The All Together for Spennymoor Town Board met to discuss updates to the All Together for Spennymoor Programme, community engagement findings, and updates from various working groups. The meeting was also scheduled to include an update from Spennymoor Police on anti-social behaviour.

All Together for Spennymoor Programme

The board was scheduled to receive an update on the All Together for Spennymoor Programme, following updated submission guidance from central government.

The report pack included a report from the Corporate Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth, which stated that following the government announcement on 30 October 2024, the Long-Term Plan for Towns (LTPT) would continue and be rebranded as the Plan for Neighbourhoods (PfN).¹ The updated prospectus set out the principles and objectives of the government's new Plan for Neighbourhoods. The report stated that Durham County Council had also received governance and boundary guidance and submission documentation specific to the Neighbourhood Boards and place boundaries of those communities and local authorities involved in the PfN programme.

The report stated that each town is required to submit a Long-Term Investment Plan to the government in order to access their funding allocation. This plan will consist of a 10-year vision coupled with a 4-year investment plan, replacing the previous 3-year framework, with submissions to be submitted by 28 November 2025.

The report also detailed changes and additions from the Long-Term Plan for Towns prospectus:

• Scope and Funding: The PfN expands the scope from 55 towns in the Long-Term Plan for Towns to 75 areas.
• Goals and Focus: While the Long-Term Plan for Towns focused on regenerating local high streets and addressing crime and anti-social behaviour, the PfN focuses on creating thriving places, building stronger communities, and empowering local areas to take back control.
• Community Involvement: Both plans emphasise community involvement, but the PfN places a stronger emphasis on grassroots solutions and local empowerment.
• Interventions The interventions previously available for funding included High Streets, Heritage and Regeneration, Safety and Security, and Transport and Connectivity and have now been expanded. The new interventions listed in the report were:
  • Regeneration, high streets and heritage
  • Transport
  • Safety and Security
  • Housing
  • Work, productivity and skills
  • Cohesion
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Education and opportunity

The report stated that revised guidance confirming timelines and a new set of strategic objectives for the programme aligned with the Government's priorities had been published with a deadline set for 28 November 2025.

The report recommended that the board note the continued progress with the plan for neighbourhood's programme submission.

Community Engagement Findings

The board was scheduled to discuss the findings of community engagement undertaken in Spennymoor between 23 May and 18 July 2025.

The report pack included a summary of community engagement, which detailed what residents liked and disliked about housing, education, work, skills, opportunities, community spirit, health and wellbeing in Spennymoor.

With regards to housing, the most common concern among respondents was the excessive number of new houses and housing estates being built in Spennymoor, often described as too many houses or too many new builds , with many feeling this is happening without the necessary supporting infrastructure such as schools, GPs, dentists, parking, and other amenities.

With regards to education, work, skills and opportunities, respondents most frequently raised concerns about a lack of job opportunities in Spennymoor, particularly for young people and in professional or white-collar sectors.

With regards to community spirit, the most common concerns raised by respondents related to a perceived decline in community spirit, with many mentioning increased antisocial behaviour, particularly among youths, and a lack of respect for authority.

With regards to health and wellbeing, most respondents highlighted the presence of the leisure centre, swimming pool, and gym facilities as key opportunities for improving health and wellbeing in Spennymoor.

The report pack also included a Youth Consultation Report from March 2025, which was led by Durham Youth Council². The consultation was carried out over a period of 9 weeks, starting from January 2025, and was completed by 210 young people across Spennymoor.

The consultation found that young people felt that Spennymoor has some very nice, friendly people, communities and residents. Over 40% focused on food places, and options for eating out, with 10% of these young people making a reference to Greggs and 17% mentioning Wetherspoons.

However, the young people also talked about 'there being nothing to do', or little for older young people, as well as anti-social behaviour, vandalism, broken bus shelters and a lack of places to go.

When asked what type of shops they would like to see in Spennymoor that aren't currently available, the majority of answers focused on clothes stores, either high street fashion, or sport related.

Working Groups Update

The agenda stated that there would be an update from the following working groups:

• Regeneration, High Streets and Heritage
• Transport
• Safety and Security
• Housing
• Work, Productivity and Skills
• Cohesion
• Health and Wellbeing
• Education and Opportunity

The report pack did not contain any further information about what would be discussed.

Spennymoor Police ASB Update

The agenda stated that there would be an update from Spennymoor Police on anti-social behaviour. The report pack did not contain any further information about what would be discussed.