GREEN issues have been top of the agenda for one County Durham village.

Durham County Council’s Community Action Team (CAT) has just begun an 11-week project in Dean Bank, near Ferryhill, which will see it addressing concerns raised by local people and dealing with issues linked to housing, the environment and health.

The CAT scheme involves the council’s staff and members, and its partners, dealing with empty properties to try and bring them back into use, clearing rubbish dumped in gardens and on village streets and helping with improvements to buildings and abandoned land.

Partners include Durham Constabulary, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, environmental charity Groundwork, businesses and housing associations.

Members of the community are being encouraged to get involved and let the team know which issues they would like to see the focus on.

Council staff will be at Dean Bank Literary Institute today, from 3pm to 6pm to provide more information while a walkabout will take place on April 19 to identify areas for action. Residents are welcome to join in and should meet at 9.45am outside the institute.

After the engagement session partners will meet and put together an action plan based on the priorities put forward by residents.

In previous locations actions have included a community litter pick, additional patrols for dog fouling, bin marking, fire safety visits, and recycling bin advice.

There will also be the chance for people to speak to the team at weekly surgeries. These will take place every Tuesday from April 24 to June 5, from 10 to 11am at the 4 Together Partnership office, 3-5 Haig Terrace, DL17 8NR.

There will also be an early evening surgery on Wednesday, May 23, from 5 to 6pm at the same venue.

Joanne Waller, the council’s head of environment, health and consumer protection, said: “Our community action team has been operating since 2012 and has already delivered schemes in 25 locations across the county.

“We have achieved some real success in previous schemes and are looking forward to working with residents and partners in Dean Bank to identify and then tackle the environmental and housing issues that matter to local people.

“I’d encourage as many residents as possible to get involved and help us make a difference.”

The scheme will run until late June. To find out more, visit durham.gov.uk/cat, email communityactionteam@durham.gov.uk or call 03000-261016.