The Crook North/Tow Law Neighbourhood Board met on Friday 25 September 2026 to discuss the Pride in Place programme. Key decisions included approving salary charges for a Lead Officer on a four-year basis and agreeing to fund a marketing officer role for one year. The board also agreed to fully support a 'quick win' application for the Jack Drum Arts Winter Light Parade, with requests to look into additional activities and discuss long-term sustainability with the applicant.

Lead Officer Salary Charges Approved

The Board approved the salary charges for a Lead Officer on a four-year basis to support the development and delivery of the four-year Investment Plan. Concerns were raised by some board members, including M Hall and Councillor D Bellingham, regarding the late circulation of the salary costs and job description, stating that insufficient time had been provided for proper review. Councillor M Hall requested that the matter be deferred. However, other members, including Councillor R Rodiss, G Wood (Economic Development Manager, Durham County Council), A Race (Crook Business Representative), and Councillor A Savory, emphasised the importance of maintaining appropriate officer resources to support programme delivery, highlighting the risk of delays to reporting requirements and potential impacts on funding if decisions were deferred. G Wood explained the rationale for the permanent appointment aligned with Durham County Council HR policy and outlined the significant support from the wider Community Economic Development Team. The board agreed to circulate the Lead Officer job description for further review and discussion at a future meeting.

Marketing Officer Role Approved for One Year

The Board agreed to approve the recruitment of a marketing officer on a one-year basis. This role, to be employed by Durham County Council, will work across all four Pride in Place areas, developing tailored communications strategies, managing social media, creating multimedia content, and supporting media relations. The proposed cost for the first year is £11,215 per Board, with a potential increase to £12,419, alongside an allocation of up to £10,000 for marketing and promotional activity. Discussions also covered the potential for young people to manage social media accounts, offering them work experience, and the cost-effectiveness of an internal marketing officer compared to external companies. S Rushworth MP requested a cost breakdown of the proposed employee's time spent with the Crook North/Tow Law area, which G Wood confirmed would be provided.

Jack Drum Arts Winter Light Parade Receives Full Support

A 'quick win' application for the Jack Drum Arts Winter Light Parade was fully supported by the Board. The event is intended to raise the profile of the Pride in Place programme, provide free activities, and involve local young people. The Board agreed to look into additional activities and discuss with the organisers how future events can become sustainable. Concerns were raised regarding the long-term sustainability of the event.

Website and Boundary Submission Assessment Outcome

J Anson (Community Economic Development Manager, Durham County Council) shared an assessment outcome from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) regarding the Crook North/Tow Law Neighbourhood Board and Boundary Submission. Amendments were required for the website, including displaying terms of reference and board member declarations of interest for transparency and improved accessibility. It was also noted that a community/business representative would be recruited, with the position advertised until 4 October. K Henderson (Crook Community Representative) raised concerns that the advert for the business representative was faulty, which was confirmed would be addressed immediately.

Programme and Next Steps Updates

A shortened programme update was provided, including a list of potential projects for each town and village within the boundary. Discussions also covered a verbal proposal regarding community transport, with further information to be shared. S Rushworth MP informed the board of conversations regarding the 'old mart site' and a proposal that would be shared. The next steps outlined included notifying the board of future timescales and a community network event on 2 October, followed by an Investment Plan working session on 9 October. The Investment Plan submission process was also detailed, involving circulation to Paul Derby, Corporate Director of Resources, the local MP, and Kim McGuiness.

Young People's Activities and Anti-Social Behaviour Discussed

The Board discussed the need for more activities and places for young people, including a potential facility at Glenholme Park offering a café, mini golf, and other activities. J Anson confirmed that feasibility work was being considered, and members highlighted the need for appropriate management of any future facility. CCTV was also discussed as a potential measure to address anti-social behaviour (ASB), with members considering its role in prevention and identification, alongside wider factors. The engagement findings, detailed in the reports pack, highlighted that more activities for young people and anti-social behaviour (ASB) were among the most frequently raised issues by residents.

Communications and Marketing Strategy

J Barnfather (Communications, Marketing and Design Strategic Manager, Durham County Council) presented on communications and marketing for the Pride in Place programme. The importance of a consistent message and public visibility was emphasised. The proposal for a shared Marketing Officer role was discussed, with the potential cost and responsibilities outlined. The use of postcodes for marketing guidance was questioned due to dual postcodes in the boundary, and the idea of an interactive map was considered a good alternative, having been used for the Bishop Auckland Town Board.

Quick Wins and Community Infrastructure

In addition to the Jack Drum Arts Winter Light Parade, other 'quick win' applications were noted, including support for Crook Police for Selecta DNA kits, Fir Tree Residents Association for Northumbria in Bloom preparation, and Crook Town Cricket Club for youth set up. Discussions also touched upon the lack of a strong community association in Crook, with the idea of supporting the establishment of an infrastructure body being put forward. The need to link in with housing associations to better connect people was also discussed.

The next meeting of the Crook North/Tow Law Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board was scheduled for Friday 6 November at 2 pm in Howden le Wear Village Hall.