Over the last thirty years Dean Bank has seen ongoing regeneration taking place in a variety of forms. From the demolition of the Praxis factory and the building of the housing estate on the western edge of Dean Bank to the introduction of the Children’s Centre, refurbishment of the Literary Institute, and introduction of a Greggs Breakfast Club and Family Learning Schemes at Dean Bank Primary School. Millions of pounds has been spent, and continues to be spent in the area to support residents, and to improve the environment.
A large number of partners and residents have worked together over the years to enable this to happen, and this continues today through a multi partnered working group, which comprises Ferryhill Town Council officers and Councillors, Durham County Council officers and Councillors, Housing providers Benicia and Livin, the Police and the Dean Bank Residents Association.
An action plan has been developed by the working group which considers housing, the environment, anti-social behaviour, economic support, health and wellbeing. Recent development has seen new bungalows built by Livin on Hackworth Close, demolition works to void properties by Bernicia, who have then worked closely with Durham County Council colleagues to make environmental improvements to the areas affected by the demolitions, Ferryhill Town Council’s ongoing development and improvements to the Dean Bank Park Recreation Ground, whilst Durham County Council continues to work with private landlords, and have secured funding to deliver a solid wall insulation scheme on Davy Street, alongside an arts project that will see paintings introduced to windows on void properties, based on work by artist Norman Cornish.
Covid-19 has paused the multi partnership walkabouts for the time being, but partners continue to identify and act in response to those residents guilty of fly tipping and/or causing a range of other issues.
Further investment has been sought and secured, with the support of Durham County Council and MP Paul Howell’s office, to extend the solid wall insulation scheme into Newton Street.
A spokesperson for the group said ‘partnership working has enabled millions of pounds to be invested in Dean Bank, to provide and deliver a wide variety of projects and support for the benefit of the local community. All partners have pledged a long term commitment to the regeneration of the area, and look forward to developing more initiatives in the future.’
The Working Group is keen to hear feedback from residents of Dean Bank, regarding whether improvements are making a difference in the area, and to understand if there are any other areas of concern that the group should be concentrating on.
Anyone with any feedback or comments should contact Karen Younghusband at: Ferryhill Town Council on telephone: 01740 652157 or email: kyounghusband@ferryhill.gov.uk
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