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Trimdon Station Community Association Meeting — 20th February 2025
The following report presents the findings from a representative community survey conducted at the Trimdon Community Centre on 20th February 2025 during the Trimdon Station Community Association Meeting. The purpose of this survey was to identify key issues affecting residents and to use this data to guide discussions with the local council, police, and other relevant stakeholders to address the concerns raised by the community.
Overview of Survey Results
Anti-Social Behaviour & Crime 91%
Empty Properties 74%
Condition of Properties 61%
Fly-Tipping & Rubbish 61%
Problems with the Field Behind Station Road East43%
Motorbike & Car Issues (including speeding) 39%
Parking Issues 30%
Public Transport Concerns 30%
Dog Fouling 30%
Improved Community Facilities & Activities 30%
Drug & Alcohol Abuse 26%
Fires (including arson) 26%
Private Landlord Issues 26%
Poor Street Lighting 22%
Animal Welfare (Horses) 17%
Road Obstructions in Rear Lanes17%
Street Cleaning 13%
Road & Path Repairs 13%
Poor Off-Street Parking 13%
Missing Bin Collections 13%
School Crossing Safety 9%
Intimidation & Fear 9%
Closure of Footpath 9%
Unsecured Gardens 4%
Exposed Gas/Electric Meters 4%
Fence Repairs 4%
Nature Reserve Maintenance 4%
Air Guns & ASB 4%
Community Concerns and Priorities
1. Anti-Social Behaviour & Crime (91%)
Anti-social behaviour and crime remain the most pressing concerns among residents. Issues such as vandalism, theft, drug use, and disorderly conduct create a climate of fear and insecurity within the community. Addressing these problems requires a multi-faceted approach, including a stronger police presence, improved detection, and consistent prosecution of offenders. Additionally, council-led initiatives such as community outreach programs, crime deterrent measures, and more frequent warden patrols are essential to improving safety and reducing crime rates.
2. Empty Properties (74%)
Abandoned or derelict buildings contribute to urban decay, attract vandalism, and serve as hotspots for anti-social behaviour. Residents have expressed the need for action to refurbish or repurpose these properties to improve the local environment. The council should exercise its enforcement powers to compel property owners to maintain their properties or face penalties. This includes addressing long-term vacant properties that remain in poor condition, which could otherwise be transformed into viable housing or community assets.
3. Condition of Properties (61%)
Neglected properties negatively impact property values and the overall appeal of the area. Issues such as poor maintenance, broken windows, unkempt gardens, and deteriorating facades diminish the community's well-being and contribute to increased anti-social behaviour. Council intervention is necessary, particularly concerning rental properties covered under the selective licensing scheme, ensuring landlords fulfill their responsibilities for proper maintenance and compliance with housing standards.
4. Fly-Tipping & Rubbish (61%)
Illegal waste dumping continues to be a major environmental and public health concern, leading to vermin infestations and an unsightly living environment. Stricter enforcement of waste disposal regulations, increased bin collection services, and designated waste disposal points—such as a monthly local rubbish collection initiative—could help mitigate the issue. Encouraging community responsibility through awareness campaigns may also reduce the prevalence of fly-tipping.
5. Problems with the Field Behind Station Road East (43%)
Concerns have been raised regarding the management, maintenance, and use of the field behind Station Road East. Issues include improper land use, illegal fires, rubbish dumping, motorbike disturbances, and serious animal welfare concerns following the deaths of horses on the land. Solutions include better land management, security improvements such as reinforced fencing, and strict enforcement against landowners who fail to maintain the property. Some residents advocate for the council to consider compulsory purchase of the land for community benefit.
6. Motorbike & Car Issues (39%)
Speeding, reckless driving, and illegal off-road biking create serious safety risks for residents. Community members have called for increased speed restrictions, enhanced enforcement measures, and additional traffic-calming installations. Particular concern has been raised regarding off-road motorbikes, which require urgent police intervention to prevent further disruption and accidents.
7. Parking Issues (30%)
Parking shortages, especially around schools and residential areas, contribute to congestion and accessibility challenges. The lack of adequate parking creates safety concerns for pedestrians and emergency services. Addressing these issues may require designated parking zones, stricter enforcement of parking regulations, and improved infrastructure planning.
8. Public Transport (30%)
Limited access to reliable public transport makes commuting difficult, particularly for those needing access to employment, education, and healthcare services. Calls for improved service frequency and better transport links have been raised, as enhanced connectivity could reduce unemployment rates and social deprivation.
9. Dog Fouling (30%)
Dog fouling in public spaces continues to be a significant concern, affecting hygiene and public cleanliness. Potential solutions include increased enforcement of fines, additional waste disposal bins in key areas, and public awareness campaigns to encourage responsible pet ownership.
10. Improved Community Facilities & Activities (30%)
Residents have expressed a desire for more community events, social spaces, and youth programs to promote social engagement and provide positive outlets for residents. The village community centre, which has significant space and facilities, could be better utilized. Further discussions and consultations with the community are needed to identify potential funding opportunities and introduce new activities and services.
11. Drug & Alcohol Abuse (26%)
Substance abuse contributes to crime, anti-social behaviour, and public safety issues. Increased support services, preventative measures, and enforcement efforts from both the police and council are necessary to combat this problem effectively. Rehabilitation programs and community education initiatives should also be considered.
12. Fires (26%)
Deliberate and accidental fires pose a significant threat to life, property, and public safety. Concerns include inadequate fire prevention measures, misuse of open spaces, fly-tipped rubbish, commercial waste burning, and anti-social behaviour. Residents request greater collaboration between the fire service, council, and police to prevent and address fire- related incidents.
13. Private Landlord Issues (26%)
Many residents have raised concerns about poor property management by private landlords, including lack of maintenance and tenant support. Stronger accountability is needed to ensure compliance with selective licensing conditions, including carrying out necessary repairs. The council should provide tenants with information leaflets outlining their rights and available support, and consider periodic property inspections to enforce housing standards.
14. Street Lighting (22%)
Poor lighting in specific areas heightens safety concerns and contributes to a sense of vulnerability, particularly regarding crime and anti-social behaviour. Improved street lighting has been proven to deter criminal activities and enhance community security.
15. Animal Welfare (Horses) (17%)
Residents are increasingly concerned about the welfare of horses in the community, particularly cases of neglect and improper care. Improved enforcement by the council and the RSPCA is needed to prevent further cases of mistreatment. Recent incidents, including the euthanization of three horses and the death of a young foal, highlight the urgency of this issue. Additionally, escaped horses have caused property damage and posed public safety risks.
16. Obstructions in Rear Lanes (17%)
Blocked rear lanes prevent emergency service access and disrupt waste collection. The council should enforce regulations to ensure obstructions are removed and take preventative measures to avoid recurrence.
17. Street Cleaning (13%)
A lack of regular street cleaning results in litter accumulation, negatively affecting the cleanliness and image of the area. Increased cleaning schedules, particularly after bin collections, would help maintain a cleaner environment.
18. Road & Path Repairs (13%)
Damaged roads and pathways pose safety risks, particularly for elderly and disabled residents. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs by the council are essential to improve accessibility and safety.
19. Poor Off-Street Parking (13%)
A shortage of off-street parking contributes to congestion. The village was not designed to accommodate the current volume and size of vehicles. The council should explore provisions for off-road parking bays or dedicated parking areas.
20. Missing Bin Collections (13%)
Inconsistent or missed bin collections lead to waste accumulation, increased fly-tipping, and hygiene concerns. Improved collection reliability is needed. When bins are not emptied due to non-compliance with collection policies, the council must consider the broader community impact, as uncollected waste often leads to illegal burning or dumping.
21. School Crossing Safety (9%)
A lack of safe pedestrian crossings near schools puts children at risk. Residents advocate for dedicated crossing areas or patrol officers to improve safety around schools.
22. Intimidation & Fear (9%)
Reports of intimidation contribute to a climate of fear within the community. Increased police presence and community-led initiatives are necessary to rebuild confidence. Many residents do not report crimes due to fear of retaliation, and efforts should be made to ensure people feel safe when engaging with authorities.
23. Closure of Footpath (9%)
The closure of a long-standing public right of way has raised accessibility concerns. The community strongly supports the restoration of this pathway to ensure continued public access.
24-28. Other Issues (4%)
Additional concerns include unsecured gardens, exposed gas/electric meters, fence repairs, nature reserve maintenance, and air gun-related anti-social behaviour. While these issues are not as urgent, residents request action from the council and police to prevent them from escalating.
These concerns reflect the community's priorities and highlight the need for coordinated action by local authorities, law enforcement agencies and other relevant stakeholders.
Conclusion & Next Steps
The results of this survey clearly demonstrate the key issues affecting the residents of Trimdon Station. The Trimdon Station Community Association will use this data to advocate for meaningful action from the council, police, and relevant stakeholders. To ensure progress, the following steps should be taken:
1. Engagement with Key Authorities:
The survey findings will be formally presented to local authorities, including the council, parish council, police, and other relevant stakeholder, urging them to take targeted action based on the findings of this report.
2. Community-Led Initiatives:
The Trimdon Station Community Association will work with residents to develop local initiatives, such as neighbourhood watch programs, community clean-ups, evaluation of property standards and awareness campaigns and to work with the local authority, police and other relevant stakeholders for the collective benefit of the Trimdon Station community.
3. Enhanced Enforcement & Policy Implementation:
The council must use its enforcement powers and statutory duties to address issues related to empty properties, waste management, and poor housing conditions and other enforcement powers for the management of land and property which is privately owned.
4. Investment in Infrastructure & Public Services:
A focus on road repairs, improved street lighting, parking solutions, and enhanced public transport is critical to improving quality of life in the area.
5. Improved Support Services & Outreach Programs:
Addressing issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, anti-social behaviour, crime and intimidation requires collaborative efforts between the police, the council, support services, and local organisations.
Ongoing Monitoring, Accountability & Sustainable Progress
To ensure meaningful and lasting improvements, a follow-up survey should be conducted within the next 12 months. This will allow for an objective assessment of progress, identification of any persistent or emerging issues, and refinement of priority areas. Additionally, regular community meetings will be scheduled to review developments, facilitate open dialogue, and ensure transparency in the engagement and responsiveness of statutory authorities.
The Power of Collaboration: A Shared Responsibility for a Stronger Community
True progress can only be achieved through sustained collaboration between residents, statutory bodies, and community organizations. By fostering a strong, cooperative partnership, all parties will be better positioned to implement effective solutions that lead to a safer, cleaner, and more prosperous Trimdon Station.
Engagement with statutory authorities—such as Durham County Council, Durham Constabulary, Trimdon Foundry Parish Council, and other relevant stakeholders—is not only essential for addressing immediate concerns but also for creating long-term, sustainable improvements. By working alongside the community, these organizations will gain a deeper understanding of local issues, enabling them to deliver statutory services in a way that is more targeted, efficient, and responsive to residents' needs.
Long-Term Benefits for Both the Community and Statutory Organizations
Investing time, resources, and collaborative efforts now will yield significant benefits over time. A proactive approach to tackling crime, antisocial behaviour, substandard housing, and other key challenges will ultimately reduce the financial burden on public services. Rather than continually allocating resources to address recurring issues, an initial commitment to long-term solutions will:
• Reduce Crime and Antisocial Behaviour:
By addressing the root causes through community engagement, improved policing strategies, and youth outreach programs, crime rates can decrease—reducing strain on law enforcement and the judicial system.
• Improve Housing Standards and Living Conditions:
Ensuring better housing conditions now will lower the long-term costs associated with health services, emergency housing support, and social care.
• Strengthen Community Resilience and Engagement:
A well-supported, empowered community will take greater pride and responsibility in maintaining a positive local environment, leading to a self-sustaining cycle of improvement.
• Enhance Efficiency in Service Delivery:
When statutory organizations work directly with the community, they can tailor their services more effectively, reducing inefficiencies and unnecessary expenditures.
By investing in solutions today, we create a foundation for lasting change—one that benefits not only the residents of Trimdon Station but also the organizations responsible for providing essential services.
A Call to Action for a Brighter Future
This report serves as the foundation for an ongoing blueprint for positive change. It highlights the need for collective action, commitment, and shared responsibility from all stakeholders. We call upon Durham County Council, Durham Constabulary, Trimdon Foundry Parish Council, and all relevant Stakeholders to recognize the value of working in partnership with the community and to take decisive steps in supporting long-term solutions.
By embracing this collaborative approach, we can transform Trimdon Station into a safer, cleaner, and more vibrant place to live and work—ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.
Prepared by: Trimdon Station Community Association
Date: 1st March 2025
This report will be distributed to all relevant departments within Durham County Council, Durham Constabulary, Trimdon Foundry Parish Council, all elected Councillors, the local Member of Parliament, and other key stakeholders. We kindly ask that members of the Trimdon Community Association assist in ensuring it reaches the appropriate individuals and organizations.
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