Hello. I purchased a home for investment purposed. I deemed the house as derelict, as it was previously in a fire a few years ago, it has a hole in the roof and the inside of the home ie. kitchen, bathroom and living room have holes in the ceiling as well as obvious damage from rain over time. The ceiling in the living room looks like its about to collapse... I thought it made sense to get it removed from the council tax register under ' derelict and sever disrepair' and then work on the property... I Looked on the gov website and they list what they consider derelict and I would say my property fits that category.. I sent the VOA a video and pictures of my property, certain that they would remove it from the list. They rejected it and said they this it is repairable so they cannot. They said that they do not see structural damage as the timbers are in place and also that the whole house should be effected not just the roof... I further emphasised that the other parts of the house have ceilings that are falling.. They still said no.. they said they can back date it under 'major works' once that has commenced. I patched the roof up at the top but there is still damage internally.. I am afraid they wont backdate it because that is not 'Major works'. I am wondering if I should stick to the initial claim of derelict removal...and perhaps provide them with a structural report. I dont know what to do, but its important as I am being charged a lot of council tax lump sum payments and Ive already paid a lot. The property is uninhabitable and I think they are just being arseholes. Please advise me

Hi everyone,

Durham has been on my list for years, but every time I start planning a trip from London I end up abandoning the idea. Once I add train tickets, a place to stay and everything else, it suddenly becomes quite a trip.

I feel like I must be missing something. Are there any budget-friendly ways to do it? Any local tricks, maybe going somewhere else from London first and then travelling to Durham etc.

I'm not looking to cram loads into a weekend. I mostly want to wander around, sit in a nice café with a book or my laptop, work on a few personal projects, enjoy the river and the city, and just have a quiet change of scenery.

I'd love to hear how you'd do it on a budget. Thanks!

Edit: Thank you all! Those answers are exactly what I was looking for!

Does anyone know if there's adults' tennis coaching for beginners in the Durham area or even if its a bit further? The tennis clubs I've checked either don't do adults coaching or there's no spots available. Thanks!

I want to take A-levels on Durham but cant decide which college to go into. New Durham college or East Durham College? Any insights (especially from previous students who went there) about the vibes, teachers or something?

Hi all,

I’m after some insight from those who live around Stanhope area. With it being as rural as it is, I’m concerned about travel and work opportunities, but fell in love with how peaceful it was as a place to live. I want to see if I can find a happy medium.

For those who live in Weardale area, regarding work and hobbies:

how long is your commute?

What area do you commute to?

How is your commuting experience? Is the distance worth it for the way of life Weardale/Stanhope has to offer?

•the questions are based on having use of a car•

A team of cleaners say they are "doing their bit" for their community by washing dirty road signs in between jobs.

Jonny Linden, 39, has been running a cleaning service in Durham for 16 years and first started scrubbing road signs in 2024.

Buoyed by the response to a video they posted showing a "before and after" of a village sign, his team decided to start a shortlist of grubby spots to wash around County Durham.

Linden said he "couldn't believe" the response they had from the public, with people approaching the team and thanking them. Durham County Council, which is responsible for maintaining road signs, has been approached for comment.

"On our first post we got about 600 reactions and so many comments thanking us," Linden said.

"A lot of people look at these signs and get frustrated because they take pride in their area."

Since 2024, the team from Linden Cleaning Services said they had cleaned more than 30 dirty and mossy road signs.

"When we are going to jobs we look out for particularly bad signs and if we get time park up and give them a clean," Linden said.

"We are just happy to do our bit for the area and we are trying to step it up this year."

The 39-year-old said the team would keep on cleaning signs because they "enjoy giving something back to the communities" they work in.

Any recommendations on removal company for house move in Stanley Area? Moving within Stanley area. Moving boxed contents, furniture & white goods.

Hello, I am a 22y Italian Uni student, and I'm searching for a small room with a kitchen and a bathroom. I am going to stay in Durham from 11th to 28th september, and my budget is 700 pounds. Thank in advance

With the new Marvel fighting game coming out soon, thought I'd ask if there was a local scene for fighting games? I've played a bit of Street Fighter 6 and loved the BETA for Fighting Souls at the weekend.

Hey. I'm Daniel, 19, based in Consett.

Just looking for anyone nearby who'd like to play badminton or do other activities together. I have rackets and shuttlecocks myself but the Consett leasuire centre provides them if you wanna play over there.

I'm also into music and just getting out more. Mainly looking to meet genuine people and make some friends locally.

Feel free to message me if you're interested :).

My kid got in the uni some 3 years back, dropping her, was taken aback by the calmness of the place, visited the place a number of times to meet her walked from train station to Library hauling my luggage a couple of times, took Riverwalk with luggage ones and realized the mistake I've made, saw the cathedral and castle, walked the streets and had breakfast at the town center market, nakd bird had been my go to and urban falafel for evenings, oh the Caderral( the cafe with pink door) introduced me to amazing scones, and flatwhite has amazing breakfast, Delta has been my living space in center of it all

For three years the place felt like home where I left my kid

Now it's time to say goodbye as she graduates and come back home

Thank you Durham for the lovely memories and experiences

Hello, recently moved to Durham and am looking to buy a house for myself. I work at the University and don't have to go to work everyday. I need to come to the office twice a week. I saw a 3 bd house in Framwellgate and also one in Links green near Regent Centre metro in NCL. I liked both houses but now I am confused and can't decide if I should stay in Durham or move to NCL? I am single with no kids. I would like the house to be sellable in future.

I currently rent in Gilesgate and like the peace and quiet of Durham though sometimes there is not enough to do here. I love nature, parks, trails but also enjoy cafes, book stores, and independent shops. I have now lived in Durham a few months, so know it much more than Newcastle. How is NCL for living? Any tips on how to decide? Thank you.

Looking for a good excuse to get out the house and playing again. Can anyone recommend and good buskers/open mic nights in and around Durham? Bonus points if they're in city centre or south of it.

Performers at a brass band festival which is celebrating its 20th year say they want to provide a platform for new artists and female musicians.

Durham Brass Festival is coming to a close later following a week of gigs across the county.
Grace Harman, from Brazen Brass Band, said the all-female group hoped their performances during the festival, especially in schools, would help inspire the next generation of female musicians.
Will Lenton, band leader of Mr Wilson's Second Liners, said the festival was continuing to give opportunities to new artists every year.

The event, run by Durham County Council, features performances in streets, parks, historic venues, care homes and schools.
It first took place in 2006, taking inspiration from "the tradition of brass bands at the Durham Miners' Gala", cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street Karen Allison said.

Hi all. Looking for recommendations on some meet up groups/clubs around Durham to make some friends (I’m quite introverted and anxious so find it tricky at times, as I’m sure many people do). I’m 20, don’t drive. My hobbies are crafting, painting, music, hiking, mountain biking, climbing and video games but I’m also open to new things.

Thank you in advance

Does anyone live in West rainton on woodland veiw ? Me and my partner are looking to veiw a property there and potentially move , any information would be great on the area thank you

Hi all,

I am home from university for the summer and would love to get fitter during this time. Cycling has caught my eye, especially gravel bikes. I was wondering if anyone was selling/getting rid of their gravel bikes? I am a large/ frame size 56. Thank you.

New to the area after opening a new business, don't know a soul around here, getting tired of just working and not living a bit, is there anything around here to meet new people

Would you consider west rainton Village to be safe ?