Jobs, Crime and Health top residents’ concerns in Spennymoor
A survey of local residents conducted by Helen has shown that employment and the economy are the most important issues in Spennymoor.
The survey showed that two-thirds (67%) of respondents considered jobs and the economy to be the most or second most important issue, with crime (60%) and health (52%) also featuring highly among residents’ concerns.
A significant number of responses also highlighted the pressing need to regenerate Spennymoor town centre and to improve local shopping areas.
Helen said:
“There was a good response to this survey, and it has been really useful to hear what issues local residents are most concerned about, and what services they would most like to see improved.
I understand that people are worried by recent job losses, but Spennymoor is continuing to attract inward investment, as I saw last week at the opening of the new 150,000 square foot Berco factory at Green Lane (see right). This factory will give a real boost to local manufacturing, and is further evidence that Spennymoor has all the attributes to attract high quality investment”.
With regard to the other main issues identified by the Spennymoor survey, Helen said:
“Local healthcare has improved significantly in recent years. I know, however, that residents are concerned about the future of Bishop Auckland General Hospital (pictured left) and the proposed restructuring of local health services. I have been in regular contact with the PCT, the Foundation Trust and the Strategic Health Authority as well as Government Ministers to emphasise the importance of retaining key services, and I will establish a local Health Forum to discuss this and other healthcare issues.
The survey also shows that crime, anti-social and town centre regeneration are real concerns in Spennymoor, and I will raise these issues urgently with the local Police and Sedgefield Borough Council”.
