The Appeals and Complaints Sub-Committee of County Durham Council convened on Thursday, 20 June 2024, to address several significant issues, including the appeal against the closure of the Durham Youth Centre, the complaint regarding the handling of waste management in the Chester-le-Street area, and the review of the council's response to noise complaints in Newton Aycliffe.

Appeal Against the Closure of Durham Youth Centre

The most significant topic discussed was the appeal against the closure of Durham Youth Centre. The centre, a vital community hub, faced closure due to budget cuts. Several community members and local organisations argued against the decision, highlighting the centre's role in providing essential services to young people. One community member stated, The youth centre is not just a building; it's a lifeline for many young people in our community (Public reports pack, p. 12)¹.

The council defended the closure, citing financial constraints and the need to allocate resources more efficiently. However, after extensive deliberation, the sub-committee decided to postpone the closure for six months to explore alternative funding options and community partnerships.

Waste Management Complaint in Chester-le-Street

The sub-committee also reviewed a complaint regarding waste management in Chester-le-Street. Residents expressed concerns about irregular waste collection and the increasing presence of litter in public spaces. The council acknowledged the issues and attributed them to recent changes in waste management contracts. A council representative mentioned, We are aware of the disruptions and are working closely with our contractors to resolve these issues promptly (Public reports pack, p. 25)¹.

The sub-committee decided to implement a temporary increase in waste collection frequency and to conduct a thorough review of the waste management contracts to ensure better service delivery.

Noise Complaints in Newton Aycliffe

Lastly, the sub-committee addressed the ongoing noise complaints in Newton Aycliffe. Residents reported excessive noise from local businesses, particularly during late hours. The council had previously issued warnings to the businesses involved, but the problem persisted. One resident remarked, The noise levels are unbearable, especially at night. We need more stringent measures (Public reports pack, p. 34)¹.

In response, the sub-committee decided to enforce stricter noise control measures and to increase monitoring of the affected areas. They also planned to engage with the businesses to find a long-term solution that balances commercial activity with residents' quality of life.