A NINE-week programme to tackle neighbourhood nuisances and improve everyday life for residents in Coundon has been launched.

Residents are being asked to get involved in the project by raising any concerns with Durham County Council’s Community Action Team (CAT).

The team, which includes officers from environment, health and consumer protection, planning, housing improvement, neighbourhood interventions, wardens, recycling, streetscene and energy efficiency teams, will spend the first two weeks working with the local community to set priorities for the project.

People can meet the team and discuss any issues during a community engagement event at Mickle Grove Community Training Hub, in Coundon, on Tuesday, November 1, between 2pm and 5pm.

Issues already raised include dealing with empty properties including a local pub, clearing flytipping and addressing other environmental issues and helping residents to improve their health and wellbeing.

Joanne Waller, Durham County Council’s head of environment, health and consumer protection, said: “The Community Action Team is already aware of a number of issues in Coundon, but we want to hear from local people to find out what improvements they would like to see.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to come along to the residents’ meeting and drop-in sessions to have their say.”

The second stage of the initiative will see the team working with partners, including Durham Police, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, the NHS Health Improvement Service and Groundwork, to deal with the issues and concerns raised.

Residents will be able to keep up-to-date with their progress at two drop-in sessions at Mickle Grove Community Training Hub on Wednesday, November 16, from 2pm to 4pm and Tuesday, November 29, from 10am to noon.

The team will also be attending Coundon and District Police and Communities Together meetings at Coundon Workingmen’s Club, Crescent View on Tuesday, November 1 and Tuesday, December 13, from 7pm to 8.30pm.

The final phase of the campaign will give the team the opportunity to review their work and set priorities for the future.

Residents can also raise concerns by calling 03000-261016 or emailing communityactionteam@durham.gov.uk