Notice is hereby given that the Annual Parish Meeting of Electors is to be held on Thursday 16 May 2024 at 6pm at St Mary’s Church Hall, Shincliffe Village, DH1 2ND.

All electors of the parish are welcome to attend.

The agenda is here.

Each year Shincliffe Parish Council works out what funding it needs to achieve its mission and key priorities, this is then collected along with the Council Tax by Durham County Council and shown on your Council Tax bill, the amount collected is known as the precept.

For the last two years, given the hardships of Covid and lockdown, the parish council has chosen to
subsidise the precept and hence reduce the cost to you, by releasing reserves accumulated over
previous years (underspends, VAT refunds etc), this is no longer possible, so this year the precept
collected will reflect the true spend.

For more information on how the parish council spends your money please see here.

Your parish council has arranged for the play surfaces in Shincliffe Village Play Park to be renewed with a fresh layer of “playchip”. This has been put on top of the old bark.

The team from Scotbark laying the new surface with their highly specialist equipment

The money was provided jointly from parish council funds and from County Councillor David Stoker’s Neighbourhood Budget.

Parish council Chairman Cllr Stephen Ashfield said:

“We have an excellent play park in the village. It is important that we invest in it and keep it in superb condition so that it can be enjoyed for years to come.”

Shincliffe Parish Council is pleased that our parish will be part of a new Elvet, Gilesgate & Shincliffe county council division from 2025.

The Boundary Commission had proposed putting us in with Bowburn and Coxhoe, but we, and many residents, put forward the view that Shincliffe is more closely linked to Durham City than to those villages further away.

Cllr Stephen Ashfield, Chair of Shincliffe Parish Council, said:

“We, at Shincliffe Parish Council, wholeheartedly welcome the decision to include Shincliffe Parish in the Elvet & Gilesgate division. This decision marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to ensure that our community’s unique identity and interests are duly recognized and represented in our local governance structure. The persuasive evidence presented by local residents, highlighting the distinct character of Shincliffe compared to the Bowburn & Coxhoe division, played a crucial role in this outcome. This inclusion not only aligns with our long-standing commitment to better reflect our community’s identities but also promises a more balanced and equitable representation in the division. We are grateful for the support and acknowledgment of our stance, and we look forward to contributing positively to the Elvet, Gilesgate & Shincliffe division. This decision is a testament to the power of community voice and engagement in shaping effective and representative local governance.”

At last night’s Beautiful Durham awards our parish performed brilliantly.

High Shincliffe won Best Village, whilst Shincliffe Village was Highly Commended in the Best Small Village category.

Also in the parish, Sherburn House won Best Sheltered Accommodation and Leslie Roe from Shincliffe Village got a Highly Commended award in the Best Large Garden section.

Cllr Stephen Ashfield, Chair of Shincliffe Parish Council, said:
“I would like to say a huge thank you to everybody who worked so hard to make these awards possible and to keep our villages looking so beautiful.”

We just wanted to make you all aware a car was stolen on Tuesday night from Heathways.

The perpetrators attempted to get into the house by breaking the lock but were unsuccessful so threw a rock through the kitchen window to grab the car keys.

The car has been found and police informed us that the thieves are taking them down the farm track to escape.

Before this incident they had apparently tried 3 other houses including smashing a lock safe and entering a house.

We think it would be beneficial for residents to be aware that it is import to not leave car keys near windows and if possible to place them in a ‘Faraday Pouch’ or metal container as this may prevent them from locating the key signal.

They only recovered the car because a barrier was down at the farm track near Sherburn and the police said to break the window they seem desperate.

Make sure outhouses and garages are secured, locked and windows and doors locked at night. Car keys stored safely and securely and vehicles locked.

It is unfortunate but a fact that thieves are about, keep them out.

We will be contacting Police for further information.

Dear Residents of Shincliffe Parish,
I hope this message finds you all in good health and high spirits. It is with great humility and a sense of responsibility that I write to you today to formally announce my acceptance of the role of Chair of the Shincliffe Parish Council.
I am deeply honoured to have been given this opportunity to serve our vibrant and diverse community, and I am enthusiastic about the potential of working together to bring about positive change and development to our beloved parish.
Having seen the dedication and hard work of my predecessor, Michael Banks I am inspired and motivated to continue building on the strong foundation that has been laid. It is my promise to each one of you that I will serve with integrity, transparency, and a commitment to fostering a sense of unity and community spirit. I am fully aware of the responsibilities this role entails, and I am committed to being a voice for all residents, addressing your concerns, and working towards the betterment of Shincliffe Parish.
In these coming months, I am eager to listen to your thoughts, ideas, and concerns. I believe that it is through open dialogue and collaboration that we can identify the needs of our community and work towards creating a more inclusive, vibrant, and thriving environment for all.
Furthermore, I am looking forward to working closely with fellow council members, community groups, and local organisations to identify opportunities for development and to address the challenges that lie ahead. Together, I am confident that we can achieve great things and create a lasting impact for the future generations of Shincliffe Parish.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for entrusting me with this role. I am excited about the journey ahead and I am dedicated to serving our community to the best of my ability. I encourage all residents to reach out, engage, and participate in the civic life of our parish, for it is through your involvement and contribution that we will truly realize our shared vision for Shincliffe.
Thank you for your support and trust. I look forward to meeting many of you in the coming weeks and months and to working together to make Shincliffe Parish a place we are all proud to call home.

Yours sincerely,
Stephen Ashfield
Chair, Shincliffe Parish Council

The results of our 2023 residents’ survey are in!

Many thanks to all who took part.

A summary of the results is here.

Dear neighbours and friends,
Shincliffe Parish Council enjoyed some welcome continuity this past year, with all five councillors and our Parish Clerk serving throughout 2022/23.
Your Parish Councillors are:
Stephen Ashfield
Michael Banks
Ann Callaghan
Bill Clatworthy
Brian Fairlamb
Your Parish Clerk is Richard Ormerod. We are grateful for the ongoing support of County Councillor David Stoker throughout the year.
Shincliffe Parish Council has a number of Committees which met throughout the year, namely Finance, Horticulture, Carbon Reduction & Climate Change. Councillors are grateful for the involvement of community members in the latter two committees. If you would like to be involved, please contact us. We have a new website:
www.shincliffeparishcouncil.org.uk
And a new email contact address for our Parish Clerk:
clerk@shincliffeparishcouncil.org.uk
A new notice board was erected at the entrance to the Village Play Park on the occasion of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Indeed it was a very eventful year with an unprecedented series of Royal occasions. We celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee then all too quickly mourned her death. The Proclamation of the Accession of King Charles was heralded and we have just ended his Coronation Celebrations. The King’s Big Picnic Lunch took place across four locations in the Parish and was enjoyed by hundreds of residents. The King’s Big Help Out took place on the Public Holiday. There was a special focus on clearing a section of the Old Mine Woods and planting two Turkey Oak saplings, which had been grown from the late Queen Mother’s family estate. A memorial plaque marks the event and a picnic table is to be sited there. Five Coronation Planters, two each in the Village and High Shincliffe and one at Sherburn House are a fitting visual memento of the occasion, all made locally at St. Margaret’s Centre. Each household received a Coronation Bookmark as did all the children at Shincliffe School. There are some for those children in our Parish who do not attend Shincliffe School and these can be obtained by contacting our Parish Clerk. Many Coronation photographs were taken and are being collated by Garry Stout, Chairman of Shincliffe Local History Society. Thanks to all who gave up their time and talents to plan for the Coronation and deliver it within the community.
Shincliffe Parish Council held three Public Meetings in the 2022/3 session, firstly for traffic issues on A177 and throughout the village and perimeter road at High Shincliffe. Over 50 people attended and an action plan emerged on which we are engaging with Durham County Council for speed reductions, better signage and road markings. We support the Safer in Shincliffe campaign instigated by a resident, and thank him for his forensic research and diligence! Secondly, a Public Meeting was held concerning the establishment of a Parish Resilience Forum and the development of a Community Emergency Plan. Sixteen people attended, with representatives from Shincliffe WI, Shincliffe Community Association, St. Mary’s Parochial Church Council and residents, meeting with representatives of the Civil Contingencies Unit and Environment Agency. Councillors are grateful to local resident, Roy Smith, who will be the Volunteer Co-ordinator for this group. We are also grateful to Shincliffe WI for allowing their premises to be used as a base for emergency services in the event of a local emergency, and also to St. Mary’s Parochial Church Council who agreed to let the church hall be used as a public reception centre. Thirdly, we will be holding a Public Meeting on the proposed Boundary Changes for Durham County Council wards immediately after this Parish Meeting.
A comprehensive Parish Survey was delivered to all households and the returns are currently being analysed. This is very important so that the Council can act upon your collective views and spend the precept wisely!
A different type of survey, that of trees, was undertaken by Olivers as we seek to map and maintain these beautiful natural adornments to our Parish
Shincliffe Parish Council increased the inspection regime for the Village Play Park, adding independent quarterly inspections to the annual RoSPA inspection and the ongoing inspections by Durham County Council as per our Service Level Agreement. Funding was awarded by Durham Area Action Partnership for a park access feasibility study. We are also grateful to Cllr Stoker for additional funding for the upkeep and maintenance of the park.
Consultation took place about the siting of yellow lines at key points within the village. We are at the final stage of consultation with DCC before these will be implemented in attempt to improve safety within the village.
Two litter picks were held and many thanks to those members of our community who turned up to don a reflective vest and take up litter picker and bag! It all helps to keep our Parish beautiful. This presents a nice link to the Beautiful Durham Awards…with Shincliffe winning the Best Small Village category, and High Shincliffe being Highly Commended in the Best Village category. Shincliffe Parish Council also held its annual garden awards, with £20 vouchers awarded to ten deserving winners.
Shincliffe Parish Council passed the following motions:
(1) Reducing HGV traffic affecting villages and narrow, unsuitable roads.
(2) To oppose the use of overhead cables in the Parish
We also adopted a new Statement of Shincliffe Parish Council Mission and Values
Shincliffe Parish Council meets each month (except August recess) usually on the third Thursday. You are welcome to attend!
If you would like to know more about Shincliffe Parish Council, or the work of its Councillors, please contact us. If anyone is considering standing as a Councillor, we have two vacancies! Please contact us for an informal chat.
Have a fabulous summer in sunny Shincliffe! Thank you for your support.

Michael Banks
Chairman, Shincliffe Parish Council

Dear Neighbours and Friends,

Since the elections of May 2021, I have served as Chair of Shincliffe Parish Council, however, for reasons to do with my current employment, I have stood down as both Chair and as a Councillor.

I had not previously held any political office, neither had the other two Councillors elected with me, Brian Fairlamb and Lizzie Pexton. This, together with a new Parish Clerk, made life what people euphemistically call ‘interesting’! All seven previous Councillors had not stood for re-election and the Parish Clerk had resigned, so finding our way around policies, plans etc was a challenge, and I am particularly grateful for the support given by County Councillor David Stoker, former Clerk, Kate Cuthbert and her successor, Patricia Embleton, during this difficult period. In June, Stephen Ashfield and Christine Warburton were co-opted on to Council, but Patricia left for a new career and we were pleased to appoint Richard Ormerod as our Clerk. He has been outstanding, helping us to transform the Council. The following year we were joined by Ann Callaghan and Bill Clatworthy, as Christine and Lizzie moved on. I am grateful for the support of all of these Councillors, past and present, who freely give their time and talents for the betterment of our community. I am also grateful for members of our community who have assisted us, particularly Yvonne Collingham and Pat Matthews, on Horticulture Committee, and Roy Smith on the nascent Parish Resilience Forum. Not forgetting our gardener, Marc Platts, who toils to beautify our Parish.

Shincliffe Parish Council has an ambitious programme to improve our community, building on the results of the Parish Surveys, and I hope to be a part of that, but as a resident, rather than a Councillor, which has been deemed incompatible with my role working with the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Finally, I am grateful for the support I have received from within our community. We live in a beautiful place, but even here at times there are significant challenges. We will not always agree on everything, but I hope that we can face what life sends as neighbours and friends.

I wish Shincliffe Parish Council every future success!

Best…

Michael Banks

Your parish council wants to get an idea of how many residents of Shincliffe Village, High Shincliffe and Sherburn House are interested in renting an allotment.

If enough people are interested we will look into providing some.

To register your interest please email clerk@shincliffeparishcouncil.org.uk

East Grange Farm in High Shincliffe recently applied for a licence to:

Allow the sale of alcohol Monday – Sunday between the hours 10am and 11pm.
Allow the provision of films on Fridays and Saturdays between 12 noon and 11pm.

Shincliffe Parish Council is aware of the significant level of interest in this matter and has objected on the grounds of potential noise disruption and because the council believes that there may be road safety issues arising from the events on the premises due to the potential increase in traffic.

The council would be prepared to withdraw its objection if the following conditions were met:
1. A comprehensive noise reduction policy.
2. A traffic limiting policy that includes measures including the staggering of arriving traffic at the farm, the stewarding of arriving traffic and implementing a parking management plan.
3. That the frequency of events at which there is amplified sound (whether outdoor film screenings or music events) is limited.

View the map HERE

The parish council has received the following notice from Durham County Council. The council will be discussing this at its meeting on 16 March and would be delighted to hear the views of residents. Please let us know what you think by emailing clerk@shincliffeparishcouncil.org.uk

Dear Shincliffe Parish Council,

We have received an application to divert Durham Footpath 90. The proposal will remove sections of cross- field path and divert Footpath 90 around the field-edge which will increase the agricultural productivity of the land benefiting the landowners. The diverted footpath would have a natural surface to a width of 1.8 metres.

I would be pleased to receive any comments or objections from you, within 30 days of the date of this email. If there are no objections, the application may be determined by the Corporate Director of Resources, in consultation with the Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Climate Change, and if there are objections, it may be determined by the Highways Committee. If you need more time to consider the matter please let me know.

Please note that if you do make representations, then by virtue of the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985, the County Council may make them available for public inspection. Additionally, they may also be disclosable under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Kind regards

Owen Shaw

Rights of Way Officer

Access & Rights of Way / Neighbourhoods and Climate Change / Durham County Council

DOWNLOAD A177 to Low Road proposals map

DOWNLOAD Low Road proposals map