Safety in Shared Spaces

Shared spaces are not only areas such as communal hallways, communal gardens but also include areas that Housing Services may not have specific responsibility for such as the road, traffic lights or verges.

Its important that we all look after these areas and report any issues quickly so they can be resolved.

We will also visit your neighbourhood as part of our regular bi-monthly neighbourhood inspections, but you should not wait for that to report an issue, especially if it is an emergency.

How do I report an issue that is not located in my home, communal area or garden?

You can report a number of issues to other Council departments through the Council Report It scheme [opens in new window or tab] or you can call us on the following numbers:

• For StreetScene issues such as fallen trees, dangerous fly-tipping or needles call 01325 405111 during office hours or 07699 347101 out of hours
• For Highways issues such as a deep pothole or failed traffic light call 01325 405222 during office hours or 07699 347101 out of hours
• For dangerous or abandoned vehicles call 01325 406999
• For stray or dangerous dogs call 01325 406999

You can find numbers for other Council departments on the Contact Us page [internal link].

Communal areas within Housing owned buildings

If your home has a communal area, such as an entrance hallway or stairs, we'll test and service fire alarms and emergency lighting. We'll also look after lifts, communal door entry systems and gates in car parks, where fitted.

Some of these repairs and tests are completed by our Housing Repairs team or we may contract this would out where specialist repairs and tests are needed.

We generally carry out painting and decorating in communal areas every 5 years.

How do I report a problems in a communal area?

If you spot an emergency problem in your communal area such as no light working or a problem with the fire alarm, please call us on 01325 405333. We answer the phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and will make sure it's dealt with promptly.

If you spot a non-urgent repair, such as a door sticking you can report this via your Darlington Home Online [external link] account, be emailing us at [email protected] or calling us on 01325 405333.