Crimdon Dene Holiday Park allowed to reopen after covid breach but five more venues ordered to close

The Caravan Park and Thornley Officials Club, have now been able to reopen after putting coronavirus secure measures in place, Durham County Council has said.

The venues were issued with direction orders to close last week, after enforcement officers found breaches in coronavirus restrictions at the sites.

They were told they could reopen on Friday, October 16.

Five venues in the area were ordered to close on Friday following ‘serious’ breaches of covid restrictions.

Durham County Council’s community protection team ordered Le Raaj at Chester Moor, The Glendenning Arms at Witton Gilbert, The Cherry Tree at Ouston, Peterlee Labour Club and Bishop Sports Bar in Bishop Auckland to close for at least seven days, or until the local authority is satisfied that they can operate in a coronavirus secure way.

Fixed penalty notices have been issued to a further three premises for various offences under the Health Protection legislation, including trading beyond the 10pm curfew.

The closures orders follow visits to premises by Durham County Council’s community protection officers.

Joanne Waller, Durham County Council’s head of community protection services, said: “It is incredibly disappointing to see an increase in the number of venues failing to abide by the latest restrictions as the weeks go on.

“These measures apply to everyone and by complying with them we can help to stop the spread of the virus and save lives.”

Businesses must do the following;

- Table service only

- Closing at 10pm

- Have track and trace in place

- Make sure that social distancing rules are being adhered to

- Ask their staff and customers to wear face coverings.

The North East is currently at High Alert Level with tier 2 restrictions in place.

Under current restrictions, people in the North East must not socialise with people outside of their own household or support bubbles in any indoor setting, including in pubs and restaurants.

Amanda Healy, Durham’s Director of Public Health, said: “Coronavirus rates are continuing to rise in County Durham and we must all do our bit to slow that spread and save lives.

"It is therefore vital that we all continue to follow the latest restrictions.”

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