29

Figure 1.12 Thickley Police Beat Area 38

Figure 1.13 Sunnydale Police Beat Area 39

Figure 1.14 Byerley Police Beat Area 39

Figure 1.15: Reported incidents of crime and antisocial behaviour 40

in Shildon during December 2010 to

August 2011

Figure 1.16: Reported incidents of crime and antisocial behaviour 41

in Shildon during September 2011 to December 2011

Figure 1.17 Reported cases of nuisance and antisocial behaviour to 42

livin within Shildon during the

period April 2010 to March 2011

Figure 1.18 Economic activity in Shildon 50

Figure 1.19 Occupation profile of 16 to 74 year olds in 55

Shildon

Figure 1.20 Economic inactivity in Shildon 56

Figure 1.21 Jobseekers Allowance claimants in Shildon 58

List of Figures

7

Page No.

Figure 1.22 Breakdown of persons residing in Shildon 59

claiming key DWP benefits

Figure 1.23 Levels of health in Shildon 78

Figure 1.24 Educational attainment within Shildon 85

Figure 1.25 Route of Environmental Assessment 98

8

Shildon is situated in County Durham; approximately 14 miles south of Durham City

and 10 miles north of Darlington.

Shildon dates back to the Anglo-Saxon period, with evidence of a minor settlement in

821AD. Shildon owes it expansion to the growth of the West Durham coalfields and

the railway industry. The massive expansion of coal mining and the opening of

Shildon Colliery, and Shildon Lodge Colliery in the early 19th century saw the

population of Shildon increase in size.

Shildon is famous for its contribution to the development of the railways, and is

commonly referred to as “the Cradle of the Railways”. Development of the railways

and the need to move the coal more quickly and efficiently from the local coalfields

helped to transform Shildon into a major railway and

industrial engineering centre.

Although the railway line originally only carried coal,

an increasing demand led to the first passenger train

journey beginning its journey from Shildon in 1825.

That same year the Stockton and Darlington Railway

Company, led by Timothy Hackworth, established its workshop in the village of New

Shildon increasing the population to approximately 9,000. New Shildon was

subsequently merged with Old Shildon and the town of Shildon as it is currently

known today was formed.

Over the next 25 years, Timothy Hackworth designed and built several pioneering

locomotives. During this time, Shildon developed into a railway town and its workers

became highly skilled in heavy engineering.

By 1937, the population of Shildon had reached approximately 16,000. However the

closure of the wagon works in 1984 had a marked detrimental effect on the town.

There has been a lasting economic impact on the town with a number of local

businesses closing, and residents moving away from the town to seek employment

elsewhere.

In recognition of its railway heritage, the National Railway Museum the “Locomotion”

opened in 2004. The museum celebrates the role of Shildon in the development of

the railways and its significance as one of the world’s oldest railway towns. The

efforts of Timothy Hackworth and his contribution to the railway, including the

building of one of the first ever engines the Sans Pareil, is widely recognised within

the town, with his former home and workshop forming part of the Locomotion.

Section 1 Community Profile

Shildon is commonly

referred to as the “Cradle

of the Railways” in

recognition of its rich

railway heritage.

9

The town is still served by Shildon Railway Station, which sits on the Tees Valley

Line, running from nearby Bishop Auckland to Saltburn via Aycliffe, Darlington and

Middlesbrough.

Shildon was also the birthplace of the famous writer Sid Chaplin. Daniel Adamson,

an apprentice of Timothy Hackworth’s and renowned engineer in his own right, was

also born in Shildon.

Figure 1.1: Aerial overview of Shildon

Source: Ordnance Survey

Once part of the former “Sedgefield Borough”, Shildon is now served by the unitary

authority of Durham County Council and Shildon Town Council. It is also part of the

Bishop Auckland and Shildon Area Action Partnership (BASH AAP) which covers a

total of 36 settlements, including the towns of Shildon and Bishop Auckland and a

number of smaller villages.

10

1.1 Demographics

Any AAP data or statistics contained within this Plan relates to the Bishop Auckland

and Shildon AAP, as the town of Shildon is located in the area covered by this

Partnership.

1.1.1 Population - now and in the future

The population within the settlement of Shildon is

approximately 10,495. 48.4% of the total population

are male with the remaining 51.6% being female

(Census, 2001, Lower Level Super Output Area

(LLSOA), KS01, 008A, 008B, 008C, 008D, 008E,

008F).

Population data indicates that Shildon has a diverse range of age groups. The

population of residents aged 0 to 15 years (19.6%) remains in line with the Durham

County (19.1%) and North East (19.8%) averages.

The percentages of residents aged 16 to 24 years (9.6%) and 25 to 64 years

(51.6%) are marginally less than the Durham County and North East averages. To

facilitate good levels of economic activity within a community 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.

Population data indicates an ageing population within the community. The

percentage of residents aged 65 years or over (19.2%) living within Shildon is higher

than both the Durham County (16.5%) and North East averages (16.6%).

Figure 1.2: Age profile of population in Shildon

Source: Census 2001, LLSOA KS02, 008A, 008B, 008C, 008D, 008E, 008F

19.6

9.6

51.6

19.2

19.1

11.0

53.3

16.5

19.8

11.1

52.6

16.6

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Persons aged0-15

Persons aged16-24

Persons aged25-64

Persons aged65 years or

over

%

Shildon

Durham County

North East

The population of Shildon

is approximately 10,495,

(Census, 2001)

11

Population numbers within the town have remained static with 2009 population

estimates indicating the total number of residents to now be 10,429 (ONS, 2009).

The percentage of residents aged 0 to 15 years (19.2%) is also estimated to have

remained comparable with the 2001 Census data (19.6%). However, 2009

population estimates clearly highlights the growth of an ageing population with the

percentage of residents of working age decreasing to 58.4%, and an increase to

22.4% for residents of retirement age (ONS, 2009). Working age is defined as 16 to

64 for males and 16 to 59 for females. Retirement age is defined as 65 years or

over for men and 60 years or over for females.

2001 Census data indicates that the main household types within Shildon are single

person households (33.8%), followed by households consisting of married couples

with no dependent children (19.4%) then married couples with dependent children

(14.1%).

The percentage of single person households (33.8%) within Shildon is higher than

both Durham County (29.2%) and North East (30.7%) averages.

The percentage of married households with dependent children (14.1%) is less than

the Durham County (17.7%) and North East averages (16.9%). The percentage of

married couples with no dependent children (19.4%) is also lower than the Durham

County average (21.7%) but comparable with the North East average (19.9%).

The percentage of cohabiting households with dependent children (4.4%) is

marginally higher than the Durham County (3.7%) and North East (3.6%) averages.

Figure 1.3: Household profile for Shildon Source: Census 2001, LLSOA KS02, 008A, 008B, 008C, 008D, 008E, 008F

14.1%

19.4%

4.4%

3.9% 7.9%

3.4%

33.8%

0.0% 11.9%

1.2% Married couple household with dependentchild(ren)

Married couple household with nodependent child(ren)

Cohabiting couple household withdependent child(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

Trend based projections from DCC indicate that countywide the 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.

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 County. 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 a Countywide 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, together with a 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.

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

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 throughout

Durham County.

13

To facilitate good levels of economic activity within a community it is 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, affordable housing and accessible services and facilities.

Figure 1.5: Age pyramid projections for Durham County

Source: Durham County Council, Strategic Housing Market Assessment, 2010

Evidence of an ageing population is already starting to emerge within Shildon with

the estimation that 22.4% of the population were of retirement age in 2009 (ONS,

2009). Additionally, over half of residents (58.4%) are of working age (16 to 64 for

males and 16 to 59 for females), many of whom by 20 to 30 years’ time will have

begun their transition into retirement, or be retired.

If efforts are not made to continually attract or encourage younger households to live

within the community through the provision of affordable and accessible housing,

sustainable employment and access to a wide range of services and facilities this will

exacerbate the growth of a an ageing population in the town. An ageing population

can result in decreasing levels of economic activity which in 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 by 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

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

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.

1.1.2 Mosaic household profile

Utilisation of Mosaic Public Sector, provided by Experian, has enabled livin to

determine both an overall community profile for Shildon and a profile for livin tenants

only. These profiles will help livin to understand the key characteristics of the

community and its tenants with the aim of informing the efficient and effective

delivery of the identified actions contained within this Plan.

The community profile for Shildon as a whole indicates there to be higher than

average percentages of households classified in the following profile groups when

compared to the rest of Durham County:

Group K – Residents with sufficient incomes in right to buy housing

Group O – Families in low rise social housing with levels of benefit need

Group J – Owner occupiers in older-style housing in ex-industrial areas

Group I – Lower income workers in urban terraces in often diverse areas

Group M – Elderly people reliant on state support

Given the increasing ageing population within the town it is expected that the number

of households in Group M within the town will increase over the coming years.

The percentage of middle or high income, well-educated young persons or families

living within the town is expected to be lower than average when compared to the

rest of Durham County. There is also a lower than average percentage of couples

living in owner occupation with young families.

The Mosaic profile for livin tenants highlights that more than three quarters (74%) of

households living within livin’s homes are expected to consist of low income families

and elderly persons reliant on welfare benefits. Households in these two household

groups are more likely to have poorer levels of health and educational attainment.

It is expected that less than 1% of tenants in livin’s homes in Shildon are low income

workers living in urban terraces. Less than 1% of households living within livin’s

homes are young persons renting flats in high density social housing; however this

may be attributed to the low number of flats owned by livin within the town.

1.1.3 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 its local communities. It will also

15

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 Shildon is Christianity (85.4%).

0.06% stated their religion to be Buddhist and 0.04% to be Hindu. The remaining

population stated they had no religion or did not provide details (Census, 2001,

LLSOA KS02, 008A, 008B, 008C, 008D, 008E, 008F).

Ethnicity within Shildon predominantly consists of White British (99.2%). The

remaining 0.8% 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 Black Other Mixed, Asian or Asian British Indian, (Census, 2001,

LLSOA KS02, 008A, 008B, 008C, 008D, 008E, 008F).

2001 Census data indicates that 99.2% of residents living in Shildon were born in the

United Kingdom or Ireland. Only 0.4% of residents living within Shildon were born in

other countries within the European Union (as was defined on Census day).

However it is expected this percentage may have increased given the additional

membership to the EU by Eastern European countries since 2001. A further 0.5% of

residents living within the town were born in countries outside of the European

Union. (Census, 2001, LLSOA KS05, 008A, 008B, 008C, 008D, 008E, 008F).

Recent research conducted by DCC and NHS Darlington estimates that between

0.43% to 0.57% of Durham County’s population consist 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, near to Ferryhill, is the only

permanent residential site within livin’s area of operation.

16

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

housing demands of the current and future population. Currently over half of

households in Shildon (54.3%) consist of families or couples, the majority of whom

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

livin currently owns 1,178 properties within Shildon, with over two thirds (68%) of

these being one to three bedroom flats, or two to four bedroom houses, which can

be utilised to meet 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 Shildon

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 over the coming years.

livin owns a total of 19 bedsit bungalows and 322 one and two bedroom bungalows

in Shildon, together with a total of 36 one and two bedroom flats within a sheltered

housing scheme at West Close. This is 32% of livin’s total housing stock in the

community. The letting of these property types are normally restricted to persons

Key Demographic Characteristics:

61.2% of residents in Shildon are aged 16 to 64 years. This is lower than the

Durham County average of 64.3%.

There is an increasing aging population within the town with 19.2% of residents

being aged aged 65 years or more. This is higher than the Durham County

average of 16.5%.

33.8% of households consist of single persons. This is higher than the Durham

County average. County Council projections indicate that the number of single

households will significantly increase over the coming years.

54.3% of households in Shildon consist of couples or families.

Trend-based projections indicate that the Countywide population will increase

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

99.2% of residents are White British.

The prominent religion in Shildon is Christianity (85.4%). 0.06% of residents are

Buddhists and 0.04% are Hindu.

17

aged 60 or over, or those with a medical need. Countywide, there is currently a high

demand for bungalows with two bedrooms or more and analysis of future population

trends and projections will expect this level of demand to continue.

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

communities. Although demand for this property type is typically low consideration

must be given to the forthcoming Welfare Reform and its potential for increasing

demand for smaller sized properties for persons aged 61 years or under. To ensure

livin’s housing stock within Shildon continues to meet current and future levels of

demand it will be necessary for livin to complete a comprehensive review of the

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

An analysis and understanding of the Mosaic Public Sector profile for Shildon will

enable livin to ensure that any specified actions within the Plan are tailored to meet

the needs and characteristics of the identified profile Groups living within the

community and in livin’s homes.

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.

18

1.2 Housing

1.2.1 Housing tenure

Shildon 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 needs of a cross section of the population.

Figure 1.6: Housing tenure in Shildon Source: Census, 2001, LLSOA KS02, 008A, 008B, 008C, 008D, 008E, 008F

The majority of households living in Shildon own

their properties (61.6%). This is lower than the

Durham County average which indicates that

66.9% of households own their own homes.

27.4% of households own their property outright

and 0.3% of households own their home through

a shared ownership scheme. 33.9% own their

home through a mortgage or loan scheme, this

being substantially lower than the Durham County average of 39.5%.

Social housing consists of domestic properties

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

or the Local Authority. All social housing in

Shildon that was previously owned by Sedgefield

Borough Council (SBC) is now owned and

managed by livin. 27.6% of households in

Shildon live in homes provided by livin, and a

27.4%

33.9% 0.3%

27.6%

3.5% 5.6%

1.7%

Owner Occupied: Owns outright

Owner Occupied: Owns with amortgage or loan

Owner occupied: Shared ownership

Rented from: Local Authority -including livin

Rented from: Housing Association /Registered Social Landlord

Rented from: Private landlord orletting agency

Rented from: Other

Only 61.6% of households in

Shildon own their property.

This is significantly lower

than the Durham County

average of 66.9%.

31.1% of households in

Shildon live in social

housing. This is significantly

higher than the Durham

County average of 25.4%.

19

further 3.5% of households live in homes provided by other RP’s including Home

Group, Railway Housing, and Durham Aged Mineworker’s Homes.

The percentage of households living in privately rented properties (5.6%) within

Shildon is comparable with the Durham County

average of 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.

Residents perceive the number of private lets within Shildon to have increased over

the past. Residents told livin that they are concerned that a high concentration of

private lets in specific areas, combined with poor tenancy management from some

private landlords has resulted in poorly maintained properties and an increasing

number of incidents of nuisance and antisocial behaviour. This was also a

prominent complaint at the recent Bishop Auckland and Shildon AAP Forum Event in

November 2011.

This issue has also been highlighted by the local

Police Beat Team, who advise that issues around

tenancy management in the private rented sector

have seen increasing complaints from local residents

at PACT meetings. Both residents and the Police

Beat Team highlighted a desire for a Landlord

Accreditation Scheme that would encourage and

support landlords in carrying out more stringent

background checks on prospective tenants and

promote good practices. Poor tenancy management

by private landlords was also highlighted as a key issue during consultation for the

Shildon Parish Plan resulting in the creation of a key priority to improve the quality of

rented properties.

There is a residential Gypsy, Roma and Traveller site located at East Howle

approximately 10 miles from Shildon. The site is provided by DCC and has 25

permanent pitches. It is the only permanent residential site within livin’s area of

operation. There are an additional two sites provided by DCC at neighbouring

Bishop Auckland and Coundon Grange.

Shildon currently exhibits a slightly unbalanced housing market. Levels of owner

occupation within the town are lower when compared to the rest of Durham County

and there are a higher percentage of households living in socially rented properties.

5.6% of households in

Shildon live in privately

rented properties. This is

comparable with the

Durham County average

of 5.0%

“There is a lot of

privately rented

housing in Shildon –

there needs to be more

regulation.”

Resident from Shildon

20

To facilitate and maintain sustainability within a community it is important for there to

be a 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 DL4 1 and DL4 2 (covering Shildon) was £72,146. This price is over £25,000

lower than the Durham County average of £97,556 for the same period (Land

Registry, 2011).

Terraced house prices for Shildon for this

period were on average £65,530. The

average price of a terraced property in

Durham County for this period was £60,742,

costing on average £4,700 less than a similar

property within Shildon. The cost of purchasing a semidetached property within

Shildon is cheaper when compared to the rest of Durham County with this property

type costing an average of £16,600 less. It is however recognised that the differing

affluences and desirability of properties within the areas included in the postcodes

DL4 1 and DL4 2 will have a bearing on the local house prices for specific areas

within the town.

Information obtained from the Zoopla website over the past year, indicates that the

average sold property price within Shildon was £68,811, with terraced houses

costing from £25,000, to detached properties costing up to £230,000.

Figure 1.7: Average house prices in DL4 1 and DL4 2 (January to March 2010) Source: Land Registry, 2011

0 £65,530 78,762 0 122,833

£73,445 £60,742

£94,403

£178,711

£97,556

£0

£20,000

£40,000

£60,000

£80,000

£100,000

£120,000

£140,000

£160,000

£180,000

£200,000

Shildon (DL4 1and DL4 2)

Durham County

During January to March 2010

the average cost of buying a

home in Shildon was over

£25,000 less when compared to

the Durham County average.

21

Data from the Zoopla website indicates that the average value of properties within

the town has decreased by 20.6% when compared to the average value in 2007.

This is a total of approximately £19,153. Although the average values of properties

have decreased in general due to the current economic climate, this decrease is

more prominent in Shildon when compared to other neighbouring towns. When

compared to the 2007 average, property values in

Newton Aycliffe have decreased by 2.2%, a total of

£10,226, and in Bishop Auckland by 3.3%, totalling

£11,374.

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. 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.

For Shildon, buyers will need to borrow 4.9 times their own income to purchase a

property within the postcode areas of DL4 1 and DL4 2. This has resulted in a

ranking of SILVER. However, intelligence indicates that this figure may be

marginally higher given details of the sold house prices obtained from Zoopla for the

previous year. Full details of the methodology for this ranking can be found in

Appendix 2.

The cost of buying a home within Shildon is marginally more affordable when

compared to the County multiplier of 5.2 (Strategic

Housing Market Assessment, DCC, 2010).

Residents told livin that they perceive the cost of

buying a home in the town to have decreased over

the previous year, particularly for terraced properties.

They believe that the decreasing cost of a terraced

property within Shildon has contributed towards the

increasing number of buy to let properties being

purchased.

Shildon has been defined by DCC as a main town and is proposed as an area of

housing growth in South Durham. The County Durham Plan Core Strategy

Consultation Paper (DCC, 2011) proposes a future housing allocation of 700 houses

for the town. The Shildon Parish Plan highlights that as at the 1 April 2010, there

were 683 unimplemented housing consents for the town, of which 580 units are in

respect of the Spout Lane and Dale Road developments. It is expected that

development by Persimmon Homes will shortly begin on a development of three and

four bedroom homes within the town.

“House prices seem to

have dropped in the

town over the last year.”


“There is little help

offered for first time

buyers.”


22

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

scheme called First Buy was introduced in September 2011. This scheme is jointly

funded by the Government and house builders and provides a 20% loan to top up

the first time buyer’s own deposit of 5%. This will allow buyers 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. There is currently a HomeBuy

scheme located within Shildon. The nearest FirstBuy schemes (including shared

ownership) are located in Bishop Auckland, Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor.

In March 2012 the Government also launched its New Buy scheme which sees three

leading high street lenders and seven of the country's biggest building firms offer

mortgages on newly-built properties to people with just a five per cent deposit.

Key Housing Market Characteristics:

Shildon 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.

61.3% of households own their property outright, or through a mortgage or loan

scheme. This is lower than the Durham County average of 66.7%.

The town has a substantially higher percentage of social housing (31.1%)

when compared to the rest of Durham County (25.4%).

5.6% of properties in Shildon 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 Shildon was nearly £25,000 less when compared to the

Durham County average.

The average value of properties within Shildon has decreased by 20.6% when

compared to 2007 prices.

Shildon is defined as a main town within Durham County, and is seen to be an

area of housing growth. A future housing allocation of 700 homes is

expected in the town.

Residents are concerned about the increasing number of buy to let properties

within specific areas of the town.

23

What does this mean for livin?

Given that a third of households live in social housing, livin has a significant stake in

the housing market within this community. The majority of these households live in

homes provided by livin.

As one of the main social housing providers within the town it is important that livin

understand their essential role in helping to balance the local housing market whilst

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

Strategies. Shildon has been defined by DCC as a main town and is proposed as an

area of housing growth 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 Shildon. This may be through the development and acquisition of housing

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

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

livin will also need to consider the health of the local housing market and the ability

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

due to the current economic climate, and the potential for restricted access to the

private rented sector due to unsuitable or limited stock can place an increased

pressure on livin’s housing stock within the town, particularly for young couples and

families.

1.2.3 Current supply and demand for housing

livin housing stock

livin currently owns and manages a total of 1,178

properties in Shildon (livin, 2011). Ownership of these

properties transferred to livin in March 2009 as part of a

stock transfer from the former Sedgefield Borough

Council. Since March 2009, there have been three

properties within Shildon purchased from livin through

the “Right to Buy” scheme. These properties were all

two bedroom houses.

livin’s properties within this community include bedsit bungalows, one to two

bedroom bungalows, one to three bedroom flats, two to three bedroom houses, and

one four bedroom house. There is also a sheltered housing scheme at West Close

which contains 36 one and two bedroom flats.

livin owns 1,178

properties in Shildon;

29% of these are

bungalows and 60%

are houses.

24

A breakdown of livin’s stock in Shildon and the age profile of lead tenants can be

seen in the following tables:

Property Types

Bedsit Bungalows 19

1 Bedroom Flats (Sheltered Scheme) 24

1 Bedroom Flat 41

1 Bedroom Bungalow 185

2 Bedroom Flats (Sheltered Scheme) 12

2 Bedroom Flat 56

2 Bedroom Bungalow 137

2 Bedroom House 415

3 Bedroom Flat 3

3 Bedroom House 285

4 Bedroom House 1

Total 1,178

Figure 1.8: livin stock in Shildon (as at 24 January 2012) Source: livin, 2011

Age Range (based on age of lead tenant)

16-19 15

20-29 120

30-39 114

40-49 159

50-59 162

60-69 215

70 & Over 365

Unknown (Void, non livin managed) 28

Total 1,178

Figure 1.9: Age profile of livin lead tenants in Shildon (as at 24 January 2012) Source: livin, 2011

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

future demands for housing. A good range of housing stock located within a

community will help provide a greater level of choice

for housing applicants, including single persons,

couples, families and older persons. livin own a wide

range of property types ranging from bedsits and one

to three bedroom flats and bungalows, through to

larger two and three bedroom houses, making

Shildon a good choice for many applicants.

Currently 27% of livin’s housing stock in Shildon

consists of one and two bedroom bungalows; with a

further 60% of stock consisting of two and three bedroom houses, and one four

“The houses in the area

are nice and the

bungalows are lovely.”


25

bedroom house. 8% of stock consists of one to three bedroom flats, and 3%

consists of one and two bedroom flats within livin’s sheltered housing scheme at

West Close. The remaining 2% of stock consists of bedsit bungalows.

The provision of bungalows within an area would normally be expected to help meet

the demands of an ageing population, or those wishing to remain in mainstream

housing through their later years. As demand throughout livin’s communities for

bedsits and one bedroom bungalows is typically low

there is the potential for these property types not to

meet future demand for housing within the area.

However it is important that livin consider the

forthcoming Welfare Reform and its potential for

again increasing demand for smaller sized

properties for persons aged 61 years or under.

The low number of lead tenants within the 16 to 19

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. 49% of livin’s current lead tenants living in properties in Shildon are aged

60 years or over.

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 good demand for social housing within

the community with 320 active applications being

received from residents already living in Shildon. This may be as a result of the

inability to obtain a mortgage or loan due to current lending restrictions, or restricted

access to the private rented sector as a result of limited stock levels or unsuitable

property types. A total of 137 of these applicants were banded by DKO in Bands A

to C+ due to them having a housing need. Of these 137 applicants, 19% are aged

17 to 25 years and 43% are aged 60 years or more.

During the period 1 October 2009 to 30 September 2010, there were 126 properties

available for let in Shildon making livin’s stock turnover within the community 10.7%.

This is a higher level of turnover when compared to the total turnover of all livin’s

housing stock (9%) for the same period. Based on national benchmarking figures

provided by HouseMark this level of stock turnover has resulted in the community

137 households from

Shildon that are

registered with

Durham Key Options

are in housing need.

“There is demand for

social housing - a lot of

time is spent waiting for

the right sized property.”


26

being ranked as BRONZE for Tenancy Turnover. Full details of the methodology

used for this ranking can be found in Appendix 2.

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

level of tenancy turnover. It is important that turnover does not reach a level where it

becomes detrimental to housing demand, the area’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 a housing need.

Number of Properties Number of Bids

Bedsit Bungalow 3 99

1 Bedroom Bungalow 16 203

1 Bedroom Flat (Sheltered) 2 20

1 Bedroom Flat 12 168

2 Bedroom Bungalow 14 167

2 Bedroom Flat (Sheltered) 1 19

2 Bedroom Flat 10 102

2 Bedroom House 44 957

3 Bedroom House 24 261

Total 126 1,996

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

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

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

and two bedroom flats and two and three bedroom houses. Only three bedsit

bungalows were available for let during this period. There was also turnover of only

three properties within livin’s sheltered scheme at West Close.

A limited turnover of properties and different property types within a community will

require a number of households to consider other housing options to meet their

housing need. Again for many households, including first time buyers or those in

receipt of 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 suitable

properties within this housing sector may ultimately

force some households to move out of the local area

in search of suitable accommodation.

There were a total of 1,996 bids received for these

126 properties highlighting a good level of demand for

livin’s properties within Shildon. As is typical

throughout all of livin’s communities, demand for

larger sized family homes is good within Shildon. This is reflected in the high

“livin provides good

quality housing.”


27

number of bids received for the two and three bedroom properties that became

available for let.

Based on the total number of bids received per property the highest demand was for

two bedroom houses; receiving on average 22 bids per property. There were also

good levels of demand for livin’s one and two bedroom flats, and three bedroom

houses. 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 Shildon is good with a total of

187 bids being received for a total of 14 properties.

It is 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 bedsits and bungalows for older

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

bungalow or bedsit 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.

Demand for smaller properties, particularly one bedroom bungalows is typically low

throughout all of livin’s communities. Although the number of bids received for one

bedroom bungalows within Shildon may be seen as high this is due to 10 of these

properties being advertised for let on more than one bidding cycle with CBL. There

is significantly low demand for livin’s bedsit bungalows with all three properties being

required to be advertised with CBL on three or more occasions before being let. If

after one advertising cycle with DKO, a bedsit is unable to be let; livin may consider

lowering the age restriction to increase eligibility for more applicants which often

increases the number of bids received. As demand for these property types is

typically low throughout all of livin’s communities there is potential for these

properties to not meet future housing demand. This will require livin to conduct a

review of its housing stock for older persons. However, any such review must

consider the forthcoming Welfare Reform and its potential for again increasing

demand for smaller sized properties for persons aged 61 years or under.

Of the 126 properties available to let in Shildon during the period 1 October 2009 to

30 September 2010, 29 properties were required to be advertised with CBL on three

or more consecutive bidding cycles before being let. Although a number of bids may

have been received for these properties within each individual bidding cycle the

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

was for two bedroom houses.

28

property was not allocated for let due to applicants withdrawing their bid upon offer.

Properties that require advertisement with CBL on three or more consecutive bidding

cycles can often provide an indication of either unpopular property types, or

unpopular locations within an area. These properties included bedsit bungalows,

one bedroom bungalows, and one and two bedroom flats and two and three

bedroom houses. 13 of the properties were bedsits and one bedroom bungalows.

However, two of the bedsits and four of the one

bedroom bungalows have been adapted for disability

purposes, therefore potentially affecting the level of

demand. There were a total of eight, two and three

bedroom houses advertised with CBL on three or more

occasions during this period, with seven of these

properties being located on Jubilee Fields Estate.

During consultation a number of issues were raised in

relation to Jubilee Fields Estate. The estate is mixed

tenure with properties being owned by livin, private landlords and owner occupiers.

The majority of issues raised centred on the poor environmental appearance of the

estate, poorly maintained gardens and boundary walls and fences, and a perceived

increase in levels of nuisance and antisocial behaviour. The level of demand for

livin’s properties within the estate is lower when compared to other properties

located throughout Shildon. Intelligence highlights that the demand for two bedroom

houses on the estate is lower with a total of eight two bedroom properties being

advertised with DKO on three or more consecutive bidding cycles before being let.

Typically there is very high demand for this property type throughout all of livin’s

communities, with the majority being let after the first biding cycle. The estate also

has a higher level of tenancy turnover when compared to the rest of livin’s properties

in Shildon.

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

applicants for livin’s housing stock within the town. Due to a good number of bids

received per property advertised, a low percentage of hard to let properties and a

number of applicants indicating Shildon 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. Although the level of overall demand within Shildon has

been rated as Gold, it is important to recognise that there are differing levels of

demand within individual areas within the town.

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 two bedroom

properties become available for let in Shildon.

“There is a need for

affordable housing in

Shildon.”


29

1.2.4 livin tenancy sustainment

There is a high percentage of long term tenancy

sustainment within the 1,178 properties owned by livin

in Shildon.

As at 11 January 2012, 32% of livin tenants have

sustained their current tenancy for a period of 0 to 4

years. A further 19% of tenants have sustained their

tenancy for a period of 5 to 9 years and 49% of tenants who have a tenancy in

Shildon have lived in their current home for 10 years or more.

Sustainability in a community requires an appropriate level of tenancy turnover. High

levels of long term 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. inability to purchase own property) or financial restrictions around the cost of

relocating.

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

High tenancy sustainment can also result in housing stock becoming under

occupied. Larger households may over time reduce in size due to children growing

up and leaving home, relationships breakdowns, or bereavement. In addition to a

detrimental effect on the level of housing demand within an area 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 occupy their homes

(excluding persons aged over 62 years or over).

365

216

569

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

0-4 years 5-9 years 10 years or more

Num

ber

of

tenancie

s

49% of tenants who have

a livin tenancy in Shildon

have lived in their current

home for 10 years or

more.

30

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. Shildon has a low percentage of housing stock consisting of

empty and/or abandoned properties; indicating a reasonable overall level of demand

for housing within the town.

Data obtained from DCC’s Council Tax database in January 2012 indicates there to

be an overall total of 124 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 Shildon. Based on a total of 4,880 domestic dwellings

(Census, 2001, LLSOA, KS16, 008A, 008B, 008C, 008D, 008E, 008F) this is 2.5% of

the total number of dwellings in the town. Data collection limitations have restricted

further detailed analysis of this information.

Feedback from consultation highlighted concerns from residents about the perceived

number of empty properties within the town, with specific reference to areas where

there are high numbers of privately rented properties.

31


Demand for livin’s housing stock in Shildon has been ranked as Gold. It is essential

that this ranking is maintained to this level over the coming years. However it is

important to recognise that there are differing levels of demand within individual

areas of the town.

Although there is a good level of demand for livin’s properties within Shildon the level

of tenancy turnover is higher than average when compared to livin’s overall annual

level of turnover. High levels of tenancy turnover within a community can be for a

multitude of reasons including poor environmental appearance or reputation,

affordability of living costs, low community cohesion, or increased incidents of crime

Key Supply and Demand Characteristics:

livin currently own 1,178 properties within Shildon; 60% are two to four

bedroom houses and 27% are one and two bedroom bungalows.

43% of bungalows have two bedrooms. There are no three or four bedroom

bungalows owned by livin in Shildon.

43% of applicants on the housing register with Durham Key Options that currently

live in Shildon are classed as having a housing need (Bands A to C+).

During 1 October 2009 to 30 September 2010, 126 properties became available

for let; making tenancy turnover within the community 10.7%.

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 Shildon and there is very low

demand for bedsit bungalows. Low demand for one bedroom bungalows is

typical in all of livin’s communities.

There were 29 properties that were hard to let during the period 1 October 2009

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

bungalows. All of the bedsit bungalows that were available to let, were classed

as hard to let.

Demand for two and three bedroom properties in Jubilee Fields Estate is lower

when compared to other areas in the town.

49% of livin tenants living within Shildon have sustained their tenancy for a

period of 10 years or more.

Local residents are concerned about the affordability of properties for first time

buyers within Shildon and the increasing demand for social housing.

32

and antisocial behaviour. It is therefore important that livin investigate the reasons

behind this higher than average level of turnover within the community and

implement a range of measures to help increase tenancy sustainment.

The demand for livin’s properties within Jubilee Fields Estate is lower when

compared to the rest of the town. Demand for two and three bedroom houses within

Jubilee Fields Estate is lower when compared to the rest of Shildon. The level of

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

area is seen to have a poorer reputation when compared to other areas in Shildon,

and there are concerns from residents about its overall environmental appearance

and the levels of nuisance and antisocial behaviour. livin is aware of the issues

surrounding the levels of turnover and demand within the estate 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.

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 an area 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 Shildon. There must be consideration for

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

livin currently own and manage a total of 322 bungalows within Shildon, with 137 of

these having two bedrooms. Countywide there is an increased demand for two

bedroom bungalows, and based on DCC’s future population projection it is expected

that this trend will continue. Shildon has a good level of supply for two bedroom

bungalows; therefore meeting the County Council’s identified need for this property

type. Demand for one bedroom bungalows within the town is low, this is typical

throughout all of livin’s communities. There is also very little demand for bedsit

bungalows. This highlights a need for livin to consider a review of its housing

provision for older persons. There are a number of other RP’s operating within

Shildon that also provide accommodation for older persons. It is important that if

conducting a review of its housing provision, livin recognises the potential effects on

demand that this additional provision of accommodation, and the forthcoming

Welfare Reform, will have for smaller property types.

Sustainability within a community 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. Likewise it is

also important to consider any trends in short term tenancy sustainment to

investigate the reasons behind this.

33

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 local

communities.

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 decision 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 a consultation event at St Johns C of E Primary School, livin spoke to a

number of local children aged nine to eleven years old about their aspirations for

their future homes. Approximately half of the children stated that they would like to

continue to live within Shildon when they move to their own home. Some indicated a

desire to move to other nearby towns such as Bishop Auckland and Darlington. A

number of children told livin that they would like to live in a larger sized home due to

currently sharing a bedroom with other siblings.

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

energy saving measures or increasing energy efficiency within their homes. There

was no indication that increasing energy saving measures within a home would

increase the level of demand property. However, discussion with local children from

34

St Johns Primary School found them to have a good knowledge of the options

available to increase energy efficiency within their future homes. The majority of

children were not keen on the idea of solar panels on their homes, calling them

“ugly” and “unattractive” and they perceive wind turbines to be too “noisy” in the local

environment. The children came up with a range of ideas which could be used to

power their future homes, including the use of methane as an alternative to regular

domestic gas, and the novel idea of families using “pedal power” to power their

homes.


livin’s Development and Asset Management strategies must take into account future

population projections and consider the expected demand for social housing within

Shildon to ensure housing stock meets the future needs and demands of local

residents. This may require consideration of the potential for development

opportunities on existing livin sites, redevelopment of low demand housing stock, the

potential of bringing non livin properties that are currently empty back into use, or the

acquisition of new development sites to assist in meeting housing demand within a

community.

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 typically low demand for livin’s bedsit bungalows, and one bedroom bungalows

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 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.

35

highlights the need for livin to consider reviewing 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 the potential for increasing public 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 efficient measures within its current properties and future developments. In

addition to helping reduce the consumption of energy in livin’s 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. Shildon

has been awarded a ranking of SILVER for average repair costs per property during

2009/2010 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 4,198 repairs (including gas safety) to

properties in Shildon. 31% 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 Shildon decreased to 4,043. 32% 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.

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.

During 2009/2010, livin’s average repair cost per property in Shildon was £610,

during 2010/2011 this increased to £659 per property.

36

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.

For example some properties may only receive new internal and external doors,

whereas others may be due new internal and external doors plus a replacement

kitchen and bathroom. A number of improvement programmes have already been

completed in Shildon.

During the period 2009/2010, livin and its partners completed internal

modernisations and improvements to 871 properties in Shildon at an average cost of

£4,062 per property. Improvements to the majority of these properties included new

external and internal doors, new kitchens and bathrooms, and electrical rewires. A

number of properties also received new heating

systems.

During 2010/2011 internal modernisations and

improvements were made to 367 properties at an

average cost of £4,904 per property. These properties

received a number of improvements including a full

electrical rewire and new heating system. Some

properties also received new kitchens and bathrooms.

During 2011/2012 livin expects to carry out a further

range of improvements to 123 of its properties in Shildon at an expected average

cost of £4,532 per property. These properties are expected to include a range of

improvements including a new kitchen or bathroom, internal and external doors, a

full electrical rewire or external roofing works.


Shildon has a reasonable repair cost per property resulting in a ranking of Silver.

However approximately one third of the repairs required to livin’s properties in the

town during 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 were emergencies. Investigation into the

During 2010/2011, livin improved 367 of its properties in Shildon at an average

cost of £4,904 per property.

“Good improvements

to livin properties.”


37

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

emergency repairs required within livin’s properties.

Since 2009, livin has conducted a wide range of improvement and modernisation

programmes to its properties within Shildon. It is expected that as a result of these

improvement programmes, together with the future programme scheduled for

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

properties during the coming years.

38

During December 2010 to December 2011 the police received 2,051 reported

incidents of crime and antisocial behaviour within Shildon.

(Police.uk, 2011)

1.3 Crime and Antisocial Behaviour

The community is located in the Police Beat areas of Byerley, Thickley and

Sunnydale. Although there is a local Police Office in Shildon, this is used as a base

for the Neighbourhood Beat Team and is not permanently staffed. The nearest

staffed Police stations are located in the neighbouring towns of Newton Aycliffe and

Bishop Auckland.

Figure 1.12: Thickley Police Beat Area Source: Police.uk

Jubilee Fields Estate is located within the Thickley Police Beat area. The area of New Shildon is located within the Byerley Police Beat area, and the areas of the town centre and Eldon Bank are located within the Sunnydale Police Beat area.

39

Figure 1.13: Sunnydale Police Beat Area Source: Police.uk

Figure 1.14: Byerley Police Beat Area Source: Police.uk

40

From the December 2010 to December 201, Durham Constabulary reported the

level of crime and disorder within the Police beat areas of Thickley and Sunnydale to

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

England and Wales. During the same period, the level of crime and antisocial

behaviour within the beat area of Byerley was reported to be “Average” when

compared to the rest of the Police Beat Wards within England and Wales.

During this period there were a total of 2,051 reported incidents of crime and

antisocial behaviour in Shildon (Police.uk, 2011). From September 2011, the Police

reclassified the types of crime and antisocial that incidents are reported against.

Figure 1.15: Reported incidents of crime and antisocial behaviour in Shildon during December 2010 to August 2011 Source: Police.uk, 2011

During the period December 2010 to August 2011, a total of 56.9% of complaints

were in relation to antisocial behaviour, 24.3% were in relation to “other” crimes

(including criminal damage, shoplifting and drugs), 8.4% were in relation to violent

crime, and 5.5% were in relation to vehicle crime. A further 4.8% were in relation to

burglary and the remaining 0.1% in relation to robbery.

10 10

3 5

11 6 7 5

10

0

99

105

115

123

75

88 89

101

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4

11

5 4 9 10

20

5 9

13 10 12 14

21

10

18

7 12

28 33 32

38

52

35 35 32

54

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

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

Num

ber

of

incid

ents

Burglary

AntisocialBehaviour

Robbery

VehicleCrime

ViolentCrime

Othercrime

41

Figure 1.16: Reported incidents of crime and antisocial behaviour in Shildon during September 2011 to December 2011 Source: Police.uk, 2011

During the period September 2011 to December 2011, a total of 54.5% of complaints

were in relation to antisocial behaviour, 15% were in

relation to criminal damage, and 7.9% were in respect

of violent crime. A further 7.3% were in relation to

“other” theft, 4% were in relation to vehicle crime, 3.8%

were in respect of shop lifting and a further 2.6% in

respect of drugs. The remaining 4.8% were in respect

of burglary, robbery, public disorder and weapons, or

other reported incidents.

livin’s Support and Intervention Team received 37

complaints of nuisance or antisocial behaviour occurring within Shildon during the

period 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011. The most frequent complaints received by

livin were due to loud music, offensive behaviour or

vandalism/damage to property.

Durham Constabulary’s reported crime figures

closely mirrors the issues raised by local residents

and the Police Beat Team during livin’s consultation.

Feedback from the household survey conducted for

the Shildon Parish Plan found that 61% of

respondents have experienced problems with

antisocial behaviour in the town.

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Sep-11 Oct-11 Nov-11 Dec-11

Nu

mb

er o

f in

cid

ents

Burglary

Antisocial Behaviour

Robbery

Vehicle Crime

Violent Crime

Public Disorder & Weapons

Shop lifting

Criminal damage and arson

Other theft

Drugs

Other crime

“Kids hang around the

streets on a night

causing a nuisance and

making noise.”


“I have had my car

vandalised.”


42

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

Both local residents and the town’s Police Beat Team highlighted a number of issues

relating to antisocial behaviour and damage to property within the town. Residents

also complained about groups of young people hanging around the streets on an

evening resulting in nuisance and antisocial behaviour. The Police Beat Team

confirms regular complaints from residents about young

people gathering on the streets on an evening and

weekend. However, the Police Beat Team report that

incidents of young people drinking alcohol within public

areas in the town have been seen to decrease.

A high number of young people gathering in public

places 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

0

12

0

0

0

8

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

6

2

0

0

1

0

2

1

0

2

0

0

1

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14

Domestic noise

Loud music

Alarms noise

Pubs noise

Business noise

Offensive behaviour

Offensive gestures

Arguing, shouting and/or screaming

Fighting & loutish behaviour

Race (hate related incident)

Sexual (hate related incident)

Orientation (hate related incident)

Gender (hate related incident)

Disability (hate related incident)

Religion (hate related incident)

Vandalism & damage to property

Pets & animal nuisance

Nuisance from vehicles

Drugs / substance misuse, drug dealing

Alcohol related

Domestic abuse

Physical violence (other than above)

Litter / rubbish / fly tipping

Condition of property

Garden nuisance

Misuse of communal areas / public spaces

Prostitution / sexual acts / kerb crawling

Criminal behaviour / crime other than above

“4Real provide an

alcohol awareness

outreach service for

youths in Shildon.”

Police Beat Team

43

the young persons living in the targeted area can have

a positive overall effect on lowering levels of antisocial

and nuisance behaviour.

There was recognition that specific areas in Shildon,

including the town centre around Main Street and

Church Street, Jubilee Fields Estate and areas where

there are large numbers of privately rented properties

are more affected than others by incidents of nuisance

and antisocial behaviour. Residents told livin that they

are concerned about incidents of poor tenancy management, empty properties, and

increasing incidents of antisocial behaviour within the private rented sector and the

effect this is having on the reputation and appearance of Shildon. This was also

highlighted during consultation for the Shildon Parish Plan, and during the recent

Bishop Auckland and Shildon AAP Forum in November 2011.

Feedback from livin’s consultation events also found that residents perceive there to

be increasing incidents of drug use and related crime

and antisocial behaviour within Shildon. The Police

Beat Team highlighted increasing problems with

cannabis production and drug use within specific areas

of the town.

There were also complaints about parking issues on

Church Street and Main Street and around the local

schools, increasing incidents of fly tipping on local roads

into Shildon, and speeding on Eldon Bank. Both the

Police Beat Team and local residents also reported increasing thefts from gardens

and allotments during the summer months.

Mosaic profile data highlights that the majority of households living within the town

will have a higher than average perception or fear of

becoming a victim of crime or antisocial behaviour.

Household groups living in livin’s properties are expected to

have a high to very high fear of becoming a victim of crime

and antisocial behaviour within their local area.

This is confirmed in feedback from livin’s consultation

events which highlights that residents are fearful of

becoming a victim of crime or antisocial behaviour within

Shildon. Concerns are focused on the fear of homes being

burgled, the potential for damage to property, or a fear of harassment and

intimidation from young people gathering on the streets.

“There is antisocial

behaviour on Jubilee

Estate.”


“There are problems

with illegal drugs in

some areas of

Shildon.”


“Fly tipping is a

problem.”


44

In an attempt to reduce the fear and perception of crime and antisocial behaviour

within the town, the local Police Beat Team provides

information to local residents about crime rates and

community safety initiatives, via community

newsletters and press articles in the Shildon Town

Crier and other local newspapers. Shildon

Community Safety Group provides support and

advice for local residents on local safety and

community initiatives.

There are a number of Neighbourhood Watch

groups operating within Shildon. Consultation for the Shildon Parish Plan found that

residents have limited knowledge of the schemes within their local areas. There is

also limited interest in becoming involved in these schemes due to personal

circumstances.

Consultation completed by DCC (Residents Survey,

2010) highlights that within the Bishop Auckland and

Shildon AAP area, 3% of residents feel unsafe in their

local area during the day. Together with the 4

Together Partnership, the Bishop and Auckland and

Shildon AAP have the highest fear of safety during the

daytime. Countywide, the average percentage of

residents that feel unsafe during the daytime within

their AAP area was 1%.

15% of Bishop Auckland and Shildon AAP residents stated they felt unsafe in their

local area during the evening, this being the highest out of all of the County’s 14

AAP’s. The average percentage of residents that feel

unsafe during the evening within their AAP area was

10% throughout the whole of the County. Countywide,

42% of residents completing the survey indicated the

main reason for feeling unsafe in their local area is due

to young people congregating on the street.

Although there are a number of facilities and activities

provided for children and young persons throughout

the town, both the Police Beat Teams and local

residents feel that these are sometimes underutilised.

Reasons for the young people 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 2011/2012, one of the key priorities for the Bishop

Auckland and Shildon AAP was “Activities for children and young people”.

“More people walking

through estate -

nothing feels safe in

Shildon.”


“There is graffiti and

damage to cars”.

Young person from

Shildon

“Older youths can be

intimidating when they

are in groups.”


45

Information gained from livin’s consultation event at St Johns Primary School found

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

significant importance to local children. When asked

about feelings of safety within their local community a

number of the children told livin they sometimes feel

unsafe. Reasons for feeling unsafe included

awareness or experiences of drug and alcohol

related crime and antisocial behaviour, perceived

high levels of crime within the town, and complaints

of intimidation and harassment from older youths. All

of the children are aware of incidents of nuisance and

antisocial behaviour occurring in the areas around

where they live.

The majority of children 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

and therefore do not regularly use these facilities. The play area within Hackworth

Park, and grassed playing field in Jubilee Fields were highlighted to be a specific

problem. There were also comments about problems with older youths causing

intimidation to leaseholders and passers-by outside the shops in Jubilee Fields

Estate, as a result many of the children feel unsafe and are unwilling to walk past the

shops alone. The children are also aware of increasing incidents of harassment and

intimidation through text messaging and social media, particularly through Facebook.

Increasing incidents of graffiti in Shildon are of concern, with specific reference to

problems around Jubilee Fields Community Centre and the town centre.

The children have an awareness of drug and alcohol related issues within Shildon,

with a number perceiving these to be the cause of much of the crime and antisocial

behaviour being committed in the town. There were

specific comments about suspected drug use in

Hackworth Park and talk of used needles being found

in areas within the town.

Information obtained from livin’s survey of young

residents further confirms an increased awareness of

crime and antisocial behaviour in Shildon. The

majority of young persons (aged 11 to 19 years) that

completed the survey perceive there to be high levels

of crime and antisocial behaviour within the town.

Half of the respondents stated that they feel unsafe in

their local area during the day. Feelings of safety within the town decrease during

the evening with three quarters of respondents stating that they feel unsafe within

their local area.

“I am scared to use the

play areas as older

teenagers hang around

and it’s scary”.

Young person from Shildon

“People taking drugs in

Hackworth Park and

there are sometimes

used needles in

bushes”.


46

At the Bishop Auckland and Shildon AAP Forum event held in November 2011, the

importance of increasing community safety was voted

for by members as one of the top three priorities for

the AAP to consider. As a result “Community Safety”

will be one of the AAP’s key priorities to tackle during

2012/2013.

During livin’s consultation events a number of local

residents highlighted problems with increasing

incidents of nuisance and antisocial behaviour

occurring within Jubilee Fields Estate. Residents 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 two thirds (68%) of nuisance and antisocial behaviour complaints

received by livin related to incidents on Jubilee Fields Estate.

In an attempt to combat incidents of crime and antisocial behaviour within the town

the Safe Durham Partnership has identified Shildon as one of its 12 High Impact

Localities (HILs). The Partnership has produced a comprehensive profile to help

fully understand the problems affecting the town. Using this profile, the Partnership

has developed a comprehensive action plan which identifies a range of interventions

and innovative ideas that are being utilised to combat crime and antisocial behaviour

in the town. livin is a contributing partner to the Safe Durham Partnership and has

close involvement with the work of the HIL.

“Scary – there is too

much crime”.

Young person from

Shildon

47


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.

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

both the fear of, and actual incidents of crime, nuisance and antisocial behaviour in

its communities. As such, livin will continue to actively work with local residents and

Key Crime and Antisocial Behaviour Characteristics:

For the period December 2010 to December 2011 the level of crime and disorder

within the Wards of Sunnydale and Thickley were considered by the Police to be

“Above Average” when compared to the rest of the Police Beat Wards in

England and Wales. The level of crime and disorder within the Byerley Ward for

the same period was considered to be “Average”.

During the same period there were 2,051 reported Police incidents of crime and

antisocial behaviour in Shildon. More than half were in respect of antisocial

behaviour.

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

Intervention Team received 37 complaints of nuisance or antisocial behaviour.

The majority of these complaints were in respect of loud noise, offensive

behaviour or vandalism/damage to property.

68% of nuisance or antisocial behaviour complaints made to livin related to

incidents on Jubilee Fields Estate.

Consultation highlights that local residents are concerned about antisocial

behaviour, damage to property and nuisance behaviour caused by local

youths in public areas.

A recent survey found that 3% of residents living in the Bishop Auckland and

Shildon AAP area feel unsafe in their local area during the day. 15% feel

unsafe during the evening; this is the highest percentage of all of the AAP’s

across Durham County.

There is an increased perception of crime and antisocial behaviour in the

town. Residents are fearful of becoming a victim of burglary, damage being

caused to their property, or harassment and intimidation from youths gathering in

public areas.

Local children are concerned about harassment and intimation from older

teenagers, graffiti and illegal drug use.

48

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 its services, help reduce the fear of crime, nuisance and antisocial

behaviour and offer help and support to victims. 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. This is

particularly important given the higher than average number of households in the

community that fear becoming a victim of crime or antisocial behaviour within their

community.

livin will utilise a wide range of tools and powers to tackle incidents of nuisance and

antisocial behaviour within its communities. These can range from the effective use

of mediation to resolve low level neighbourhood disputes, through to the use of legal

injunctions or possession orders for more serious cases of antisocial behaviour.

Consideration is also currently being given to the potential use of restorative justice

practices as a further tool to help tackle incidents of nuisance and antisocial

behaviour within its communities.

Both consultation feedback and anecdotal evidence from livin’s staff members has

highlighted Jubilee Fields Estate to be an area of concern for incidents of nuisance

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

reputation of the estate and partly the reason for lower demand for livin’s properties

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

a community low levels of crime and antisocial behaviour are essential, as is a good

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

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

that can be introduced within Jubilee Fields Estate to reduce the levels of nuisance

and antisocial behaviour and help create a more positive reputation for the area.

Although Jubilee Fields Community Centre and the Shildon Peoples Centre provides

youth provision for children and young persons in the area of Jubilee Fields Estate

there may be further opportunities for livin and other partner agencies, including

DCC, Bishop Auckland and Shildon AAP, Shildon Town Council and other

community organisations to help develop and support an enhanced youth

engagement service that can specifically target children and young people from the

estate. Although aware of the provision of youth groups in their local area a number

of children told livin that they do not regularly attend their local youth group.

Reasons for this were due to disinterest in the activities provided and the limited

range of equipment and facilities available. To encourage good levels of

participation, and ensure regular attendance it is important that activities are

developed in conjunction with local youths.

Residents have told livin that they are fearful of the potential for harassment and

intimidation from older teenagers gathering in groups in public places within the

town. Consultation with local primary school children also highlighted this issue with

49

many of the children feeling unsafe and unwilling to frequent specific areas within the

town, including local play areas, and the shops on Jubilee Fields Estate. To

enhance cohesion within a community there needs to be good intergenerational

relationships between residents, from young children and teenagers to elderly

persons. It is important that by working in partnership with key agencies and

community organisations livin consider ways to promote and support a range of

intergenerational activities within Shildon that will help enhance community cohesion

and reduce the fear and perception of crime and antisocial behaviour.

50

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 36.3% were in full time employment, this being

marginally lower than the Durham County average of 38.5%. 10.4% of residents

were in part time employment, this being comparable with the County average of

10.7%. 4.3% of residents were self-employed; this was lower 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 town may have changed since this data was collated in

2001.

Figure 1.18: Economic activity in Shildon Source: Census 2001, LLSOA, KS09A, 008A, 008B, 008C, 008D, 008E, 008F

The 2010 Indices of Deprivation indicates that in relation to employment, 56.3% of

residents living in the Bishop Auckland and Shildon AAP area are deemed to be in

the top 10% nationally deprived and 83.8% in the top 30% nationally deprived

(Communities and Local Government (CLG), 2010).

36.3

10.4

4.3 5.0 1.0

38.5

10.7

5.4 3.7

1.8

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

EmployeesFull-time

EmployeesPart-time

SelfEmployed

Unemployed Full timeStudent

%

Shildon

Durham County

During 2001 economic activity within Shildon was 57%; this was marginally lower

than the Durham County average of 60.1%.

(Source: Census 2001)

51

This is significantly higher than the Durham County averages where 30.8% of

residents are deemed to be in the top 10%

nationally deprived and 64.7% in the top 30%.

There has been an increase in the level of

employment related deprivation since 2007, when

53.1% of residents were deemed to be in the top

10% most deprived.

The majority of businesses in the Bishop Auckland

and Shildon AAP area are classed as small with 10

or less employees. During the period 2006 to 2008,

the Bishop Auckland and Shildon AAP area was home to 9.9% of the total number of

businesses that were operating within Durham County. 81.3% of these businesses

employed 10 employees or less, whilst 18.7% employed 11 or more employees

(Annual Business Inquiry, 2008).

There are a number of industrial estates located within Shildon including Dabble

Duck, Hackworth, Lambton, George Reynolds, Furnace, and All Saints, all of which

are located to the south of the town. The estates are home to a number of local,

national and international businesses. Neighbouring Newton Aycliffe is home to the

second largest industrial estate in the area and is also home to a number of local,

national and international businesses. There are also large industrial estates located

at Darlington, Bishop Auckland, Sedgefield and Wynyard; all within easy access of

the town. NETpark in Sedgefield is seen to be one

of the fastest growing science, engineering and

technological business parks in the Country with

good access to the major roads of the A1 and A19.

Wynyard Park, located at nearby Wynyard, is home

to a number of local, national, and international

businesses. There are smaller estates located at

Bowburn, Meadowfield, Willington, Chilton and

Spennymoor. Development is also currently under

way on DurhamGate in Spennymoor, a large mixed-

use regeneration scheme which will incorporate

business, living and leisure.

livin currently own six commercial units within Shildon. Five of these properties are

located within Jubilee Fields Estate, and one is located on Church Street. Four of

these units are currently let on lease to local businesses or organisations. During

livin’s consultation events local children reported problems around the shops in

Jubilee Fields Estate caused by older teenagers causing nuisance to local

leaseholders.

The availability of local employment was a key issue highlighted by residents during

livin’s consultation events. Residents report that to obtain sustainable employment

“A poor economy with

high levels of

unemployment.”


“Lack of employment

opportunities which

means moving around

to find employment.”


52

there is an essential requirement to travel out of

Shildon, with many travelling to nearby towns such

as Bishop Auckland, Newton Aycliffe, Darlington

and Durham. Residents perceive the public

transport service out of the town to be restrictive

and highlighted it as being a substantial barrier to

employment for a number of households. Although

there are a number of local bus companies

providing services to neighbouring towns, and a

train station providing access to Bishop Auckland,

Newton Aycliffe and Darlington residents perceive these to be restrictive for their

needs. Residents are concerned that job opportunities for school leavers within the

community are poor; and have highlighted an increased need for apprenticeship and

training opportunities within local businesses.

When asked about their perception of employment opportunities within their local

area more than three quarters of the young people surveyed by livin think there are

limited employment opportunities within their local area. The majority also told livin

that think that they will experience difficulties finding employment when they leave

school or college.

During 2011/2012, “Unemployment and Job

Prospects” was a key priority for the Bishop

Auckland and Shildon AAP. During the 2011 AAP

Forum event the importance of sustainable

employment and enhanced job prospects within the

area, was again voted as one of the top three

priorities for the AAP to consider. As a result

“Employment and Job Prospects” will remain and

AAP priority 2012/2013.

The proposed retail and commercial developments

at neighbouring St Helens Auckland, the DurhamGate site in Spennymoor and

Hitachi factory in Newton Aycliffe, and are expected to help boost economic activity

and employment opportunities for local residents. To enable local residents to

benefit from the new employment opportunities that will be created by these

developments it is important for there to be a good quality public transport service

that is accessible to the community as a whole.

livin’s consultation also highlighted issues around the economic viability of the town

centre (Church Street and Main Street) due to changes in shopping habits and other

economic factors. Anecdotal evidence gathered for the Shildon Parish Plan

suggests that business turnover within the town centre is high. Residents are

concerned about the limited range of retail services provided and the increasing

number of takeaways operating within the town centre. Residents perceive that

“Young people can’t get

jobs due to lack of

experience or training.”


“We need better shops;

we have to go out of

town to get many items.”


53

unless more people shop locally and help contribute

to the local economy and businesses this will

worsen over the coming years.

Consultation for the Shildon Parish Plan found that

only 3% of respondents shop in Shildon. 94% of

respondents stated that they travel to nearby

Bishop Auckland, and Newton Aycliffe to access a

more varied choice of high street retailers and

larger supermarkets. Respondents perceive that

improving shopping facilities has the potential to

help increase the numbers of visitors to Shildon. The recent community appraisal

work conducted by DTZ for the Shildon Parish Plan also suggested that the

shopping “offer” within the town is poor. However, a recent Retail and Town Centre

Uses Study, conducted by DCC, concluded the business case for new retail

development within Shildon to be low due to existing proximity and access to

mainstream food store provision in Bishop Auckland and Newton Aycliffe, and the

new retail development at St Helens Auckland.

Information gathered during livin’s consultation event at St Johns Primary School

indicates that the majority of families travel outside the town for retail services.

Although some children stated they use the local Morrisons or Coop stores in

Shildon for their grocery shopping, there were a high number that use larger

supermarkets, such as Tesco and Asda, in neighbouring Bishop Auckland. There

was reference made to the limited choice of retail shops within Shildon, with the

majority highlighting a wish for a wider range of retail provision, including national

brand named stores. However, intelligence gathered from livin’s survey of young

persons aged 11 to 19 years indicates an increased tendency within this age group

to shop locally within Shildon.

The Locomotion National Railway Museum is a well-known local visitor attraction

situated on the outskirts of the town, near to the railway station. A One North East

report published in 2006, considered the local and regional economic impact of the

Locomotion. The report indicated there to be limited regional economic impact, as

for most people the Locomotion would not be their only reason for visiting the region.

A recent appraisal conducted by DTZ found there to be “few tangible links to the

town centre from Locomotion”, with the annual visitor survey revealing that a

significant majority of tourists do not visit the town centre or other areas of the town

during their visit to the museum (Shildon Parish Plan, 2010). This highlights a

potential for increasing links between the museum and town centre with the aims of

encouraging visitors into the town centre, and increasing the economic impact for

local businesses.

“Town centre is dead

after 1pm on a

Saturday.”


54

Census data indicates that residents within Shildon are employed in a wide range of

different occupations (Census 2001, LLSOA, KS12A, 008A, 008B, 008C, 008D,

008E, 008F).

There is a marginally higher percentage (14.9%) of skilled trade workforce (including

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

when compared to the Durham County average

(12.7%).

There are a significantly lower percentage of

residents employed as professionals, such as

Doctors and Dentists (4.1%), or in associate

professional and technical roles (8.8%), and

management or senior roles (8.4%) when

compared to the rest of the County.

Low levels of employment within professional or

management/senior roles reflects 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 process, 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 and

Electrolux at Spennymoor relocating or ceasing to

trade. This reduction in local job opportunities within

the industry; combined with 44.5% of residents who

hold no educational qualifications can indicate a need

for an increased provision of skills based training

courses and educational opportunities. This can help

local residents to retrain or gain new qualifications,

skills and experience thus assisting them into long term employment.

Feedback from both livin’s consultation events and the Bishop Auckland and Shildon

AAP Forum event in November 2011, found that residents are keen to see more

Shildon has a high percentage of residents employed as process, plant and

machine operators or in elementary roles (e.g. bar staff or farm labourer) when

compared to the rest of Durham County.

(Source: Census, 2001)

“Need to look at more

training to help

employment

opportunities.”


“Create more job

opportunities or

placements.”

Bishop Auckland and Shildon

AAP Forum member

55

training opportunities provided within the town, to help people gain new skills and

qualifications and obtain sustainable employment. There are currently a number of

local organisations providing training and educational opportunities for residents

including, Shildon Peoples Centre, Sunnydale Community College, and Jubilee

Fields Community Centre. There are also other local providers such as Bishop

Auckland College, which also provides outreach centres in Newton Aycliffe and

Spennymoor, S&D training in Bishop Auckland, and ITEC North East and South

West Durham Training on Newton Aycliffe Industrial Estate. Newton Aycliffe and

Shildon Extended Services works closely with the Local Learning Partnership (LLP)

and Sunnydale Community College to publicise and promote adult and family

learning activities within the local area. However residents talked about a limited

knowledge of the education and training opportunities available in and around

Shildon, and suggested the need for a more comprehensive approach from

providers to publicise their services and courses. These concerns were also

highlighted in the Shildon Parish Plan.

Figure 1.19: Occupation profile of 16 to 74 year olds in Shildon Source: Census, 2001, LLSOA KS12A, 008A, 008B, 008C, 008D, 008E, 008F

Economic inactivity in Shildon was higher when compared to the County average

(39.8%) with a total of 43.0% of the population not employed, and not actively

seeking work.

8.4

4.1

8.8

10.8

14.9

7.2

9.0

20.3

16.6

11.6 9.2 12.1 11.7 12.7 7.3 8.4 13.3 13.7 0

5

10

15

20

25

%

Shildon

DurhamCounty

56

“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)

The number of residents that are retired (15.7%) within Shildon was comparable with

the Durham County average (14.8%).

A significantly higher percentage of residents (13.0%) in the town were unable to

work due to being permanently sick and/or disabled when compared to the rest of

the County (10.3%). The percentage of residents looking after home/family (7.5%) is

also higher than the Durham County average (6.3%).

Figure 1.20: Economic inactivity in Shildon Source: Census, 2001, LLSOA KS12A, 008A, 008B, 008C, 008D, 008E, 008F

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

highlights that overall Shildon has a lower percentage of persons who have been

claiming Jobseekers Allowance for up to six months

(68.5%) when compared to the County average

(73.5%). However the percentage of residents in the

Byerley Ward alone that have been claiming

Jobseekers Allowance for up to six months (72.5%) is

higher than the Durham County average.

Longer term unemployment within Shildon is higher

when compared to the Durham County average.

15.7

2.7

7.5

13.0

4.1

14.8

5.1

6.3

10.3

3.3

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

Retired Student Looking afterhome/family

Permanentlysick/disabled

Other

%

Shildon

DurhamCounty

There are high

percentages of residents

claiming Jobseekers

Allowance for six to 12

months when compared

to the Durham County

average.

57

22.2% of residents have been claiming Jobseekers Allowance for a period of six to

12 months when compared to 18% throughout the rest of Durham County and 17.3%

at National level.

This high percentage of residents claiming Jobseekers Allowance for a period of 6 to

12 months has resulted in Shildon being ranked as BRONZE. Full details of the

methodology for this ranking can be found in Appendix 2.

9.3% of residents within Shildon were reported to be claiming Jobseekers Allowance

for a period of 12 months or more. This is comparable with the Durham County

average of 8.4%.

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

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

Levels of unemployment for six to 12 months within Shildon is high when compared

to both County and National levels. It is important that local service providers work

in partnership to proactively identify and minimise the barriers to work experienced

by residents who have become unemployed, specifically those within the last six to

12 months.

At both livin’s consultation events and the Bishop Auckland and Shildon AAP forum

event in November 2011, a number of residents expressed concerns about a lack of

local employment opportunities and the need to reduce unemployment levels within

Shildon. In order to access employment the majority of residents are required to

travel out of the town to surrounding towns and cities. Many feel this to be a key

barrier to employment as for many households the ability to travel is restricted by the

cost of owning private transport and the restricted timetables and routes covered by

local bus companies. 2001 Census data indicates that 41% of residents within

Shildon do not own a car or van.

A high percentage of persons claiming Jobseekers Allowance within Shildon may be

attributed to the number of residents that were employed in process, plant and

machine processing businesses and the economic downturn that these industries

have seen over the past few years. Residents have told livin that a number of local

factories and businesses have been required to close. To reduce unemployment it

may be necessary for residents to retrain and learn new skills that will enable them

to enter new industries and gain sustainable

employment.

1.4.2 Jobseekers Allowance claimants During August 2010, there were a wide age range of persons that were claiming Jobseekers Allowance in Shildon (DWP, 2010).

There is a need to

provide help and

support for residents

aged between 16 to 24

years and 50+ to help

them into employment.

58

The percentage of persons aged 25 to 49 years claiming Jobseekers Allowance (47%) was substantially lower than the County average of 52%. 36% of persons claiming Jobseekers Allowance were aged between 16 to 24 years;

this being marginally higher than the County average of 34%. The percentage of

persons aged 50 years or more (17%) was also marginally higher than the Durham

County average of 14%. This highlights a need for service providers to target these

age groups when delivering future skills and training courses. It is important that

any provided skills and training courses will help the individual to meet their training

needs and gain sustainable employment.

During the period 2008 to 2010, the Bishop Auckland and Shildon AAP area saw a

decrease in the percentage of residents aged 16 to 18, who were not in education,

employment or training (Connexions, 2011).

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

Feedback from residents at livin’s consultation events, and the Bishop Auckland and

Shildon AAP Forum Event in November 2011 highlighted barriers to employment

experienced by young residents and school leavers, specifically around the lack of

local job opportunities and work experience. Residents stated that they would like to

see more apprenticeship and work experience opportunities provided within the local

area.

To help reduce unemployment in a community it may be necessary to provide

opportunities that allow residents to retrain and learn new skills that will enable them

to enter new industries and gain sustainable employment. Alternatively there may

36

47

17

34

52

14

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Claimants Aged 16-24Claimants Aged 25-49 Claimants Aged 50+

%

Shildon

Durham County

59

be a need for increased opportunities for school leavers and younger residents to

obtain work placements in a business environment; this can help them gain the skills

and experience required to obtain sustainable future employment. livin recognises

the need for enhancing employment opportunities and is currently developing an

economic sustainability strategy to help provide training and employment

opportunities in its local communities. The strategy will also incorporate the “livin

Futures” partnership programme which has been established to provide

apprenticeships opportunities.

1.4.3 Department for Works and Pensions key benefit claimants

During August 2010, the total percentage of residents claiming a key DWP out of

work benefit was 10% higher than the Durham County average of 20%. The majority

of residents in Shildon claiming a key benefit were in receipt of Incapacity Benefit

(15%); this being significantly higher than the County average of 10%.

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

indicates the general health of the population within Shildon to be notably poorer

when compared to the rest of the County.

The percentage of residents in Shildon claiming Jobseekers Allowance as a key

benefit (7%) is also higher than the County average of 4%.

Figure 1.22: Breakdown of persons residing in Shildon claiming key DWP benefits Source: DWP, August 2010

1.4.4 Household income

During 2001/2002 estimates of mean weekly household income (gross) in Shildon

was £63 per week lower than the North East average of £410 (ONS, 2005).

7

15

3 3 1 1 0 0

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

JobSeekers

IncapacityBenefits

LoneParent

Carer Others onIncomeRelatedBenefits

Disabled Bereaved Unknown

%

60

Based on this intelligence Shildon has been ranked as BRONZE for average

household income. Full details of the methodology for this ranking can be found in

Appendix 2.

For the Ward of Thickley alone, the mean weekly

household income was £90 per week lower than the

North East average, highlighting high levels of

deprivation within this particular area of Shildon.

Recent data obtained by DCC, for the Bishop

Auckland and Shildon AAP area also indicates a lower

than average level of household income. The average

level of household income within the AAP area is estimated to be £27,739; this being

over £2,800 less than the Durham County average of £30,614 (CACI, 2011, DCC).

The 2010 Indices of Deprivation indicates that in relation to income levels 21.5% of


the top 10% nationally deprived and 62.7% in the top 30% nationally deprived

(Communities and Local Government (CLG), 2010). This is significantly higher than

the Durham County averages where 9.0% of residents are deemed to be in the top

10% nationally deprived and 42.3% in the top 30%. Within Shildon alone, the

Thickley Ward is located within the top 10% most deprived in relation to income

levels.

As highlighted in Section 1.1.2, the Mosaic profile for Shildon suggests there to be a

higher than average percentage of households consisting of persons who are

unemployed, have a high level of welfare benefit dependency or employed in low

paid job roles when compared to the rest of Durham County. The Mosaic profile for

livin’s tenants expects that a high percentage of these households will be benefit

dependant families, or older persons in receipt of state pension or other welfare

benefits.

Although residents raised no specific concerns during livin’s consultation about

levels of household income, livin recognises that the effects of the recession and

current economic downturn, and high levels of unemployment will be felt by a large

number of households within its local communities. High levels of welfare benefit

dependency and increased levels of income deprivation; together with proposed

reforms to the Welfare Benefits System has the potential to see a significant effect

on the level of household incomes for a number of households.

1.4.5 Vehicle ownership and cost of travel In 2001, 41% of households in Shildon did not own a car or van; this being

significantly higher than the County average of 31.4%. 44.5% of households owned

one car or van, and the remaining 14.4% owned two or more cars or vans (Census,

2001, LLSOA, KS17, 008A, 008B, 008C, 008D, 008E, 008F).

During 2001/2002 the

weekly household

income in Shildon was

£63 less than the North

East average.

61

The 2001 census also indicated that 52.5% of residents in Shildon travel to work

driving a car or van (Census, 2001, LLSOA, KS15, 008A, 008B, 008C, 008D, 008E,

008F).

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 or

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

facilities and employment outside of the local area.

During livin’s consultation events some residents expressed 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. A number of children

from St Johns Primary School also raised concerns

about affordability and requirement to utilise public

transport to access social and sport related activities

outside of the area. There are fears from residents

that ongoing budgetary reductions to public transport

will see a reduction in current services resulting in

many residents becoming more isolated and

detached from obtaining specialist services and will

become a significant barrier to gaining sustainable

employment. There were specific concerns about

access to services for older persons who are reliant

on public transport to meet their travel needs.

This reliance on travel places an increased need on a reliable and affordable public

transport system for households that do not own a vehicle. Currently there are a

number of local bus services provided within the town, with some providing access to

Bishop Auckland, Durham, Darlington and Middlesbrough. The main bus

interchange for the town is located on Church Street, to the east of the town. There

is also a railway station located at the bottom of Spout Lane. The station is located

on the Tees Valley Line, which runs from nearby Bishop Auckland to Saltburn via

Darlington and Middlesbrough.

“Poor bus service –

sometimes you have to

get an earlier bus in

case the one you want

doesn’t turn up.”


62

1.4.6 Rental debit in livin properties

To assess the rent payments made by tenants within livin properties in Shildon 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 Shildon) was £3,856,408. At the end of this financial year there

were outstanding arrears (unpaid rent) of £56,442; making an unpaid rental debit

charge of 1.46%.

For the financial year 2010/2011 the total rental debit charge was £3,957,213. At the

end of this financial year there were outstanding arrears of £72,516; making an

unpaid rental debit charge of 1.83%.

Based on the unpaid rental debit charge of 1.83% for the financial year 2010/2011,

Shildon has been ranked as SILVER. Full details of the methodology for this ranking

can be found in Appendix 2.

Key Economic Characteristics:

During 2001, economic activity within Shildon was 57%; this is lower than the

Durham County average.

43.0% of residents in 2001 were not in employment, and not actively seeking

work. 13.0% of residents were economically inactive due to being permanently

sick or disabled; this is higher than the Durham County average.

In 2001, 36.9% of residents in Shildon were employed in elementary, or

process, plant and machinery roles, and 14.9% in skilled trades. These are

higher than the Durham County averages.

21.3% of residents were employed in professional, professional associate

and technical or management roles. This is lower than the Durham County

average.

During March 2011, the percentage of residents claiming Jobseekers

Allowance for up to 6 months was lower than the County average. However the

percentage of residents claiming Jobseekers Allowance for 6 months or

more was higher.

The percentage of persons aged 16 to 24 years, or 50 years or over that are

claiming jobseekers allowance is higher when compared to the County

average.

Household income in Shildon is estimated to be lower when compared to

County and North East averages.

63

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. There are a number of outlets within Shildon that

accept “Paypoint” payments.

Currently 29% of tenants living within livin’s homes in Shildon pay their rent through

Direct Debit. This is lower than average when compared to the overall percentage of

livin’s tenants that pay their rent via this method (36.7%).

Although there were no specific comments made by residents during consultation

livin is aware that the rising level of housing costs, the current economic climate and

high levels of unemployment have the potential to increase the level of debt for many

households within the town.


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. Furthermore, it is expected that a high number of households

within livin’s homes will be in receipt of a low income, through either benefit

dependency or low paid employment. 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.

High levels of economic deprivation , together with 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 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.

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. When publicising local services and resources

it is important that appropriate methods of communication are utilised. Mosaic profile

data for both the community as a whole, and livin tenants, highlights that the majority

of households are more likely to access information and services through direct face

At the end of the financial year 2010/2011 livin’s outstanding rental debit figure

(unpaid rent) for properties in Shildon was £72,516.

64

to face contact, or via local papers (see section 1.5). It is expected that access to

information or services through the use of the internet will be low for all household

profiles within the town.

As part of its ongoing commitment to creating sustainable communities, livin has

appointed an employability coordinator and is currently developing an economic

sustainability strategy to help provide training and employment opportunities. The

strategy will also incorporate the “livin Futures” partnership programme which has

been established to provide apprenticeships opportunities.

Consultation has found there to be an identified need for the increased provision and

promotion of local skills and training courses that can help local residents attain new

skills and qualifications for employment. It is also evident from the analysis that any

employability work undertaken by livin must help reduce the number of persons

claiming Jobseekers Allowance. There should be extra emphasis placed on helping

residents aged 16 to 24 years and 50 years or over that are claiming Jobseekers

Allowance.

livin will also be required to understand the barriers to employment experienced by

local residents and tenants and assess the level of support it can offer. During

consultation events residents told livin that they are particularly concerned about the

requirement to travel outside of the area for employment and the potential this has

for becoming a major barrier to employment due to increasing costs of vehicle

ownership and what is perceived by many to be a restrictive public transport service.

In addition to high levels of long term unemployment within the town, there are a high

percentage of residents claiming Incapacity Benefit when compared to the rest of

Durham County. This will provide real challenges for livin when tackling health

related issues and increasing employability and access to work for tenants and local

residents.

65

1.5 Access to Services and Facilities

Health services

There is good access to health services within the town. Local GP’s surgeries are

located within the town centre, at Church Street and Burke Street. A number of

residents also utilise the Bishopgate Medical Centre at neighbouring Bishop

Auckland. Access to hospitals and specialist healthcare can be found at Bishop

Auckland, Durham, Darlington, Hartlepool and Stockton, all requiring access to

transport. There are also two pharmacies located in

the town at Cheapside and Church Street. The town

also provides access to a dentist. Although residents

are generally satisfied with the provision of health

care facilities within the community some highlighted

problems with access and the ability to obtain

appointments if they live outside the town centre and

do not have access to private transport.

Retail services

A number of retail stores are located within the

community; although access to transport is required for more specialist retail

services.

The majority of retail services within Shildon consists of smaller local businesses and

are located within the areas of Church Street and Main Street. There is a Morrisons

store and Coop located on Church Street, selling groceries and household goods,

together with an Original Factory Shop selling a range of household goods and

clothing. There are also a number of other small businesses including a Post Office,

bakery, butchers, travel agents and a number of charity shops.

The number of retailers trading on Church Street and Main Street has decreased

over the last few years with a number of commercial

properties being currently empty. The reduction in

the number of retailers located within the town

centre is a major concern for residents. Information

gathered during all livin’s consultation events and

during consultation with local children highlights that

a large number of residents in the community 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

Shildon is a small town that provides access to a wide range of local services and

facilities.

“A shortage of shops

means there is no

variety.”


“Hardly any shops so

we shop outside of

Shildon.”


66

incentives for people to shop locally, through the

redevelopment of the town centre the situation will

continue to worsen resulting in even more local stores

closing and an ever increasing need for travel outside

of the community. This will result in increased travel

costs, and inconvenience for many residents,

specifically the elderly and those without access to

private transport.

Over recent years the number of traders attending the

weekly market in Church Street, has declined.

Originally the market provided access to a wide range of grocery produce and

household items. However a decline in the number of traders attending the market

has reduced the range of items that are now available.

During livin’s consultation event at St Johns Primary School the children talked about

the range of retail services available within the town. Many of the children told livin

that they travel out of the town to nearby Bishop Auckland, or Durham to access a

wider range of retail services and branded high street stores.

A number of residents raised concerns about the environmental appearance of

Church Street and Main Street, including problems with vehicles parking on

footpaths, and groups of youths causing nuisance and antisocial behaviour on an

evening and weekend. The Police Beat Team report regular complaints about

vehicles being parked illegally on Church Street, causing obstructions to pedestrians

and other road users.

There are also a small number of local businesses located on Coronation Avenue, in

Jubilee Fields Estate. During feedback from consultation there were concerns about

the appearance of these commercial properties and the area surrounding them due

to litter and broken glass. There were also complaints from some of the local

children about problems with older youths gathering outside of the shops causing

nuisance behaviour.

livin currently own six commercial properties within Shildon. Five of these properties

are located within Jubilee Fields Estate, and one is located on Church Street. During

livin’s consultation events local children reported problems around the shops in

Jubilee Fields Estate caused by older teenagers causing nuisance to local

leaseholders.

Community services and facilities

There is a good provision of community services and facilities within Shildon together

with a wide range of social and recreational activities.

“Good range of local

services”


67

There is a wide community and voluntary provision from agencies such as CAVOS

and Age Concern within the town. The Citizens Advice Bureau also provides a

range of legal and financial services for local residents living within Shildon. There

were however comments from residents about the need for a more joined up

approach from local community groups and organisations to publicise the activities

and opportunities available within the area.

St Johns Church and Shildon Methodist Church

are both located within the town.

The Salvation Army also provides a range of

activities and services within Shildon from its Corps

and community centre in Cross Street. Local

residents can become involved in a number of

ways, through volunteering with fundraising

initiatives, attending church services and helping

with local activities. There are a range of health

and social events ran from the Corps, including

keep fit, band and song practice, a luncheon club, and activities for children and

young persons on a Friday evening.

Located on Church Street is one of DCC’s local libraries. There is 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. Publicity for HealthZone is conducted countywide by DCC. The library also

regularly hosts a range of community events, including coffee mornings, and skills

based courses in conjunction with the Local Learning Partnership.

There are a number of local community venues including Jubilee Fields Community

Centre, Shildon Peoples Centre and a smaller community centre located on Eldon

Bank. They 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 Johns Church, in

Church Street, also provides a wide range of

activities for toddlers, children and young persons.

Although feedback from livin’s consultation events

highlights that a number of residents within the town

are aware of the existence of these venues, there is

often limited knowledge about the services provided.

The Shildon Town Crier can be utilised as a valuable

resource for communicating with local residents and

informing them about events and services in the town.

“The Community

Centre at Eldon Bank is

good but needs more

support.”


“There needs to be

more encouragement

for people to volunteer.”


68

There are also a number of residents groups active within Shildon. Currently livin

work with, and provide advice and support to the New Shildon Residents

Association.

Jubilee Fields Community Centre

Jubilee Fields Community Centre is a charity ran facility located in Jubilee Fields

Estate. The centre is managed by a voluntary committee consisting of residents that

live in the local area. The Centre has a fully equipped kitchen and dining room,

sports hall, lounge area and recently refurbished computer suite. The Centre is used

to host a wide range of community based activities, and the facilities are also

available for private or business hire. Jubilee Fields Community Centre is a popular

facility in the community and is utilised by a number of local residents.

The Centre provides a wide range of community activities seven days a week

including debt advice, health and fitness classes, luncheon club, mother and toddlers

classes, and indoor carpet bowls. The Centre also provides a weekly youth drop in

session and a Junior Club for children and young persons aged five to thirteen years

three times a week. Although the children that livin spoke to from St Johns Primary

School are aware of the provision of youth based activities at the Centre, they do not

regularly attend the provided activities.

Shildon Peoples Centre

The Shildon Peoples Centre, located on Main

Street, was formed in 2007 by a local group of

volunteers with the aim of promoting wellbeing in the

community. The Centre aims to help further

education, cultural, social and physical welfare, and

to foster a spirit of mutual service and friendship.

The Centre provides a wide range of community

services, including access to help, support, and

advice on education, employment, and healthy

eating, and access to drug and alcohol counselling with the help of NECA (North

East Council on Addictions). The educational program provided by the Centre works

closely with those who experience social isolation, have disabilities or special needs,

or long term employability issues. Courses range from basic computing skills, to

cake decorating, languages to arts and crafts. There are also regular education and

self-development courses are for improving employability and personal development.

The Centre also works with people for whom English is a second language offering

recognised ESOL qualifications in numeracy and literacy.

“Shildon Peoples

Centre is good but it

needs to tell people

what it is about and

what it offers.”


69

The Centre provides a one-stop shop approach for information and referrals whilst

supporting voluntary and community groups in the

town, and works closely with CAVOS to help those who

are interested in becoming a volunteer in their local

community. Youth sessions for young persons aged

11 to 19 are held at the Centre during term time and

the Centre also organises activities during school

holidays. There is also a Cafe located within the

Centre which provides access to nutritious meals for

local residents, and can be utilised for private hire or

community based learning courses.

Sunnydale Lesiure Centre

Sunnydale Leisure Centre is located within Shildon and is owned and managed by

DCC. The Centre includes a newly refurbished fitness suite, dedicated exercise

studio, sports hall, sauna, and indoor bowling facilities. Externally the Centre also

provides access to an athletics track and full outfield equipment, football and rugby

pitches, an all-weather pitch and outdoor events arena. These facilities enable the

County Council to provide a wide range of health and sporting activities for a wide

range of age groups. The Centre and its facilities

are utilised by a number of local sports groups,

including the local Rugby League team Durham

Tigers and Shildon Running and Athletic Club. A

number of residents and local children 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.

Locomotion - National Railway Museum

The national railway museum, which was opened in

2004, celebrates the rich railway heritage associated with Shildon. The museum

celebrates the development of the railways in Shildon, together with the contributions

made by Timothy Hackworth and George Stephenson. The museum attracts more

than 100,000 visitors annually and provides a range of family orientated and

community activities, including themed events, holiday activities and exhibitions.

Shildon Civic Hall

Shildon Civic Hall is owned and managed by the Town Council and is located on

Main Street. The Civic Hall was built to contribute to, and foster the social and

recreational activities of the community. The main hall is available to hire for

members of the local community and community organisations, and can be used to

provide venues for public performances and civic and private functions. There is

“Sunnydale Leisure

Centre is important

and needs to be

kept.”


“I often go to the leisure

centre at Aycliffe as I

like to swim – Shildon

doesn’t have a

swimming pool.”

Young resident from Shildon

70

also a restaurant located within the Civic Hall providing evening meals and Sunday

lunch.

Hackworth Park

The Park is managed by Shildon Town Council and provides a wide range of

recreational activities. Facilities include play areas, a skate park, bowling green,

tennis courts, and football pitch. The Rest House community building is also located

within the park and can be used for business, recreational or community events.

Shildon AFC

The club was formed in 1890 as Shildon Town and in 1892 were founder members

of the Auckland and District football league. Two years later they merged with two

other local teams, the Rangers and Heroes, and became “Shildon United”. Despite

winning a number of local titles the club folded in 1900 as a result of financial

problems.

Later that same year the Club was reformed as Shildon Athletic. The “Railwaymen”

as they are more commonly known joined the Northern League in 1903. In 1907 the

Club joined the semi-professional North Eastern League for a total of 25 years. The

team now plays as a member of the Northern League.

The Club’s home ground at Dean Street was originally known as the South Durham

Athletic Ground. The Dean Street turnstiles and distinctive grandstand were built in

1923, and in the early 1980’s new dressing rooms and social club were added to the

ground.

The Club is well known throughout Shildon, with home and away matches being well

attended by a loyal band of supporters. The Club hosts a number of community

events throughout the year, and works extensively

with younger members of the community through

the development of its Youth Academy.

Services and facilities for children and young

persons

There are three main recreational areas for

children and young persons within the town.

There is a well maintained community play area

and multi-use games area (MUGA) located at

Eldon Bank which is available for local children to

use. The play area provides an all-weather MUGA

that can be used for a range of sporting activities. There is also a grassed play area

and football pitch located within Jubilee Fields Estate.

“Sometimes I am

scared of going to the

parks as older kids

hang around in them

and cause trouble.”


71

Hackworth Park is a popular facility, with many children stating that they use the

Park for recreational activities. The skate park was of particular interest to the

children, and a number state that they use the play areas located within the Park.

However, there were concerns from younger children about limited use of the play

areas on an evening and weekend due to harassment and intimidation, and damage

to play equipment by older youths. This complaint was

not specific to Hackworth Park alone, and related to all

play areas within the town.

There were also a number of complaints from local

children about the condition of some recreational areas

within the town as a result of dog fouling, litter and

broken glass. Some of the children also talked about

being “told off” by local residents for playing ball games

on local grassed areas. The children living on Jubilee

Fields Estate stated that they would like to see more

outdoor play facilities, including a purpose built play area, within the estate. This

was also highlighted during the Bishop Auckland and Shildon AAP Forum Meeting in

November 2011.

There are a number of youth based activities in the town provided by a range of local

service providers including, Sunnydale Leisure Centre, Shildon Peoples Centre,

Jubilee Fields Community Centre, Eldon Bank Community Centre, and St Johns

Church. During livin’s consultation event at St Johns Primary School a number of

children talked about their attendance at after school, and weekend activities within

the town. There was particular enthusiasm for health related activities with a number

of children attending the children’s gym at Sunnydale Leisure Centre. However,

some of the children travel out of the town to Newton Aycliffe and Bishop Auckland

to access a wider range of activities, including gymnastics, swimming and access to

specialist clubs such as football and rugby. Some of the children commented upon

the cost of attending sports and health related

facilities, and are aware of how these costs can

restrict access for low income households.

There are is also a good provision of local community

groups for young residents in Shildon to become

involved in including, St Johns Beavers, Cubs and

Scouts, All Saints, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts,

Guides, and Rangers. Shildon Peoples Centre also

provides access to the Tearaways Drama Group, a

dramatics group for young persons aged 11 to 19

years. The group provides local children with the opportunity to learn new skills,

from performing and presenting to back stage activities during the production of

regular plays and musicals. Both Shildon Running and Athletic Club and Shildon

“Local play group is

very good.”


“I love to use the

children’s’ gym at

Sunnydale Leisure

Centre.”

Young person from

Shildon

72

AFC provide access to sporting opportunities for younger members of the

community.

Shildon Town Council and other local service providers also work proactively to

encourage and promote the involvement of

children and young persons in their services and

community activities, through the provision of

Shildon Children and Young Persons Action

Network (SCYPAN). SCYPAN has helped

establish a Youth Council within the town which

enables young people to express their views and

opinions and have a say in local services. There

are also opportunities for young residents in the

town to become Youth Councillors.

The community is served by Newton Aycliffe and Shildon Extended Services. They

provide a range of services for families such as parental support, adult learning,

activities for children, and access to specialist services. This service is available to

children, young people and families in Shildon. Extended Services works closely

with the Local Learning Partnership (LLP) and Sunnydale Community College to

publicise and promote adult and family learning activities within the local area.

The Surestart Children’s Centre at Byerley Road provides facilities and services for

families with young children. 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. The Centre is part of DCC’s One Point service

which aims to provide a one stop shop approach for

families and children.

Recent consultation for the Shildon Parish Plan found

there to be concerns from residents about the

provision of activities for children and older youths

within the town. This was also highlighted as a

concern during livin’s consultation events and during

the Bishop Auckland and Shildon AAP. Residents

perceive the need for there to be increased activities

for older teenagers provided within the town and feel

it important that proposed activities are developed in

conjunction with the local children and young persons to ensure good levels of

participation. Information from livin’s youth survey highlights that some of the older

teenagers livin in the town perceive there to be a lack of accessible activities for

them to participate in on an evening.

However, research and intelligence gathered for this Community Plan has

highlighted a good provision of services, activities and facilities within the town that

“Need more activities for

young people on a night to

reduce antisocial

behaviour.”


“Isn’t many places to

go on a night.”


73

can be utilised by local children and young people. This suggests the possibility that

residents are not fully aware of the provision in areas around where they live. Local

children seem to 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. In an attempt to increase the knowledge and awareness of local

service provision for children and young persons the Youth Council, in conjunction

with SCYPAN, have produced the “Shildon Yella” a community newsletter produced

specifically for local children. The newsletter provides information about local events

and activities for children and young persons, with a free copy going to every

household in Shildon.

Residents are concerned about the sustainability of community funding for projects

and activities for children and young persons within the local area and have

highlighted examples where the funding for local projects or initiatives has been

reduced or ended. There were particular concerns about the limited funding for

activities for older teenagers, and the provision of outreach workers in the town. This

was also highlighted as an issue during the recent Bishop Auckland and Shildon

AAP Forum.

The importance of activities for children and young persons in the area has been a

former key priority for the Bishop Auckland and Shildon AAP. During 2011/2012 the

AAP has provided a number of funding grants to help develop, support and maintain

a youth based service provision within its local communities.

Technology and communication

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.

Internet access is available at Shildon Library, Jubilee Fields Community Centre and

Shildon Peoples Centre. Of a total of 16 young persons

aged between 11 to 19 years, over half (10) indicated

that they have access to the internet within their homes.

There are a number of local free papers and magazines

providing local community based news and information to

local residents. These include the Shildon Town Crier,

and the quarterly newsletter from Shildon Town Council.

Jubilee Fields Community Centre, and Shildon Peoples

Centre, also have websites providing information and

details of the services and facilities they offer.

Shildon Youth Council also maintains the “Shildon Big list” website which provides

current information about the events and activities for children and young persons

that are happening with the town.

“No bus services

after tea time or on a

Sunday.”

Bishop Auckland and

Shildon AAP Forum

member

74

Mosaic profile data indicates that the majority of households within the town are

more likely to access information and services through direct face to face contact, or

through indirect contact via local papers. Only households in Group I and N, which

equates to approximately 2% of livin’s total housing stock, are likely to access

information through SMS text messages.

Overall there is a low likelihood of residents within Shildon that will access services

on their own behalf. There is a very low likelihood that residents within livin’s homes

will access services on their own behalf. This is important when considering the

appropriate methods that can be utilised by livin, or its

partners, to promote and publicise local services and

encourage engagement in community activities.

Public transport

The community provides good transport links for

commuters with good access to major roads including the

A1, and M1 motorway. There are a range of local bus

services from the town centre which provides access to

Newton Aycliffe, Bishop Auckland, Durham and Darlington.

A recent survey of residents living within the Bishop Auckland and Shildon AAP area

indicated that 76% of residents were satisfied with public transport; this being

average when compared to the rest of AAP’s throughout the County (DCC, 2010).

However consultation conducted for the Shildon Parish Plan, together with feedback

gathered from livin’s consultation events and the recent

Bishop Auckland and Shildon AAP Forum indicates

there to be concerns from residents about the current

provision of public transport in and around Shildon.

During the AAP’s Forum event in November 2011,

issues around the current provision of public transport

were voted for by forum members as one of the top

three priorities for the AAP to tackle. As a result

“Transport” will be one of the AAP’s key priorities during

2012/2013, with particular emphasis being placed on

the need to provide suitable access to employment, and

to education for young persons.

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 employment, specialist health services, hospitals, and further

education. Residents complained about what they perceive to be an unreliable

service, and perceive that recent cuts in service have made the accessing of key

services and employment opportunities difficult for resident without access to their

own transport. Furthermore, it is likely that at least 41% of households within the

“Bus service is

unreliable.”


“There is a lack of

early and late buses

which are needed for

getting to work.”

Bishop Auckland and

Shildon AAP Forum

member

75

town do not own a car or van. Only 44% of the young persons surveyed by livin

state that they use public transport within the town.

Residents perceive the public transport provision from one end of Shildon to the

other to be poor. The main bus interchange for the

town is located on Church Street, to the east of the

town. Although there are a range of bus services

provided from the interchange, many residents raised

issues about the inability to access these services due

to poor transport links between the areas of New

Shildon and the interchange. There were also

complaints about the absence of a bus service on

Jubilee Estate on an evening and on Sundays.

The Shildon Community Bus group operates two accessible minibuses for voluntary and community groups within the town to use. The group is run entirely by volunteers, with all drivers also being volunteers.

There is a railway station located at the bottom of Spout Lane in Shildon. The

station is located on the Tees Valley Line, which runs from nearby Bishop Auckland

to Saltburn via Darlington and Middlesbrough.

It is important that access to public transport is available and affordable to all

residents within a community. The rising costs of fuel and vehicle maintenance will

continue to place an increased need on a reliable and regular public transport

system that serves the needs of the community as a whole.

Greener living

Shildon Town Council own a number of allotment sites within the town which can be

used to grow fresh vegetables, fruit and flowers. Although livin owns a number of

garden sites in other communities there are none located within Shildon. During

livin’s consultation events both residents and local children highlighted the

importance of being able to access affordable, fresh and healthy food to enable them

to live healthy lifestyles.

“Public transport to

link New Shildon to

other end of town is

not very good.”


76


livin needs to be aware of the positive impact that local services and service

providers can have on sustaining local communities.

Key Services Characteristics:

Shildon has good access to healthcare services, including GP surgeries,

dentists and chemists.

Residents have highlighted a need for travel out of the area for specialist

goods, employment and further education and access to a wider range of

retail services.

The main retail area in the town is located on Church Street and Main Street.

Residents are concerned about the limited range of retail stores within the

town.

Eldon Bank Community Centre, Jubilee Fields Community Centre and Shildon

Peoples Centre are all located within the town. These facilities are utilised by a

number of local residents and provide a wide range of health, social and sport

related activities.

Sunnydale Leisure Centre is well utilised by a number of local residents,

children and older teenagers. However, some households are unable to afford

the cost of using the facility and its activities.

The “Locomotion” National Railway Museum is located within the town.

There are a number of play and recreational facilities for children and young

persons in the town, including Hackworth park, a multi-use games and play area

at Eldon Bank, and grassed playing field on Jubilee Fields Estate.

Some activities and facilities provided for children and young persons are

underutilised. Local children want to have a say in the activities that are

provided for them, and often feel intimidated by the older teenagers using the

play areas on an evening and weekend.

Satisfaction with the public transport service in the area is poor with many

residents perceiving the current provision to be restrictive for their needs.

The Shildon Town Crier, and Town Council newsletter provides local

community based news and information to local residents. A number of

service providers within the town also have their own website providing details of

the services and activities they provide.

77

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.

Restricted access to public transport within the town will not only increase the

barriers to employment experienced by livin tenants and local residents, but can also

restrict vital access to a wide range of retail services, education, sporting facilities

and healthcare; all of which are vital components of a sustainable community.

Shildon has a good provision of community based organisations and facilities

together with good levels of community involvement. Participation and community

involvement are key components of a sustainable community making it important

that livin considers it ability to promote, support and help develop opportunities for

volunteering within Shildon.

Within any community there should be a good provision of accessible and affordable

youth based activities that will actively encourage engagement, cohesion and

participation in health and social related activities. To encourage good levels of

participation it is important that activities are developed in conjunction with local

youths to ensure good levels of participation. Although there are a wide range of

activities and facilities within Shildon, local residents seem to have limited knowledge

of these.

To encourage and promote activities and facilities within the community there is a

suggested need for closer partnership working from all providers to jointly promote

their services and 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 residents. However, it is important that any promotion or publicity

around raising awareness of local services and facilities that can be accessed by

residents is appropriate to their communication preferences. Mosaic profile data

indicates that the majority of households within the town are more likely to access

information and services through direct face to face contact, or through indirect

contact via local papers. The percentage of households that are likely to use the

internet to access information and services is expected to be low.

There are also opportunities for livin to enhance and capitalise on the community’s

rich industrial and railway heritage through the work of the Locomotion, local schools

and other community groups within the area.

78

1.6 Health and Wellbeing

The general level of health in Shildon is poorer than that of the County as a whole

(Census, 2001, LLSOA, KS08, 008A, 008B, 008C,

008D, 008E, 008F). The total percentage of

persons in “Good” general health is 3.9% lower

than the County average. The percentage of

residents who indicated that they were in “Not

Good” general health is 2% higher when compared

to the County average.

Figure 1.23: Levels of health within Shildon

Source: Census, 2001, LLSOA, KS08, 008A, 008B, 008C, 008D, 008E, 008F

A recent survey completed by DCC (Residents Survey, 2010) highlighted that within

the Bishop Auckland and Shildon AAP area, 72% of residents regarded their health

as either good or very good. This is comparable to the rest of Durham County

(74%).

2001 Census data indicates that 24% of persons of working age suffer from a limiting

long term illness (Census, 2001, LLSOA, KS08, 008A, 008B, 008C, 008D, 008E,

008F). This is significantly higher 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)

58.7

26.2

15.2

62.6

24.2

13.2

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

General health: Good General health: Fairlygood

General health: Notgood

%

Shildon

Durham

During 2001, the number

of persons in “Not Good”

health in Shildon was 2%

higher than the County

average.

79

Compared to national figures the overall level of health related deprivation within the

Bishop Auckland and Shildon AAP area is high. The 2010 Indices of Deprivation

highlights that 62.9% of residents living within the AAP area are deemed to be in the

top 10% nationally deprived. This percentage is significantly high when compared to

the Durham County average where only 27.5% of residents are deemed to be in the

top 10% nationally deprived (CLG, 2010). The level of health deprivation within the

AAP area has considerably worsened since the

2007 Indices of Deprivation during which it was

found that only 56.0% of residents living in the

AAP area were deemed to be in the top 10%

nationally deprived. The individual electoral

wards of Thickley, Byerley and Sunnydale are all

ranked as being within the top 10% nationally

deprived in relation to health.

The Bishop Auckland and Shildon AAP area also

has lower life expectancy rates for both males and females when compared to the

rest of Durham County or national averages. The life expectancy for males is the

fourth lowest in County Durham, and for females the sixth lowest. Although Mosaic

profile data does not indicate a higher risk of cardiovascular disease for households

living in livin’s homes (apart from older persons) there is a higher risk of household

members smoking which may cause long term health concerns.

The AAP area also has a high number of children that are overweight or obese when

compared to the rest of Durham County or national averages. The rate of obesity in

the Sunnydale Ward for children of Reception age is greater than the County

Durham average. The rate of obesity in the Thickley Ward for children of Year 6 age

is greater than the County Durham average (National Child Measurement

Programme, 2007/2008).

The percentage of Incapacity Benefit claimants living in Shildon is significantly above

average with data indicating that during August 2010, 15% of residents within

Shildon that were claiming a key DWP out of work benefit were claiming incapacity

benefit (DWP, 2010). This is 5% higher than the Durham County average and 6%

higher than the national average. There are also higher rates of diseases prevalent

within Shildon, for all categories except Asthma, when compared to the Durham

County or nation averages (Quality and Outcomes Framework, data, 2007/2008).

There are two GP surgeries and medical practices located within the town centre, at

Church Street and Burke Street, which provide access to health care for local

residents. There are also two pharmacies located at Cheapside and Church Street.

The town also provides access to a dentist. For a number of residents, including the

elderly or those with restricted mobility, living outside of the town centre there is a

requirement to travel to access these facilities.

“Travelling to local hospitals

is difficult especially when

the bus service is not very

frequent.”


80

The nearest hospital is located at Bishop Auckland, although this does not provide

access to Accident and Emergency Services. Other local hospitals are located at

Durham and Darlington, both of which have Accident and Emergency departments.

Access to hospital services for residents living within Shildon is deemed to be good

with 100% of residents living within the town being able to access a hospital within

30 minutes when walking, taking public transport, cycling or travelling by car (NHS

Choices, 2009). Mosaic profile data indicates that over

50% of households in livin’s homes will be expected to

have a higher than average need for emergency hospital

admissions.

During livin’s consultation events some residents

expressed concerns about access to health services,

with some being unhappy with the waiting times, and

availability of appointments at their local GP surgeries.

However the majority of resident spoken to feel that the

level of service they receive from their local GP surgery

has improved. One resident highlighted the good work

being conducted by local GPs and other health service providers, within the local

community to promote the benefits of healthy eating for families. There were also

comments from residents about the requirement to travel out of the area for access

to hospitals, and the costs associated. To access emergency services or for

specialist treatments residents are often required to travel to Durham, Darlington

Sunderland or Hartlepool.

The Surestart Children’s Centre at Byerley Road 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. The Centre is also now part of DCC’s One Point service which

aims to provide a one stop shop approach for families and children. The newly

created One Point service hub located in Newton Aycliffe can be accessed by

residents from Shildon, and offers a one stop shop approach with staff from Durham

County Council, the local Health Authority and others family related service

providers.

One of the aims of the Shildon Peoples Centre is to help improve the health and

wellbeing of local residents. The Centre provides help, support, and advice on

healthy eating and their Café provides a social gathering place for residents,

particularly those who are vulnerable because of age, health, low income or

disability. The Café not only supplies a wide range of nutritious meals but provides

residents with the opportunity to share experiences and best practices on healthy

eating and is often used by local community groups on a weekend or evening for

health related activities. For residents unable to access fresh healthy and nutritious

food and meals, there is a local café within the town centre that can provide home

delivery to those in need.

“Doctors are working

with local community

centres to promote

health and wellbeing.”


81

During the Bishop Auckland and Shildon AAP Forum in November 2011, members

voted “Health” to be the 5th most important priority for the AAP to tackle, after the key

themes of Employment, Community Safety , Transport, and Activities for Children

and Young People. During this event forum members told the AAP that they would

like to see more opportunities for local residents to become involved in healthy

eating initiatives and projects, and for increased

education of the benefits of leading a healthier lifestyle

for families and young persons within Shildon.

Shildon is well served by a number of health and

sporting facilities; including a County Council managed

Leisure Centre, Sunnydale Sports Stadium and

Hackworth Park. There is also an open space

recreational area located at Jubilee Fields, and a

multiuse games area (MUGA) at Eldon Bank.

Hackworth Park which is owned and managed by Shildon 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 a bowling green, tennis

courts, football pitch and skate park. There are three play areas for children located

within the park together with the Rest House, a community building that can be hired

for business or recreational use.

Sunnydale Leisure Centre includes a newly

refurbished fitness suite, dedicated exercise studio,

sports hall, sauna, and indoor bowling facilities.

Externally the Centre also provides access to an

athletics track and full outfield equipment, football

and rugby pitches, an all-weather pitch and outdoor

events arena. These facilities enable the County

Council to provide a wide range of health and

sporting activities for a wide range of age groups.

Although there are a number of public play facilities

provided within Shildon, including a multi-use games area at Eldon Bank, and play

areas and football pitches at Hackworth Park and

Jubilee Fields these are sometimes felt to be

underutilised.

Consultation with children at St Johns Primary School

highlighted a very good level of awareness around the

need for a healthy lifestyle, and the key factors that

contribute towards increasing health levels. All of the

children were aware of the need for healthy eating

with many talking about the necessity of ensuring they

“Leisure Centre has

new gym facilities, and

holds community

events.”


“The gym is a great

facility and all ages

use it.”


“Need more

encouragement for

healthy eating.”

BASH AAP Forum

Member

82

eat plenty of fruit and vegetable during meal times and as

snacks. The children participate in a wide range of

sporting and leisure activities, many of which are located

in Shildon, and others that can be accessed in nearby

Newton Aycliffe and Bishop Auckland. Although 75% of

the young persons surveyed from Tearaways Drama

Group indicated that they regularly eat fresh fruit and

vegetables, only 44% regularly exercise for three times a

week or more.

When asked about the available health related activities

and facilities within Shildon the children were positive about the wide range on offer.

The Year 6 children were very positive about the children’s gym in Sunnydale

Leisure Centre with a number attending on a weekly basis. There is also good

participation in after school clubs and other local sporting activities including football,

rugby, swimming, gymnastics and drama.

However there is reluctance from a number of the

children to use local play facilities due to

intimidation from older teenagers, broken glass

and litter, dog faeces and damage to play

equipment. There was particular reference to play

areas in Hackworth Park being used by older

teenagers, and problems with dog faeces on the

playing field at Jubilee Fields resulting in some

parents stopping the children from using the

facilities.

Shildon Town Council own a number of allotment sites within the town which can be

used to grow fresh vegetables, fruit and flowers. Although livin owns a number of

garden sites in surrounding communities there are none located within Shildon.

The town centre provides good access to a range of fresh fruit and vegetables. A

range of fruit and vegetables can be accessed at the two supermarkets located on

Church Street, or via the local fruiters. The town also hosts a small weekly market

which also provides access to fresh fruit and vegetables.

“Need to eat healthy

fruit and vegetables,

and do lots of

exercise.”

Young person from

Shildon

“The parks are too far

away from my house and

groups of older kids

damage the swings.”


83


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 tenants and their families. Good levels of health can have positive

effects on educational achievement and can help increase the level of employment

within a community.

Statistical data and intelligence highlights there to poorer levels of health within

Shildon when compared to the rest of Durham County. There are also a higher

percentage of residents claiming Incapacity Benefit, together with more residents

defining themselves as having a long-term illness which limits their daily activities

when compared to the rest of Durham County. This will provide real challenges for

livin when tackling health related issues and increasing employability and access to

work for tenant and local residents within the community.

As a “frontline” service provider livin has privileged access to tenants and their

families. This can provide the potential for signposting to health related services and

enable targeted actions that can help enhance health levels within the community.

There may be a number of local and national projects, such as the Health Express,

that livin can support that will link to the preventative health agenda making it critical

Key Health Characteristics:

During 2001, general levels of health in Shildon were poorer when compared to

the County average.

24% of “working age” residents are suffering from a limiting long term illness.

This is significantly higher than the Durham County average.

There are high numbers of children that are overweight or obese living in the

Bishop Auckland and Shildon AAP area.

There is good access to health services within Shildon. However access to

travel is required for hospitals and specialist medical treatments.

Help and advice on healthy eating can be accessed at the local Surestart

Children’s Centre or Shildon Peoples Centre.

There is access within Shildon to a number of health related facilities and

activities; including a Leisure Centre with fitness suite and athletics track,

Hackworth Park, cricket fields, football fields and play areas.

Children are reluctant to use local play areas due to the harassment and

intimation from older teenagers and damage to play equipment.

84

that livin works in partnership with other local health based stakeholders to ensure

maximum use of resources. It is important that health related activities and facilities

within the community are accessible and affordable by all.

The intelligence contained within the Plan indicates evidence of an ageing population

within the town. An ageing population can often be a significant contributing factor to

poorer health levels within a community. As a result it is important that some health

related projects or initiatives within the town are specifically targeted towards elderly

residents. In addition there are higher than average levels of persons suffering from

health related conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity

(including childhood) within the community. Therefore it is important that livin

consider working in partnership with local health providers to consider ways to help

reduce the prevalence of these health related conditions within the town.

85

1.7 Education and Training

Levels of educational attainment for residents are

marginally lower within Shildon when compared to the

Durham County average (Census, 2001, LLSOA, KS13,

008A, 008B, 008C, 008D, 008E, 008F).

The percentage of residents attaining a level 1 (18.0%)

qualification is comparable with the Durham County average of 17.0%. The

percentage of residents attaining qualifications at level 2 (17.4%) is also comparable

when compared to the Durham County average (18.1%).

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 17.4% of residents attaining level 2 qualifications (5+ GCSEs A-C grades)

Shildon has been ranked as BRONZE for educational attainment. Full details of the

methodology for this ranking can be found in Appendix 2.

Figure 1.24: Educational attainment within Shildon Source: Census, 2001, LLSOA, KS13, 008A, 008B, 008C, 008D, 008D, 008E, 008F

5.0% of residents hold qualifications at level 3; this being less than the County

average of 7.4%. Level 3 qualifications are necessary for advancement into

44.5

18.0 17.4

5.0 7.8 7.3

36.0 17.0 18.1 7.4 14.5 7.1 0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

%

Shildon

DurhamCounty

2001 census data

indicates that 44.5%

of residents have no

qualifications.

86

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 significantly lower percentage of residents (7.8%) 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 level may be reflected in the lower percentage of residents

employed in roles as professionals (doctors, dentists, teachers) or in management or

senior roles. Mosaic profile data indicates that a high percentage of persons within

livin’s homes are unlikely to be educated to degree level.

The 2010 Indices of Deprivation indicates that in relation to education, 23.7% of


the top 10% nationally deprived (CLG, 2010). This is notably higher than the

Durham County average where only 15.3% of residents are deemed to be in the top

10% nationally deprived. However, the level of educational deprivation has seen a

marked improvement since the 2007 Indices of Deprivation during which 30.5% of

residents living in the Bishop Auckland and Shildon AAP area were deemed to be in

the top 10% nationally deprived (CLG, 2010).

Shildon is well served by a number of primary, and secondary schools. Within the

town there are three primary schools and one secondary school. There is access to

preschool facilities at Byerley Road Preschool and the Surestart Children’s Centre at

Byerley Road. The Surestart Children’s Centre provides access to information, help

and support, and preschool education and day care for local families with young

children.

Thornhill Primary School and Timothy Hackworth

Primary School are both located within the town.

Thornhill Primary School provides access to education

for children aged four to eleven years, and received an

“Outstanding” report at its last OFSTED inspection.

Timothy Hackworth Primary School provides access to

education for children aged three to eleven years and

received a “Good” OFSTED report at its last inspection. St Johns C of E Aided

Primary School is located on Jubilee Fields and provides access to education for

children aged three to eleven years. During its last OFSTED inspection, St Johns

There is a good level of access to preschool, nursery, primary and secondary

education within Shildon.

“All levels of

schooling available

within Shildon”


87

Primary received an “Excellent” report. Access to nursery provision can be found at

both Timothy Hackworth Primary and St Johns Primary School.

Access to secondary education within the town can be found at Sunnydale

Community College. The College received a “Good” report during its last OFSTED

inspection, with a total of 48% of pupils gaining 5+ GCSE grades at A*-C.

A number of children travel out of Shildon to neighbouring Bishop Auckland to

access secondary education at King James I Academy and Bishop Barrington

School. King James I Academy is currently awaiting a new OFSTED report due to

its conversion to academy status, however latest results indicated that 53% of pupils

have gained 5+ GCSE grades at A*-C. Bishop Barrington received a “Good” report

at its last OFSTED inspection, with a total of 59% of pupils gaining 5+ GCSE grades

at A*-C (Directgov, 2011).

There are no “faith” schools located within Shildon that can accommodate pupils

aged twelve years or older. As a result a number of

local children attend faith schools at nearby Bishop

Auckland and Durham. St Johns RC School and

sixth form centre in Bishop Auckland received an

“outstanding” report in its last OFSTED report, with a

total of 63% of pupils gaining 5+ GCSE grades at A*-

C (Direct.gov, 2011). The school has now converted

to academy status and is awaiting a new report.

Recent changes to DCC’s school transport plan have

seen the removal of some funded transport

arrangements to faith schools in these areas.

The nearest further education colleges are located at Bishop Auckland, Durham and

Darlington, with all requiring access to public or private transport. In partnership with

Bishop Auckland College, Newton Aycliffe Community Learning Centre provides a

number of educational courses, including access to basic skills, first aid courses,

computer courses and Work Clubs. Bishop Auckland College also provide an

outreach learning centre at Merrington Lane, Spennymoor. Residents highlighted

concerns about the provision of public transport within the town, and how it is difficult

to access college or further educational opportunities due to a restrictive and costly

public transport service.

A survey of young residents aged 11 to 19 years highlights that education and

training opportunities are of significant importance to them, with more than three

quarters of the respondents indicating a desire to continue their education at college

or university upon leaving school.

“Good training in the

area – IT classes help

people like myself learn

new skills.”


88

The Local Learning Partnership (LLP) for Shildon is a

partnership of local centres and learning providers

which aims to provide learning opportunities to

residents within the local community. The Shildon

Learning Partnership offers a range of non-

accredited and accredited courses ranging from

flower arranging and cooking, to exercise and

healthy eating in various community venues,

including community centres, Surestart Children’s

Centre, Shildon Peoples Centre, Shildon Library and

Sunnydale Community College. The Partnership also offers access to range of

basic skills courses, including computers, maths and English.

The Sunnydale Community Centre at Sunnydale

Community College provides a wide range of courses,

and qualifications for residents from Shildon and the

surrounding area. Courses range from basic

numeracy, literacy and IT, through to craft, art and

practical cookery lessons. The Centre also runs a

number of courses centred on health and wellbeing or

employability skills to help residents into work. There is

also a family learning course which provides access to

family based activities.

Shildon Peoples Centre, located on Main Street, provides a dedicated education

programme which works closely with local residents who experience social isolation,

have disabilities or special needs, or long term employability issues. Education and

self-development courses are run regularly for improving employability, personal

development and enjoyment, and the centre often works with residents for whom

English is a second language, offering recognised ESOL qualifications in numeracy

and literacy. Courses offered by the Centre range from

basic computing skills, to cake decorating.

S&D Training Ltd was established in 1985 following the

closure of the Shildon engineering works. It offers work

based learning courses such as Apprenticeships and

Foundation Learning for residents aged 16 to 24 years.

For residents aged 18 to 65 years S&D offer adult

employability training which is designed to help the

unemployed back into employment. Although originally

located on Jubilee Fields Estate, S&D Training has

recently moved to new offices in neighbouring Bishop

Auckland. S&D have a good reputation within the town as a training provider, with a

number of residents commenting upon their services.

“S&D Training

Centre is good.”


“Shildon Peoples

Centre runs computer

courses and stuff for

kids.”


“I am aware of courses

provided at Sunnydale

School.”


89

The Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) is a local charity whose aim is to improve

people’s health and wellbeing. The charity is responsible for running the Pioneering

Care Centre in neighbouring Newton Aycliffe and

provides a number of outreach projects in local

communities across County Durham and Darlington.

The Pioneering Care Centre provides free confidential

advice and guidance to anyone who is currently

unemployed and looking to return to volunteering,

training or employment, and provides a range of

community based learning courses.

Feedback from livin’s consultation found there to be

mixed levels of awareness of the training and educational opportunities provided

within Shildon and nearby Newton Aycliffe. Whilst a number of residents highlighted

the need for more training opportunities and skills based courses there were others

who had already attended some courses offered by providers within the town. This

suggests a need for increased publicity of the qualifications and skills based courses

available for local residents within the town and local area.

Respondents to the survey conducted for the Shildon Parish Plan 2010-2015 found

there to be a number factors that can restrict access to educational and training

opportunities, including transport, childcare and poor health.

“Not aware of

specific training

facilities.”


Key Education Characteristics:

In 2001, 44.5% of residents held no formal educational qualifications; this is

significantly higher than the Durham County average.

17.4% of residents have attained qualifications at level 2 (5+ GCSE’s grades A-C

or equivalent). This is comparable to the Durham County average.

7.8% of residents are educated to Degree or Professional level. This is

significantly lower than the Durham County average.

There is good access to nursery, primary and secondary education within

Shildon.

Access to further and higher education colleges, or university requires

access to public or private transport.

Although there are a range of community based learning opportunities

available within Shildon, some residents are unaware of the current provision.

90


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 44.5% of residents have no formal educational qualifications.

Although livin cannot play a direct role in the provision of education there may be

opportunities to develop links with local education and training providers such as

Surestart Children’s Centres, local schools, and colleges, Local Learning

Partnerships and other community based organisations to help increase educational

opportunities for tenants and local residents.

As one the main RP’s operating within the community it is likely that a number of

children attending local primary and secondary schools, including St Johns C of E

Primary School and Sunnydale Community College, will reside in livin’s homes. It is

therefore important that livin established links and works in close partnership with

local schools to help increase educational attainment, inspire confidence and raise

the aspirations of the children and young persons within its communities.

Within the community there are a number of educational establishments and

community organisations that provide access to educational and skills based

courses for local residents. However feedback from both livin’s consultation events

and intelligence from the Shildon Parish Plan highlights a need for a more

comprehensive approach to publicising the courses and activities available in the

town. As a “frontline” service provider livin has privileged access to tenants and their

families. This can provide the potential for signposting to education and training

providers and enable targeted actions that can help enhance the level of educational

attainment within the community.

Intelligence suggests that there are higher percentages of residents aged 16 to 24

years or 50 years or over that are claiming Jobseekers Allowance. Therefore, there

should be extra emphasis placed on assisting and encouraging residents within

these age groups to access community based educational and skills based courses.

91

1.8 Reputation and community cohesion

To increase sustainability within a community it is

important that the area is seen as a good place to live.

Feedback gained from livin’s consultation events indicates

that the reputation of the town is divided, with some

residents stating that Shildon in general is a decent place

to live, but others stating that its reputation is decreasing

due to a number of socioeconomic issues.

There is however general consensus from residents that

specific areas within the town have a poorer reputation than others which has a

detrimental effect on the overall reputation of Shildon.

There were specific comments about areas with a

high concentration of privately rented terrace

properties, and Jubilee Fields Estate. There is

recognition from both local residents and the Police

Beat Team that the behaviour and attitude of a small

minority of residents living within the town diminishes

the reputation of the area as a whole. A number of

residents perceive the diminishing reputation of

Shildon to be as a result of increasing incidents of

crime and antisocial

behaviour and young

people gathering in group in public places on an

evening and weekend.

Information gained from livin’s survey of young

residents aged 11 to 19 years found that although the

majority like living in Shildon, more than half perceive

the town to have a poor reputation.

A poor reputation for an area can last for many years

and remain regardless of significant changes and improvements 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 tarnish the

reputation of the local community and that of the RP’s

providing social housing within the area.

The level of community cohesion within Shildon is also

divided between residents. Depending on age, length of

time living in the town and the area lived in there were

conflicting comments about community cohesion and

interactions between residents. In specific areas,

particularly in the areas where there are high

“Shildon is a nice

place with a lot of nice

people but a small

percentage of

residents cause

havoc.”


“Shildon’s

reputation is going

downhill.”


“Good community spirit

but bad reputation

which needs to be

improved.”


“There is very little

community spirit.”


92

concentrations of privately rented properties and a transient population, community

cohesion is perceived to be low. There is a recognised divide of streets and estates

in “Old Shildon” and “New Shildon”. There is also a recognised link by both

residents and livin staff member between low levels of community cohesion, and

areas which have a poor reputation and environmental appearance, and high levels

of nuisance and antisocial behaviour.

However a number of residents were positive about the levels of community

interaction and cohesion within Shildon, with many highlighting good experiences

with neighbours. There is the view that the wide range of community facilities and

activities provided within the town provide an essential role in promoting and

sustaining cohesion within the town.

What does this mean to livin?

It is important that as one of the main 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 Community Plan a number of concerns have been identified relating

to specific areas within the town, particularly those with a high concentration of

privately rented properties. There is also a poor perception of Jubilee Fields Estate

from both households living on the estate and those living in other areas of Shildon.

Issues on the estate include lower demand for livin’s properties, a poor

environmental appearance, and increased levels of nuisance and antisocial

behaviour from specific families and individuals. livin recognises the detrimental

effect these issues are having on the reputation of the estate and the level 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 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.

93

The condition of public open spaces, poorly maintained properties and dog

fouling are concerns for local residents.

1.9 Local Environment

Feedback from livin’s consultation events highlighted concerns from residents

around the current appearance of public open spaces due to poor maintenance, litter

and dog fouling. There were also a number of comments received about the

maintenance of public footpaths and highways and poorly lit areas within the town

due to limited street lighting. There is recognition from residents that the quality of

the local environment differs within individual areas of the town, although many feel

that specific areas have been improved over the last few years due to interventions

and environmental improvement works by local agencies.

It is evident from information gathered during the livin’s consultation event at St

Johns Primary School that the children are concerned about the cleanliness and

environmental appearance of the areas around which they live and play. There are

concerns about the presence of litter, broken glass and dog fouling, together with

increasing incidents of graffiti. The children were particularly concerned about the

quality of local play areas as a result of damage to play equipment, litter and dog

fouling.

Similar environmental issues have also been raised in the Shildon Parish Plan, and

during the Bishop Auckland and Shildon AAP forum event in November 2011. A

survey conducted for the Shildon Parish Plan found that 60% of respondents were

unhappy with the environmental appearance of the town.

Public and open spaces

A large number of residents commented upon the

current condition of open spaces within Shildon,

highlighting a perceived need for more regular cutting

of grass verges and open spaces, together with

increased cutting of trees, bushes and undergrowth to

make the area look more attractive. Residents

perceive there to be a need for enhanced

improvement works including bulb planting, and the

frequent removal of leaves, grass clippings and litter.

There were also concerns about trees and bushes

obstructing public footpaths and street lights.

Both residents and the children from St Johns Primary School talked positively about

the condition of open spaces in Hackworth Park. A number of children told livin that

they often use the park for family walks or recreational activities. Residents were

“Shildon could do with

more flower beds and

plant pots around the

town to make the area

more attractive.”


94

appreciative of efforts made by local school children to

plant bulbs and shrubs in specific areas, such as

Hackworth Park, and would like to see this extended

throughout the town. There were also requests for

enhancing the appearance of the local environment

through the increased provision of planters and natural

foliage.

There were a number of suggestions from residents and

children about ways to enhance the site of the former

Jubilee Pub within Jubilee Fields Estate. Due to escalating problems with antisocial

behaviour and disrepair to the property the site was purchased by livin and the

building demolished. The site is currently an undeveloped grassed area.

Litter and refuse

Residents are concerned about litter, rubbish and broken glass being found on public

highways and footpaths, public open spaces and within play areas. Concerns about

broken glass and litter in Jubilee Fields Estate and local play areas were raised by a

number of children from St Johns Primary School.

The issue of dog fouling and the failing of dog owners to remove faeces from public

areas was also a common complaint. Residents would like to see more litter and

dog waste bins installed throughout Shildon,

specifically in areas with public open spaces, in an

attempt to encourage residents to help keep the town

tidy and free from litter and waste.

Public footpaths and highways

There were also requests for an enhanced

maintenance programme of public footpaths and

highways by the County Council due to many being

littered with potholes and crumbling tarmac and/or

paving slabs. The Shildon Parish Plan has also

highlighted problems with unadopted highways being in a poor state of repair.

Further causes for concern were the limited number of car parking spaces within the

estates and surrounding areas. Residents are unhappy with parking facilities in the

town, and raised issues around vehicles obstructing pedestrian access by parking on

footpaths, and persons parking their vehicles in restricted areas in Church Street.

There were also comments about the need for improved external lighting on the

footpaths around Lilburn Close.

“We need more bins

to reduce litter and

dog fouling”.


“There is broken glass

and dog dirt on the

playing field at Jubilee

Fields”.

Young person from

Shildon

95

Church Street and Main Street

Feedback from livin’s consultation highlighted a number of issues in the areas of

Church Street and Main Street, the main shopping area within the town. There were

complaints from both residents and local children

about the prominence of litter in this area of the

town.

Both the Police Beat Team and local residents

raised issues about cars being parked on the

public footpath and incorrect use of disabled

parking bays, resulting in obstructed access and

safety concerns for pedestrians.

There were comments received about the

environmental appearance of a number of commercial premises. Residents feel that

the area would benefit from improvements to shop frontages and would like to see

an enhanced street cleaning provision, especially outside of premises used as fast

food take aways.

Recreational facilities and play areas

When asked about the condition of recreational

facilities and play areas within Shildon there were

mixed response from both local residents and

school children.

Hackworth Park is seen to be an asset to the

town, with a number of residents appreciating the

facilities provided within the park, and its high level

of maintenance. However there were comments

about damage to play equipment within the park

and the presence of dog fouling on grassed areas

and footpaths.

A number of children were particularly concerned about incidents of damage and

graffiti to their local play areas and facilities. They also state that they often refrain

from using local play areas on an evening and weekend due to harassment and

intimidation from older teenagers. This seems to be a common complaint for all play

areas throughout the town.

A number of children told livin that they would like to see more play areas provided

for them throughout the town, specifically in Jubilee Fields Estate. There is currently

no dedicated play area within the estate with the nearest being found at either Eldon

Bank or Hackworth Park. Many of the children feel it too far to travel to access these

“Parking restrictions on

Church Street are

constantly abused and

people park on the

pavements.”


“The frontage of some of

the shops could be

improved.”


96

facilities. Although Jubilee Fields Estate has a

large grassed open space area, there are

complaints from residents about litter, broken

glass and dog faeces.

Poor maintenance and appearance of properties

A number of residents complained about the poor

appearance of empty properties located

throughout Shildon as a result of poor

maintenance, untidy gardens, and in some cases

fly tipping that is not removed. There were also a

number of complaints about the number of occupied privately rented properties that

are poorly maintained, with untidy gardens.

Residents highlighted this to be a particular problem within areas of Shildon where

there are high concentrations of privately rented properties and are concerned that

these properties are decreasing the overall appearance and reputation of the town.

livin Environmental Assessment

On the 20 January 2012 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 five designated

“stopping” points on a pre-determined route through the town. At the designated

stopping points a number of environmental indicators were assessed and a number

of points awarded.

During the assessment there were a number of highlighted issues relating to the

condition of open spaces and public footpaths, parking facilities, litter and dog

fouling, together with poorly maintained gardens and properties in Jubilee Fields

Estate. There was evidence of litter and dog faeces at a number of stopping points

during the assessment, including the area of Lilburn Close, and throughout Jubilee

Fields Estate. There was also evidence of poorly maintained public footpaths and

highways due to cracked paving and potholes. The assessment identified parking

issues caused by a lack of available parking facilities in Maple Avenue. This is

resulting in a number of vehicles being parked on public footpaths causing

obstructions to pedestrians and other road users.

Within Jubilee Fields Estate there were a number of identified areas for concern.

These were similar to those raised by local residents including poorly maintained

properties, gardens, and boundary walls and fences. Increased evidence of 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 around Jubilee Road

and Lilac Court are in need of attention. There are also a number of overgrown

shrubs to the rear of Spruce Court.

“Older kids damage the

play park and cause

trouble.”


97

Based on the points awarded at the pre-determined stopping points, the community

scored a total average value of 29. 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.

98

Figure 1.25: Route of Environmental Assessment

99


A good Environmental Assessment scoring and overall Silver ranking is a good

result for Shildon. 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 Shildon have been identified. Although livin cannot play a

lead role in targeted environmental improvements in all hotspot areas within the

community it is important that a partnership approach be adopted with DCC, Shildon

Town Council, Bishop Auckland and Shildon 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 Jubilee Fields Estate. As livin owns a large 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 Jubilee Fields 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 persist in breaching their Tenancy Agreement by allowing their

garden to become overgrown and untidy. As a number of properties within Jubilee

Fields have been identified as having poorly maintained gardens it is important that

livin conduct more frequent assessments of the environmental appearance of the

estate and takes a robust approach to dealing with tenants who do not keep their

gardens in an acceptable condition.

The limited availability of parking facilities is a problem for many local residents in

livin’s communities. 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.

100

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 Shildon.

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 Local Offers 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.

Maintain a partnership approach to reduce incidents of crime and antisocial

behaviour, specifically in the area of Jubilee Fields Estate.

Develop a partnership approach to supporting a range of diversionary activities

for children and young persons.

Develop a partnership approach to reducing barriers to work and increasing

employment opportunities for local residents, specifically those aged 16 to 24

years, and 50 years and over (including supporting and promoting the provision

of local skills and training courses).

Help to influence and maintain services that benefit the needs of local residents

and the community as a whole (including play areas, youth engagement and

diversionary activities).

Develop a partnership approach to developing health based initiatives to help

residents to adopt and maintain healthier lifestyles to improve levels of health.

Assist with targeted environmental improvement to hotspot areas, specifically

in the area of Jubilee Fields Estate.

Section 2 Community Priorities

101

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 Shildon. 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 Shildon can be found on our website at

www.livin.co.uk.

This main Community Plan will be revised in 2014.

Section 3 Review of the Community Plan

http://www.livin.co.uk/

102

APPENDIX 1

livin STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

&

REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

103

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 2012 to 2015 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

organisation’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 strategies to tackle:

Economic factors - 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.

Social factors – addressing social wellbeing, community safety and cohesion,

and health inequalities by improving health and wellbeing, secure access to

further opportunities and develop their aspirations.

Environmental factors – 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

104

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 its 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

105

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

strategies adopted by Durham County Council and the implications of the Homes

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 neighbourhood

management. All of these will outcomes will be considered and addressed within the

outcomes of each Plan.

The Plans will also address the Value for Money standard by ensuring that livin

prioritise resources based on the actual needs and requirements of local residents

whilst enabling confidence for external stakeholders and businesses to invest in the

communities.

http://www.tenantservicesauthority.org/server/show/nav.14690






106

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

organisation’s approach of aligning key elements of its Corporate Plan 2012 – 2015

to the priorities set out in Durham County Council’s Sustainable Communities

Strategy is vital in allowing the organisation 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.

The 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.

107

During 2006/2007 the NHF found that RP’s nationally delivered 6,800

neighbourhood 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 neighbourhoods.

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”.

108

APPENDIX 2

METHODOLOGY

109

livin Communities With the help of livin’s Tenants Panel 19 local communities have been defined.

These 19 communities are loosely based around Durham Constabulary’s local

Police “Beat” patches and are detailed below:

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

110

Data Sources

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. Census data has been obtained from the Lower Level Super Output

Areas 008A, 008B, 008C, 008D, 008E, 008F for the area of Shildon. Electoral Ward

data has been obtained for the Sunnydale, Thickley and Byerley wards.

Mosaic Public Sector classifies all consumers in the United Kingdom by allocating

them to one of 15 individual profile Groups. Each Group contains a number of key

characteristics and attributes which can be used by organisations to gain a detailed

and accurate understanding of consumer locations, their demographics, lifestyles

and behaviours. The utilisation of Mosaic Public Sector has enabled livin to

determine household profiles for individual communities. This profile will enable livin

to understand the key characteristics of its tenants, and the community as a whole,

with the aim of informing the efficient and effective delivery of the identified actions

contained within each Community Plan.

Further information on Mosaic Public Sector, provided by Experian can be found at

http://publicsector.experian.co.uk.

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, children and young people together with anecdotal data from interviews

with members of livin’s staff and the local Police Beat Team.

http://publicsector.experian.co.uk/

111

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, Mosaic profile data


Economy and Employment

Quantitative - National statistics and DWP Benefits data


Accessibility to Services and Facilities

Quantitative – Mosaic profile data


Health and Wellbeing

Quantitative - National Statistics, Mosaic profile data


Education and Training

Quantitative - National Statistics, Mosaic profile data, OFSTED reports


Reputation and Community Cohesion


Local Environment (including built environment, management of public areas)

Qualitative – Interviews, consultation events and environmental assessments

112

Community Views and Opinions

The community in Shildon were invited to tell livin their views, concerns and opinions about their local community. A number of

consultation events took place in November and December 2011 at local community venues, including Jubilee Fields Community

Centre, Shildon Peoples Centre, Sunnydale Community College, and Shildon Civic Hall. Intelligence from local children and young

persons has been obtained during a special consultation event at St Johns C of E Primary School for children aged 9 to 11 years,

and through a survey conducted with young resident aged 11 to 19 years attending the local Tearaways Drama Group at Shildon

Peoples Centre.

Supporting evidence has also been sought from the Shildon Parish Plan 2010-2015 and the Bishop Auckland and Shildon AAP

Forum event held in November 2011. Anecdotal evidence to support the intelligence contained in this Community Plan has been

obtained from the Police Beat Team for Shildon and livin’s staff members.

The table below highlights the main concerns and areas for improvement highlighted during livin’s public consultation events:

Themes Community Comments

Housing

I love the house, very nice and a very good service from Mears

Sheltered accommodation, the lights need fixing

We enjoy using the sheltered accommodation facilities for craft sessions, which are well attended

The houses in the area are nice, bungalows are lovely

Too many houses empty, however lots of old properties could do with replacing in towns

Private property housing, prices have dropped in the area

Far too many rented houses

Too many houses rented by private landlords to people who do not respect the properties, this causes big problems

I feel I am looked after very well by livin

livin does provide good quality housing, but private letting does have a negative impact on all areas of the town

Too many outside investors developing properties

Housing in and around Shildon is quite poor - livin is not responsible for this alone but local landlords are

There is a lot of private housing in Shildon, there needs to be more regulation - one resident wishes his landlord had more input

113

Too many properties let to people that don’t deserve them

Building system for housing is not good, no help offered for first time buyers

There is a demand for housing, a lot of time waiting for the right property size

Need affordable housing

Good improvements to livin properties

New build homes (private) aesthetically pleasing

Crime and Antisocial Behaviour

Private residents spoil streets, it used to be nice

ASB could be greatly improved as this is a problem in the area - when people are caught they are not punished enough and most reoffend

I have been a victim of burglary and I live in fear of it happening again

I have had my car vandalised which I reported to the police, but I had to pick up the cost

Nothing feels safe, more people cutting through the estate is a worry, they aren’t causing trouble now but the potential is there

Too many petty crimes, youths (male & female) can be intimidating when they are in groups

Not a lot around the area, it can be bad in some parts of town though, it's a worry living on my own but I would know who to ring if needed

Redworth Road- absentee landlords, break ins, drugs, empty houses, people going into empty houses and trashing them or using them to put rubbish in

Not a lot around the area, it can be bad in some parts of town though, it's a worry living on my own but I would know who to ring if needed

Parking is a big frustration; at the school it can be very dangerous.

Thornhill - elderly people fear crossing the road and leaving the house due to traffic and parking.

Double yellow lines are constantly abused in the town, people even park on the pavements at Booze Busters etc

No problem with youngsters

The crime & ASB is disgraceful, kids in gardens, and peoples sheds.

Allotments broken in, older kids cause trouble later on at night (Dale Road) - they all need jobs

Bits and pieces of ASB, PACT are well informed

We keep our doors locked just to be safe

Fly tipping a major problem, but otherwise no major ASB in the Shildon area

Police presence is reasonable there are problems with speeding at Eldon Bank

114

I know who to contact in relation to ASB

High level of ASB, especially during the night, drugs are a big problem which leads to burglaries

Lack of visible uniformed police officers on the streets

Crime and ASB going on in all streets, burglaries etc.

Drug addicts dealing on streets

Residents afraid to come out of their gardens in fear of something happening

The place is full of dogs mess

People stealing metal to sell on, security camera should be put in place to monitor by passers

Kids hanging around the streets at night, causing a nuisance, making noise and graffiti on walls

ASB, drug dealers in the area, the police are aware and they visit regularly

Drug problem in some areas

Town centre need more PCSO' s

Jubilee estate - bad ASB

Youths make a nuisance and loud noise

Night time, youths gather in groups throughout Shildon

Economy and Employment

Not a lot of jobs, outsiders coming in, but for what?

Not many jobs - there are very few shops, just a few corner shops.

Would be nice if there were more shops, not only for jobs but to shop in as well

Lack of employment opportunities which means moving around to find employment

High unemployment with a poor economy

Like most places employment is a problem and needs to be improved

There is not a great deal of employment opportunities in Shildon

There is a lot of unemployment which is reflected in the area

Young people can't get jobs

Residents moving out of the area to find work

Lack of local employment

Need to look at training to help employment

Lot of unemployment

Lot of unemployment

Lack of local employment

115

Access to Services and

Facilities

Poor bus service, they often aren’t on at all, - sometimes you have to get an earlier bus in case the bus you want doesn’t turn up

Care link in house is very good

The buses are unreliable, I used to visit Darlington hospital but I can’t now

More services needed and new development needs to be done

Access to IT is great, drop in sessions at the College

There is lots to do if people would take more interest

Good network in Shildon

Church good at signposting streets

All acceptable, a lot of people use the community centre in Shildon

Police- its good we have a local station, sometimes they are quite responsive, sometimes they are not.

Very poor transport service (Arriva) - either late of don’t turn up at all

Quite good bus service, could be more shops, local train station

Bus services leave a lot to be desired and banks closing makes journeys to nearby towns a necessity

The Sunnydale leisure centre is important and needs to be kept

Aware of services available, there seems to be less and less bus routes, why are they talking routes away?

Some bus routes are poor, especially towards the west close area (Sheltered Scheme) and cemetery area

Buses are never on time, shortage of some shops, there's no variety

Holyhill House- on Jubilee, teaches those who’ve been kicked out etc. how to look after themselves and others.

The old housing office could be a useful facility instead of letting it stand empty

The old labour house is useful for people to come and voice their views, it’s a good contact place and encourages community involvement

Shildon shopping area is good, no need to shop elsewhere

There is a lot of frustration in Shildon area due to buses

There has been a cut to services. New Shildon area - 51% people have no car in Shildon

Lack of banks, transport to link New Shildon to the other end of town is not good

The X14 has been taken off, so it is now quite difficult to get to James Cook, Redcar Market etc.

Shildon – time table and route, very little service running this route. More frequent!!?

The Community Centre at the bottom of Eldon Bank is a good centre, needs more support! I.e. in volunteering etc. It offers the community line dancing, youth clubs, bingo etc.

116

The bus companies just cater for elderly people during more popular times of the day/week. Perhaps a survey could be done to see when these times are and try to meet those needs

There are a lot of older people living in the New Shildon area, with cuts to the bus service this means it is difficult for them to get around

We need more services, we only have the community centre

Buses reduced, banking facilities reduced. We need more shops, post office closed

There are more services for younger people than there are for the older generation, lost CAB which was a massive loss

Improve the look of shops in Church Street

Access to services excellent

Bus station, plenty of buses

Bus service is unreliable, shop facilities are ok, a pool room for kids? Somewhere for them to go

The gym is a great facility, all ages use it

Play group is very good; we could do with more shops.

Groups for young children in the afternoon would be good as they all seem to take place in the morning

Good range of services

Town centre dead after 1pm on Saturday

Good range of local shops

Morrisons and Co-op supermarkets

Plenty for children to do

Jubilee Fields Community centre

Shildon Peoples Centre run computer courses and stuff for kids

The skate park was a great idea but the youths abused it once skating went out of fashion. Need to try and update things like this

Shop fronts in Church Street need tidying up

Health and Wellbeing

Access to doctors is improved, quite satisfied now

Busy doctors, but usually ok for appointments

The Doctors is improving, you can get appointments on the usually

Doctors are fine

Hallgarth Surgery - very difficult to get appointments, unsure on home visits

117

Doctors at Hallgarth Surgery have caused problems, but I understand this is being improved

Good network of activities, especially for the older people in the town

50/50 Hallgarth doctors keep changing no continuity

No continuity of doctors (Hallgarth Surgery) - it's a business now and not as stable as it used to be

Community centre working with doctors - healthy eating with kids but not with the elderly, needs more funding

Travelling to local hospitals is difficult especially when the bus service is not very frequent.

Some of the Doctors surgeries need to be improved- lengthy waiting times at Cheapside and Hallgarth.

We have good Dr's here, the dentists can be a little expensive

Good health services, access to services are ok

Leisure centre has new gym facilities, does community events

Good Doctors service at BishopGate near Morrisons, really good all round service

General health in the area has improved but people have to travel for local hospitals/appointments etc. to areas such as Sunderland and Hartlepool. When Darlington and Bishop are on their doorstep.

Good health services, access to services are ok

Leisure centre has new gym facilities, does community events

Education & Training

The schools are ok, they have good facilities, such as IT lessons

Training is good, I'm working now

Not aware of specific facilities

Sunnydale school is good and the students do well

Poor availability of adult training, gym facilities are too expensive

All levels of schooling available in Shildon

Good Training in the area, IT classes help people like myself learn new skills

Young people can't get jobs due to lack of experience and training

Shildon Peoples Centre run computer courses

Aware of Sunnydale classes, help with setting up computer would be nice

Our schools seem to have good results

We have good schools, S and D training Centre is good too

S and D, is good, they offer bricklaying etc. but it’s only a small facility - more investment would be good

Shildon Peoples Centre is useful but it could really do with a big sign to tell people what the centre is about and what is on offer

118

Schools are good, computer courses for adults are helpful

Reputation and

Community Cohesion

Poor - got to leave the area to do things, lack of facilities as well.

Area physically looks horrible, big horrible car parks, we need a shopping arcade.

I love Shildon, I've lived here all my life

Private lets not being managed

Nice community spirit

Good community spirit, facilities accessible for all age groups, youth clubs etc.

Community spirit is lacking in the area, reputation cold be much improved

Shildon's reputation is going downhill because of the people that are moving here

I believe it is good, especially with the amount of investment put into housing stock

We need better shops, we have to go out of town to get many items

Parents of youngsters in the town need to have more control.

Gangs hang around the recreation ground until the early hours.

Community spirit has gone downhill around Shildon

Good neighbours are a huge help, they help me with the shopping and that makes the spirit in the area great

The police need to do more than 'move the kids along' this doesn’t solve them hanging around and causing trouble

Very little community spirit

Good community spirit, bad reputation and could be improved

Quiet community

Certain areas have poor reputation

Shildon is a nice place with lots of nice people, but a small percentage (not always local people) cause havoc

I like living in Shildon, although there are some areas I would not go

Some parts of Shildon's reputation may not be good but I like living here

Good community spirit

Shildon has good heritage, with its history of trains.

The youth are blamed for ruining a lot of the reputation of Shildon

Environment Lilburn is a very dark area and could use some street lights

More disabled parking spaces, the spaces that are available are being taken by non-badge holders (especially in the main street)

119

The area needs improving, nice paths and walkways though, the museum is nice too.

Overgrowth gives drug addicts and dealers somewhere to hide

Area untidy, dog fouling and litter, need more bins

Ok to walk around - Old Shildon is nicer

We need new building to make the place look nicer, replacement of flowers, the kids pull them up.

Could do with flower beds, plant pots etc.

Street lights needed in Lilburn, very dark around Mr Fish Shop

Improvements could be made to make the area more attractive

Well maintained, but dog fouling becoming a problem

Good park areas, some areas need tidying up though

Leaves everywhere makes the area look untidy

There is an overgrowth of nettles and dock leaves near to Rowan Avenue, Magnolia and Maple - similar scenario reported in the Alexander Gardens area- Sunnydale.

Trees over hanging in Pears Terrace

The rec corner needs clearing, there is a large build-up of leaves near to the park - it is so big that the pile takes over the pathway and pushchairs can’t even get through it.

There are plenty of facilities, the problem is they are badly used by a lot of people, nice parks around

Generally good, but there are pockets of bland areas that could use some colour

Dog fouling is still a big issue for people in the area

The area generally looks nice, making an effort has a good impact on the community

Although we have designated litter pickers, some ignorant people tend to mess lovely areas

We need more dog fouling bins, one at the side of the community centre

More bins to reduce litter

Areas around the town are ok - neighbourhoods need improving.

It is visible that improvements have been made and there is an effort to keep the town looking nice

Have a lovely cemetery

It’s great to see daffodils being planted by local school children - perhaps we could have tulips etc. planted for a bit of differentiation but still getting the youngsters involved

Dog fouling is an issue although this has improved, we hope the effort to improve this remains particularly round the rec area

120

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 stock profile of the community.

Gold communities will normally have a lower tenancy turnover; however a Gold ranking could also 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.

Gold = 5% turnover or less Silver = 8-9% turnover Bronze = 10% turnover or more

http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/statistics/housingplanningstatistics2010

121

It is important that when considering tenancy turnover; further investigation be given to the 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. - 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

Gold = 11 to 15 points Silver = 6 to 10 points Bronze = 1 to 5 points

122

communities. However, anecdotal evidence from staff has uncovered that this methodology may disguise the actual experience of demand in livin’s communities by using a general mean average 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 Shildon 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 Shildon (including the Wards of Byerley, Sunnydale, and Thickley) 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 Shildon (including the Wards of Byerley, Sunnydale, and Thickley) for 2001/02. 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

123

livin Rental

Debit

To assess the rent payments made by tenants within livin properties in Shildon an 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 Shildon 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.

Gold = 0 to 0.99% 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 Shildon 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

124

Environmental

Assessment

On 20 January 2012 staff from livin’s Communities Teams conducted an Environmental Assessment on a pre-determined route through the town. 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

Trees

Boundary walls & fences

Gardens

The route through the town began at Auckland Terrace and continued onto Main Street, before turning at Cottage Road and continuing along Brown Street and Primitive Street. The route then continued along Church Street onto Albert Street before turning onto Jubilee Fields Estate. The route through the estate began on Jubilee Road, before turning onto Coronation Avenue then continuing down Maple Avenue. At the bottom of Maple Avenue the route continued back onto Jubilee Road and down Hilsdon Drive into Lilac Court. After Lilac Court the route crossed the railway line onto Dabble Duck Industrial Estate and onto Redworth Road. The route then continued across Redworth Road and onto Woodland View before re-joining Redworth Road and ending on Byerley Road. 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 town. Shildon scored a total of 144 points (144 divided by 5 = average of 29). Full details of the Environmental Assessments can be found at: www.livin.co.uk

Gold = 30 to 35 points Silver = 21 to 29 points Bronze = 0 to 20 points


125

Total Score for Shildon This score is based on a range of economic, social, and environmental indicators contained within the Community Plan for Shildon. These issues have been scored against strategic priorities from livin’s Corporate Plan 2012-2015. 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

33


mailto:[email protected]

Date post:	28-Mar-2016
Category:	Documents
Upload:	anna-robson
View:	218 times
Download:	2 times

Shildon Community Plan 2012 2014

Documents