Moving to Durham/Northumbria

[Mike357]

Hello folks, long time no post!

It looks like I'm moving from sunny Scotland to the NE of England to be closer to family etc.

Likely to be Durham or Northumbria. Both constabularies have responded with the process for moving which seems straightforward but They are vague on gun safe positioning and fitting.

Can anybody in these areas offer any advice as to their common requirements? ie Outside wall only, out of sight from Gr Floor windows etc etc.

Thanks.

[Sim G]

Hello Mike! I trust you and yours are well.

There's a new Firearm Security Handbook out, stick with that and you should have no issues. But frankly, what's been going on in Durham recently, Northumbria is probably the lesser evil...

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... l_2020.pdf

[dromia]

I have been with Northumbria for nearly forty years and have found them very good to deal with, although over time they have had their moments but mostly they have been reasonable. I find them easy to engage with and helpful and never got the impression that they are out to trip you up unlike Durham, as firearms certification departments are now merrily ploughing their own furrows in interpreting the guidance and then applying that interpretation as though it is law so a discussion with each is the best course, horses mouth and all that.

[phaedra1106]

Avoid Durham, they are useless, office staff are mainly young kids with no training.
They're currently running around 9-12 months for renewals, even a simple change of club secretary took around 7 months.

Northumbria are now slowing as well, asking for renewals to be sent in 6 months in advance, of course it's Covid's fault.
If you want to be in the Durham area Houghton Le Spring has a Durham post code (DH) but comes under Sunderland police area so Northumbria firearms dept.

Strangely Cleveland (who's area has a larger incidence of Covid) are turning renewals round in 2-3 weeks.

[Lever357]

I live in the Northumbria force area and as others have said, I have always found them friendly to deal with and up until recently, processed everything in a quick turnaround.

I also have friends in Durham and their experiences vary - one just had a SGC renewal turned around within three weeks and another is still awaiting FAC renewal a number of months passed his expiry!

I think where ever you move to, its pot luck at the moment!!! May be look more at shooting facilities and clubs around where you may live

[Mike357]

Thank you for the replies. So far, emails from both forces have been answered quickly and clearly and I know what I need to do to get up and running quickly. I've just renewed in Scotland and it was absolutely painless, they were a pleasure to deal with.

Ironically, we have put a offer in on a house in Houghton-le-Spring so I may be in luck. I've a couple of clubs lined up which I think will fit my needs.

[dodgyrog]

I live in the Northumbria force area and as others have said, I have always found them friendly to deal with and up until recently, processed everything in a quick turnaround.

I also have friends in Durham and their experiences vary - one just had a SGC renewal turned around within three weeks and another is still awaiting FAC renewal a number of months passed his expiry!

I think where ever you move to, its pot luck at the moment!!! May be look more at shooting facilities and clubs around where you may live

My paperwork for renewal went in on December 2 2020. Cheque paid in, otherwise nothing except a section 7. Pathetic performance blamed no doubt on Covid but in reality they weren't good going back some years.
Not impressed with the last 3 FEO's - I hope the new one has something about him.