Kirk Merrington Community Plan 2011 2014

Revised March 2013

livin Kirk Merrington

Community Plan 2011-14

And

with the community at heart

2

Equality and Diversity livin aims to ensure that Equality and Diversity lies at the heart of our business and allows our customers to access high quality services tailored to their individual diverse needs. It is our policy to provide access to services and employment equality to all, irrespective of age, race or ethnic origin, gender, marital or family status, religious or philosophical belief or political opinion, disability, nationality or sexual orientation. As part of our commitment we, and our working partners, aim to treat everyone as equal citizens and recognise, support and value the diversity of the communities in which they live.

Contact Us

Communities Team

livin, Farrell House, Arlington Way

DurhamGate, Spennymoor, Co Durham, DL16 6NL

0800 587 4538 (free from a landline)

or 0300 111 2234 (low rate call from a mobile phone depending

on your network)

3

Based on the intelligence contained within each Plan livin has been able to rank the

local community based on; Bronze (potential), Silver (aspiring) or Gold (performing).

This will enable us to see which communities require more immediate and intensive

interventions whilst ensuring there are mechanisms in place to maintain Gold

standards.

Indicator Ranking

Housing Market Affordability SILVER

Tenancy Turnover GOLD

Demand for livin housing SILVER

Average cost of repairs to livin properties GOLD

Long Term Unemployment1

(6 - 12 months)

BRONZE

Average Household Income2 GOLD

Rental Debit GOLD

Educational Attainment (5 GCSE’s Grade C & Above)

GOLD

Environmental Assessment GOLD

Overall Community Ranking GOLD

1,2 Data used to compile this ranking relates to the Middlestone Ward (including Byers Green

and Kirk Merrington). Data collection limitations have restricted this information being

available for Kirk Merrington only.

Community Ranking- Kirk Merrington

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Page No.

Section 1 Community profile 7

1.1 Demographics 8

1.1.1 Population – now and in the future 8

1.1.2 Religion and ethnicity 12

1.2 Housing 15

1.2.1 Housing tenure 15

1.2.2 Average house prices 16

1.2.3 Current supply and demand for housing 19

1.2.4 livin tenancy sustainment 22

1.2.5 Vacant/Abandoned properties 24

1.2.6 Future demand for housing 26

1.2.7 Average cost of repairs to livin properties 29

1.2.8 Average cost of improvement programmes for 29

livin properties

1.3 Crime and antisocial behaviour 31

1.4 Economy and employment 34

1.4.1 Economic activity 34

1.4.2 Jobseekers Allowance claimants 38

1.4.3 Department for Works and Pensions key 39

benefit claimants

1.4.4 Household income 39

1.4.5 Vehicle ownership and cost of travel 40

1.4.6 Rental debit in livin properties 41

1.5 Access to services and facilities 44

1.6 Health and wellbeing 47

Contents

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Page No.

1.7 Education and training 49

1.8 Reputation of the local area and community 52

cohesion

1.9 Local environment 52

Section 2 Community priorities 54

Section 3 Review of the community plan 55

Appendix 1 livin Strategic framework and regulatory 56

requirements

Appendix 2 Methodology 62

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Page No.

Figure 1.1 Aerial overview of Kirk Merrington 7

Figure 1.2 Age profile of population in Kirk Merrington 8

Figure 1.3 Household profile for Kirk Merrington 9

Figure 1.4 Population projections for Durham County 10

Figure 1.5 Age pyramid projections for Durham County 11

Figure 1.6 Housing tenure in Kirk Merrington 15

Figure 1.7 Average house prices in DL16 7 and Durham County 17

Figure 1.8 livin stock in Kirk Merrington 19

Figure 1.9 Age profile of livin lead tenants in Kirk Merrington 19

Figure 1.10 livin properties available for let during the period 21

1 October 2009 to 30 September 2010 in Kirk Merrington

Figure 1.11 livin tenancy sustainment within Kirk Merrington 23

Figure 1.12: Range of energy efficient measures that youths would 27

like to see in their future homes

Figure 1.13 Middlestone Ward, Byers Green and Kirk Merrington 31

Police Beat Area

Figure 1.14 Reported incidents of crime and antisocial behaviour in 32

Middlestone Ward during December 2010 to June 2011

Figure 1.15 Economic activity in Kirk Merrington 34

Figure 1.16 Occupation profile of 16 to 74 year olds in 36

Kirk Merrington

Figure 1.17 Economic inactivity in Kirk Merrington 37

Figure 1.18 Jobseeker’s Allowance claimants in Kirk Merrington 38

Figure 1.19 Breakdown of persons residing in Kirk Merrington 39

claiming key DWP benefits

Figure 1.20 Levels of Health within Kirk Merrington 47

Figure 1.21 Educational attainment within Kirk Merrington 49

Figure 1.22 Route of Environmental Assessment 53

List of Figures

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Kirk Merrington is a rural village located within County Durham, 10 miles south of Durham City and 12 miles north of Darlington. It is thought that the name “Kirk” derives from the Celtic word for church, and “Merrington” from the old English words meaning “farmstead of the people of Merra” and “small town, or estate”. Archaeological finds indicate that the area has been inhabited as far back as the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods. Throughout the years the village has mainly supported itself by farming and work within the local coal mining industry. From its opening in 1835 through to closure in 1901, Tudhoe Iron Works provided employment for many residents in Kirk Merrington and the surrounding area. By 1911, mining was the main source of employment with collieries located at nearby Ferryhill, Mainsforth, Tudhoe, Whitworth and Page Bank. The closure of these collieries during the late nineteenth to mid twentieth century finally saw the demise of the mining industry within the area.

Figure 1.1: Aerial overview of Kirk Merrington Source: Ordnance Survey

Once part of the former “Sedgefield Borough”, Kirk Merrington is now served by the

unitary authority of Durham County Council (DCC).

The village is part of the Spennymoor Township and is served by Spennymoor Town

Council. It is also part of the Spennymoor Area Action Partnership (AAP) which

covers the areas of: Spennymoor, Middlestone Moor, Byers Green, Tudhoe,

Croxdale, Sunderland Bridge and Hett.

Section 1 Community Profile

8

1.1 Demographics

1.1.1 Population – Now and in the Future

The population within the settlement of Kirk Merrington is

approximately 739 (DCC Census settlement summary,

2001). 51% of the total population are male with the

remaining 49% being female (Census, 2001, Lower Layer

Super Output Area (LLSOA), KS01, 005B).

Population data indicates that Kirk Merrington has a diverse range of age groups.

There is a high percentage (58.5%) of persons aged between 25 to 64 years old

living in the village; this being significantly higher than the Durham County and North

East averages. To facilitate good levels of economic activity within the area it is

essential that a high percentage of the population are of working age and

contributing to the local economy through employment or actively seeking work.

There is a lower percentage of children aged 0 to 15 years (16.9%) and young

persons aged 16 to 24 years (9.0%) living within the village when compared to the

Durham County and North East averages.

The population of residents aged 65 years or more (15.7%) remains in line with the

Durham County and North East averages.

Figure 1.2: Age profile of population in Kirk Merrington Source: Census 2001, LLSOA, KS02, 005B

The main household types in Kirk Merrington consist of married couples with no

dependent children (27.4%), followed by single person households (22.3%) and

married couples with dependent children (20.6%) (Census 2001, LLSOA, KS20,

005B).

The population of Kirk

Merrington is

approximately 739.

16.9 9.0 58.5 15.7

19.1

11.0

53.3

16.5

19.8

11.1

52.6

16.6

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Persons aged 0-15

Persons aged16-24

Persons aged25-64

Persons aged65 years or over

%

Kirk Merrington

Durham County

North East

9

The percentage of married households with no

dependent children in Kirk Merrington is substantially

higher than the averages for both Durham County

(21.7%) and the North East (19.9%). There are also

a higher percentage of married couples with children

living in the village when compared to the Durham

County (17.7%) and North East (16.9%) averages.

There is a lower percentage of lone parent

households (with dependents) when compared to Durham County (6.7%) and North

East (7.4%) averages and a significantly lower percentage of single person

households.

This higher percentage of married couples and families living in the village may be

attributed to the age profile within the village which indicates that 67.5% of residents

are aged 16 to 64 years old.

Figure 1.3: Household Profile for Kirk Merrington Source: Census 2001, LLSOA, KS20, 005B

Trend-based projections from DCC indicate that the countywide population will

initially decline up until 2016 before increasing to an estimated total of 501,625 in

2026 (Strategic Housing Market Assessment, DCC, 2010). Figure 1.4 illustrates the

actual population totals within Durham County for the period 1981 to 2007. Future

20.6%

27.4%

3.1% 5.0% 4.2%

4.2%

22.3%

0.0% 11.7%

1.5%

Married couple household with dependentchild(ren)

Married couple household with no dependentchild(ren)

Cohabiting couple household with dependentchild(ren)

Cohabiting couple household with nodependent child(ren)

Lone parent household with dependentchild(ren)

Lone parent household with no dependentchild(ren)

One person household

Multi person household: All student

Multi person household: All other

Multi person household: With dependentchild(ren)

There are a high

percentage of married

couples with children living

in Kirk Merrington when

compared to the rest of

Durham County.

10

population figures up to the year 2026, as projected by DCC, are shown in pink on

the graph.

Figure 1.4: Population projections for Durham County Source: Durham County Strategic Housing Market Assessment, 2010

The late 1950’s through to the early 1970’s saw a steady rise in the number of births

throughout the Country. The progression of this ‘baby boom’ period has caused, and

will continue to cause, different challenges to the

County’s population. Currently this generation falls

entirely within the economically active age group

(generally 16-64 years), but shortly will begin the

transition into retirement and will be the main driver

of an ageing population over the next 28 years.

Increasing life expectancy will also contribute

towards the County’s growing elderly population.

DCC’s age pyramid (figure 1.5) highlights the expected increase in the 65 plus age

group and a decline in the economically active age group.

To facilitate good levels of economic activity within a community it is essential that a

high percentage of the population are contributing to the local economy through

employment or by actively seeking work. To encourage and attract an economically

active population to reside in an area it is imperative for there to be a good supply of

local sustainable jobs and affordable housing.

2008-based projections: various trends for the overall population

465000

470000

475000

480000

485000

490000

495000

500000

505000

510000

515000

520000

525000

530000

535000

540000

545000

550000

555000

1981

1983

1985

1987

1989

1991

1993

1995

1997

1999

2001

2003

2005

2007

2009

2011

2013

2015

2017

2019

2021

2023

2025

Num

ber

anticipatedactual

DCC

Principal

DCC Lower

95%

DCC NC

ONS

Principal

By 2026 the number of

persons in the

“economically active” age

group within Durham

County will total less than

present.

11

Figure 1.5: Age pyramid projections for Durham County Source: Durham County Council, Strategic Housing Market Assessment, 2010

Although Kirk Merrington does not currently have an ageing population there is a

probability of this emerging over the next 20 to 30 years. There are currently a high

percentage of persons aged between 25 to 64 years living in the village. During the

forthcoming years this age group will continue their transition into retirement. If

efforts are not made to continually encourage and attract younger households to the

village through the provision of affordable and accessible housing and sustainable

employment then it is likely that an ageing population will become prominent. An

ageing population can result in decreasing levels of economic activity; this is turn can

have a detrimental effect on sustainability and the local economy.

DCC estimates indicate that in 2010 there were 206,281 households countywide.

This number is expected to increase by 24.9% to a total of 257,651 households by

2030 (Strategic Housing Market Assessment, DCC, 2010).

By 2030 single person households (including single pensioners) are expected to

double (100.3% increase to 56,564); whereas two person households are only

expected to increase by 18% to 14,087. Larger households of three persons or

more, and those with a housing need of two bedroom properties or more, are

expected to reduce by 19,281 (26.9%). This decrease in larger households, coupled

with a significant increase in single person households, will have a major impact on

the supply and demand of housing throughout the County.

2008 based projections: the Age Pyramids for County Durham in 2008 and 2026 implied by

the DCC and ONS projections

40000 30000 20000 10000 0 10000 20000 30000 40000

0-4

5-9

10-14

15-19

20-24

25-29

30-34

35-39

40-44

45-49

50-54

55-59

60-64

65-69

70-74

75-79

80-84

85-90

90+

ag

e g

rou

ps

year 2008 year 2026

ONS 2026

ONS 2008

2026 DCC

2008 DCC

2 per. Mov. Avg.(2008 DCC)2 per. Mov. Avg.(ONS 2008)2 per. Mov. Avg.(2026 DCC)2 per. Mov. Avg.(ONS 2026)

12

1.1.2 Religion and Ethnicity

An understanding of the ethnic and religious structure of the local population enables

livin to ensure that its services are equally accessible, responsive and tailored to the

needs and requirements of all residents living within its local communities. It will also

help livin ensure that any minority groups are consulted with during future research

and intelligence gathering, and allows for consideration of any specific needs in

relation to access for housing, health, and employability during the creation of each

community’s key priorities and Local Offers.

2001 Census data indicated that the main religion in Kirk Merrington is Christianity

(87.3%). 0.2% stated their religion to be Buddhism. The remaining percentage of

the population stated they had no religion or did not provide details (Census, 2001,

LLSOA, KS07, 005B).

Ethnicity within the village predominantly consists of White British (98.2%). The

remaining 1.8% of the population are from other ethnic backgrounds including Irish,

Other white, Mixed white and black Caribbean, Black or Chinese (Census, 2001,

LLSOA, KS06, 005B).

Recent research conducted by DCC and NHS Darlington estimated that between

0.43% to 0.57% of Durham County’s population consists of people from Gypsy,

Roma and Traveller Households (Renaissance Research, 2010). Further analysis of

these figures is currently not possible due to a lack of further data and intelligence.

DCC’s Gypsy, Roma and Traveller site at East Howle is the only permanent

residential site within livin’s area of operation.

13

What does this mean for livin?

It is important that the available housing stock within the community is able to meet

the housing demands of the current and future population. Currently the majority of

households in Kirk Merrington consists of families and young couples; the majority of

whom will have a housing need for larger sized quality homes with two bedrooms or

more.

To facilitate good levels of economic activity in a community it is essential that a high

percentage of the population are contributing to the local economy through

employment or actively seeking work. To achieve this it is important that efforts are

made to continually attract and encourage younger households to move into the

village through the provision of affordable and accessible housing, and sustainable

local employment. In addition it is necessary for there to be a range of accessible

services and support organisations within the local area to provide family centred

support to these households over the coming years.

livin owns a total of 8, one bedroom bungalows in Kirk Merrington. This is 57% of

livin’s total housing stock in the community. The letting of bungalows is normally

restricted to persons aged 60 or over, or those with a medical need. The remaining

Key Demographic Characteristics:

58.5% of residents in the community are aged 25 to 64 years. This is

significantly higher than the Durham County average.

15.7% of residents in the community are aged 65 years or more.

27.4% of households consist of married couples with no dependent children

and 20.6% of households consist of married couples with dependent children.

The community predominately consists of couples and families with only 22.3% of

households consisting of single persons. This is lower than the Durham County

average (29.2%). County Council projections indicate that the number of single

households will significantly increase over the coming years.

Trend-based projections indicate that the Countywide population will increase

to an estimated total of 501,625 in 2026 (DCC, 2010).

Currently the majority of the countywide population fall within the “economically

active” age group; however these residents will soon begin the transition in

retirement and will be the main driver of an ageing population.

98.2% of residents are White British; with the remaining 1.8% being of Irish,

Other White, Mixed white and black Caribbean, Black or Chinese ethnic origin.

The prominent religion in the community is Christianity (87.3%).

14

6 (43%) properties owned by livin within the village are two and three bedroom

houses which can be used to meet the housing need for couples and families.

Demand for one bedroom bungalows is typically low throughout all of livin’s

communities. There are no larger sized bungalows owned by livin within the village.

Countywide there is currently a high demand for bungalows with two bedrooms or

more. Analysis of population trends and future population projections expect this

level of demand to continue for larger sized bungalows. However, consideration

must be given to the forthcoming Welfare Reform and its potential for significantly

increasing demand for smaller sized properties for persons under 65. To ensure the

housing stock within the community will be able to meet current and future levels of

demand it is necessary for livin to complete a comprehensive review of the provision

and suitability of its current housing stock.

An understanding of the ethnic and religious structure of the local population will

enable livin to ensure that its services are equally accessible, responsive and

tailored to the needs and requirements of all residents living within its local

communities.

15

1.2 Housing

1.2.1 Housing Tenure

Kirk Merrington has a varied range of housing tenures. This is very important as a

diverse mix of housing tenures will positively contribute towards making the village

more sustainable by meeting the needs of a cross section of the population.

Figure 1.6: Housing Tenure in Kirk Merrington Source: Census, 2001, LLSOA, KS18, 005B

More than three quarters of residents living in Kirk Merrington own their properties, this being substantially higher than the County average of only 66.7%. 35.4% of residents own their property outright and 50.6% own their home through a mortgage or loan scheme. There are no households living in shared ownership properties.

A substantially lower percentage of social housing (7.4%) is located within the

village, compared to the County average of 25.4%. Social housing consists of

domestic properties which are owned by Registered Providers (RP’s) or the Local

Authority. All social housing in Kirk Merrington that was previously owned by

Sedgefield Borough Council is now owned and managed by livin.

A high percentage of owner occupation and low percentage of socially rented

properties within a community are typical characteristics of a rural village.

A substantially lower percentage (7.4%) of social housing is located in the

community, compared to the County average of 25.4%.

86% of households in

Kirk Merrington own their

own home outright or

through a mortgage or

loan scheme.

35.4%

50.6%

0.0% 7.4%

0.0% 4.0% 2.5% Owner Occupied: Owns outright

Owner Occupied: Owns with amortgage or loan

Owner occupied: Shared ownership

Rented from: Local Authority - includinglivin

Rented from: Housing Association /Registered Social Landlord

Rented from: Private landlord or lettingagency

Rented from: Other

16

There is a marginally lower than average percentage of households in Kirk

Merrington living in privately rented properties (4%) when compared to the rest of the

County (5%). The private rented sector has always played an important role in the

housing market by offering accommodation for those households unable to access

owner-occupation or socially rented housing.

Tighter controls and restrictions on mortgages and financial lending are likely to

place an even higher future demand on social housing from low income households

or first time buyers. Those households unable to access social housing will be

required to look to the private rented sector to meet their housing need, placing an

even higher demand on this already limited sector.

Generally, Kirk Merrington can be seen to exhibit an unbalanced housing market

with a higher than average percentage of owner occupation and lower than average

percentage of social housing and privately rented properties. Again these

characteristics are typical of a small rural village.

There is a local Gypsy and Traveller site located at East Howle located

approximately 4 miles from Kirk Merrington. The site is provided by DCC and has 25

permanent pitches. It is only permanent site in the local area for the Gypsy, Roma

and Traveller community.

1.2.2 Average House Prices

Land Registry data for January to March 2010 indicates that the average house price

in DL16 7 (covering Kirk Merrington, part of Spennymoor, Middlestone Moor and

Byers Green) was £132,138. This price is nearly £35,000 higher than the Durham

County average of £97,556 for the same period (Land Registry, 2011). Terraced

house prices for DL16 7 for this period were on average £78,178. The average price

of a terraced property in Durham County for this period was £60,742.

It has not been possible to obtain individual house price data for Kirk Merrington

alone. It is recognised that the differing affluences within the areas included in the

postcode DL16 7 will have a bearing on the local house prices for each individual

community.

Information obtained from the Right Move website in August 2011, indicates the

current prices of properties within Kirk Merrington to range from £64,950 for a

terraced property to £300,000 for a detached property. Approximately two thirds of

the properties for sale in Kirk Merrington at this time are priced at over £130,000.

17

£61,125

£78,178

£115,022

£195,541

£132,138

£73,445 £60,742

£94,403

£178,711

£97,556

£0

£50,000

£100,000

£150,000

£200,000

£250,000

Kirk Merrington(Postcode DL167)

Durham County

Figure 1.7: Average House Prices in DL16 7 and Durham County (January to March 2010) Source: Land Registry, 2011

The County Durham Strategic Housing Market Assessment (DCC, 2010) assessed

affordability between lower quartile house prices and lower quartile earnings. Based

on these figures buyers would need to borrow 4.6 times their income (based on

lower quartile earnings) to purchase a property (based on lower quartile house

prices) in the area of the former Sedgefield Borough.

For Kirk Merrington buyers will need to borrow 5.9 times their own income to

purchase a property within the area of DL16 7 (covering Kirk Merrington, part of

Spennymoor, Middlestone Moor and Byers Green). This has resulted in a

community ranking of SILVER. However, intelligence indicates that this figure could

be slightly higher given current house prices from Right Move. Full details of the

methodology for this ranking can be found in Appendix 2.

During livin’s consultation there were concerns from residents about the affordability

of property in the village for first time buyers as a result of reduced mortgage

products and financial lending. The cost of buying a home within the community is

less affordable when compared to the County multiplier of 5.54, but more affordable

when compared nationally (6.28). Residents perceive a need for the provision of

“affordable” homes within the village that would allow first time buyers and young

families access to the housing market.

Although there are a number of current Government incentives available nationwide

to help first time property buyers these are only available on new build properties.

There are currently only two housing developments within the local area which are

eligible for buyers to obtain help from Government schemes. A new scheme called

18

First Buy was introduced in September 2011. This scheme will be jointly funded by

the Government and house builders and will provide a 20% loan to top up the first

time buyer’s own deposit of 5%. This will allow them to take out a mortgage for 75%

of the property’s value. The loans will be free of charge for the first five years and

must be repaid when the property is resold. The funds will then be recycled to fund

more homes in the scheme. Current HomeBuy and FirstBuy schemes can be found

in nearby Spennymoor Town and Ferryhill Station.


livin only has a small stake of the housing market within this community given the

lower than average percentage of social housing in the village. The private rented

sector in the village is also comparatively small. Despite the small percentage of

social housing within the village it is important to recognise that livin will still be

required to play a role in balancing the local housing market within the community by

making efforts to help meet housing need, as identified in DCC’s Housing Strategies.

livin needs to consider the health of the local housing market and the ability of

households to meet their own housing need. Lack of access to the owner occupier

and the private rented sectors can increase pressure on livin’s housing stock,

particularly for single households, young couples and families.

Key Housing Market Characteristics:

The community has a wide range of housing tenures; this is important as a

diverse mix will contribute towards making an area more sustainable by meeting

the need of a cross section of the population.

86% of households own their property outright, or through a mortgage or loan

scheme.

The community has a substantially lower percentage of social housing (7%)

when compared to the rest of Durham County.

Only 4% of properties in the community are privately rented properties. The

private rented sector plays an important part in any local housing market as it is

able to offer accommodation for those unable to access owner occupation or

social housing.

Residents perceive a need for “affordable” housing within the village to enable first

time buyers and young families access to the housing market.

19

1.2.3 Current Supply and Demand for Housing

livin Housing Stock

livin currently owns and manages a total of 14

properties in Kirk Merrington (livin, 2011).

Ownership of these properties transferred to

livin in March 2009 as part of a stock transfer

from the now disbanded Sedgefield Borough

Council. Since March 2009 there has been one

property within Kirk Merrington purchased from

livin through the “Right to Buy” scheme.

These 14 properties include one bedroom bungalows, and two and three bedroom

houses. livin currently do not own any two or three bedroom bungalows or four

bedroom properties within the village. Four bedroom properties are typically found in

livin’s larger communities, including Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor. Any

households requiring a larger sized bungalow or a four bedroom property may be

required to consider accessing owner occupation or the private rented sector. If

these households are unable to afford owner occupation and are not able to find a

suitable private let within the village this will result in them being required to move

away from the community to meet their housing need.

A breakdown of livin’s stock in Kirk Merrington and the age profile of lead tenants

can be seen in the following tables:

Property Types

1 Bed Bungalows 8

2 Bed Houses 4

3 Bed Houses 2

Total 14 Figure 1.8: livin stock in Kirk Merrington (as at 11 July 2011) Source: livin, 2011

Figure 1.9: Age profile of livin lead tenants in Kirk Merrington (as at 11 July 2011) Source: livin, 2011

Age Range (based on age of lead tenant)

16-20 years 0

21-30 years 0

31-40 years 2

41-50 years 1

51-60 years 1

61-70 years 3

71-80 years 2

81 years or more 5

Unknown (Void, non livin managed) 0

Total 14

livin own 14 properties in the

community; 57% of these are

one bedroom bungalows and

43% are two and three

bedroom houses.

20

Currently 57% of livin’s housing stock in Kirk Merrington consists of one bedroom

bungalows; with the remaining 43% of stock consisting of two and three bedroom

houses.

It is important that stock levels within a community are able to meet current and

future demands for housing. Within Kirk Merrington livin own no larger sized

bungalows and only a small number of larger sized houses. Together with low levels

of turnover this will see many households having to consider other housing options.

An inability to access owner-occupation, social housing or the private rented sector

may force many households, including couples and families, to move away from the

village. As the majority of persons within these households are likely to be

economically active their move from the village has the potential to see a downturn in

the area’s economy and the level of sustainability within the community.

The provision of bungalows within an area would normally be expected to help meet

the demands of an ageing population, or those wishing to remain in mainstream

housing through their later years. livin’s bungalow stock within Kirk Merrington is

small and consists of only one bedroom bungalows. As demand throughout livin’s

communities for one bedroom bungalows is typically low there is the potential for

these property types to not meet future housing demand within the area. However

there will be a need for livin to consider the forthcoming Welfare Reform and its

potential for again increasing a demand for smaller sized properties for persons

under 65.

livin Housing Demand, Need and Turnover

Since 1 October 2009 livin has allocated properties

through a Choice Based Lettings (CBL) scheme,

known as Durham Key Options (DKO). DKO is a

partnership of local housing providers across

County Durham. CBL allows applicants to place an

interest, or “bid”, for the type of property they

require based on their circumstances.

Analysis of livin’s housing register in February 2011 found there to be 12 active

applications for housing received from residents already living in Kirk Merrington. 3

of these applicants were banded by DKO as Bands A to C+ due to them having a

statutory housing need. This housing need may be linked to the inability of some

households to obtain a mortgage or loan due to current lending restrictions, or

restricted access to the private rented and social housing sectors due to low stock

levels within the village. The remaining 9 applicants do not have a statutory need for

housing.

During the period 1 October 2009 to 30 September 2010, there was only one livin

property available for let in Kirk Merrington making livin’s stock turnover within the

There are currently 3

households from Kirk

Merrington registered

with Durham Key

Options in statutory

housing need.

21

community 7%. This is a lower than average turnover when compared to the total

turnover of all livin housing stock (9%) for the same period.

Figure 1.10: livin properties available for let during the period 1 October 2009 to 30 September 2010 in Kirk Merrington Source: livin, 2011

Based on national benchmarking figures provided by HouseMark this low level of

stock turnover has resulted in the community being ranked as GOLD for Tenancy

Turnover. Full details of the methodology used for this ranking can be found in

Appendix 2.

To maintain sustainability within a community there will always be a need for some

level of tenancy turnover. It is important that turnover does not reach a level where it

becomes detrimental to housing demand, the community’s reputation or the local

economy. Likewise, levels of turnover must not be as low as to restrict access to

social housing for those households with a housing need. It is however important to

consider that a low level of turnover in a community with limited social housing stock

can result in higher demand being placed on the private rented sector, or households

being required to move away from the area to access affordable or social housing.

Countywide there is a high demand for two bedroom

properties and there is currently an increased demand

for bungalows with two bedrooms or more (County

Durham Strategic Housing Market Assessment, 2010).

Comparison of the current population within the village

to DCC’s forecasted population for 2028 expects this

trend to continue. Within Kirk Merrington, livin do not

own any bungalows with two or more bedrooms, and only own a limited amount of

two and three bedroom houses, all of which have infrequent turnover. A low

turnover of all property types and limited availability of larger sized properties within

Kirk Merrington will require those households with a housing need for these property

types to consider other housing options.

For many households, including first time buyers or those on a low income, buying a

home is not a viable option leading to increased demand on the private rented

sector. High market rents or a lack of availability of larger properties within this

housing sector may ultimately force some households to move out of the local area

in search of suitable accommodation.

There were only two bids received for the one bedroom bungalow which became

available for let during 1 October 2009 to 30 September 2010. However, it is

important to note that this property had previously been adapted to meet the needs

One Bedroom Bungalow

Two Bedroom House Three Bedroom House

1 0 0

During the 1 October

2009 to 30 September

2010 there was low

tenancy turnover in

Kirk Merrington.

22

of a disabled tenant, therefore potentially affecting the level of demand and number

of bids received. Although the level of demand for this property type within Kirk

Merrington cannot be fully determined from this one property, lower demand for one

bedroom bungalows is typical throughout all of livin communities.

It is important to remember that policy decisions and legislation will also affect the

levels of demand for particular house types. High demand for two bedroom houses

could be due to need and eligibility from several household groups including families,

couples, and single persons whereas three and four bedroom properties will only be

eligible for larger families to let, and bungalows for older persons or those with a

medical need. If after one advertising cycle with DKO a bungalow is unable to be let,

livin may look to consider lowering the age restriction to increase eligibility for more

applicants. It is therefore important that lettings policies are regularly reassessed to

reflect the supply of housing and the current levels of demand with the aim of

promoting sustainability within an area.

During 1 October 2009 to 30 September 2010 there were no “Hard to let” properties

in Kirk Merrington. Hard to let properties are defined as properties that have been

advertised in a CBL bidding cycle three times or more

with DKO.

Based on the number of bids received per property;

the absence of hard to let properties and 23% of

livin’s housing applicants indicating Kirk Merrington to

be an area of preference the community have been

ranked as SILVER for demand for livin Housing. Full

details of the methodology used for this ranking can

be found in Appendix 2.

During livin’s consultation events there were concerns expressed by residents about

the affordability of property within the village. Residents are concerned that the cost

of property within Kirk Merrington and the current restrictions on mortgages and

financial lending are resulting in many first time buyers being unable to access the

housing market. Residents also commented on the small number of properties

owned by livin within the village and how this limits access to social housing for local

households, specifically families and young couples.

1.2.4 livin Tenancy Sustainment

There is a high percentage of long term

tenancy sustainment within properties

owned by livin in Kirk Merrington. This is

reflected in the low level of turnover of

housing stock within the village.

50% of tenants who have a livin

tenancy in this community have

lived in their current home for 10

years or more.

“There is a demand for

affordable housing

within the village.”

Resident from Kirk

Merrington

23

The limited number of properties owned by livin within Kirk Merrington combined with

high levels of tenancy sustainment is resulting in restricted access to social housing

for local residents.

As at 13 July 2011, 43% of livin tenants within Kirk Merrington have lived in their

current home for a period of between 0 to 4 years, 7% of tenants for a period of 5 to

9 years and 50% of tenants have lived in their current home for 10 years or more.

The majority of livin tenants that have lived in their property for 10 years or more

reside in larger sized properties. The majority of livin tenants that have lived in their

property for 10 years or more reside in two and three bedroom properties.

Figure 1.11: livin tenancy sustainment within Kirk Merrington Source: livin, July 2011 (not including void properties or non livin managed properties)

In June 2011, livin and other partner agencies participated in a Youth Forum event

with local schools and Spennymoor Extended Services. The Forum involved a

number of young people aged 10 to 13 years predominantly from Spennymoor,

Byers Green, Kirk Merrington, and Middlestone Moor and was utilised to obtain

views and opinions about their communities, housing and lifestyles. During the

event, 52.4% of youths stated they were happy living at their current home. From a

total of 42 youths surveyed during the event, 33.3% have lived in their current home

for up to four years, and 38.1% have lived in their current home for 10 years or more.

Community sustainability requires an appropriate level of tenancy turnover. High

levels of tenancy sustainment within social housing can be for a multitude of

reasons. Although some may be favourable it is important to ensure that tenants are

not remaining in their current home due to restrictions in their housing options (i.e.

inability to purchase their own property), or if looking for a more suitable property to

meet their housing need, financial restrictions around the cost of relocating.

High levels of tenancy sustainment can often be found in areas where there are a

number of properties that are used to house older households or those with medical

need. As increasing numbers of older households are now making the decision to

remain in mainstream housing through their later years rather than move into

43%

7%

50%

0-4 years

5-10 years

10 years or more

24

specialised accommodation it is expected that tenancy sustainment will place an

even higher level of demand on the availability of social housing within Kirk

Merrington in the future. High levels of tenancy sustainment may also result in

housing stock being under occupied. Larger households may over time reduce in

size due to children growing up and leaving home, relationship breakdowns or

bereavement. In addition to a detrimental effect on the level of housing demand

within a community there may be financial implications to the tenant as a result of the

Government’s forthcoming Welfare Reform which aims to reduce benefit payments

for households that are under occupying their property (excluding those over 65

years).

1.2.5 Vacant/Abandoned Properties

High levels of void or empty properties can be

a strong indicator of low demand for housing

within an area. Kirk Merrington has a low

percentage of housing stock consisting of

empty and/or abandoned properties, indicating a good overall level of demand.

Information obtained from DCC’s Council Tax database in July 2011 indicates there

to be 8 possible properties that have been empty and/or abandoned (this figure may

include properties that are currently for sale) for a period of six months or more

within Kirk Merrington. Based on a total of 736 domestic dwellings (Census, 2001,

LLSOA, KS16, 005B) in Kirk Merrington and North Close this is only 1.1% of the total

stock. Data collection limitations have restricted further detailed analysis of this

information.

During December 2010, a low

percentage of properties within

the village were vacant /

abandoned.

25


Demand for livin housing in this community has been ranked as Silver. It is essential

that this ranking is maintained to this level or enhanced to Gold over the coming

year. However the identification and development of interventions to increase

demand will be challenging due to low levels of stock turnover and the limited

amount of stock owned by livin in the village.

The projection of an ageing population throughout the County over the coming years,

in conjunction with the expected continuing level of demand for properties with two

bedrooms or more, highlights a clear need for livin to review its provision of housing

stock to meet the current and future housing needs of the local population. It is

important that to maintain sustainability within the village there is a good supply of

accessible and affordable family homes.

livin own a small number of two and three bedroom properties within the village with

none of these being bungalows. Countywide there is an increased demand for two

bedroom bungalows, and based on DCC’s future population projection it is expected

that this trend will continue. Although the level of demand for one bedroom

Key Supply and Demand Characteristics:

livin currently own 14 properties within the community; 57% are one bedroom

bungalows and 43% are two and three bedroom houses.

There are no larger sized bungalows or four bedroom properties owned by

livin in the community.

During 1 October 2009 to 30 September 2010, only 1 property became available

for let; making tenancy turnover within the community 7%.

During 1 October 2009 to 30 September 2010 there was no turnover of two or

three bedroom houses. Households requiring these property types may be

forced to access the private rented sector or move out of the village to meet their

housing need.

Demand is low for one bedroom bungalows in the community. livin lettings

policy normally restricts the letting of bungalows to persons aged 60 years or

more, unless there is a medical need.

Local residents are concerned about the affordability of properties within the

village and access to the housing market for first time buyers. They feel that the

limited availability of social housing within the community is resulting in local

households moving out of the area to meet their housing need.

50% of livin tenants living within the community have sustained their tenancy for

a period of 10 years or more.

26

bungalows within Kirk Merrington cannot be fully determined at this time due to low

levels of turnover, demand for this property type is typically low throughout all of

livin’s communities. This highlights a need for livin to conduct a stock options

appraisal and review of its housing provision for older persons. Any stock appraisals

conducted by livin must consider the forthcoming Welfare Reform and its potential

for increasing demand for smaller sized properties for persons under 65.

Community sustainability requires an appropriate level of tenancy turnover. It is

important that consideration be given to the reasons behind high levels of

sustainment to ensure residents are not being forced to remain in their current home

due to restrictions in their housing options or financial circumstances.

1.2.6 Future Demand for Housing

Population and household projections for a community can be utilised by a number

of different service providers to predict the future level of demand on their services.

In conjunction with other social, economic, and environmental indicators these

projections may be used to forecast the demand and need for housing in a

community.

DCC have conducted a Strategic Housing Market Assessment (DCC, 2010) which

can be utilised by RP’s to help determine the expected level of demand for housing

over the coming years and assist them in developing future housing strategies. The

following population and household projections are based on this assessment.

It is expected that the vast majority of older persons will decide to remain in their own

homes with mainstream housing providing the primary means of meeting this

demand. Local RP’s will be required to support this by providing extra support

services and help for people to adapt their homes to meet their changing needs.

Some vulnerable groups will require support or bespoke housing solutions and it is

expected that there will be a sharp growth in demand for specialist housing projects

for persons aged 75 years or older during the coming years.

The decisions of older households to remain in their homes will influence the supply

of housing available for other household groups. As a result it is important that local

housing providers recognise the potential opportunities for supporting older

households to downsize, thus releasing a supply of larger family homes for other

household groups.

In recognition of this increased demand on mainstream housing the Northern

Housing Consortium (NHC) published a guide to Age Friendly Communities in the

North: People and Places 2020. This publication is the result of a two year project

involving consultation with local communities and key Consortium members, and

focuses on building an evidence base to demonstrate the significant impact housing

can have on the physical and mental health and wellbeing of older people.

27

During the Youth Forum livin asked local youths about their aspirations for their

future homes. There are a high percentage of youths that wish to continue to live

within the local area when they move to their own home. 45.2% of youths indicated

a desire to continue to live in nearby communities including Spennymoor Town,

Chilton, Ferryhill, and Middridge.

During consultation local residents did not provide any comments relating to energy

saving measures or increasing energy efficiency within their homes. However,

discussion with local youths found them to have a good knowledge of the measures

available to increase energy efficiency within their future homes. More than a third

(38.1%) stated that they would like to see solar power used to power their future

homes, and just under a quarter (21.4%) would like the energy in their future home

to be generated through wind turbines.

Energy Efficiency Measure % of youths indicating this measure to be part of their future home (able to indicate more than one answer)

Solar Power 38.1%

Composting Equipment 9.5%

Electric car charging point 26.2%

Under floor heating 21.4%

Wind Turbine 21.4%

Grassed Roofs 11.9%

Thermal Energy 9.5%

Triple Glazing 2.4%

Water butts 9.5% Figure 1.12: Range of energy efficient measures that youths would like to see in their future

homes

There was increased knowledge about the use and benefits of electric vehicles with

26.2% stating that they would like to see electric car charging points provided in their

future homes.

28

What does this mean for livin? livin’s Development and Asset Management strategies must take into account future

population projections and consider the expected demand for social housing within

the community to ensure future housing stock will meet the needs and demands of

local residents.

livin will also have to consider its current housing provision and how it will meet the

need of an increasing elderly population whilst also finding bespoke solutions to

meet the individual needs of vulnerable groups. Anticipation of an ageing population

and typically low demand for livin’s one bedroom bungalows, and sheltered housing

schemes in other communities, highlights the requirement for livin to review its

current provision of housing stock for older persons. There may be potential

opportunities for housing providers to support older households to downsize thus

releasing a supply of larger family homes for other household groups. This is

especially important in smaller rural villages such as Kirk Merrington where there are

limited numbers of larger sized social housing properties.

The current economic climate and an increasing awareness surrounding the benefits

of installing energy efficient measures within homes may over the coming years

begin to influence demand for livin’s properties. This will require livin to investigate

the potential benefits of installing a range of energy efficiency measures within its

current properties and future developments. In addition to helping reduce the

consumption of energy in livin homes these measures may also see cost saving

benefits for tenants through reduced energy bills.

Key Future Demand Characteristics:

An ageing population, and fall in the number of persons economically active by

2026 will place an increased demand on fiscal, housing and health

provisions.

By 2030 the County is expected to see:

single person households increase by 100.3%

two person households increase by only 18%

three person households or more decrease by 26.9%

The majority of older persons will want to remain in their own homes through their senior years. This will place an increased demand on mainstream and social housing.

Increased future demand is expected for support services for vulnerable groups, and a need for bespoke housing solutions or specialist housing projects for persons aged 75 years or more. It is important that livin’s housing stock is able to meet the future demands of an ageing population.

.

29

During 2009/2010, livin’s average repair cost per property in Kirk Merrington was

£480.61, during 2010/2011 this average cost increased to £494.06 per property.

1.2.7 Average cost of Repairs to livin properties

The repair and maintenance of livin’s properties is essential to ensure that they

remain in excellent condition and to the high standards expected by tenants. Kirk

Merrington has been awarded a ranking of GOLD for average repair costs per

property when compared to other livin communities. Full details of the methodology

used for this ranking can be found in Appendix 2.

During 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010 livin, together with its repairs and maintenance

partner Mears, completed 38 repairs (including gas safety) to its properties in Kirk

Merrington. 29% of these repairs were emergency repairs which required immediate

attention.

The average repairs cost (including gas safety) per property across all of livin’s 19

communities for the period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010 was £604.36.

During 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011, the number of completed repairs to livin

properties in Kirk Merrington increased to 39. 28% of these repairs were emergency

repairs which required immediate attention.

1.2.8 Average cost of Improvement Programmes for livin properties

Over the next few years, and as part of promises to tenants, livin is investing over

£100 million in a rolling programme of modernisation and improvements to the

properties that it owns.

The modernisation and improvement programme that livin is carrying out on its

properties is to a much higher standard of works than that of the Government's

Decent Homes Standard.

The improvements that livin are completing include:

New Kitchens

New Bathrooms

Central Heating Replacement

Electrical Works

Internal and External Door Replacement

Roofing works

During a programme of works not all of livin’s properties will receive all of the above

improvements at the same time. There are a number of factors that determine which

improvement works are completed at a property during forthcoming programmes in

each community.

30

During 2011/2012, livin will further improve 12 of its properties in Kirk Merrington at

an expected average cost of £7,946 per property.

For example some properties may only receive new internal and external doors,

whereas others may be due new internal and external doors plus a replacement

kitchen and bathroom.

A number of improvement programmes have already been completed in Kirk

Merrington with internal modernisations and improvements made to all 14 properties

during the period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010 at an average cost of £4,706 per

property. The majority of these properties received a new heating system and

internal/external doors.

During 2011/12, livin expects to carry out further internal improvements to its

properties in Kirk Merrington at an expected average cost of £7,946 per property.

These improvements will include a new kitchen and bathroom and full electrical

rewire.


The community has a low repair cost per property resulting in a ranking of Gold.

Although the number of repairs marginally increased from 2009/2010 to 2010/2011,

the percentage of emergency repairs decreased.

Just under one third of the repairs required to livin properties in the community

during 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 were emergencies. Investigation into the causes

of these repairs may be considered in an attempt to minimise the amount of

emergency repairs required within our properties.

It should however be noted that during 2011/2012 livin will be completing

improvement programmes within Kirk Merrington resulting in 12 of its properties

receiving a new kitchen, bathroom and a full electrical rewire. It is expected that as a

result of this improvement programme there will be a reduction in the cost of repair

costs for these properties during the coming years.

31

During December 2010 to June 2011 the level of crime within Middlestone Ward,

Byers Green and Kirk Merrington was “Average”.

(Police.uk, 2011)

1.3 Crime and Antisocial Behaviour

The village of Kirk Merrington is located in the Police Beat area of Middlestone Ward,

Byers Green and Kirk Merrington. The nearest staffed Police station is located in the

neighbouring town of Spennymoor.

Figure 1.13: Middlestone Ward, Byers Green and Kirk Merrington Police Beat Area Source: Police.uk

From the 1 December 2010 to 30 June 2011 Durham Constabulary reported the

level of crime and disorder within the Middlestone Ward to be “Average” when

compared to the rest of the Police Beat Wards for England and Wales.

During this period there were a total of 20 reported incidents of crime and antisocial

behaviour in Kirk Merrington (Police.uk, 2011). Of this total 70% were in relation to

antisocial behaviour, 15% were in relation to “other” crimes (including criminal

damage, shoplifting and drugs) and 15% were in relation to vehicle crime.

livin’s Support and Intervention Team received no complaints of nuisance or

antisocial behaviour occurring within Kirk Merrington during the period 1 April 2010

to 31 March 2011.

32

Figure 1.14: Reported incidents of crime and antisocial behaviour in Middlestone Ward during December 2010 to June 2011 Source: Police.uk, 2011

Recent consultation completed by DCC (Residents Survey, 2010) highlighted that

within the Spennymoor AAP area (including Byers Green) 2% of residents feel

unsafe in their local communities during the day. The AAP’s with the highest fear of

safety during the daytime were Bishop Auckland and Shildon, and 4Together, both

with a percentage of 3%. 12% of Spennymoor AAP residents stated they felt unsafe

in their local area during the evening, this being the 5th highest out of all of the

County’s 14 AAP’s. The AAP with the highest fear of safety during the evening was

Bishop Auckland and Shildon with 15%. Countywide, 42% of residents completing

the survey indicated the main reason for feeling unsafe in their local community is

due to youths congregating on the street.

During livin’s consultation event there were no concerns raised by residents about

antisocial behaviour being caused by youths in the village. This corresponds with

information from the community’s Police Beat Team, confirming no current problems

with youths causing nuisance or antisocial behaviour in the community. Residents

do however feel that the village lacks recreational facilities and activities for children

and young persons.

Many residents expressed concerns about increased incidents of vehicles speeding

through the village and in areas surrounding the local primary school.

Information gained from the Youth Forum in June 2011 found issues relating to crime

and antisocial behaviour in their local community to be of significant importance to

local youths.

1

5

1

5

2 2

1 1

2

0

1

2

3

4

5

6N

um

be

r o

f R

ep

ort

ed

Inci

de

nts

Burglary

ASB

Robbery

Vehicle Crime

Violent Crime

Other

33


It is important that livin maintains its commitment to providing a robust and

responsive service for dealing with incidents of nuisance and antisocial behaviour in

local communities.

livin is aware that partnership working is essential when addressing and dealing with

crime and antisocial behaviour in its communities. As such livin will continue to

actively work with local residents and community groups, the Police, DCC and other

agencies through the attendance of staff members at PACT meetings, Residents

meetings and other local events to promote it services and offer help and support to

victims of nuisance or antisocial behaviour.

livin is already a contributing partner to the Safe Durham Partnership and plays an

important role in supporting the partnership to help people feel safer within their local

communities.

Key Crime and Antisocial Behaviour Characteristics:

For the period 01 December 2010 to 30 June 2011 the level of crime and disorder

within the Middlestone Ward is considered by the Police to be “Average” when

compared to the rest of England and Wales.

During the same period there were 20 reported Police incidents of crime and

antisocial behaviour in Kirk Merrington.

70% of reported incidents were in respect of antisocial behaviour

15% of incidents related to other crimes, such as criminal damage, shoplifting

and drugs

15% of incidents related to vehicle crime

During the period 1 April 2010 and 31 March 2011, livin’s Support and

Intervention Team received no complaints of nuisance or antisocial behaviour.

Consultation found local residents are concerned about vehicles speeding

through the Village and in the area surrounding the local primary school.

A recent survey found that 12% of residents living in the Spennymoor AAP area

felt unsafe in their communities during the evening.

34

During 2001, 68.2% of residents in Kirk Merrington were economically active;

this is significantly higher than the County average of 60.2%.

(Census, 2001)

1.4 Economy and Employment

1.4.1 Economic Activity

“Economic activity relates to persons aged 16 to 74 years who are in employment, or

actively seeking employment and are available to start work within 2 weeks.”

(Source: Census, 2001)

Of this total economic activity 45.4% were in full time employment and 10% in part

time employment. 8.4% of persons were self-employed; this being considerably

higher than the Durham County average of 5.4%. It is acknowledged that as a result

of the current economic climate the level of economic activity within the community

may have changed since this data was collated in 2001.

The 2007 Indices of Deprivation indicates that in relation to employment, 39.6% of

residents living in the Spennymoor AAP area (including Kirk Merrington) are deemed

to be in the top 10% nationally deprived (Communities and Local Government

(CLG), 2007). This is higher than the Durham County average where 32.2% of

residents are deemed to be in the top 10% nationally deprived.

Figure 1.15: Economic Activity in Kirk Merrington Source: Census, 2001, LLSOA, KS09A, 005B

The availability of local employment was a key issue highlighted by residents during

consultation. Residents reported that a lack of local employment and recent

redundancies from local businesses have placed an increased requirement for

residents to travel out of the area to gain sustainable employment. This necessity to

travel is currently being hampered by rising fuel costs and the affordability of car

45.4 10.0 8.4 2.8 1.6

38.5

10.7

5.4 3.7

1.8

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

EmployeesFull-time

EmployeesPart-time

SelfEmployed

Unemployed Full timeStudent

%

Kirk Merrington

Durham County

35

During 2001, 40.7% of residents in Kirk Merrington were employed as

Professionals, Managers, or in Associate Professional and Technical roles.

(Census, 2001)

ownership; together with an increased reliance on what is seen by residents to be a

restricted public transport service to surrounding areas. The proposed retail and

commercial developments at the DurhamGate site at Spennymoor and the Hitachi

factory in Newton Aycliffe will hopefully help to boost economic activity and

employment opportunities for local residents.

The importance of sustainable employment and enhanced job prospects within the

local area was acknowledged at Spennymoor AAP’s Forum Event in November 2010

where forum members voted these issues as one of the top three priorities for the

AAP for 2011/12. As a result “Employment and Job Prospects” is a Spennymoor

AAP priority for 2011/12 and will be incorporated into its two other priorities of

“Provision for Children and Teenagers” and “Town Centre Regeneration”.

Census data indicates that residents within Kirk Merrington are employed in a wide

range of different occupations (Census, 2001, LLSOA, KS12A, 005B)

40.7% of residents are employed in skilled roles as Professionals, Managers, or in

Associate Professional and Technical roles. There are a substantially higher

percentage of residents employed in these occupations when compared to the

County average (32.9%). High levels of employment within these occupations are

reflected in the high percentage of residents (17.2%) in the village that hold an

educational qualification at levels 4 to 5 (equivalent to degree or professional level).

The percentage of residents in Kirk Merrington employed in a skilled trade (14.7%) is

higher than the County average (12.7%). There are lower percentages of residents

employed in lower skilled occupations (20.1%) including elementary (labourers,

kitchen assistants, and bar staff) and plant and machine processing roles.

Over the past ten years the plant and machine processing industry has been one of

the hardest hit resulting in many large scale local employers such as Black and

Decker, Flymo, Thorn and Electrolux relocating or ceasing to trade. As the majority

of residents within Kirk Merrington are not employed within these industries it is

expected that a good level of economic activity will have been maintained within the

village since this data was gathered in 2001.

During the period 2006 to 2008, the Spennymoor AAP area was home to 4.1% of

businesses that were operating within Durham County. 81.4% of these businesses

employed less than 10 employees, whilst 18.5% employed 11 or more employees

(Annual Business Inquiry, 2008).

The largest industrial estate within the local area is located at Meadowfield, with

smaller estates located at Willington, Bowburn, Chilton and Spennymoor. However,

36

development is currently under way on DurhamGate at Spennymoor, a large mixed-

used regeneration scheme which will incorporate business, living and leisure.

Figure 1.16: Occupation profile of 16 to 74 year olds in Kirk Merrington Source: Census, 2001, LLSOA KS12A, 005B

“Economic inactivity relates to persons aged 16 to 74 years who are not in

employment, or not actively seeking employment and available to start work within 2

weeks.” (Source: Census, 2001)

Economic inactivity was also slightly lower than the County average (39.8%) with a

total of 32% of the population not employed, and not actively seeking work (Census,

2001, LLSOA, KS12A, 005B). Retirement (15%) was the main reason for residents

within Kirk Merrington being economically inactive; this is comparable with the

County average where retirement equates to 14.8% of economic inactivity.

14.5

11.6

14.6

12.7

14.7

5.3 6.7

10.3 9.8

11.6 9.2 12.1 11.7 12.7 7.3 8.4 13.3 13.7 0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

%

KirkMerrington

DurhamCounty

37

The percentage of

residents claiming

Jobseekers Allowance for

up to 12 months is higher

than the County average.

(DWP, 2011)

Figure 1.17: Economic inactivity in Kirk Merrington Source: Census, 2001, LLSOA, KS09A, 005B

Analysis of Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) data from March 2011

highlights that the Middlestone Ward (including

Byers Green and Kirk Merrington) had a higher

percentage of residents who have been claiming

Jobseekers Allowance for up to 6 months (77.8%)

when compared to the County (73.5%) and National

averages (68.5%). Data collection limitations do not

allow for this information to be obtained for Kirk

Merrington alone.

The percentage of residents claiming Jobseekers Allowance for a period of 6 to 12

months (19%) is also higher than the County (18%) and National (17%) averages.

This high percentage of residents claiming Jobseekers Allowance for a period of 6 to

12 months has resulted in the community being ranked as BRONZE. It is important

to note that the data used to compile this ranking relates to the Middlestone Ward

(including Byers Green and Kirk Merrington), not Kirk Merrington alone. Full details

of the methodology for this ranking can be found in Appendix 2.

The percentage of residents claiming Jobseekers Allowance for 12 months or more

(6.2%) is lower than County average (8.4%), and more than half the national

average of 14.2%. This indicates that lower numbers of persons residing within

Middlestone Ward are claiming Jobseekers Allowance for longer than 12 months

when compared to the County and national averages.

Sustainable communities require high levels of economic activity; this can be

facilitated by a high percentage of the resident population being economically active

through employment or actively seeking employment. Although long term

unemployment is low when compared to County and National levels, it is important

that local service providers work in partnership to proactively identify and minimise

the barriers to employment experienced by residents who have become unemployed

within the last 12 months.

15.0

3.2 4.6

7.1

2.1

14.8

5.1 6.3

10.3

3.3

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

Retired Student Looking afterhome/family

Permanentlysick/disabled

Other

%

Kirk Merrington

Durham County

38

1.4.2 Jobseekers Allowance Claimants During August 2010, there were a wide age range of residents that were claiming Jobseekers Allowance in Kirk Merrington (DWP, 2010). 50% of persons claiming Jobseekers Allowance were aged between 16 to 24 years; this being substantially higher than the County average of 34%. The percentage of persons aged 25 to 49 years claiming Jobseekers Allowance (50%) was marginally lower than the County average of 52%. There were no residents aged 50 years or more claiming Jobseekers Allowance.

Figure 1.18: Jobseekers Allowance claimants in Kirk Merrington Source: DWP, August 2010

The percentage of persons aged 16 to 24 years claiming Jobseekers Allowance was

substantially higher than both Durham County and North East averages. This

highlights a clear need for service providers to target this age group when delivering

future skills and training courses. It is important that any skills and training courses

targeted at this age group will help individuals to meet their training needs and future

aspirations and help them gain sustainable employment.

During consultation a number of residents

expressed concerns about the lack of local

employment opportunities for residents. In order to

access training and employment residents are

required to travel out of the village to surrounding

towns and cities. Many feel that this requirement to

travel is restricted by the cost of owning private

transport and the restricted timetables and routes

covered by local bus companies. There are

“Residents have to

commute to work”

Resident from Kirk

Merrington

50 50

0

34

52

14

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Claimants Aged 16-24

Claimants Aged 25-49

Claimants Aged 50and Over

%

Kirk Merrington

Durham County

39

concerns that ongoing service cuts imposed by DCC may see local bus timetables

further reduced thus restricting access to further education, training and employment

for many residents.

1.4.3 Department for Works and Pensions Key Benefit Claimants

During August 2009, the total percentage of residents claiming a DWP key out of

work benefit was substantially lower than the Durham County average of 21%. The

majority of residents in Kirk Merrington claiming a key benefit were in receipt of

Incapacity Benefit (9%); this is lower than the County average of 11%. These figures

are comparative with the intelligence contained in Section 1.6 which indicates that

the general health of the population within Kirk Merrington is better when compared

to the rest of Durham County.

Figure 1.19: Breakdown of persons residing in Kirk Merrington claiming key DWP benefits Source: DWP, August 2009

1.4.4 Household Income

During 2001/02 estimates of mean weekly household income (gross) in the

Middlestone Ward (including Byers Green and Kirk Merrington) was £20 per week

higher than the North East average of £410 (ONS, Middlestone Ward, 2005). Data

collection limitations have restricted further detailed analysis of this information to

Kirk Merrington only.

Based on this intelligence the community has been ranked as GOLD for average

household income. It is important to note that the data used to compile this ranking

relates to the Middlestone Ward (including Byers Green and Kirk Merrington), not

Kirk Merrington alone. Full details of the methodology for this ranking can be found

in Appendix 2.

3

9

0 1 0 0 0

Job Seekers

Incapacity Benefits

Lone Parent

Carer

Others Income Related Benefits

Disabled

Bereaved

40

Residents at both consultation events expressed significant concerns about the rising levels of fuel and housing costs and how the affordability of these costs are beginning to have a detrimental impact on income and lifestyle.

1.4.5 Vehicle Ownership and Cost of Travel In 2001, only 15.7% of households in Kirk Merrington did not own a car or van; this being substantially lower than the County average of 31.4%. 44.1% of households owned one car or van, and the remaining 40.2% owned two or more cars or vans (Census, 2001, LLSOA, KS17, 005B).

Although levels of vehicle ownership may have altered since 2001, the rising cost of fuel and other related costs will now have a significant impact on vehicle usage, particularly amongst low income households. Low levels of vehicle ownership and restricted use can affect residents’ lifestyles by restricting access to services and facilities outside of the local area. The 2001 census indicated that 45.3% of residents in Kirk Merrington travelled to work driving a car or van (Census, 2001, LLSOA, UV39, 005B). Throughout consultation a number of residents expressed their concerns about the need to travel outside of the local area for access to shopping, employment, and specialist services such as colleges, universities and hospitals. This reliance on travel outside of the local area, places an increased need on a reliable public transport system for households that do not own their own vehicle. There are fears from residents that ongoing budgetary reductions to rural transport services imposed by DCC will see many residents become more isolated and detached from obtaining specialist services whilst also restricting their ability to gain sustainable employment.

41

By the end of the financial year 2010/11 livin reduced its outstanding rental debit

figure (unpaid rent) to 0.03%; a total of £199.

1.4.6 Rental Debit in livin properties

To assess the rent payments made by tenants within livin properties in Kirk

Merrington an analysis and comparison of livin’s rental debit figures for 2009/10 and

2010/11 have been used.

For the financial year 2009/10, the total rental debit charge (rent charged for all of

livin’s properties in Kirk Merrington) was £50,433. At the end of this financial year

there were outstanding arrears (unpaid rent) of £271; making an unpaid rental debit

charge of 0.54%.

For the financial year 2010/11 the total rental debit charge was £47,947. At the end

of this financial year there were outstanding arrears of £72; making an unpaid rental

debit charge of 0.03%.

Based on the unpaid rental debit charge of 0.03% for the financial year 2010/11, Kirk

Merrington has been ranked as Gold. Full details of the methodology for this

ranking can be found in Appendix 2.

Key Economic characteristics:

During 2001/02 the weekly household income estimate was £20 higher than

the North East average of £410 indicating a good level of affluence within Kirk

Merrington.

During 2001, economic activity within Kirk Merrington was higher than the

Durham County average.

32% of residents in 2001 were not in employment, and not actively seeking

work. 15% of residents were economically inactive due to being retired.

During 2001, 20.1% of residents were employed in low skilled job roles.

40.7% of residents were employed as Professionals or Managers, or in

Associate Professional and Technical roles.

During March 2011 the percentage of residents claiming Jobseekers Allowance

for 12 months or longer was low. Unemployment levels for residents claiming

Jobseekers Allowance for 6 to 12 months were higher than the County average.

The percentage of residents aged 16 to 64 years claiming Jobseekers

Allowance is higher when compared to the County average.

Health levels within the community are better when compared to the County

average. During August 2009, only 14% of residents were claiming a key DWP

Benefit. 9% of this total was claiming Incapacity Benefit.

42

Since 2009, livin have introduced and promoted a number of different payment

options to make paying rent as easy and accessible as possible for tenants. These

include Direct Debit or the option to pay their rent via payment card. Payment cards

can be accepted at over 60 local outlets (including Post Offices) wherever the

“Paypoint” sign is displayed

During livin’s consultation events a number of residents expressed concerns about

the rising level of housing costs and how the current economic climate is increasing

the level of debt for low income households and community members.

Although livin will aim to reduce the outstanding rental debit year on year the current

economic climate and future reforms to the Welfare Benefits system will provide for

challenging times. These challenges will require livin to work proactively with

tenants and other household members by providing a dedicated Financial Inclusion

Team to provide guidance or sign posting about money and debt management.


Kirk Merrington currently has high property prices, good levels of educational

attainment, a high percentage of residents employed in management and

professional roles, and an estimated weekly household income of £20 more than the

North East average. However, it is important to recognise that although affluence as

a whole within Kirk Merrington may be good there will still be some local residents

who with help and advice from livin and its partners, can benefit from enhanced

employment prospects and increased financial confidence.

The effects of the recession and current economic downturn are being felt by a large

number of households within livin’s local communities and together with future

reforms to the Welfare Benefit system will provide for challenging times. As a result

livin must be mindful that local residents and tenants within Kirk Merrington will

potentially need support through these financial difficulties. This could mean the

signposting of tenants and residents to debt management and financial inclusion

support agencies through livin’s dedicated Financial inclusion Team.

Consultation has found there to be an identified need for an increased provision of

skills and training courses that can help more local residents attain new skills and

qualifications for employment. It is evident from the analysis that any employability

work undertaken by livin within the community must help reduce the number of

persons claiming Jobseekers Allowance. There should be extra emphasis placed on

residents aged 16 to 24 years that are claiming Jobseekers Allowance.

livin are required to understand the barriers to employment experienced by residents

and tenants and assess the level of support it can offer. During consultation events

residents were apprehensive about recent financial cut backs to the village’s local

bus services and the effect this is having on access to services and employment.

This reduction in services together with the increasing cost of vehicle ownership has

43

the potential to make travelling to work a major barrier to employment within Kirk

Merrington.

livin must be aware of the contribution made by partners in supporting residents and

tenants to gain employment and skills, and increase their economic wellbeing. It

must support local community organisations that offer these services by ensuring

their resources are fully utilised by local residents and that their existence is widely

publicised throughout the local area.

44

Kirk Merrington is a small rural village with very limited services and amenities.

1.5 Access to Services and Facilities

There is no local GP or Dental surgery located in the village. Access to public health

care can be found in the surrounding settlements of Ferryhill, Spennymoor and

Bishop Auckland.

Retail services within the village are very limited.

There are three public houses serving meals to

local residents and visitors but no local shops or

convenience stores. To obtain grocery shopping,

or for more specialised goods and services

residents are required to travel out of the village to

neighbouring Spennymoor, Bishop Auckland,

Ferryhill or Newton Aycliffe.

During consultation many residents were concerned about the lack of amenities

within the village, particularly for shopping, and activities for children and young

persons.

There is a Community Centre located within Kirk Merrington which is well utilised by

a number of local groups and clubs for health and social related activities. Residents

feel the Community Centre plays an essential role as a “meeting place”, bringing

together local residents and helping to improve community cohesion. However there

were concerns raised about a lack of activities for children and young people at the

Community Centre.

Although there is no resident library within the village, DCC provides a fortnightly

mobile library that can be utilised by residents.

There are no livin affiliated Residents’ Groups within Kirk Merrington.

A local Methodist Church and the Church of St John the Evangelist are both located

within the village offering regular worship and occasional coffee mornings and

concerts throughout the year.

The village has access to a broadband internet connection.

During the Youth Forum the attending children and young persons raised a number

of key issues in their local areas. These included the need for enhanced play

facilities, accessible after school and weekend activities, and problems with dog

fouling, graffiti and litter in public areas. These issues were common throughout the

communities of Spennymoor, Kirk Merrington, Byers Green and Middlestone Moor.

52% of the youths that attended the event stated they would like more designated

play areas within their local area. There were comments about poorly maintained

“There are no local

amenities in the village –

nowhere to buy our bread

and milk.”

Resident from Kirk Merrington

45

equipment in the play parks and dog fouling on playing fields and areas surrounding

the play facilities. Some of the younger Forum

members said they sometimes feel intimidated by

the older teenagers using the play areas as a place

to “hang out” on an evening and weekend. The

youths also indicated that they would like to see an

increased provision of arranged after school and

weekend activities in their local areas. The types

of activities identified were mainly health and

fitness related (i.e. dance and sports clubs)

together with the provision of more youth based activities at local leisure centres.

Although there are a number of youth based activities in the Spennymoor area,

these are restricted within Kirk Merrington resulting in a requirement for the youths to

travel out of the local village to access after school and weekend activities. There is

a multiuse games area located within the village, together with a playing field and

small play park for children. The multi-use games area provides a fenced non-turfed

area that can be used for a number of activities and games. There are no other

recreational or sporting facilities within the village.

During a Spennymoor AAP Forum event held in November 2010 the provision of

activities for children and teenagers was again rated one of the top three priorities for

the local AAP area by forum members. This provision will continue as one of the

AAP’s priorities for 2011/12.

Spennymoor Town Council own a number of allotment sites within Kirk Merrington

which can be used to grow fresh vegetables, fruit and flowers. Although livin own a

number of garden sites in surrounding towns and villages there are none located

within Kirk Merrington.

A recent survey of residents living within the Spennymoor AAP area (DCC, 2010)

indicated that 85% were satisfied with public

transport; this being one of the highest levels of

satisfaction throughout the County. However

during consultation there were clear concerns from

residents about the provision of public transport in

and around Kirk Merrington.

Many residents highlighted concerns about the

reliability, cost and restrictions of the current public

transport service and its necessity for providing

essential access for many residents to shopping,

employment and education.

“Limited bus services

causing problems for

residents that need to

travel for work, shopping

or education.”


“Lack of activities for

children and young people

in the Village.”


46

In addition the rising costs of fuel and vehicle ownership will continue to place an

increased need on a reliable and regular public transport system that serves the

needs of the community as a whole.


livin needs to be aware of the positive impact that local services and service

providers have on sustaining local communities.

A reduced bus service within the village will not only increase the barriers to

employment experienced by livin tenants and local residents but will also restrict vital

access to supermarkets, education, sporting facilities and healthcare.

Youth based activities within the village are limited, resulting in the requirement for

youths to travel out of the area to access after school and weekend activities. Within

any community there should be a good provision of youth based activities that will

actively encourage engagement and participation in health and social related

activities.

livin must understand the pressures that local communities are under as a result of

service cuts, and work in partnership with organisations such as DCC to ensure that

the effects of any service reductions are minimal and that tenants, residents and

service providers are aware of their implications.

Key Services Characteristics:

The community has very limited access to public services and amenities.

There is no access to public health care or grocery shopping within the

community.

Residents have highlighted an essential need for travel out of the area for

shopping, specialised goods or services, employment, and education.

There is a Community Centre which is currently utilised by a number of local

groups.

The village has a small play park with multiuse games area and playing field.

These are the only sporting and recreational facilities within the village.

Satisfaction with public transport services in the area is poor with many

residents feeling that the current provision is unreliable and restrictive for their

needs.

47

During 2001, the number of

persons in “Not Good”

health in Kirk Merrington

was 3% lower than the

County average.

1.6 Health and Wellbeing

The general level of health in Kirk Merrington is

notably better than that of the County as a whole

(Census, 2001, LLSOA, KS08, 005B). The total

percentage of persons in “Good” general health is

6% higher than the County average. The

percentage of residents who indicated that they

were in “Not Good” general health is 3% less when compared to the County

average.

2001 Census data indicates that 14.4% of persons of working age suffer from a

limiting long term illness (Census, 2001, LLSOA, KS08, 005B). Again this is lower

than the County average of 19.8%.

“A limiting long-term illness covers any long-term illness, health problem or disability that limits daily activities or work. Working age is defined as persons aged between 16 to 64 years inclusive for men and 16 to 59 years inclusive for women.” (Census 2001)

The 2007 Indices of Deprivation indicates that in relation to Health, 39.6% of

residents living in the Spennymoor AAP area (including Kirk Merrington) are deemed

to be in the top 10% nationally deprived (CLG, 2007). This is higher than the

Durham County average where 35.7% of residents are deemed to be in the top 10%

nationally deprived. It is important to note that this data relates to all areas within

Spennymoor AAP, not Kirk Merrington alone.

Figure 1.20: Levels of Health within Kirk Merrington Source: Census, 2001, LLSOA, KS08, 005B

To access sporting facilities residents are required to travel outside of the village to

DCC leisure centres at nearby Spennymoor, Bishop Auckland and Newton Aycliffe.

The local leisure centre at Ferryhill which is also owned and managed by DCC is

69.2

20.8

10.1

62.6

24.2

13.2

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

General health:Good

General health:Fairly good

General health: Notgood

%

Kirk Merrington

Durham County

48

expected to close by the end of 2011. The extra costs relating to travel and the use

of these facilities could prove unaffordable thus restricting access to health based

activities for some members of the community.


There has been a long established connection between health and housing. As a

result of the Government’s Health Reform proposals a stronger role will emerge for

livin to act in partnership with local health providers to improve the health and

wellbeing of our tenants and their families. As a “frontline” service provider livin has

privileged access to tenants and their families; providing the potential for signposting

to health related services. Good levels of health can have positive effects on

educational achievement and help promote employment within a community.

Although levels of health within Kirk Merrington are better than the County average it

is important that livin utilises involvement and interaction with our tenants and their

families to maintain and further enhance this level of health. There are a number of

projects that livin could support that will link into the preventative health agenda;

making it critical that livin engages and works in partnership with other local health

based stakeholders to ensure maximum use of resources.

Key Health Characteristics:

During 2001, general levels of health in the community were better when

compared to the County average.

14.4% of “working age” residents are suffering from a limiting long term

illness.

Residents are required to travel for access to leisure facilities. Increased

costs associated with travel may result in access to leisure facilities becoming

unaffordable for some local households.

Residents would like to see the provision of more health based activities and

activities for children and young people within the village.

49

2001 census data indicates

that 17.2% of residents have

attained qualifications to

degree or professional levels.

1.7 Education and Training

Levels of educational attainment for residents

are higher within Kirk Merrington when

compared to the Durham County average

(Census, 2001, LLSOA, KS13, 005B).

2001 Census data indicates that 29.2% of the population in the area have no formal

qualifications.

The percentages of residents attaining level 1 (18.6%) and level 2 (20.9%)

qualifications are higher when compared to the County averages. Level 1

qualifications include 1+'O' level passes; 1+ CSE/GCSE any grades; NVQ level 1; or

Foundation level GNVQ. Level 2 qualifications include 5+GCSEs (grades A-C); 1+

'A' levels/'AS' levels; NVQ level 2; or Intermediate GNVQ.

Figure 1.21: Educational attainment within Kirk Merrington Source: Census, 2001, LLSOA, KS13, 005B

6.5% of residents hold qualifications at level 3; this being marginally less than the

County average of 7.4%. Level 3 qualifications are necessary for advancement into

University, higher education or professional qualifications and include 2+ 'A' levels;

4+ 'AS' levels; NVQ level 3; or an Advanced GNVQ.

However, there are a high percentage of residents (17.2%) that hold qualifications at

levels 4/5 when compared to the County average (14.5%).

29.2

18.6 20.9

6.5

17.2

7.5

36.0 17.0 18.1 7.4 14.5 7.1 0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

%

KirkMerrington

DurhamCounty

50

A level 4/5 qualification is equivalent to a First Degree, Higher Degree, NVQ levels 4

and 5, HNC, HND, or professional qualifications including qualified teacher, medical

doctor, dentist, nurse, midwife, or health visitor. This high level of educational

attainment can be attributed to the high number of persons employed in skilled roles

as Professionals, Managers, or in Associate Professional and Technical roles.

Based on a high percentage of residents living within the village attaining level 2

qualifications (5+ GCSEs A-C grades) the community has been ranked as GOLD for

educational attainment.

Although Kirk Merrington Primary School and

Pre School are located within the village

residents require access to transport to access

secondary schools and higher education. The

Primary School has a good reputation within the

village.

The nearest further education colleges are

located at Bishop Auckland, Darlington and

Durham with all requiring access to public or private transport. Bishop Auckland

College also provide an outreach learning centre located at nearby Spennymoor.

For many residents access to further education and employment will require travel

out of the local area, this being hampered by the rising costs of vehicle ownership

and what is seen to be a restricted public transport service.

The Local Learning Partnership (LLP) for Spennymoor, Byers Green and Kirk

Merrington is a partnership of local centres and learning providers which aims to

provide learning opportunities to residents within the local community. LLP offer a

range of non-accredited and accredited courses ranging from health and leisure to

employment related and arts courses, in various community venues including Kirk

Merrington.

At the Youth Forum the attending children and young persons indicated “Education

and Training” to be of significant importance to them. Information gained from

youths living in the areas of Spennymoor, Middlestone Moor, Byers Green and Kirk

Merrington highlights the hopes of many to continue their education to degree or

professional level to enable them to become employed in professional or skilled roles

such as teachers, doctors, accountants, health professionals and veterinarians. It is

hoped that a requirement to travel out of the local area to access higher education,

and the rising costs of University fees do not restrict access into these professions.

As a high level of economic activity is essential for maintaining community

sustainability it is important that local service providers work in partnership to help

and encourage local youths to continue their education with the hope of gaining

sustainable employment.

“There is a need to travel

for secondary schools and

colleges so a good, reliable

bus service is essential.”


51

There is a lot of concern from local residents about the opportunities for training and

education within the village. Access to further education and employment usually

requires residents to travel out of the local area, this being hampered by the rising

costs of vehicle ownership and what is seen to be an inadequate public transport

service.


Education is a cornerstone of a sustainable community as it will promote financial

inclusion and help increase economic activity.

During 2001, a high percentage of residents within the village were educated to

Degree or Professional level. However residents are concerned that increasing

travel costs and an inadequate public transport service is restricting access to

education and training for many younger residents.

Although livin cannot play a direct role in the provision of education there may be

opportunities to link with local education providers such as local schools and

colleges to help increase educational opportunities for our tenants and local

residents.

Key Education Characteristics:

In 2001, 29.2% of residents within the community held no formal educational

qualifications.

17.2% of residents within the community are educated to Degree or

Professional level; this is higher than the Durham County average.

There is good access to primary education with Kirk Merrington primary school

located within the village.

Access to secondary education and college requires travel outside of the

community.

Residents are concerned that the current public transport service within the

village is restricting access to education.

52

1.8 Reputation of the local area and community cohesion

Feedback gained from the consultation events

indicates that the village is perceived by local

residents to be a pleasant, friendly and safe place

to live.

The residents attending the consultation events feel

the current level of community cohesion within the

village to be good. They believe the Community

Centre and the facilities and activities that it

provides are essential in maintaining community

cohesion.

livin is aware that to increase the reputation of a community and enhance community

cohesion the involvement of local residents is imperative. To enable the success of

this Community Plan and the achievement of the Local Offers it is important that

local residents and community groups play an important role. The involvement of

the local community in delivering these Local Offers can help empower local

residents to make a difference in their local communities, and develop partnership

working to improve the overall reputation of the community and enhance community

cohesion.

1.9 Local Environment

The majority of environmental feedback received

from residents during the consultation events

centred on concerns about dog fouling in public

areas and the need for traffic calming measures to

deter motorists from speeding through the village.

Residents are particularly concerned about

increased incidents of dog fouling in public play

areas, particularly on the playing field and around the children’s’ play area. There

was also a request for traffic calming measures around the local Primary School and

Hallgarth Street.

On the 18 August 2011 an Environmental

Assessment of the community was conducted by

members of livin’s Communities Team. The

Assessment was completed by assessing a

number of environmental indicators at two

designated “stopping” points on a pre-determined

route through the community.

At each designated stopping point a number of

environmental indicators were assessed and a number of points awarded.

“Kirk Merrington needs

improved outdoor facilities

for children and young

persons”


“There is a good level of

community spirit in Kirk

Merrington.”


“The village needs some

traffic calming measures

as some motorists drive at

speed through the village.”


53

During the assessment the community was found to be clean and tidy. There was

no evidence of litter, fly tipping or dog faeces in public areas. Properties within the

vicinity of the stopping points were well maintained with tidy gardens. The public

highway was identified to be in poor condition in places between Hopkinson Place

and Chapel Street.

Based on the points awarded at the pre-determined stopping points, the community

scored a total value of 34.

As a result the overall condition of the community has been ranked as GOLD. The

full methodology relating to the Environmental Assessment can be found in Appendix

2.

Figure 1.22: Route of Environmental Assessment


A high Environmental Assessment scoring and Gold ranking is a good result for the

community. It means that the community does not require intensive support and

may only require targeted work in specific hotspots area.

However, it is important that livin ensure that future Environmental Assessments

within this community are conducted at appropriate intervals to ensure the

community is able to maintain this high ranking.

54

Based on the information contained within this community plan livin has been able to

identify and assess a number of key strengths and challenges that are being faced

by residents living in the community of Kirk Merrington.

To improve the levels of sustainability within this community it is important that key

strengths are maintained; together with conscientious efforts being made by livin,

other community stakeholders and local residents to address and reduce identified

challenges.

Taking into account these challenges livin has developed four key priorities for the

community:

The development of these key priorities and the creation of realistic Local Offers that

can be used by livin, community stakeholders and local residents to address and

achieve them will enable the maximisation of internal and external resources

available throughout the community.

Help to influence and maintain services that benefit the needs of local residents

and the community as a whole

Develop a partnership approach to reducing barriers to work and increasing

employment opportunities for local residents

Develop a partnership approach to develop health based initiatives to help

residents adopt healthier lifestyles and further improve levels of health

Maintain a partnership approach to reduce incidents of low level crime and

antisocial behaviour

Section 2 Community Priorities

55

The original actions contained within this Community Plan were revised in March

2013.

Based on what livin has learnt from your community, and our work with local partners

we have now developed a set of Local Offers for Kirk Merrington. The Local Offers

have taken into account the original actions from the community plan and the views

of the community obtained through consultation, leading to a new set of standards

and actions aimed at supporting and benefiting your area. Delivery of the Local

Offers will be monitored by livin tenants.

A copy of livin’s Local Offers for Kirk Merrington can be found on our website at

www.livin.co.uk.

This main Community Plan will be revised in 2014.

Section 3 Review of the Community Plan

http://www.livin.co.uk/

56

APPENDIX 1

livin STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

&

REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

57

livin Strategic Framework

livin’s role as a Registered Provider of social housing extends beyond managing

houses. This has been identified within livin’s Corporate Plan for 2011 – 2014 which

highlights the importance of improving the economic viability of local communities,

followed by social factors such as health and education, and enhancing the local

environment.

As such livin is focused on supporting the development of sustainable communities

for the current and future generation of residents. This is articulated through the

Company’s vision, mission and personality which are;

Mission “working with the community at heart”

Vision “sustaining and growing safe, cohesive and vibrant communities through

excellent customer services”

Personality “Caring, supportive, helpful and community orientated”

It is acknowledged that livin can play a key role in contributing to the delivery of

sustainable communities. By developing strong and coordinated partnership working

with residents and key stakeholders livin will develop:

Prosperous Communities - addressing economic viability of communities by

helping people to improve their financial circumstances, become less dependent

on benefits, positively address employability and increase financial confidence.

Healthy Communities – addressing social wellbeing, community cohesion and

health inequalities by improving health and wellbeing, secure access to further

opportunities and develop their aspirations.

Green Communities – addressing environmental quality and sustainability by

enhancing the setting of homes and promoting and supporting green initiatives in

communities.

During April 2011, livin introduced the “Your Voice, Local Choice”, Local Offer

document to ensure that “the right services are delivered in the right place for the

right people”. The Local Offer is a list of ten pledges that livin has made to tenants in

order to deliver key priorities. Full details of the pledges contained in livin’s Local

Offer can be found on the website at livin.co.uk or alternatively a copy can be

requested by contacting livin on 0845 505 5500 or 0300 111 2234 (low rate from a

mobile depending on network).

58

In addition to helping livin work towards sustaining and growing safe, cohesive, and

vibrant communities the Community Plans will play an important role in shaping and

articulating the Local Offer to tenants. They are the delivery mechanism for the

pledges contained within the Offer and will enable livin, community stakeholders and

local residents to tailor services and resources to the specific needs of each

individual community and enhance local service delivery. This relationship is

illustrated in the diagram below:

The development and implementation of the Community Plans represents a strategic

change in livin’s approach to supporting the sustainability of communities and will

help deliver the corporate improvement themes of “Customer Focussed Services”

and “Efficient Assets” by:

improving lives, neighbourhoods and communities

improving customer involvement and empowerment, and

increasing the sustainability of tenancies and homes

The Plans will be utilised to inform and enhance livin’s strategic planning and asset

management framework whilst helping to deliver customer and community focused

Local Offer

Established guiding principles

Locality 1

Byers Green

Kirk Merrington

Middlestone Moor

Spennymoor Town

Locality 2

Dean Bank

Ferryhill Village &

Cleves Cross

West Cornforth

Bishop Middleham

Chilton & Chilton Lane

Locality 3

Trimdon Village

Trimdon Grange

Trimdon Colliery

Fishburn

Sedgefield

Locality 4

Shildon

Middridge

Locality 5

Aycliffe Old Town

Aycliffe New Town

Aycliffe Village

Community Plan Strategy

59

investment. They have an impact on all areas of service delivery, renewal and

regeneration, and have departmental cross cutting themes.

Each Plan takes into account a whole spectrum of current national, regional and

local strategic agendas whilst retaining enough flexibility to address future emerging

policy and structural changes at all levels. They complement the Government’s

Localism Bill by facilitating and empowering local communities to improve local

services in their local area and careful consideration has also been given to relevant

housing strategies adopted by Durham County Council and the implications of the

Housing and Communities Agency (HCA) new role in regulating social landlords.

Tenant Services Authority Regulatory Requirements

The development and implementation of Community Plans also reflects livin’s

commitment to adhering to the Tenant Services Authority’s (TSA) current regulatory

regime. This regime requires livin to meet six separate service standards:

Tenant Involvement and Empowerment

Home

Tenancy

Neighbourhood and Community

Value for Money

Governance and Financial Viability

Comprehensive consultation to support each Plan will help livin to enhance customer

services and encourage local residents to become more responsible for local

services and the improvement of their communities thus addressing the Tenant

Involvement and Empowerment standard.

The Home standard will be addressed by assessing the current condition of the

current housing stock in each community to ensure that it is of high quality, well

maintained and suitable for demand.

It is crucial that the Tenancy standard be incorporated into the outcomes of the

Community Plan through the consideration and effective use of lettings policies, rent

management policies and the enhancement of tenancy sustainment.

As part of the Neighbourhood and Community standard livin is required to deliver on

three separate outcomes; local cooperation, antisocial behaviour and community

management. All of these will outcomes will be considered and addressed within the

outcomes of each Plan.

The Plans will also address the Value for Money standard by ensuring that livin

prioritise resources based on the actual needs and requirements of local residents

whilst enabling confidence for external stakeholders and businesses to invest in the

communities.

http://www.tenantservicesauthority.org/server/show/nav.14690






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Durham County Council Strategic Framework

Durham County Council’s “Sustainable Communities” Strategy 2010-2030 is the

overarching plan for delivering long lasting improvements throughout the County. It

sets out five key strategic priority themes that will be focused on during the next 20

years:

Altogether Wealthier

Altogether Better for Children and Young People

Altogether Healthier

Altogether Safer

Altogether Greener

Whilst, Registered Providers are essential partners in delivering sustainable

communities, local authorities have the key strategic responsibility in this area. This

is particularly important for livin given its current geographical boundary within

County Durham and its relatively high levels of deprivation. Therefore the

Company’s approach of aligning key elements of its Corporate Plan 2011 – 2014 to

the priorities set out in Durham County Council’s Sustainable Communities Strategy

is vital in allowing the Company to play its role as a key partner in delivering

sustainable communities.

The provision of sustainable communities and vibrant and successful towns sits

within the key strategic theme of “Altogether Wealthier” and places a significant

emphasis on local housing markets and improvements in employability and skills as

key drivers in this achievement. Although the provision of a successful housing

market is predominantly featured in the theme of “Altogether Wealthier” there can be

cross cutting themes across the other four priority themes as demonstrated in the

community plans.

This theme of housing being a key driver in creating sustainable communities is

further detailed in “Building Altogether Better Lives: A Housing Strategy for County

Durham 2010-2015” (DCC, 2010). This strategy focuses on the ability for housing

and other related services to create better life chances for persons living in County

Durham by delivering better housing markets and high quality housing stock through

enhanced partnership working.

National Housing Federation

Research conducted by the National Housing Federation (NHF) found that numerous

RP’s are now using their presence and impact within their local communities to

provide services outside of their core housing management activities.

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These activities are centred on employment and enterprise services, education and

skills services, wellbeing services, poverty and social inclusion, safety and

community cohesion.

During 2006/07 the NHF found that RP’s nationally delivered 6,800 community

services (including facilities) and invested £435 million (£272 million internal and

£163 external) into resources outside of their core areas of activity. This study

highlighted the prominence that RP’s have within their local communities and their

perfect position to act as place makers in their communities.

Further information and details relating to this research is contained within the full

NHF report, “The scale and scope of housing associations activity beyond housing”.

62

APPENDIX 2

METHODOLOGY

63

livin Communities With the help of livin’s Tenants Panel 19 local communities were defined. These 19

communities are also loosely based around Durham Constabulary’s local Police

“Beat” patches and are detailed below:

To successfully complete each individual Plan a wide range of quantitative and

qualitative data from an extended range of sources has been utilised. Data obtained

from these sources has focused on several social, economic and environmental

indicators. Data used to calculate the population figures for Kirk Merrington has

been obtained from the 2001 Census data provided by DCC and is based on the

Locality Community Estates

1

Byers Green Byers Green

Kirk Merrington Kirk Merrington

Middlestone Moor Middlestone Moor

Spennymoor Town Town Centre (inc Bessemer Park) York Hill Tudhoe Tudhoe Grange

2

Dean Bank Dean Bank

Ferryhill Village and Cleves Cross Ferryhill Village Cleves Cross

West Cornforth Topside Lowside

Bishop Middleham Bishop Middleham

Chilton and Chilton Lane The Poets Windlestone

3

Trimdon Village Trimdon Village

Trimdon Grange Trimdon Grange

Trimdon Colliery Trimdon Colliery

Fishburn Fishburn

Sedgefield Sedgefield

4

Shildon Central Shildon Jubilee Fields New Shildon

Middridge Middridge

5

Aycliffe Old Town Shafto Simpasture Central

Aycliffe New Town Horndale Agnew Burnhill Western

Aycliffe Village Aycliffe Village

64

settlement of Kirk Merrington only (DCC, 2001). Unless stated all other Census

data has been obtained from the Lower Level Super Output Area 005B which

includes both Kirk Merrington and North Close.

Qualitative data collection methods has required livin to hold a number of

consultation events within each community to gain the views and opinions of local

residents and children and young persons; together with anecdotal data from

interviews with members of staff from livin’s Communities and Home Support Team.

Social, Economic and Environmental Indicators

Several social, economic and environmental indicators have been established for

each community; with some being benchmarked against County and National data

averages.

The table below shows the themes and topics each Community Plan has explored

and the data sources used to populate the required intelligence.

Themes Method

Housing

Quantitative- National statistics, livin stock data, DKO lettings data, Council tax data, Durham County Council strategic housing market assessment, House price websites and Land Registry data

Qualitative – Interviews and consultation events

Crime Rates and Perception of Crime

Quantitative – Durham Constabulary crime data and livin internal data


Economy and Employment

Quantitative - National statistics and DWP Benefit data


Accessibility to Services and Facilities


Health and Well Being Quantitative - National Statistics


Education and Training Quantitative - National Statistics


Reputation and Community Cohesion


Local Environment (including built environment, management of public areas)

Qualitative – Interviews, consultation events and community environmental assessments

65

Community Views and Opinions

The community in Kirk Merrington were invited to tell livin their views, concerns and opinions about their local community. Two

consultation events took place during May 2011 at the Community Centre. In June 2011, livin and other partner agencies

participated in a forum event involving a number of young people (aged 10 to 14 years) predominantly from Spennymoor, Byers

Green, Kirk Merrington, and Middlestone Moor to obtain views and opinions about their communities, housing and lifestyles.

Anecdotal evidence to support the intelligence contained in this plan has also been obtained from the Police Beat Team for Kirk

Merrington and livin staff members.

The table below highlights the main concerns and areas for improvement highlighted during livin’s consultation events:

Themes Community Comments

Education & Training Have to travel for education – problems with transport

Primary school in Kirk Merrington is very good

Housing

House prices are a barrier to living in Kirk Merrington – too high

Lack of affordable homes in the village

Not enough affordable housing or “council” housing

Hard for first time buyers to get on the property ladder – lack of affordable homes in the village

Reputation and Community Cohesion

Good – community centre is good for bringing people together

Good reputation – excellent community spirit

Friendly village

Community spirit is ok – community centre provides good meeting place

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Access to Services and Facilities

No shops / very few services – nowhere to buy bread and milk

Lack of facilities for youth engagement – no youth club

Lack of shops

Bus services reduced – causes problems

Lack of shops and Post Office

No local amenities – no shops etc – bus services cut

Need more play activities

Need a shop

Crime and Antisocial Behaviour

Speeding outside of school – need traffic calming – traffic through the village is increasing

Cars parking around the church (Sunday)

Speeding buses – traffic calming needed

Speeding outside of the local school

Traffic calming needed around Hallgarth area

Very quiet - no problems reported with youths causing ASB or nuisance behaviour

Received ASB reports are not in relation to youths causing a nuisance.

67

Environment

Lack of activities and facilities for children - just hang around park

More external facilities for teenagers

More dog and litter bins

Dog fouling - play area

Dog fouling – footpaths and playing field

Plenty of places to play

Not enough grassed areas to play

Need more parks

Litter

Lots of dog faeces in the play areas

The park where I play is dangerous

Like the open space and playing fields so that can play sport based activities.

Need more open play spaces where children can safely play

Economy and Employment No issues with employability but need to commute to be able to work

.

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Community Ranking Methodology

Based on the intelligence contained within this Community Plan livin has been able to rank the community based on; Bronze

(potential), Silver (aspiring) or Gold (performing). This will enable the identification of the communities which require more

immediate and more intensive interventions whilst ensuring there are mechanisms in place to maintain Gold standards.

The following are details of the methodology used by livin when determining the ranking for each community indicator:

Indicator Ranking

Housing Market

Affordability

Affordability ratios have been devised by comparing income to house prices in order to calculate how many times their average income an individual would be required to borrow to purchase their own property. It is particularly interesting to assess how well lower income households can access the housing market. To gauge access to entry level housing the data used is the lower quartile income of residents within the former area of Sedgefield Borough and the average price of terraced housing within the community (the assumption is that this house type is often the lower quartile house type). Data sources for this information were the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) 2010 and land registry house price data. To assess the level of affordability it is important to rank the multiplier by the England average. In England during 2009 the lower quartile house price was 6.28 times the lower quartile full-time individual earnings (http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/statistics/housingplanningstatistics2010). Access to lending on homes is still calculated using a multiplier of 3.5 for single households and 2.9 for dual income households, therefore a multiplier of 3.5 or less can be deemed as affordable.

Gold = Multiplier of 0 to 3.5 is affordable Silver = Multiplier of 3.6 to 6.3 Bronze = Multiplier of 6.4 and above

Tenancy

Turnover

Tenancy Turnover is determined by the percentage of houses available to let compared with the total housing stock in a community. It is recognised that this methodology is very simplistic and there are several factors that should be considered in conjunction with this ranking. These include:

Turnover rates in specific house types are generally higher than others (one bedroom bungalows) so consideration must be given to the total community stock profile

Gold communities will have a lower tenancy turnover; however a Gold ranking could indicate lack of access to housing and affordability issues requiring more households to have a housing need for socially rented properties in a particular community

It is important that when considering tenancy turnover; further investigation be given to the circumstances surrounding the ranking and circumstances that may have contributed towards a

Gold = 5% turnover or less Silver = 8-9% turnover Bronze = 10% turnover or more

http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/statistics/housingplanningstatistics2010

69

high level of turnover. Further investigation should also be made into stock types within the community and the accessibility and affordability of housing. To compile the percentage rates used to calculate this ranking consideration has been given to Housemark’s national Benchmarking figures

Demand for

livin housing

Demand for livin properties has been determined by the comparison of three indicators of demand taken from Durham Key Options (DKO) data. Each of these indicators has been scored accordingly with the overall score of all three determining the ranking allocated to the community:

Hard to let properties in a community: This is defined as properties that have been advertised in three or more bidding cycles with DKO before being let. It is important to note that the presence of low demand house types within a community can increase the percentage of hard to let properties within a community. - No properties hard to let = 5 points - 1 to 2% of properties hard to let = 3 points - 3% or more properties hard to let = 1 point

Area of preference: Upon application households can choose their areas of choice. These

indicate a “perception” of an area therefore producing a demand. Areas of preference

between communities have been determined by analysing the number of applicants showing

a preference for each community compared to the amount of applicants received by livin (by

percentage). Applicants can indicate a preference for more than one area and it must be

noted that area of preference is made at point of first application to DKO and is a snapshot in

time. Often applicants do not update their areas of preference and these areas of preference

may differ from their original indications during time spent on the housing register.

- 50% or more applicants expressing the community as an area of preference = 5 points

- 21 to 49% of applicants expressing the community as an area of preference = 3 points

- 0 to 20% of applicants expressing the community as an area of preference = 1 point

Average (mean) bids per property by community: Demand is evident by the volume of bids

received for a property. It is noted that this method will disguise some house types or

localised areas where the bids per property are very low and in some areas where there are

exceptional number of bids per property.

- 20 bids or more = 5 points

- 10-19 bids = 3 points

- 9 bids or less = 1 point

These three indicators considered together give livin a fair indication of demand for livin’s

Gold = 11 to 15 points Silver = 6 to 10 points Bronze = 1 to 5 points

70

communities. However, anecdotal evidence from staff has uncovered that this methodology may

disguise the actual experience of demand in livin communities by using a general mean average

over all house types and sizes. This ranking together with the analysis does indicate areas of

further in depth analysis.

Average Repair

Costs Per

Property

This has been calculated by analysing the total repair costs for livin properties within each of the 19 communities for the period 01 April 2009 to 31 March 2010. To calculate the average repair cost per property the total cost of all repairs for all livin properties in the community has been divided against the total number of stock livin owns within the community.

Gold = £599 or less Silver = £600 to £650 Bronze = £600 or more

Long Term Unemployment

(6 to 12 months)

This ranking is based on data supplied by the DWP in March 2011 and relates to the percentage of persons residing in the Middlestone Ward (including Kirk Merrington and Byers Green) claiming Jobseekers Allowance for a period of 6 to 12 months. This data has been compared to the overall percentage for Durham County of 18%. Data was obtained from the NOMIS Official Labour Market Statistics supplied by the Office for National Statistics.

Gold = 17% or less (lower than the County percentage) Silver = 18% (equivalent to the County percentage) Bronze = 19% or more (higher than the County percentage)

Average

Household

Income

This ranking is based on national statistics and relates to model-based average weekly household total income estimates for households in the Middlestone Ward (including Kirk Merrington and Byers Green) for 2001/02. This data has been compared to the North East average weekly household total income estimate of £410.00. Data was obtained from the Office for National Statistics.

Gold = £411.00 or more Silver = £410.00 Bronze = £409.99 or less

71

livin Rental

Debit

To assess the rent payments made by tenants within livin properties in Kirk Merrington an

analysis and comparison of livin’s rental debit figures for 2009/10 to 2010/11 were utilised.

The total rental debit charge is the total rent charged for all livin properties within Kirk Merrington throughout a financial year. At the end of the financial year the total amount of rent payments collected by livin is offset against the total rental debit. The total amount of rent payments collected by livin is calculated within the first week of the following financial year; this ensures that any housing benefit payments have been processed and credited to the relevant rent account. All housing benefit payments paid by DCC are received every 4 weeks and are paid in arrears. By offsetting the amount of rent paid throughout the year against the total rental debit charge for the year livin are able to calculate how much outstanding debt it has within each individual community. This outstanding debt is commonly referred to as “rent arrears”. This figure is then calculated as a percentage of the total rental debit charge and has been used to provide the community’s ranking. livin has not been able to base the ranking of rental debit against any validated local benchmarking figures.

Gold = 0 to 0.99% Silver = 1.00% to 1.99% Bronze = over 2.00%.

Educational Attainment (5 GCSE’s Grade C &

Above)

This ranking is based on national statistics from the 2001 Census data and relates to the percentage of persons residing in the community of Kirk Merrington that have an educational attainment of 5 GCSE’s Grade C and above. This data has been compared and ranked against the County and North East averages of 18%. Data obtained from the Office for National Statistics at www.statisics.co.uk

Gold = 19% or more Silver = 18% Bronze = 17% or less

Environmental

Assessment

On 21 July 2011 staff from livin’s Communities Teams conducted an Environmental Assessment on a pre-determined route through the community. At each of the “stopping points” a number of economic indicators were scored. The maximum number of points that can be awarded at each stopping point is 35. Environmental indicators include:

Grassed areas & shrubs

Fly tipping & litter

Garages

Gold = 30 to 35 points

Silver = 21 to 29 points Bronze = 0 to 20 points

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Pathways, roads & parking

Trees

Boundary walls & fences

Gardens The route through the community began on the B6287 and continued through to Chapel Street, along Merrington Close and ended at Beckwith. The total number of points attained throughout the assessment is then divided by the number of stopping points to provide an average total for the community. The community scored a total of 34 points (68 divided by 2 = 34). Full details of the Environmental Assessments can be found at: www.livin.co.uk


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Total Score for Kirk Merrington

This score is based on a range of economic, social, and environmental indicators contained within the Community Plan for Kirk Merrington. These issues have been scored against strategic priorities from livin’s Corporate Plan 2011-2014. The maximum a community can score is 36. This is based on a maximum of 15 points for economic issues, 12 points for social issues and 9 points for environmental issues.

Contact Us:

livin, Farrell House, Arlington Way, DurhamGate, Spennymoor, Co Durham, DL16 6NL visit: livin.co.uk e: [email protected] t: 0800 587 4538 (free from a landline) or 0300 111 2344 (cheap rate from mobiles depending on your network

0

5

10

15

Economic Social Environmental

Low level

issues

Prominent issues

Substantial

issues

21


mailto:[email protected]

Kirk Merrington Community Plan 2011 2014

Documents

Transcript of Kirk Merrington Community Plan 2011 2014