Enforcement action taken against caravan park for 'serious breach' of Covid rules

Crimdon Dene Holiday Park has been issued with a directions order by Durham County Council after community protection officers found households mixing, customers standing, and a lack of social distancing being observed.

Action was taken following a visit to the caravan park on Friday, October 9, and the venue must remain closed until the operators can prove they can run it in a coronavirus secure way.

Thornley Officials Club has also been ordered to close after a visit by the council found the same restrictions were not being followed.

Joanne Waller, Durham County Council’s head of community protection services, said: “It is in the interest of public safety that every venue in County Durham follows the latest coronavirus restrictions.

"The significant rise in cases in the region must be addressed and this will only happen if everybody, premises and the public, abides by the rules.

“We hope that these direction orders send a clear message that we will continue to take action against businesses which are failing to comply with the legislation and will do so until they can prove that they can operate safely, in the best interest of their staff and customers.

"Thankfully, the vast majority of premises across County Durham are complying with the measures.

"We would like to thank them for their support in keeping people safe during these challenging times and will continue to offer help and advice to ensure they are able to stay open.”

Meanwhile, Shotton Comrades Club club, in Shotton Colliery, which was ordered to close on Friday 2 October because of a serious breach has now reopened having satisfied council officials that it can operate in a coronavirus secure way.

Community protection officers will continue to visit premises on evenings and weekends in order to check that the new measures are being taken seriously.

Under the current restrictions people must not socialise with people outside of their own households or support bubbles in any indoor setting, while premises must provide table service only, close at 10pm, use track and trace, and ensure social distancing rules are followed.

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