Good news stories in March 2026
Housing Service Staff Join Bishopton Primary for a Successful Community Litter Pick
Housing Service staff teamed up with pupils from Bishopton Primary School in March for a hugely successful community litter pick. Armed with bags and grabbers, and plenty of enthusiasm, the group worked together to tidy shared green spaces and footpaths around the school and nearby neighbourhoods.
The pupils brought fantastic energy and a strong sense of responsibility, taking pride in helping to keep their local area clean. Staff supported the children throughout, helping them spot litter hotspots and talking about why caring for our environment matters.
By the end of the session, the team had collected several bags of rubbish—leaving the area noticeably cleaner and giving the children a clear sense of achievement.
This joint effort not only improved the local environment but also strengthened relationships between the Housing Service and the school community. Everyone is looking forward to future opportunities to work together.
County Durham & Darlington Fire & Rescue Service Shares Vital Safety Advice at Branksome Hall Drive
Residents at Branksome Hall Drive welcomed the County Durham & Darlington Fire & Rescue Service in March for an informative and engaging fire safety session as part of the ongoing tenant involvement work. The visit formed part of our commitment to ensuring tenants have access to practical, expert-led advice that helps keep both their homes and communal areas safe.
Home Fire Safety
During the session, the Fire & Rescue team provided clear and actionable guidance on how tenants can reduce fire risks within their own properties. Topics included:
- Safe use of electrical appliances
- Importance of working smoke alarms
- Avoiding common household hazards
- Steps to take in the event of an emergency
Their advice emphasised the small, everyday actions that can make a significant difference in preventing fires and keeping households protected.
Keeping Communal Areas Safe
The firefighters also offered tailored guidance relating to the building’s communal spaces. This included reminders about maintaining clear exit routes, avoiding the storage of items in corridors, and ensuring that shared areas remain accessible for emergency services should the need arise.
Strengthen Community Safety
The visit was well received by attendees, who appreciated the opportunity to ask questions and gain reassurance directly from fire safety specialists. Engagement sessions like this are an essential part of building safer, more informed communities and promoting open communication between tenants and service providers.
We’d like to extend a warm thank you to the County Durham & Darlington Fire & Rescue Service for their time, expertise, and continued support in keeping our neighbourhoods safe
