The All Together for Spennymoor Board met on Friday 16 October 2026 to discuss progress on the Pride in Place programme, including the relocation of the Spennymoor Post Office and plans for future events. The Board also reviewed ongoing work to support local businesses and young people, and discussed strategies for improving communication and engagement.

All Together for Spennymoor Programme Update

The Board received an update on the progress of the All Together for Spennymoor programme. A key achievement highlighted was the £60,000 awarded from the Business Support Fund to assist with the relocation of the Spennymoor Post Office into the former Lloyds Bank building. This investment has retained a vital service and safeguarded eight jobs, with the overall investment for the relocation and acquisition amounting to approximately £317,000. This was noted as a strong example of the programme supporting a local asset and maintaining town-centre footfall.

The inaugural Business Working Group meeting, held on 28 September 2026, was also discussed. Representatives from nine local businesses attended, alongside Council Officers and Business Durham. Discussions focused on issues such as anti-social behaviour, access to business support, town-centre traffic arrangements, and the potential reopening of the top of High Street. The group agreed to meet quarterly to monitor progress and develop solutions. Concerns were raised about current traffic arrangements directing vehicles away from parts of the High Street, impacting visibility and passing trade. Councillor Joe Quinn, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Investments and Assets, suggested that limited short-stay parking could support businesses, with appropriate controls in place. Councillor Liz Maddison, Leader of the Spennymoor and Tudhoe Independent Group, suggested measures like outdoor tables, planting, and background music to enhance the town centre's attractiveness. A WhatsApp group for businesses was also proposed to share information about events and initiatives.

The Board also discussed the Spennymoor 10K Race, with Spennymoor Town Council requesting funding support. A business case is to be developed for this proposal, which will be considered at the next Board meeting.

The Board resolved to note the progress made since the approval of the Pride in Place Investment Plan and approved the continued progression of the four-year investment plan and ten-year vision.

Forward Plan and Next Steps

Looking ahead, officers are working with Spennymoor Town Council on Halloween and Christmas events. The Halloween programme will span two evenings, with activities for children on the Friday and a separate ball for adults on the Saturday. The Christmas event will be coordinated with the Town Council to avoid duplication, featuring a Christmas market with more stalls and rides, an ice rink, face painting, and a film screening at the marketplace and Town Hall. Fees for Spennymoor businesses will be waived for these events.

Councillor Karen Allison, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Tourism, Regeneration and High Street, suggested seeking sponsorship from Parish and Town Councils, local members, businesses, and organisations with community or social-value funds to ensure the long-term sustainability of these events. Councillor Joe Quinn mentioned the Banks Group's Community Chest as a potential funding source.

Work continues with local youth members on the Young Minds project, aimed at addressing mental health needs among children and young people in Spennymoor. A questionnaire has been circulated to schools, and local businesses have offered assistance and potential use of premises. Lessons learned from this project will be shared with other Pride in Place Boards.

Issues to Share/Communicate

An update on recent communications activity was provided, highlighting that publicity for the Post Office relocation had been featured in the Northern Echo and shared widely on social media, generating significant views and reach. Publicity for the Business Working Group also received substantial engagement.

Regarding the proposed new car park, it was confirmed that the scheme is subject to planning approval and weather conditions, with work expected to begin in the new year. A press release is being prepared. The idea of re-sharing stories and relevant material through school contacts to reach parents was supported.

The appointment of a shared Communications Officer for all four Pride in Place Boards was discussed, with recruitment to commence with the aim of having the postholder in place in the new year.

Councillor Nicola Lyons raised the issue of the rising NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) rates and the developing national agenda relating to employment, skills, and economic inactivity, particularly for 16 to 24-year-olds. The Board considered how to connect investment in Spennymoor with apprenticeships, work experience, local procurement, and employment outcomes. David Stone, from the Advanced Learning Partnership, agreed that physical improvements alone would not demonstrate the full benefit if young people and businesses did not gain access to contracts, training, and employment.

Councillor Joe Quinn highlighted transport as a practical barrier for young people seeking apprenticeships and employment, particularly for those travelling between Spennymoor, Ferryhill, Sedgefield, and NETPark. Councillor Liz Maddison noted the issue of generational unemployment and the difficulty for young people to secure apprenticeships or jobs without affecting their parents' benefits. Alan Strickland MP agreed to explore opportunities for investing in young people and skills, alongside building projects, and offered his office's support for work experience opportunities.

The Board also discussed the potential for occasional or themed markets to provide low-risk opportunities for young people, home-based traders, and start-up businesses to test products and develop confidence. Councillor Karen Allison mentioned a travelling farmers' market and potential collaboration with local women working from home.

The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Friday 29 January 2027.