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There are no new planning applications within the Bishop Auckland Town Council wards this week.

The previous list of planning applications are available on the Consultations page.

 

Mayor of Bishop Auckland Councillor Joy Allen reflects on the year 2020 and shares her Christmas message with the Town.

It goes without saying that 2020 has been a very difficult year for everyone. Particularly those who have lost loved ones to Covid-19. My sympathy goes out to families and friends who have lost loves ones and those enduring long periods of separation.

Because of the Coronavirus we have seen vulnerable people shielding, families and friends kept apart and the devastating impact the lockdown restrictions have had on our local businesses.

The crisis has meant we have had to adapt and do things differently. I have been truly amazed at the kindness and generosity of those living and working within our town. From helping the most vulnerable amongst us with their shopping and prescriptions, to supporting local foodbanks and demonstrating our appreciation and gratitude to the NHS, Care workers and front-line staff. Where it was possible businesses adapted to comply with the ever changing restrictions. I am grateful to everyone who has and continues to support them by shopping locally, it not only helps them and our high street, it helps protect local jobs. I have been so proud of the people of Bishop Auckland whose response to this pandemic has been remarkable.

It was really disappointing to have had to cancel so many planned events this year such VE and VJ day, Food Festival and the Christmas light switch on. However, I was delighted when partners came together to ensure that Christmas still came to town and we now have an amazing light projection in our market place that people can come to see and enjoy.

As the year draws to a close and the roll out of the vaccine gathers pace, I am optimistic about the New Year ahead and hopeful for the future. 2021 is now looking very positive, with the opening of new attractions such as the Spanish Gallery and Auckland Castle’s Walled Garden, the return of KYNREN and journeys on the Weardale Line, the reopening of the Town Hall, Art Gallery and Theatre not to mention the much anticipated multi-million pound government funding from the Future High Street Fund and Stronger Towns Fund. All of these things combine to make Bishop Auckland economic prospects unlike any town in the area. The possibilities and opportunities are endless they will go a long way to cement the towns future as one of the premier visitor destinations in the region.

On behalf of Bishop Auckland Town Council, fellow Councillors and Town Council Officers, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and above all a healthy 2021.

 

Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Councillor Joy Allen has been given a generous donation towards for her newly chosen charity, the Durham branch of SSAFA, The Armed Forces Charity.  The £1,000 donation has kindly been made by Voneus, who specialise in superfast broadband direct to rural homes, businesses and public services.

 

The Mayoral Term for Cllr Allen was extended a year due to COVID-19 and this year she has chosen to fund raise for SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) The Armed Forces Charity who provide lifelong support to serving men and women and veterans from the British Armed Forces and their families or dependents.

 

Councillor Joy Allen, said: “Having seen the excellent work SSAFA Durham do for local Veterans in the Bishop Auckland area it was an easy decision for me to choose them for my Mayors Charity. This year more than ever, the pandemic highlighted to me SSAFA’s invaluable work which is often goes unseen.

 

Working with local volunteers I have seen first-hand how this fund is making a real difference particularly to the lives of our older veterans and their families.  I am extremely grateful to Voneus for their generous donation which  will go a long way to support local veterans, individuals and groups.”

 

 Zoe Day, Head of Marketing and Communications at Voneus said: “Voneus Broadband is delighted to be working with the Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Joy Allen. We hope that our donation will help make a difference and go towards the fantastic initiatives being planned to support those that are disconnected or having to isolate in their communities, in these very challenging times.”

 

Mike Donne, Branch President, for Durham SSAFA said: ““This is a very generous donation to the Mayor’s Charity Fund for SSAFA. It will be used to help our social isolation fund that allows us to keep up the spirits of veterans’ and their families, widows and those in poor health during these challenging times. On behalf of SSAFA in County Durham, the volunteers and above all our beneficiaries a big Thank You”

 

For any further information on how you can contribute to the mayors fundraising for the Social Isolation Fund, contact the Town Council on 01388 207110 or e mail council@bishopauckland-tc.gov.uk

The latest list of planning applications have been posted on the Consultations page.

A meeting of the Town Council will be held via Zoom on Tuesday 15th December 2020 at 6:00pm.

A meeting of the Planning Committee will immediately follow the meeting of the Town Council, starting no earlier than 7:00pm.

A copy of the agendas are now available to download on the Agendas and Minutes Page.

 

Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/97045715526?pwd=RTZrUWJPQ3MzbFF2bjBEWGJYaDcyQT09

Meeting ID: 970 4571 5526
Passcode: 021736

 

You will need to download and install the free Zoom client on your device, prior to the start of the meeting.