Pack welcomes district newcomers

The pack will help people settle into the area

A welcome pack containing information about life in east Durham is helping newcomers settle into the area.

Two years ago Easington, which was badly hit with the pit closures in the 1990s, was named as having one of the poorest health records in the UK.

Now the district council has put together the pack highlighting all the area has to offer including leisure, health and transport services.

It is also aimed at helping people who have moved to the district from Europe.

Councillor Alice Naylor, executive member for neighbourhood engagement and communications, said: "From talking to people who were new to the area it became very clear that while the prospect of starting a new life in a new place was exciting, it was also extremely daunting as well.

"The resident's pack has been put together not only to welcome people to our district but also to help them settle into their new surroundings.

"We hope it enables new arrivals to become active members of their local community."

The pack was developed with the help of the district's Migrant Residents' Group, County Durham Primary Care Trust, East Durham Homes and Durham County Council.