The All Together for Spennymoor board met on Friday 24 April 2026 to discuss the progression of their investment plan and vision, and to refine their communication strategy. The board approved the continued progression of their 4-year investment plan and 10-year vision, and discussed how to effectively communicate their activities and decisions to the public.

All Together for Spennymoor Programme Progression

The board approved the continued progression of the 4-year investment plan and 10-year vision for the All Together for Spennymoor programme. This approval comes ahead of the planned Pride in Place funding allocation in April 2026. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has been signed and returned, confirming that the programme is now live and funding is expected to be released shortly. This will enable the delivery of the first year of planned projects, totalling £812,617 in capital expenditure and £439,106 in revenue expenditure.

Communications and Branding

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the communication strategy for the All Together for Spennymoor programme. The board reviewed several logo designs, with a consensus favouring image three, though with a request for a more accurate depiction of the town's skyline. The aim is to create a strong, recognisable brand that connects with residents and projects the board's objectives. Discussions also focused on establishing a clear communication protocol to ensure consistent messaging across various platforms, including social media. The board agreed that messages should emanate collectively from the board, rather than individual members, to avoid misinterpretation and maintain a unified voice. The council's Communications Team will provide guidance on how to effectively disseminate messages and control the narrative surrounding the board's work. A standing agenda item is to be added to future meetings to summarise key decisions for outward communication.

Forward Plan and Next Steps

The board received updates on several upcoming initiatives. A business working group is being established, with plans to advertise the first meeting within four weeks to engage with local businesses. The High Street Improvement Fund application process is underway, with a launch network planned for the week commencing 11 May 2026. The Community Development Fund has received its funding and is ready for launch, though the board will consider whether to stagger its launch with other initiatives.

Grant funding agreements are being prepared for the Employment and Skills Coordinator and the active travel scheme. A feasibility study for the A688 is also progressing. The Police, Crime and Fire Commissioner's Office (PCCO) is conducting a CCTV review, with a proposal to install a camera near Asda. Meetings are scheduled to discuss Health and Wellbeing, and the public realm project, including the creation of a car park and the Cenotaph scheme, are expected to commence this financial year.

Any Other Business

Concerns were raised regarding illegal bikes and anti-social behaviour (ASB) associated with them, following a recent incident where a bike collided with a Livin van. Councillor Liz Maddison highlighted the danger posed by young people riding motorcycles and quad bikes through estates, particularly on Princess Street, and suggested the need for barriers around open spaces. A Town Vibrancy event is scheduled for Saturday 23 May 2026, which will provide updates on the board's activities and future plans for the town.