Newton Aycliffe West Improvements

Working collectively with the community and partners we have established a community-led partnership for the estate. Our constant conversation with the estate will expand to explore everything place-based, from homes to the environment and from jobs to financial wellbeing.

Western Community Partnership

In 2019, an informal partnership was established to help improve quality of life on the estate. Bringing together local residents and partner organisations, the group works collaboratively to identify priorities and deliver positive change in the community.

Residents shared their experiences and feedback about living on the estate, which helped shape an Estate Action Plan focused on the issues that matter most to them.

The partnership includes us, Durham County Council, Great Aycliffe Town Council, local councillors, Durham Constabulary, Pioneering Care Partnership, Lifeline Community Action, and Waythrough. Together, we continue to work with residents to support a safer, stronger and more connected community.

Visit Lifeline Community Action

Impacts on the estate

Socio-economic regeneration work on the estate delivered through the estate action plan has led to the following positive impacts during 2025/26:

Homes

We worked with county, regional and national partners to secure funding for the redevelopment of housing on the estate. This investment has helped improve homes for residents, including the installation of new kitchens in properties in Eskdale and Whinlatter.

Environment

We carried out 12 estate inspections, identifying and resolving 64 issues. Working with Durham County Council's Community Action Team, we tackled environmental concerns, including fly tipping, vandalism and anti-social behaviour. Alongside residents and partners, we collected 360 bags of litter, cleared 10 fly-tipping sites, planted 29 new tree and created a one-acre wildflower meadow. 

Community cohesion and collaboration

Working with 13 partners and local residents, we strengthened collaboration across the estate and welcomed five new organisations to the partnership. Together, we supported the development of a new community hub, secured £1 million in funding, expanded community support services, and increased engagement through regular newsletters and social media. Since 2023, 21 new community initiatives have supported more than 400 people, with over 50 people a week now accessing wellbeing services at the hub.

Cost of living

We helped residents through the cost of living crisis by supporting 28 people into employment, helping families access affordable food and holiday activities, and creating opportunities for young people. We also supported 337 people to secure over £110,000 in financial gains, while local food projects and services continued to support vulnerable residents across the community.

Anti-social Behaviour

We worked with partners to make the estate safer, helping to reduce anti-social behaviour by 37%. Through crime prevention funding, residents received security equipment such as video doorbells and shed alarms, while new mobile CCTV and police initiatives helped tackle local issues and improve community safety.

Community engagement

We can only make plans for further improvements with your help.

We are working to develop new ways of doing this. If you would like to speak to us and you haven't been able to, let us know and together we find the best way to do this.

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