The Parish Council is pleased to announce the establishment of a Community Fund. Applications for grants are being encouraged from local voluntary and community groups for funding towards projects and initiatives that will primarily benefit residents and communities in the North Lodge Parish Council area. Funding will be available from 1^st April 2022 to 31^st March 2024. For the first year, a total of £12K is available, with a maximum application limit of £6K. Application forms and full details regarding eligible applicants and purposes can be obtained from the Clerk at clerk@northlodgeparishcouncil.gov.uk or by telephone 0191 3892516.

Bad password practice is more prevalent than you might think – the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre carried out analysis of passwords leaked in data breaches and found that more than 23 million users worldwide used 123456 as a password. You can read more about it here: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/news/most-hacked-passwords-revealed-as-uk-cyber-survey-exposes-gaps-in-online-security
Here are some top tips that will make your life easier and your online accounts more secure:
1: Creating memorable passwords
A good way to create strong, memorable passwords is by using 3 random words. But remember, don’t use words that can be guessed (like your pet’s name). You can include numbers and symbols if you need to. For example, “RedPantsTree4!”
2: Saving passwords in your browser
Saving your password in your browser means letting your web browser (such as Chrome, Safari or Edge) remember your password for you.
This can help:

• make sure you do not lose or forget your passwords
• protect you against some cyber crime, such as fake websites

It is safer than using weak passwords, or using the same password in more than one place.
Here are some useful links on how you can start saving passwords in your browser: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari.
3: Email account passwords
If a hacker gets into your email account, they could:

• reset your other online account passwords
• access personal information you have saved about yourself or your business

Your email password should be strong and different to all your other passwords. This will make it harder to crack or guess.
Need help changing your email account password? You can use these links to find step by step instructions: Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, Outlook, BT, AOL Mail.
For more of the government’s latest advice on how to stay secure online, visit the Cyber Aware website: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware

Some tips that might help you avoid being scammed –

• Now that the dark winter nights are upon us help protect your home, garden and sheds from opportunist thieves by following this simple advice:

• Your home

• Lock all windows and doors – even if you’re at home

• A well-lit home gives the impression someone is in

• Leave a light on or use timer switches so lights come on when it gets dark

• Don’t leave your house and vehicle keys in the lock or on a side table in view of a window

• Don’t leave curtains closed during the day – only in the evening and overnight

• If you have a house alarm, use it

• Consider installing a security light, CCTV or a doorbell camera.

• Remember to lock vehicles and remove valuables from sight.

Make sure garden gates, garden furniture, fences and sheds are secure.

Please visit Durham Constabulary’s website for further information.

We are pleased to welcome our new Councillor Chris Veitch. Chris was co-opted to the Council on Tuesday 18th January 2022 and we look forward to working with him for the benefit of everyone who lives or works in the Parish.

Annual Report 2019 – 2021

Notice of Uncontested Election

The most recent information from the Community Speed Watch Team is –

A693 Blind Lane, Chester-le-Street

During the visits to the site I would advise that 224 drivers triggered the safety cameras:

0 drivers fell within our Process Level (Court action)

19 drivers fell within our Conditional offer level (fine and points)

205 drivers fell within our Speed Awareness Course level

The Exercise of Public Rights period for inspection of documents for the year to 31st March 2021 begins on 18th June 2021 and ends on 29th July August 2021. Electors may inspect documents at 21 Lyndhurst Avenue by prior arrangement with the Clerk, telephone 0191 3892516.

At the Annual Meeting in May 2021, Councillor Jackie Gregory stepped down from the Chair. Jackie was Chairman for two years including the very challenging period of the pandemic. Jackie continues as a Parish Councillor and as Portfolio Holder for the Council of the Crime & Community Safety, Highways and Website Portfolios.

Our new Chairman is Councillor Dennis Hall with Councillor Patrick Driscoll as Vice-Chairman. They will continue to strongly represent the interests of North Lodge within Chester-le-Street and the County.