• Home
  • History
  • News
  • Business
    • Business News
    • Business Mag
  • Sport
    • Football
    • NAFC
    • Cricket
    • Durham Wildcats
    • American Football
    • Baseball
    • Rugby
    • Youth Football
  • Features
    • Blog
    • Picture Galleries
  • Community
    • A.T People
    • Services Directory
  • Video
  • Contact
  • Advertise
Aycliffe Today
Aycliffe Today
  • Home
  • History
  • News
  • Business
    • Business News
      Industry experts endorse five-year vision for National Horizons Centre

      Industry experts endorse five-year vision for National Horizons Centre

      Join business leaders for 2021 panel discussion

      Join business leaders for 2021 panel discussion

      Council shares knowledge on improving energy efficiency

      Council shares knowledge on improving energy efficiency

      Coffee Break – with Julie Turnbull

      Coffee Break – with Julie Turnbull

    • Business Mag
      Aycliffe Business: October-November 2020

      Aycliffe Business: October-November 2020

      Aycliffe Business: August-September 2020

      Aycliffe Business: August-September 2020

      Aycliffe Business: June-July 2020

      Aycliffe Business: June-July 2020

      Aycliffe Business: March-April 2020

      Aycliffe Business: March-April 2020

  • Sport
    • Football
      Unbeaten start for Sports Club

      Unbeaten start for Sports Club

      Lewis Wing beats Kevin de Bruyne and Heung-Min Son to awards

      Lewis Wing beats Kevin de Bruyne and Heung-Min Son to awards

      Sports Club bounce back with Heart Foundation Cup win

      Sports Club bounce back with Heart Foundation Cup win

      Sports Club suffer league defeat at Gainford

      Sports Club suffer league defeat at Gainford

    • NAFC
      Aycliffe chairman Oliver thanks fans and sponsors after difficult 2020

      Aycliffe chairman Oliver thanks fans and sponsors after difficult 2020

      Enforced break gives injured Aycliffe keeper Pickford time, as season restart is extended

      Enforced break gives injured Aycliffe keeper Pickford time, as season restart is extended

      We must continue hard work through lockdown, says Aycliffe boss

      We must continue hard work through lockdown, says Aycliffe boss

      Halloween horror for Aycliffe as Vase run ends – and football is suspended

      Halloween horror for Aycliffe as Vase run ends – and football is suspended

    • Cricket
      Cricket Club’s appeal to fund £90,000 changing rooms

      Cricket Club’s appeal to fund £90,000 changing rooms

      Aycliffe finish sixth in NYSD Division Two

      Aycliffe finish sixth in NYSD Division Two

      Aycliffe Cricket round-up

      Aycliffe Cricket round-up

      Aycliffe up to fifth with Bedale win

      Aycliffe up to fifth with Bedale win

    • Durham Wildcats
      WILDCATS FIGHTBACK TO SECURE CUP WIN

      WILDCATS FIGHTBACK TO SECURE CUP WIN

      WOLVES EDGE IT AGAINST WILDCATS

      WOLVES EDGE IT AGAINST WILDCATS

      DURHAM WILDCATS 73, GLASGOW ROCKS 99

      DURHAM WILDCATS 73, GLASGOW ROCKS 99

      WILDCATS SLAY LIONS AGAIN

      WILDCATS SLAY LIONS AGAIN

    • American Football
      WARRIORS BEAT AMERICAN HIGH SCHOOL

      WARRIORS BEAT AMERICAN HIGH SCHOOL

      WARRIORS START SEASON IN STYLE!

      WARRIORS START SEASON IN STYLE!

      WOODHAM WARRIORS VICTORIOUS

      WOODHAM WARRIORS VICTORIOUS

      WARRIORS COACH TO TRAIN GB SQUAD

      WARRIORS COACH TO TRAIN GB SQUAD

    • Baseball
      COUNCILLORS 'PITCH' FOR LOCAL SPORTS CLUB!

      COUNCILLORS 'PITCH' FOR LOCAL SPORTS CLUB!

      SPARTANS UP FOR TOP AWARD

      SPARTANS UP FOR TOP AWARD

      NEWTON AYCLIFFE SPARTANS AT WOODHAM

      NEWTON AYCLIFFE SPARTANS AT WOODHAM

      SPARTANS FAMILY FUN DAY

      SPARTANS FAMILY FUN DAY

    • Rugby
      Aycliffe fall to heavy defeat against league leaders

      Aycliffe fall to heavy defeat against league leaders

      Aycliffe notch up another loss in local derby

      Aycliffe notch up another loss in local derby

      Rugby: Aycliffe in bottom two after Whitley Bay defeat

      Rugby: Aycliffe in bottom two after Whitley Bay defeat

      Aycliffe return to winning ways with hard-fought victory over Bishop

      Aycliffe return to winning ways with hard-fought victory over Bishop

    • Youth Football
      Newton Aycliffe Juniors FC

      Newton Aycliffe Juniors FC

      Newton Aycliffe Juniors round-up

      Newton Aycliffe Juniors round-up

      Youthy club launches new-look kit

      Youthy club launches new-look kit

      Newton Aycliffe FC Juniors round-up

      Newton Aycliffe FC Juniors round-up

  • Features
    • Blog
      Covid-19 crisis update from your MP

      Covid-19 crisis update from your MP

      ‘Now we must move forward’ says MP

      ‘Now we must move forward’ says MP

      Business Advice: Cash Flow

      Business Advice: Cash Flow

      The Aycliffe Blue Blog

      The Aycliffe Blue Blog

    • Picture Galleries
      Picture Gallery: Duke of Kent visits Ebac

      Picture Gallery: Duke of Kent visits Ebac

      PICTURES: Hitachi Opening Ceremony

      PICTURES: Hitachi Opening Ceremony

      PICTURES: ROF 59 in progress

      PICTURES: ROF 59 in progress

      PICTURES: Ayclife dancers in national finals

      PICTURES: Ayclife dancers in national finals

  • Community
    • A.T People
      Spring 2015

      Spring 2015

      December 2014

      December 2014

      Aug - Sept 2014

      Aug - Sept 2014

    • Services Directory
  • Video
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Follow
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Youtube
Newtonian Matty is proof of engineering talent programme Business

Newtonian Matty is proof of engineering talent programme

By Martin Walker September 16th, 2020 In Business 0 comments

A Newton Aycliffe engineer is now in charge of 50 staff members after completing management training with his employer. Darlington-based Cleveland Bridge UK has launched a new talent development programme to support its national growth strategy in UK bridge building. The structural steel engineering company has invested in a long-term...

Read more
Aycliffe Rugby Club clinch promotion – eyes now on league title prize Sport

Aycliffe Rugby Club clinch promotion – eyes now on league title prize

By Martin Walker March 20th, 2017 In Rugby 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club secured promotion to Durham and Northumberland Division Two with an emphatic win at the weekend. Aycliffe 1st XV travelled to Seghill RFC needing only one point to be guaranteed a long-awaited rise to DN2. And straight from the kick-off it was clear that there was going to only ever be one winner, with Aycliffe...

Read more
Landlords benefit from fire training programme Business

Landlords benefit from fire training programme

By tania August 31st, 2016 In Business 0 comments

The trading arm of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) – Vital Fire Solutions Ltd – along with Durham County Council has developed a training course specifically for landlords in the region. The course was created after Vital Fire Solutions and the council identified a need for landlords to have an increased...

Read more
Craft company set to open flagship Aycliffe store Business

Craft company set to open flagship Aycliffe store

By Martin Walker February 24th, 2016 In Business 0 comments

Fast-growing Crafter’s Companion has today unveiled plans to open a retail outlet in Newton Aycliffe, which will be the first of its kind in the UK. As exclusively revealed by Aycliffe Today last November, the Coundon-based global firm earmarked the former Holiways car dealership on Aycliffe Business Park as an ideal site to accommodate...

Read more
Aycliffe up to third with big Guisborough win Sport

Aycliffe up to third with big Guisborough win

By Martin Walker February 22nd, 2016 In NAFC 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe 2, Guisborough Town 0 Newton Aycliffe's excellent league form continued as they climbed up to third in the Northern League first division with a win at home to second-placed Guisborough Town. A dominant second-half display saw Peter Dixon's side notch their fourth successive league victory thanks to goals by Matty Moffatt and...

Read more
Rugby teams pay tribute to Ainsley Adams Sport

Rugby teams pay tribute to Ainsley Adams

By Martin Walker February 22nd, 2016 In Rugby 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe 80, Seaham 7 This has been a very sad week for Newton Aycliffe RUFC with the really sad loss of Ainsley Adams, son of ex club secretary Sue and ex player Charlie. At the tragically young age of 27 Ainsley passed away at James Cook Hospital surrounded by his close family. The players of Seaham and Newton Aycliffe together...

Read more
Huntsman victorious in local derby Sport

Huntsman victorious in local derby

By Martin Walker February 22nd, 2016 In Football 0 comments

Sports Club 1, Huntsman 3 By Craig Woodhead Following last week’s victory against title rivals Coundon, The Huntsman were back in action away to The Sports Club on Sunday, aiming to maintain their 100% league record. Manager Neil Dodds was forced into three changes, with Anthony MacDonald forced to play in goal and Paul Barnes and...

Read more
Police appeal after bikes stolen News

Police appeal after bikes stolen

By Martin Walker May 13th, 2015 In News 0 comments

Police are appealing for information after two bikes were stolen in the town. The two mountain bikes (pictured below) were taken from a garage burglary in Windsor Close some time between 10pm on Sunday (10th May) and 6am on Monday. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Newton Aycliffe Police on telephone number 101 or through their...

Read more
YOUTH FOOTBALL ROUND-UP Sport

YOUTH FOOTBALL ROUND-UP

By Martin Walker May 13th, 2015 In Sport, Sport News, Youth Football 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe Juniors FC round-up from the weekend... Newton Aycliffe Juniors Under 13's played their last game of the season today at home against a strong Polton All-stars who had won all of their previous 22 games and sealed the league title by a country mile. It was not about the result, we just wanted to give a good account of...

Read more
Free Prom tickets for outstanding students News

Free Prom tickets for outstanding students

By Martin Walker May 12th, 2015 In News 0 comments

Four students at Woodham Academy have been given free tickets for their prom this summer after their outstanding contribution in school. Year 11 students have been working hard in their studies this year in an attempt to get the highest grades possible in their upcoming examinations. The students with the highest number of achievement points...

Read more
Dramatic last-ball win for Aycliffe Sport

Dramatic last-ball win for Aycliffe

By Martin Walker May 12th, 2015 In Cricket, Sport 0 comments

  Newton Aycliffe's cricket team earned a dramatic victory at home to Normanby Hall at the weekend. The two-and-a-half-hour delay for the ground to dry out was worth the wait as Aycliffe's first XI eventually came out on top, winning by one wicket off the last ball of the game against Normanby's second team. The visitors to Aycliffe...

Read more
Residents urged to get composting News

Residents urged to get composting

By Martin Walker May 12th, 2015 In News 0 comments

  Newton Aycliffe residents are being urged to turn household waste into food for their garden by making compost. Turning organic waste into compost not only produces a nutritious food for the garden, it also reduces the amount of household waste that ends up in the bin. Rachel Gatland, waste strategy and policy officer at Durham...

Read more
PHIL WILSON HOLDS SEDGEFIELD SEAT News

PHIL WILSON HOLDS SEDGEFIELD SEAT

By Martin Walker May 8th, 2015 In News 0 comments

Phil Wilson was this morning re-elected as Newton Aycliffe's Member of Parliament in the General Election. In what is turning out to be a shocking night for Ed Miliband, with the Labour leader set to resign, his party still strengthened its hold in the North East. Mr Wilson increased his number and share of the Sedgefield votes on the 2010...

Read more
Leukaemia fund target in sight after charity match raises £912 Sport

Leukaemia fund target in sight after charity match raises £912

By Aycliffe Today Reporter May 7th, 2015 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

A charity fundraiser moved closer to achieving his target after a successful charity reunion football match. Newtonian Paul McGeary pledged to raise £10,000 for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research after he was struck down with Leukaemia in November last year. Now he's only £400 away from hitting his target after Saturday's fun game raised a...

Read more
Aycliffe's Greggs named best in UK! News

Aycliffe's Greggs named best in UK!

By Martin Walker May 7th, 2015 In News 1 comments

Newton Aycliffe's Greggs shop is celebrating after being crowned the ‘Best in the UK’ by the high street retailer at its annual awards. The Beveridge Way outlet received the accolade based on their excellent all round performance during the past 12 months, which includes demonstrating outstanding customer service, excellent shop standards,...

Read more
HITACHI MAKE SENIOR APPOINTMENTS Business

HITACHI MAKE SENIOR APPOINTMENTS

By Martin Walker May 7th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

Hitachi Rail Europe has announced two new senior appointments. With the company’s Rail Vehicle Manufacturing Facility in Newton Aycliffe becoming fully operational later this year, Hitachi Rail Europe’s focus is shifting towards delivering trains to existing UK customers and driving new European sales. Karen Boswell has been announced as...

Read more
Tribute to Pamela Greenow Community

Tribute to Pamela Greenow

By Martin Walker May 7th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

The family of a popular and well-known Pastor issued a statement following her passing away last week. Tributes and messages have been pouring in from friends and family around the area and the world after the passing of Xcel Church Pastor Pamela Greenow, who died peacefully on Wednesday 29th April. Pamela was born in Cockfield, near Bishop...

Read more
Police hunt 'spotty ginger' bike thief News

Police hunt 'spotty ginger' bike thief

By Martin Walker May 7th, 2015 In News 0 comments

Police are hunting a "spotty ginger" thief after a bike was stolen from an area of Newton Aycliffe on Wednesday. A statement said the suspect, a young male, allegedly took the white Carrera mountain bike, similar to the one pictured below, from an address at Kirkstone Place at around 4pm yesterday (Wednesday 6th May). "The male was described...

Read more
WHY WE'RE BACKING PHIL WILSON TODAY Features

WHY WE'RE BACKING PHIL WILSON TODAY

By Martin Walker May 7th, 2015 In Blog 0 comments

Aycliffe Today offers its support to the Labour Parliamentary candidate Phil Wilson today, and here's why... The focus of the General Election naturally hones in on the bigger picture - the leaders of the main parties - and while the national battle promises to be an intriguing one today, we prefer to concentrate on the local campaign, and who...

Read more
AYCLIFFE POLLING STATIONS Community

AYCLIFFE POLLING STATIONS

By Aycliffe Today Reporter May 7th, 2015 In Community 0 comments

Below is a list of the polling stations in Newton Aycliffe. Remember, you don't need your polling card to be able to vote, but you do need to attend your nearest station and supply your address. Aycliffe Evangelical Church (Formerly Greenfield Meeting Hall), Ladybower, DL5 7EU Scout H.Q., Bluebell Way, Newton Aycliffe, Co...

Read more
Police station site to become new care home - official News

Police station site to become new care home - official

By Martin Walker May 6th, 2015 In News 0 comments

The site of the former Aycliffe police station will be transformed into a new care home, as exclusively revealed on Aycliffe Today. We reported six weeks ago that a new home was expected to be built on the site of the station, which was reduced to rubble in March after it was sold by Durham Constabulary. Today, the Durham force confirmed it...

Read more
WOODHAM COMPETE IN REGIONAL MATHS TOURNAMENT Community

WOODHAM COMPETE IN REGIONAL MATHS TOURNAMENT

By Aycliffe Today Reporter May 5th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

A group of four students from Woodham Academy competed in the regional final of the Team Maths Challenge at Durham Johnston. The event, organised by the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust (UKMT), saw 25 teams from schools across the North East compete in speed and relay rounds to complete a range of challenging problems. The team from Woodham...

Read more
WIN FOLLOWED BY DEFEAT FOR AYCLIFFE'S CRICKET TEAMS Sport

WIN FOLLOWED BY DEFEAT FOR AYCLIFFE'S CRICKET TEAMS

By Martin Walker May 5th, 2015 In Cricket, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe's cricket team suffered their first defeat of the season on Bank Holiday Monday, just two days after beating Hartlepool's second team in the NYSD League Division Two. Aycliffe's first XI beat Hartlepool by five wickets on Saturday. The visitors were 138 all out with Colin Myers taking an impressive six wickets for 24. John...

Read more
UKIP MAN SAYS FEMALE WRITER 'NEEDS A GOOD SHAG' News

UKIP MAN SAYS FEMALE WRITER 'NEEDS A GOOD SHAG'

By Martin Walker May 5th, 2015 In News 1 comments

The UKIP candidate for Newton Aycliffe has sparked outrage after it emerged he said a female journalist "needs a good shag". John Leathley, who's standing for the Sedgefield seat in the General Election on Thursday, also said that the well-known columnist Yasmin Alibhai-Brown "would love a big black thing up her a***" during his vile rant on...

Read more
CUP SUCCESS FOR AYCLIFFE UNDER-9s TEAM Sport

CUP SUCCESS FOR AYCLIFFE UNDER-9s TEAM

By Aycliffe Today Reporter May 5th, 2015 In Sport, Youth Football 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe Juniors Under 9's travelled up to Berwick to compete in the Haggerston Classic Tournament over the Bank Holiday weekend. Both the Russell Foster and TJFA teams were represented each playing five group games over two days attempting to reach the final on the Sunday. The Russell Foster side were allocated to Group 2 and despite...

Read more
AYCLIFFE MAN ARRESTED AFTER MIDDRIDGE ACCIDENT News

AYCLIFFE MAN ARRESTED AFTER MIDDRIDGE ACCIDENT

By Martin Walker May 5th, 2015 In News 0 comments

A Newton Aycliffe man has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving the car he was driving crashed in Middridge on Bank Holiday Monday. The 22-year-old was driving a silver Peugeot 206 through the village on Monday evening when he lost control of the vehicle. Police attended the scene shortly after 9.15pm and the driver was taken to James...

Read more
MESSAGE FROM YOUR GREEN PARTY CANDIDATE Features

MESSAGE FROM YOUR GREEN PARTY CANDIDATE

By Aycliffe Today Reporter April 30th, 2015 In Blog, News 0 comments

A message from Greg Robinson, the Green Party candidate for the Sedgefield seat in this year's General Election... While all the other parties squabble amongst themselves and look to use the election campaign as a point scoring exercise I, as the Green Party candidate, would like to draw people’s attention to the positives that they can...

Read more
TRIBUTES PAID TO POPULAR AYCLIFFE BOBBY News

TRIBUTES PAID TO POPULAR AYCLIFFE BOBBY

By Martin Walker April 30th, 2015 In News 0 comments

Family, friends and colleagues of Newton Aycliffe Neighbourhood Inspector Mark Hall have paid tribute to him after his sudden death last week. Mr Hall, 47, who lived in Newton Aycliffe, fell ill when he was out on his bicycle on the evening of Thursday, April 23. He was taken to hospital in Darlington then transferred to Durham, where he...

Read more
FIRST IMAGE OF AYCLIFFE UTC Business

FIRST IMAGE OF AYCLIFFE UTC

By Martin Walker April 30th, 2015 In Business, News 0 comments

The first image of what the region's first University Technical College (UTC), to be built in Newton Aycliffe, has been released. And the South Durham UTC, an engineering and advanced manufacturing Centre of Excellence, has also revealed the name of its new head teacher. As revealed on Aycliffe Today two weeks ago, planning for the £10m UTC...

Read more
JUNIOR FOOTBALL ROUND-UP Sport

JUNIOR FOOTBALL ROUND-UP

By Aycliffe Today Reporter April 30th, 2015 In Sport, Youth Football 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe JUNIORS football round-up – Weekend of 25.04.15 U8’s Away to Hartlepool St Francis who stormed into a 2 goal lead, but we got back into the game with a goal from Kyle after good work from Parker. HT 2-1. Second half saw us press for an equaliser and looked likely but got caught on the break again to trail 3-1. Thomas pulled...

Read more
GESTAMP TALLENT GROWS AGAIN WITH £11M PLANT EXPANSION Business

GESTAMP TALLENT GROWS AGAIN WITH £11M PLANT EXPANSION

By Martin Walker April 28th, 2015 In Business 1 comments

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe's biggest employers has expanded again with the development of a new £11m press plant. Car parts maker Gestamp Tallent, which employs more than 1,300 people on Aycliffe Business Park, has updated the oldest part of its huge site in Aycliffe. The 17-metre tall extension is 75 metres in length and...

Read more
SQUADS FINALISED FOR AYCLIFFE CHARITY GAME Community

SQUADS FINALISED FOR AYCLIFFE CHARITY GAME

By Aycliffe Today Reporter April 28th, 2015 In Community, Football, Sport 0 comments

Former Newton Aycliffe FC captains Sean Tarling and John Close locked horns ahead of this weekend’s huge charity reunion game as they finalised their squads last night. In a specially arranged meeting, Close and Tarling spent three hours deliberating who they wanted to represent them in the Moore Lane Park showdown. The game is raising...

Read more
NO CHANGE TO BANK HOLIDAY BIN COLLECTIONS Community

NO CHANGE TO BANK HOLIDAY BIN COLLECTIONS

By Martin Walker April 28th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

Residents in County Durham are reminded that there are no changes to bin collections during the May bank holiday weeks. All bin collections in the county will remain as usual during the weeks of Monday 4th May and Monday 25th May. Householders are asked to put their bins out near the kerbside by 7.00am on their usual day. This applies to...

Read more
AYCLIFFE FIRM GETS HELP FROM DIGITALCITY Business

AYCLIFFE FIRM GETS HELP FROM DIGITALCITY

By Martin Walker April 28th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

  A Newton Aycliffe-based business which reunites people with valuable and sentimental lost items is being helped to grow thanks to DigitalCity. Lostbox has made national headlines thanks to its innovative use of social media to provide a lost and found service which returns items to their original owners. The business, based at the...

Read more
DOUBLE DRAW FOR AYCLIFFE'S CRICKET TEAMS Sport

DOUBLE DRAW FOR AYCLIFFE'S CRICKET TEAMS

By Martin Walker April 28th, 2015 In Cricket, Sport 0 comments

Both of Newton Aycliffe's cricket teams earned draws in a rain-affected day's play at the weekend. A three-hour stoppage for persistent rain ruined a game that Aycliffe's first team may well have won, as they had to settle for a share of the spoils at home to Wolviston in the NYSD Division Two. The visitors scored 137 for seven with Aycliffe...

Read more
£500K GRANT TO IMPROVE SCHOOL ROOF Community

£500K GRANT TO IMPROVE SCHOOL ROOF

By Martin Walker April 28th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

Woodham Academy is to receive a grant of almost £500,000 to improve facilities at the school. The funds will be used to repair the roof structure and enhance the internal fabric of the building which will improve the learning environment for pupils. Woodham was selected following a prioritisation process by the Department for Education...

Read more

COUNTY CUP WIN TOPS THE LOT, SAYS OWEN

By Martin Walker April 25th, 2015 In News 0 comments

By Martin Walker Former Newton Aycliffe winger Stuart Owen says the Big Club's historic County Cup win this week tops his achievements with his hometown club. The midfielder was a key part in Aycliffe's rise to the Northern League first division in recent years. But he says Thursday night's victory over Stockton Hardwick Social beats...

Read more
BIG CLUB COUNTY CUP WIN - PICTURES Sport

BIG CLUB COUNTY CUP WIN - PICTURES

By Martin Walker April 25th, 2015 In Football, Picture Galleries, Sport 0 comments

  Peter Allison's gallery of pictures from Newton Aycliffe WMC's County Cup final win over Stockton Hardwick Social...                              ...

Read more
JOB OPPORTUNITY AT GREGG LITTLE TESTING CENTRE Business

JOB OPPORTUNITY AT GREGG LITTLE TESTING CENTRE

By Martin Walker April 24th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

  A job opportunity has come up with Newton Aycliffe family-run garage Gregg Little Testing Centre. Details as follows... Job Description Fully Qualified Competent Motor Mechanic Min requirement of Level 2 and 3 NVQ Motor Vehicle Maintenance Duties will include car maintenance, repairs, servicing of all makes and models of...

Read more
GIBSON '£75M DOWN' WHILE ASHLEY SITS TOP OF RICH LIST Business

GIBSON '£75M DOWN' WHILE ASHLEY SITS TOP OF RICH LIST

By Martin Walker April 24th, 2015 In Business, Sport 0 comments

Three North East football club owners are in the Sunday Times Rich List again, despite two of them apparently losing millions in the last year. Middlesbrough FC chairman Steve Gibson has seen his wealth cut by a third, according to the latest Sunday Times Rich List. Newcastle United's unpopular owner Mike Ashley is still the region's...

Read more
HITACHI CONTRACTORS WIN NATIONAL AWARD Business

HITACHI CONTRACTORS WIN NATIONAL AWARD

By Martin Walker April 24th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

The company responsible for constructing Hitachi Rail Europe's new train-building site in Newton Aycliffe has won a national award. Shepherd Construction, the main contractor for the Hitachi factory on Aycliffe Business Park, has won a prestigious Gold Award at the Considerate Constructors Scheme’s 2015 National Site Awards. The annual...

Read more
BIG CLUB ONE STEP AWAY FROM DREAMLAND Sport

BIG CLUB ONE STEP AWAY FROM DREAMLAND

By Martin Walker April 22nd, 2015 In Football, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe WMC are one step away from completing their 'Revolution' with an historic cup final tomorrow night. The Big Club side, jointly managed by Blackburn Rovers star Jason Steele and Dave Owen, take on Stockton Hardwick Social in the Sunday County Cup final at the Eppleton Colliery Welfare ground in Hetton on Thursday evening...

Read more

'DIRTY BLONDE' WOMAN IN SUSPECT BEHAVIOUR

By Martin Walker April 21st, 2015 In News 0 comments

Police want to speak to a "dirty blonde haired" woman who was spotted behaving suspiciously in Newton Aycliffe. Officers were alerted to a female allegedly trying door handles in the Isherwood Court area of the town on Tuesday afternoon (21st April). The woman is described by police as being of white appearance, stocky build, around 5'4"...

Read more
AYCLIFFE OFF TO WINNING START Sport

AYCLIFFE OFF TO WINNING START

By Martin Walker April 21st, 2015 In Cricket, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club's first team opened the season with an excellent home win against newly-promoted Whitby at the weekend. Debutant John Cavanagh (pictured) earned the man-of-the-match award with a brilliant unbeaten innings of 77, including 14 boundaries and a huge six. He reached his half century off just 29 balls and his 77...

Read more
AYCLIFFE LEGENDS TO GATHER FOR CHARITY GAME Sport

AYCLIFFE LEGENDS TO GATHER FOR CHARITY GAME

By Martin Walker April 21st, 2015 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

A host of legendary Aycliffe footballers and other well-known stars will line up for a charity fundraising game next week. Former stars such as Dan Mellanby, John Shotton, Stuart Owen, Ray Stanger and Warren Byrne have agreed to take part in the game to raise funds for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research. But organiser Paul McGeary (above...

Read more

TORY ATTACKS PHIL WILSON OVER HITACHI

By Martin Walker April 21st, 2015 In News 2 comments

By Martin Walker The Conservative candidate for the Sedgefield seat in the General Election has criticised Labour man Phil Wilson over claims he "led the campaign to bring Hitachi to Newton Aycliffe". Former Army tank commander Scott Wood, from Darlington, is running against Mr Wilson to be our MP on 7th May. He says the Labour...

Read more

POLICE APPEAL AFTER HORNDALE ASSAULT

By Martin Walker April 21st, 2015 In News 0 comments

Police are appealing for information after an assault in the Horndale area of the town. The incident happened at around 5.30pm on Sunday (19th April), when a man suffered serious head injuries after the alleged assault outside Horndale Post Office. Police say a number of people were in the area at the time. Anyone with information is...

Read more
DRIVER HIRE EXPECTING ANOTHER RECORD YEAR Business

DRIVER HIRE EXPECTING ANOTHER RECORD YEAR

By Martin Walker April 17th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

An outstanding business performance by Newton Aycliffe-based Driver Hire was recognised at the company’s recently held annual Winter Conference. And the firm is expecting another record year this year, with turnover expecting to top £500,000. Driver Hire Darlington also won the firm’s prestigious Bronze Achievement Award for outstanding...

Read more
OLYMPIC LONG-JUMPER SPURS AYCLIFFE YOUNGSTERS TO RUN! Community

OLYMPIC LONG-JUMPER SPURS AYCLIFFE YOUNGSTERS TO RUN!

By Martin Walker April 17th, 2015 In Community, Sport 0 comments

Hundreds of primary school children took part in the INEOS GO Run For Fun event in the town earlier today (Friday 17th April). Olympic long jumper Chris Tomlinson attended the event at Oakleaf Sports Complex, cheered on by crowds of supporters and campaign mascot Dart, as well as Aycliffe Mayor Wendy Hillary. Around 400 children from 11...

Read more
FORMER GESTAMP BOSS HEADS UP SOUTH DURHAM UTC Business

FORMER GESTAMP BOSS HEADS UP SOUTH DURHAM UTC

By Martin Walker April 17th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker Former Gestamp Tallent boss David Land is heading up a new engineering University Technical College (UTC) for the region, with building of the Aycliffe-based facility due to start in August. Mr Land, who recently left Newton Aycliffe car parts maker Gestamp which is sponsoring the UTC, is working with the University of...

Read more

CRICKET SEASON GETS UNDER WAY!

By Martin Walker April 17th, 2015 In Cricket, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club's first team begin their NYSD Division Two season this weekend (Saturday) when they welcome newly-promoted Whitby to Newton Aycliffe Sports Club. Newton Aycliffe have made two exciting signings during the winter with all rounder John Cavanagh and wicket keeper/batsman Tom Young joining from Sedgefield. Both...

Read more

SPORTS CLUB FINISH SECOND-TOP

By Aycliffe Today Reporter April 17th, 2015 In Football, Sport 0 comments

Shildon Three Tons 2, Aycliffe Sports Club 4 By Paul Eales Four league wins in a row, which included 10 goals for leading scorer Chris Jones, saw Newton Aycliffe Sports Club secure the runners-up spot in the Wear Valley Sunday Morning League with their second promotion in as many seasons. Last week’s 6-3 victory against Cockton Hill...

Read more
AYCLIFFE POWER FIRM REPLACES CHARITY COFFERS Business

AYCLIFFE POWER FIRM REPLACES CHARITY COFFERS

By Aycliffe Today Reporter April 17th, 2015 In Business, News 0 comments

A Newton Aycliffe renewable energy provider has stepped forward to replace £900 of stolen charity funds. Wayne Richardson, owner of Revolution Power, was shocked to learn money collected for the North East Air Ambulance, was taken from the The Ship Inn, Middlestone, on Monday night. More than £900 had been collected through a series of...

Read more

UKIP CANDIDATE INSISTS HE'S 'COMMITTED' TO SEDGEFIELD

By Martin Walker April 15th, 2015 In News 3 comments

By Martin Walker The UK Independence Party candidate for Sedgefield insists he's committed to the constituency, despite campaigning to become a councillor in Stockton at the same time. John Leathley is standing for UKIP to become both an MP for Sedgefield in the General Election as well as a ward councillor for Stockton Borough...

Read more

LIDL PLANS FOR 70 NEW AYCLIFFE JOBS

By Martin Walker April 15th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker German retailer Lidl wants to create 70 new jobs in Newton Aycliffe with an expansion plan at its Newton Aycliffe warehouse. The discount supermarket has applied for planning permission to extend its warehouse on Aycliffe Business Park by a further 17,000 square metres in two phases. The plans would boost Lidl's...

Read more

BORO FAN PRAYING FOR REPEAT DREAM

By Aycliffe Today Reporter April 14th, 2015 In News 0 comments

A Newtonian hopes to live his childhood dream out for a second time in as many years, as he looks forward to playing in a charity football game at The Riverside, home of his beloved Middlesbrough FC. Ryan Gillham, 23, first played in the specially arranged Finlay Cooper Fund game last season, alongside the likes of Teesside pop icon James...

Read more
NEW HOUSING PLANS TO SAVE WOODHAM GOLF CLUB Business

NEW HOUSING PLANS TO SAVE WOODHAM GOLF CLUB

By Martin Walker April 14th, 2015 In Business, News 0 comments

By Martin Walker The new owners of loss-making Woodham Golf Club have unveiled multi-million pound development plans which could be vital to securing the venue’s future. Hall Construction Services Ltd re-opened the course last summer after its closure in November 2013 when previous owners Washington Developments ran into financial...

Read more
AYCLIFFE SECURE TOP-FLIGHT STATUS Sport

AYCLIFFE SECURE TOP-FLIGHT STATUS

By Aycliffe Today Reporter April 14th, 2015 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Ashington 1, Newton Aycliffe 2 By Bob Wood Newton Aycliffe FC secured their First Division status in style on Saturday with a 2-1 win at a windswept Ashington. The Colliers have been the Northern League's in-form team of late, but their seven-game winning streak was brought to an end by a determined Aycliffe side. As has often been...

Read more

BLAIR'S EURO VIEW 'ARROGANT' SAY UKIP

By Martin Walker April 9th, 2015 In News 0 comments

By Martin Walker The UK Independence Party's candidate for Sedgefield has slammed the "arrogance" of the Labour Party after Tony Blair's visit to Newton Aycliffe this week. The former Prime Minister visited Aycliffe Business Park on Tuesday to launch a rallying cry for Ed Miliband's party and for its Sedgefield candidate Phil Wilson, who...

Read more

NEWTONIAN BRINGS BOXING LEGEND BENN TO COUNTY DURHAM

By Martin Walker April 8th, 2015 In Sport 0 comments

By Martin Walker Boxing fans have a rare chance of getting up close and personal with ring legend Nigel Benn at a special event. All-round semi-pro sportsman Daryl Hall, from Newton Aycliffe, is bringing the boxing legend to County Durham for a sportsman's dinner at Willington Leisure Spectrum in May. It's one of only three public...

Read more
ANOTHER EASTER PETTING ZOO SUCCESS FOR ACORN Community

ANOTHER EASTER PETTING ZOO SUCCESS FOR ACORN

By Aycliffe Today Reporter April 8th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

Local residents group ACORN and their junior section little Acorns had a successful third Easter Petting zoo this week. The popular community group put on an amazing extravaganza each year to entertain children and adults alike. See more of ACORN's pictures below Supported by Big Lottery fund grant the ACORN phenomenon gets bigger and...

Read more
MORE TWISTS IN AYCLIFFE SEASON Sport

MORE TWISTS IN AYCLIFFE SEASON

By Martin Walker April 8th, 2015 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe FC's season has taken on yet more twists in the last week. In what has been a troublesome campaign of ups and downs, the Newtonians lost their League Cup semi-final at Ashington last week, only to discover their victors allegedly fielded an ineligible player. It means the Northern League could overturn the result and place...

Read more

£1,140 COFFEE FIX BOOSTS CHARITY COFFERS

By Martin Walker April 8th, 2015 In News 0 comments

A coffee morning raising more than £1,000 has boosted a Newton Aycliffe fundraiser's charity fund. The event, held at St Mary’s Church in the town, raised £640 - with an anonymous parishioner boosting the total fund with a £500 persona donation. The £1,140 raised goes into Newtonian Paul McGeary's campaign to raise £10,000 this...

Read more
HITACHI PICTURE GALLERY Business

HITACHI PICTURE GALLERY

By Martin Walker April 7th, 2015 In Business, Picture Galleries 0 comments

  A gallery of pictures showing how Hitachi Rail Europe's £82m train-building factory is coming on in Newton Aycliffe...                  ...

Read more

PHIL WILSON: WE NEED THE EU

By Martin Walker April 7th, 2015 In Business, News 0 comments

By Martin Walker Phil Wilson jumped on the Labour Party's campaign about Europe today during Tony Blair's visit in Newton Aycliffe. Labour's candidate for the Sedgefield Constituency in this year's General Election, who has been an MP after succeeding Mr Blair in 2007, says Hitachi Rail Europe wouldn't have come to the UK if Britain...

Read more
BUSINESSES COMING TO AYCLIFFE NEED EUROPE, SAYS TONY BLAIR Business

BUSINESSES COMING TO AYCLIFFE NEED EUROPE, SAYS TONY BLAIR

By Martin Walker April 7th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker Tony Blair says the "high quality" companies which are coming to Newton Aycliffe want the security of knowing they can trade in Europe without tariffs. The former Prime Minister and ex-Sedgefield MP was back in the area on Tuesday to promote the Labour Party's General Election campaign. He used the Xcel Centre on...

Read more
TONY BLAIR VISIT - IN PICTURES Features

TONY BLAIR VISIT - IN PICTURES

By Martin Walker April 7th, 2015 In Picture Galleries 0 comments

Here's our gallery of pictures showing Tony Blair's visit to Newton Aycliffe on Tuesday...                   ...

Read more

UKIP CANDIDATE SLAMS COUNCIL TAX RISE

By Martin Walker April 5th, 2015 In News 1 comments

By Martin Walker The UK Independence Party candidate for Sedgefield has slammed Labour-controlled Durham County Council for enforcing a rise in council tax without consulting with the public. Like many local authorities, DCC opted to increase council tax by the threshold figure of 1.99%. Any rise over 1.99% would mean it would have to...

Read more

UKIP POPULARITY GROWS BUT LABOUR GETS AYCLIFFE VOTE

By Martin Walker April 3rd, 2015 In News 0 comments

By Martin Walker The growing popularity of the UK Independence Party seems to be reaching Newton Aycliffe after its Sedgefield candidate in this year's general election came second to Phil Wilson in an Aycliffe Today poll. Following Thursday night's live leaders' debate, Aycliffe Today has published the results of a Sedgefield poll...

Read more

NEW RADIO STATION FOR AYCLIFFE!

By Aycliffe Today Reporter April 1st, 2015 In News 2 comments

Aycliffe Today has revealed exciting plans to launch a brand new radio station just for Newton Aycliffe. Aycliffe's premier news outlet wants to get the new station on air this month. Bosses say they want to pack air-time with a range of popular music tracks and chart hits, so have appropriately named the proposed station Airplays Flood,...

Read more
HIDDEN TREASURE IS AYCLIFFE'S 'GRIT IN THE OYSTER' Business

HIDDEN TREASURE IS AYCLIFFE'S 'GRIT IN THE OYSTER'

By Martin Walker March 30th, 2015 In Business, Features 0 comments

Jane Ritchie ploughed £5m of her inheritance into fulfilling her dream of creating a facility which would encourage vocational learning in County Durham. Martin Walker finds out more about the Work Place... Jane Ritchie might not be a name familiar to many people on Aycliffe Business Park, but we have the Yorkshire woman to thank for one of...

Read more

£160K INVESTMENT IN DOMESTIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

By Aycliffe Today Reporter March 30th, 2015 In News 0 comments

An important collaboration between the fire service and local housing providers will see sprinkler systems fitted in homes across County Durham as part of the Safer Homes’ project. The agreement, announced during the Safer Homes’ week of action last week, is a first for the area and an exciting development in home fire safety. The...

Read more
£150K HELP TO FIGHT CRIME Community

£150K HELP TO FIGHT CRIME

By Martin Walker March 30th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

  Communities across County Durham and Darlington are set to benefit from £150,000 towards projects aimed at improving community safety and reducing crime, thanks to a new funding scheme to be launched by the Police and Crime Commissioner. Ron Hogg, Durham's Police and Crime Commissioner, has teamed up with local grant-making charity...

Read more

30,000 PUPILS COMPLETE PEDESTRIAN TRAINING

By Aycliffe Today Reporter March 30th, 2015 In News 0 comments

More than 30,000 children in County Durham have completed a pedestrian training scheme. The 30,000 Year 3 primary school pupils from around the county have been given the Child Pedestrian Training by Durham County Council’s Road Safety Team. Their training included three practical sessions where children learnt about road safety and...

Read more
HEAVY DEFEAT LEAVES AYCLIFFE FIVE POINTS FROM DROP Sport

HEAVY DEFEAT LEAVES AYCLIFFE FIVE POINTS FROM DROP

By Aycliffe Today Reporter March 30th, 2015 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Guisborough Town 4, Newton Aycliffe 0 By Bob Wood A heavy defeat on Saturday to league leaders Guisborough Town leaves Newton Aycliffe still dangerously close to the relegation zone of Ebac Northern League Division One. Aycliffe are 17th, five points above the relegation places with just two games left to play. However, some of the...

Read more

SPORTS CLUB PROMOTED AFTER DERBY DAY WIN AT HUNTSMAN

By Aycliffe Today Reporter March 30th, 2015 In Football, Sport 0 comments

Huntsman 2, Aycliffe Sports Club 3 By Paul Eales Derby Day came a week early in Newton Aycliffe as the Sports Club took the short trip to Simpasture Park to play local rivals The Huntsman. With just three games to go, the away side knew that a win would see them safely promoted in their first season in the Wear Valley Sunday League...

Read more
A167 ACCIDENT: DRIVER 'CRITICAL BUT STABLE' News

A167 ACCIDENT: DRIVER 'CRITICAL BUT STABLE'

By Martin Walker March 30th, 2015 In News 1 comments

By Martin Walker Police are appealing for witnesses to a serious road traffic collision that occurred in Newton Aycliffe on Friday night. A black coloured Mercedes E350 collided with a red coloured Skoda Octavia taxi, resulting in the Mercedes leaving the road, on the A167 in between the Gretna Green pub and Central Avenue junction, at...

Read more

MAYOR'S CONCERN WITH A167 BLACKOUT AT ACCIDENT SPOT

By Martin Walker March 28th, 2015 In News 2 comments

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe's Mayor has hit out at Durham County Council's decision to cut street lighting along the A167 after it emerged three sets of lights were off when a serious accident happened on Friday night. As reported on Aycliffe Today, a taxi and a van were involved in a serious collision on the busy road at a spot in...

Read more
'WE HAVE A LOT TO BE PROUD OF' SAYS MP News

'WE HAVE A LOT TO BE PROUD OF' SAYS MP

By Martin Walker March 28th, 2015 In News 0 comments

By Martin Walker Phil Wilson says Newton Aycliffe has a lot to be proud of after some hugely positive developments for the town in recent years. The Labour MP for Sedgefield was talking at the launch of his official 2015 general election campaign, held in Aycliffe town centre on Saturday morning. Mr Wilson retained his Sedgefield seat...

Read more

SERIOUS ROAD ACCIDENT IN AYCLIFFE

By Martin Walker March 27th, 2015 In News 0 comments

The A167 in Newton Aycliffe was closed for a number of hours on Friday night after a serious accident involving a taxi and a van. An estimated 14 emergency service vehicles including three ambulances, three fire engines and police cars attended the scene, in between Central Avenue and the Gretna Green pub. The two vehicles - a Skoda...

Read more

POLICE FOIL SUSPECTED BURGLARS THANKS TO SOCIAL MEDIA

By Martin Walker March 27th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe police launched a dramatic covert operation down Woodham Burn to snatch three suspected burglars today, thanks to the force's social media page. After putting out an appeal on their new Facebook page, the Aycliffe Neighbourhood Police Team received information from a member of the public which has...

Read more

APPRENTICES SHINE FOR HIGH-FLYING D&S SERVICES

By Martin Walker March 27th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker A Newton Aycliffe Fabrication and Engineering firm is taking on more staff to cope with demand as its Apprentices exceed expectation following a string of recent success stories. Tom Holt (above centre), from Hurworth has just started his Level 3 Apprenticeship in sheet metal work and fabrication through neighbouring...

Read more

Going... going... GONE! Police Station to make way for new care home

By Martin Walker March 27th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

EXCLUSIVE By Martin Walker A new care home is expected to be built on the site of the former Newton Aycliffe police station, which has been reduced to rubble after it was sold by Durham Constabulary. The demolition of the three-storey structure on Central Avenue, built in the 1960s, cost £86,000 and our picture above shows how it's...

Read more
COUNCILLORS WOWED BY ROF 59 PLANS Business

COUNCILLORS WOWED BY ROF 59 PLANS

By Martin Walker March 27th, 2015 In Business, Community 0 comments

By Martin Walker A team of councillors were wowed by plans to create a permanent memorial to the Aycliffe Angels at one of the Royal Ordnance Factories on Aycliffe Business Park. Six of Newton Aycliffe's Durham County Councillors - Jed Hillary, John Clare, Kate Hopper, Eddy Adam, Joan Gray and Mike Dixon - visited the former Presswork...

Read more

SCHEME TO BRING START-UP RETAILERS TO TOWN CENTRE

By Martin Walker March 27th, 2015 In News 0 comments

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe's MP Phil Wilson has joined forces with the town centre manager to launch a scheme based on a pilot idea which has already proved successful on Teesside which could see a host of new start-up retailers in our shopping centre. A Stockton-based social enterprise has already delivered the scheme on behalf of...

Read more
TRACK COMPLETION MARKS ANOTHER HITACHI MILESTONE Business

TRACK COMPLETION MARKS ANOTHER HITACHI MILESTONE

By Martin Walker March 26th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker The final track component was installed at Hitachi Rail Europe's train-building site this week, connecting the factory with the rail network for the first time. Network Rail, Story Contracting, Volker Rail and Hitachi turned the last Pandrol Clip at the Aycliffe Business Park site, which will soon start delivering the...

Read more

SUMMER TIMES FOR HOUSEHOLD RECYCLING CENTRE

By Aycliffe Today Reporter March 26th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

Opening hours at the Household Waste Recycling Centre in Newton Aycliffe are being extended throughout the summer starting next week. From Wednesday 1st April through to the end of September, the tip will be open seven days a week from 9am until 6pm. John Shannon, strategic waste manager at Durham County Council, said: “Extended summer...

Read more

BURGLARY AT WINTERBURN PLACE

By Aycliffe Today Reporter March 26th, 2015 In News 0 comments

Police are appealing for information after a burglary in Newton Aycliffe. It happened some time between midnight and 7.30am on Saturday 21st March at Winterburn Place. Suspects gained entry to a rear garden shed by forcing the lock. A quantity of tools, two bikes, and a metal detector were then stolen. One bike is described as silver...

Read more

NO CHANGE TO EASTER BIN COLLECTIONS

By Martin Walker March 26th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

Bin collections in County Durham will not be affected during the Easter Bank Holiday period. Residents can put their bins out on their normal collection day. Households which have collections on a Friday are reminded to put their bins out when they usually would as collections will still be taking place on Good Friday (April 3). This...

Read more

POLICE PROBE ATTEMPTED DOUBLE BURGLARY

By Aycliffe Today Reporter March 26th, 2015 In News 0 comments

Police are appealing for information after an attempted double burglary in Newton Aycliffe. At about 9pm on Sunday 22nd March, suspects have used an unknown implement to crack a window of a conservatory in Kestrel Court. A short time later, a stone has been used to crack a window of a property in Garburn Place. "It is believed the...

Read more

MORE OFFICERS TO BE EQUIPPED WITH TASERS

By Martin Walker March 26th, 2015 In News 0 comments

Durham Constabulary is increasing the number of officers who carry Tasers to assist them in keeping communities safe. This follows recent calls from the Police Federation that all officers should be equipped with the devices, which were first introduced in the UK in 2003 and in Durham were issued to authorised firearms officers two years...

Read more

STUDENTS HIT HIGH NOTES IN TALENT CONTEST

By Aycliffe Today Reporter March 26th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

Students from Woodham Academy were in top form when the finalists battled it out to be Woodham’s Got Talent winners 2015. A near capacity hall was entertained by superb music and dance. The evening kicked off with the Woodham Academy Jazz band in their own unique version of Pharrell Williams’ Happy. Compering the evening was Y7...

Read more

£11M-WORTH OF NEW DEALS FOR AYCLIFFE-BASED FIRM

By Aycliffe Today Reporter March 26th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

Construction and development specialist Southdale is using more than £11m of new contracts in the North East to create opportunities for local supply chain companies and subcontractors, and to create jobs and apprenticeships. Newton Aycliffe-based Southdale has secured the work, including new projects on Tyneside, where it will build 116...

Read more
SAFER HOMES WEEK OF ACTION Community

SAFER HOMES WEEK OF ACTION

By Martin Walker March 26th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

A week of action to help people feel safer in their homes started this week. The Safer Homes week, led by County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, is linked to the project bearing the same name. Each day of the week the focus will fall on a different element of the project as follows: Monday - fire and crime safety...

Read more
RAISCO LANDS MULTI-MILLION-POUND LIDL DEAL Business

RAISCO LANDS MULTI-MILLION-POUND LIDL DEAL

By Martin Walker March 25th, 2015 In Business 1 comments

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe company Raisco has landed a multi-million-pound agreement to build new stores for Lidl, one of the largest food retailers in Europe. The construction firm, based on Aycliffe Business Park, has been approved as a principle contractor for Lidl after completing one of its new stores ahead of...

Read more

BODY DISCOVERED AT WOODHAM BURN

By Martin Walker March 23rd, 2015 In News 0 comments

A body has been discovered in the Woodham Burn area of Newton Aycliffe today. It's understood a group of children made the gruesome discovery at about 8am this morning on their way to school, near the bridge at the bottom of Burn Lane. The body is believed to be that of a 17-year-old male. Police have confirmed the death is not being...

Read more

STILLER DRIVERS GO FOR GOLD IN SAFETY TRAINING COURSE

By Martin Walker March 23rd, 2015 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker Three Newton Aycliffe truck drivers will now help to train up their colleagues as part of a national safety training programme after achieving gold awards. Graham Bedford, John Parker and Michael McFarland - all employees of Aycliffe family firm Stiller Warehousing and Distribution - were awarded gold certificates after...

Read more

GOVERNMENT APPROVES FUNDING FOR AYCLIFFE UTC

By Martin Walker March 23rd, 2015 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker The Government has confirmed it has approved funding for the North East's first University Technical College. And it has also been confirmed the South Durham UTC - an engineering and advanced manufacturing Centre of Excellence - will open in 2016. The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Schools, John Nash,...

Read more

AYCLIFFE CONCEDE 94TH-MINUTE EQUALISER

By Aycliffe Today Reporter March 23rd, 2015 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe 1 Morpeth Town 1 By Bob Wood It was heartbreak for Newton Aycliffe FC on Saturday as Morpeth snatched a 94th-minute equaliser, depriving the home side of two vital points. After their midweek defeat at home to Consett last week, the draw leaves Aycliffe 17th in Division One of the Ebac Northern League - six points...

Read more

HITACHI WINS 29-TRAIN SOUTH-WEST DEAL

By Martin Walker March 23rd, 2015 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker Hitachi Rail Europe has won a new deal to manufacture at least 29 new trains which will run between London and the South West, subject to government approval. The Japanese firm today announced it had been named by FirstGroup as preferred supplier for the supply of 29 trains for the new First Great Western...

Read more

EXCLUSIVE: GESTAMP TALLENT EMPLOYEE NUMBERS GROW

By Martin Walker March 20th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

EXCLUSIVE By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe's biggest employer has further increased staff numbers to accommodate the launch of new business with its automotive customers. Gestamp Tallent has employed 150 new people in the last six months, increasing its workforce to 1,322, while long service statistics continue to impress. The...

Read more

BODY CAMERAS FOR ALL FRONTLINE OFFICERS

By Martin Walker March 20th, 2015 In News 0 comments

Durham Constabulary has announced it is due to complete the rollout of body worn video cameras to all frontline police officers, Special Constables and Police Community Support Officers, by the end of March. Assistant Chief Officer Gary Ridley said: “This is a big step forward for the force and the community. “We are the first force...

Read more

WOODHAM WINNERS AT NORTHERN ECHO AWARDS

By Martin Walker March 20th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

A Woodham Academy teacher and a pupil were both winners at the Northern Echo School Awards, held at the Xcel Centre. Year 11 student Emma Sandford was awarded the Inspirational Pupil award, while assistant head teacher Sarah McGinnety was recognised for her innovative work in careers education. Emma is described by the school as an...

Read more
HAIR STYLISTS HAVE LOX OF AMBITION Business

HAIR STYLISTS HAVE LOX OF AMBITION

By Aycliffe Today Reporter March 20th, 2015 In Business, Features 0 comments

By Ryan Burton Ambition is not a new concept to Lox of Love and its founder, Victoria Cartwright. The company was launched in December 2012, originally as a mobile hair extension specialist in the Aycliffe area. Over two years has passed and Victoria has seen her company expand into something that bit more special. Looking back to when...

Read more

FIRE STATION OFFICIALLY OPENED

By Martin Walker March 20th, 2015 In News 0 comments

The Bishop of Durham officially opened a new station for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service. Firefighters, officers and guests gathered at Durham Community Fire Station in Sniperley to watch The Rt Revd Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham, cut the ribbon and talked about the building’s importance in the local area. During...

Read more

ENGINEERS BUILD BRIDGES AT TRAINING CENTRE

By Aycliffe Today Reporter March 20th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

Budding engineers were building bridges at a Newton Aycliffe training centre as part of a nationwide celebration of apprenticeships. More than 200 students from seven schools across the county have been enjoying the appliance of science in hands-on workshops with local employers at South West Durham Training. The year 9 and 10 pupils...

Read more

AYCLIFFE LANDSCAPE FIRM CELEBRATES NEW DEAL

By Martin Walker March 20th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

A Newton Aycliffe-based grounds maintenance and landscape company is celebrating its 50th year in business with a significant contract win. Family-run Beaumont Grounds Maintenance has secured a contract with Mitie PFI to complete work on three local schools, after celebrating its 50th birthday this March. The growing business will be...

Read more
RAISCO COMPLETES 800-TONNE TEESSIDE CONTRACT Business

RAISCO COMPLETES 800-TONNE TEESSIDE CONTRACT

By Martin Walker March 17th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker A Newton Aycliffe steel firm has completed a steelwork and cladding project for a distribution company to transform an industrial part of Teesside with a £6.5m super-green factory. Raisco, based on Aycliffe Business Park, completed a five-week project to fabricate and erect 800 tonnes of steel, from receipt of order to...

Read more

GET SPORTY THIS EASTER!

By Martin Walker March 17th, 2015 In Community, What's ON 0 comments

Encourage your little one to get more active this Easter as a series of sporty fun activities for young people take place. Four fantastic days of fun are taking place in the south of the county with football, cricket futsal and tennis on offer. Tuesday, 31 March, Junior Indoor Football Tournament, Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre, 10am...

Read more

NEW POT OF CASH FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS

By Martin Walker March 17th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

Groups in the Newton Aycliffe and Middridge are set to benefit from a new pot of funding dedicated to small community minded organisations. The fund, which has been developed by the Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership (GAMP), will provide a valuable source of funding to all non-profit making organisations in the area. The overall...

Read more

DURHAM POLICE 'EVOLVE' TO IMPROVE & SAVE CASH

By Martin Walker March 17th, 2015 In News 0 comments

Durham Constabulary has today announced the start of the Evolve Programme – a three-way collaboration with Cleveland Police and North Yorkshire Police. Through the programme, each of the police services will be exploring ways to work together across organisational boundaries, in order to increase operational resilience, improve services...

Read more
HELPING HANDS KEEP YOUNGSTERS SAFE Community

HELPING HANDS KEEP YOUNGSTERS SAFE

By Aycliffe Today Reporter March 17th, 2015 In Community, Features 0 comments

Let’s join hands to stop child sexual exploitation... That’s the message the public are being asked this week as agencies unite in a bid to stop young people becoming victims of sexual predators. The work is part of a national campaign to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation (CSE), which will see people use their hands to share...

Read more
SUSAN SADLER HONOURED FOR HER SPECIAL 'HOME HELP' Community

SUSAN SADLER HONOURED FOR HER SPECIAL 'HOME HELP'

By Martin Walker March 17th, 2015 In Community, Features 0 comments

Susan Sadler can best be described as a pathfinder and most definitely a community champion. After starting up a small group at her home, to help people who had found themselves in unfortunate circumstances, Susan founded the charity - Lifeline Community Action - which is based in Newton Aycliffe. Susan’s charity has gone on to help...

Read more

MIXED BAG FOR AYCLIFFE

By Aycliffe Today Reporter March 17th, 2015 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

By Bob Wood There was mixed fortunes for Newton Aycliffe FC this past week as they seek the points needed to ensure they will remain in the First Division of the Ebac Northern League next season. Last Wednesday night's trip to Bedlington saw a tremendous Aycliffe performance with four goals securing a well deserved victory. Once again...

Read more

SKILLED JOBS OFFERED TO AYCLIFFE FIRMS

By Martin Walker March 16th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker Firms on Aycliffe Business Park are being offered the chance to tap into a pool of skilled people after a former Aycliffe company announced redundancies. Components firm Filtronic has announced it will make redundancies in the UK and overseas as part of cost-saving measures. The manufacturer, which was previously...

Read more

MAN SUSPECTED OF BOOTS THEFT

By Martin Walker March 13th, 2015 In News 0 comments

Police have released an image of a man they'd like to speak to in relation to a theft in Newton Aycliffe. Officers say the man pictured (above) is believed to be responsible for a shoplifting at the town's Boots store on Friday morning. Anybody who knows his identity is asked to call police on 101.  ...

Read more
TEKMAR BAGS NORTH EAST EXPORT AWARD Business

TEKMAR BAGS NORTH EAST EXPORT AWARD

By Martin Walker March 13th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe Company of the Year Tekmar Energy is celebrating another award this weekend. The subsea and cable protection specialists, which won the top gong at the Aycliffe Business Park Make Your Mark event last September, won the prestigious Export Award at the North East Business Awards on Thursday...

Read more

LIKE BIRDS IN A FEATHERS

By Martin Walker March 13th, 2015 In Business, News 0 comments

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe family-run garage Gregg Little Testing Centre have so far raised £500 for Comic Relief - thanks to a little help from their feathered friends. The firm's customer service receptionist Alice Todd, Gregg Little's granddaughter, agreed to be tarred and feathered as part of their annual Red Nose Day antics...

Read more

LEARNER DRIVERS LEFT OUT OF POCKET BY INSTRUCTOR

By Martin Walker March 13th, 2015 In News 0 comments

By Martin Walker Several learner drivers in Newton Aycliffe are hundreds of pounds out of pocket after being left in the lurch by a local driving instructor. Aycliffe Today has received a number of reports that Dave Mason, of Surestart driving school, took large cash sums of between £180 and £300 each from customers before telling them...

Read more

HITACHI'S FIRST CLASS 800 TRAIN ARRIVES IN UK

By Martin Walker March 12th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker Hitachi Rail Europe's first pre-series Class 800 train for the Intercity Express Programme (IEP) arrived in the UK today. Rail Minister Claire Perry today celebrated the arrival of the carriage at the Port of Southampton. Train 800-001 is the first five-car pre-series train to be shipped to the UK from Japan, with 110...

Read more

AMBITIOUS ACCOUNTANTS TARGET BIG GROWTH

By Martin Walker March 12th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker An ambitious accountancy firm is targeting major growth in the next year after seeing turnover jump by more than half. Matthew McConnell and Jonathan Tait are partners in the Durham franchise of national network Certax, and have been based at the HUB Workspace on Aycliffe Business Park since August 2013. Since their...

Read more
EMPLOYMENT 'PIT STOP' IN AYCLIFFE Community

EMPLOYMENT 'PIT STOP' IN AYCLIFFE

By Martin Walker March 12th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

A free service for people living in Newton Aycliffe or Middridge who are out of work or at risk of redundancy has recently launched. The ‘Employability Pit Stop’ project, funded by Great Ayclife and Middridge Partnership (GAMP) and delivered by the Pioneering Care Centre (PCP) aims to help local jobseekers to develop skills to job...

Read more

GROUNDWORK CELEBRATES 30 YEARS IN REGION

By Martin Walker March 12th, 2015 In Business, Community 0 comments

Social enterprise Groundwork is celebrating 30 years of transforming the lives of hundreds of thousands of people across the North East for the better. Groundwork, established in the region in 1985 and which has an employment office in Newton Aycliffe, delivers a range of social and environmental regeneration programmes that engage...

Read more

DEBATE OVER PLANS FOR CHILDREN'S CENTRES

By Aycliffe Today Reporter March 12th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

Durham County Council’s Cabinet will discuss a new approach to providing childcare services for the under-fives, designed to improve the lives of some of the county’s most vulnerable children and their families. Proposals for the future of County Durham’s children’s centres will be decided on Wednesday, March 18, and if given the go...

Read more

HITACHI SIGNS MULTI-MILLION POUND SCOTLAND DEAL

By Martin Walker March 12th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker Hitachi Rail Europe has signed a deal to build new trains for the ScotRail franchise. Hitachi was announced as the preferred bidder for the train deal last October when Dutch operator Abellio won the franchise. Now the two firms have signed a contract for the provision and maintenance of 70 new trains. In all, 46...

Read more

HAMMERS UP FOR SALE PRICED £425K

By Martin Walker March 11th, 2015 In News 0 comments

By Martin Walker You could be the new owner of popular pub the Blacksmith's Arms - for a cool £425,000. The Hammers, as it's known locally, has been put on the market by Leeds-based leisure property specialists Fleurets. The freehold of the property, set in a beautiful 5-acre site on the outskirts of Aycliffe, is up for...

Read more
APPRENTICESHIP WEEK - SPECIAL FEATURE Business

APPRENTICESHIP WEEK - SPECIAL FEATURE

By Martin Walker March 11th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we speak to one of Hitachi Rail Europe's Apprentices, Sally Beale, who's currently doing her Apprenticeship with South West Durham Training (SWDT). Sally is pictured above with SWDT CEO Trevor Alley... • What type of apprenticeship are you following? I am on an advanced technical...

Read more

AYCLIFFE GP PRACTICE WINS CLINICAL RESEARCH AWARD

By Martin Walker March 11th, 2015 In Business, News 0 comments

A Newton Aycliffe GP Practice has been awarded the Primary Care Practice of the Year Award by the Clinical Research Network (CRN) North East and North Cumbria, part of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). The CRN: North East and North Cumbria NIHR Annual Awards 2014/15 took place at Sunderland AFC's Stadium of Light in...

Read more

SPORTS CLUB'S STUTTERING FORM CONTINUES

By Aycliffe Today Reporter March 10th, 2015 In Football, Sport 0 comments

Shildon Supporters 3, Aycliffe Sports Club 2 (Invitation League Cup) By Paul Eales Newton Aycliffe Sports Clubs run in cup competitions came to an end on Sunday when they were beaten 3-2 off first division Shildon Supporters Club in the Wear Valley League Invitation Cup. This defeat came on the back of last week’s exit from the...

Read more

AYCLIFFE BACK TO WINNING WAYS

By Aycliffe Today Reporter March 9th, 2015 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe 2 Durham City 1 By Bob Wood Newton Aycliffe earned three vital points at home to eighth-placed Durham City on Saturday. The win came courtesy of two goals from Dennis Knight, with the first coming in the 37th minute. A weak defensive header fell to Stuart Banks who found Knight on the left. The Aycliffe forward shot...

Read more

RIGHT ROYALE RAMBLE AT ST FRANCIS JUNIOR SCHOOL

By Aycliffe Today Reporter March 9th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

Pupils played princes and princesses as they took part in a special walk to St Francis Junior School in Newton Aycliffe with their very own MEGA Motion monarch. Demi-Leigh Steward, 11, won a MEGA Motion competition to decide which famous hero or villain should accompany them and was rewarded with Henry VIII himself escorting the pupils as...

Read more

'EXCUSES COST LIVES' WARN POLICE

By Martin Walker March 9th, 2015 In News 0 comments

There are no excuses when it comes to a choice between life or death, officers are warning motorists during a week-long seatbelt campaign. Police speaking to motorists who have not been wearing their seatbelts have heard all manner of excuses, including “my clothes will get crumpled” and “it is uncomfortable”. Motorists have...

Read more

WORLD WAR II FACTORY TO BE NAMED 'ROF 59'

By Martin Walker March 6th, 2015 In Business, Community 0 comments

By Martin Walker A former World War II munitions factory will become a permanent memorial to the Aycliffe Angels as part of an exciting development which will create up to 20 new jobs. Newton Aycliffe construction firm Finley Structures acquired the old Presswork Metals factory on Aycliffe Business Park more than two years ago. Almost...

Read more
NORTH BRITON PLANS REVEALED News

NORTH BRITON PLANS REVEALED

By Martin Walker March 5th, 2015 In News 0 comments

By Martin Walker Plans to redevelop the North Briton pub in Aycliffe Village have been revealed. Owners of the Brit, the John Wade Group, hosted a consultation exhibition on Thursday (5th March) before they submit them to Durham County Council. The proposals include redeveloping the pub building itself into 10 self-contained flats,...

Read more
BOYES THEFT - MAN WANTED News

BOYES THEFT - MAN WANTED

By Aycliffe Today Reporter March 5th, 2015 In News 0 comments

Police have released images of a man they suspect of stealing from Boyes in Newton Aycliffe. A statement said the suspect is suspected of shoplifting from the town centre store on Friday 27th February. Anyone who recognises him is asked to call police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.  ...

Read more
AYCLIFFE WORKING GROUPS ARE SET UP Community

AYCLIFFE WORKING GROUPS ARE SET UP

By Martin Walker March 5th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

By Martin Walker The Newton Aycliffe Neighbourhood Plan has stepped up a gear with the formation of three working groups consisting of volunteers. More than 50 people attended a special Neighbourhood Plan meeting at the town's Youth and Community Centre two weeks ago, with 20 of those offering to get involved. Three working groups...

Read more

AYCLIFFE TO FLY COMMONWEALTH FLAG

By Martin Walker March 5th, 2015 In News 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe will join 730 locations across the world in a huge raising of the Commonwealth Flag on Monday. Great Aycliffe Town Council have registered to take part in the marking of Commonwealth Day by raising and flying the Commonwealth Flag at a small ceremony at the flagpole outside of St. Clare’s Church. More than 730...

Read more

THE BIG SPRING CLEAN IS BACK!

By Martin Walker March 5th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

Residents, community groups and schools are being encouraged to get involved in the Big Spring Clean campaign as it returns to County Durham for the fifth time. The clean-up, which is being run by LitterFree Durham, Durham County Council’s Civic Pride team, and Darlington Borough Council, got underway on Saturday (28th February) and...

Read more

STILL TIME TO SIGN UP FOR GARDEN WASTE COLLECTIONS

By Aycliffe Today Reporter March 5th, 2015 In News 0 comments

Residents in County Durham are being reminded to sign up for garden waste collections. Residents can join the scheme at any time of the year but the sooner they subscribe, the sooner they will start receiving collections. For an annual fee of £20 householders will receive fortnightly garden waste collections until the Autumn. A three...

Read more
TORY CANDIDATE WELCOMES JOBS FIGURES News

TORY CANDIDATE WELCOMES JOBS FIGURES

By Martin Walker March 5th, 2015 In News 0 comments

By Martin Walker The Conservative Party candidate for the Sedgefield seat in this year's General Election has welcomed new jobs figures which claim a drop in the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in our region. Scott Wood, a former Army tank commander from Darlington who served in Afghanistan and Iraq on peace and stability...

Read more

AYCLIFFE FC CHAIRMAN APPEALS FOR SUPPORT

By Martin Walker March 4th, 2015 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe FC chairman Allan Oliver is appealing to the club's fans to get behind the club in the run-in to the season. The Newtonians progressed to the semi-finals of the League Cup with a 2-1 win at Washington on Tuesday night. But Aycliffe are hovering just two places and eight points above the Northern League...

Read more

FORMER CAPTAINS CLASH IN CHARITY FUNDRAISER

By Martin Walker March 2nd, 2015 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Two former Newton Aycliffe captains will swap the pitch for the dugout later this year when they take charge of respective Newtonian XI’s to raise money for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research. Sean Tarling (pictured above, right) and John Close (above left) will select from a pool of current and ex-Newtonians in the charity game which will...

Read more

KEEPER DEDICATES SEMI-FINAL WIN TO CLUB LEGENDS

By Martin Walker February 28th, 2015 In Football, Sport 0 comments

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe WMC keeper Ste Richardson says the team dedicated their County Cup semi-final victory to two club legends who are no longer with us. The former Aycliffe FC shot-stopper made a blinding save with the tense last-four clash on a knife-edge last Sunday. Lewis Wing had put the home side ahead in the first...

Read more

IT'S GO FOR UTC - BUILDING STARTS THIS SUMMER

By Martin Walker February 28th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker Construction of the North East's first University Technical College (UTC) will begin in Newton Aycliffe this summer, it has been confirmed. The University of Sunderland has revealed the South Durham UTC - an engineering and advanced manufacturing Centre of Excellence - will be built at Long Tens Way on Aycliffe Business...

Read more
BUSINESS LEADERS MEET HITACHI GUINEA PIG Business

BUSINESS LEADERS MEET HITACHI GUINEA PIG

By Martin Walker February 27th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker Business leaders from Newton Aycliffe were treated to a rare insight this week - a sneak peek of Hitachi's very first Aycliffe train carriage. Hitachi's first prototype train arrived at the Port of Tyne in January after making a 52-day trip to the UK covering 12,880 nautical miles. The 26m-long carriage arrived on...

Read more

'WE MUST AVOID UNREALISTIC AMBITIONS' SAYS AYCLIFFE LEADER

By Martin Walker February 27th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

By Martin Walker The leader of Great Aycliffe Town Council says we must avoid "unrealistic ambitions" in the light of the Durham County Plan being panned last week. Councillor Bob Fleming (pictured above) says Aycliffe's Neighbourhood Plan will "press on", regardless of inspector Harold Stephens' damning review of Durham County's...

Read more

LAST ONE OUT... TURN OFF THE LIGHTS

By Martin Walker February 27th, 2015 In Business, News 0 comments

By Martin Walker Durham County Council is considering a bizarre proposal to remove street lighting along the whole of the A167 which takes in Newton Aycliffe. Now the Aycliffe Business Park community is gathering support to oppose the council's intentions. The local authority was left reeling last week after its much-celebrated,...

Read more

iPAD TRICKSTER COX ASKS FOR £19K REPRIEVE

By Aycliffe Today Reporter February 27th, 2015 In News 0 comments

iPad con woman Kirsty Cox could be facing jail again after asking for a £19,000 reprieve this week. The 38-year-old appeared at Teesside Crown Court in relation to the proceeds of crime order imposed on her in March last year. Cox duped hundreds of people out of thousands of pounds in the lead up to Christmas 2012 after telling friends...

Read more

EXCLUSIVE: PLANS TO CONVERT PUB INTO FLATS

By Martin Walker February 26th, 2015 In News 0 comments

EXCLUSIVE By Martin Walker The new owners of the North Briton in Aycliffe Village have drawn up plans to convert the pub into flats. And the John Wade Group, which acquired the old boozer last year, are inviting nearby residents to attend a consultation exercise next week. As reported on Aycliffe Today in August last year, local...

Read more

MAJOR BOOST FOR AYCLIFFE FIRM IK-UK

By Martin Walker February 25th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker A Newton Aycliffe manufacturer has been boosted with the news of a major acquisition. Norwegian-based IK-Group AS (IK) - which has a wholly-owned subsidiary, IK-UK on Aycliffe Business Park employing 47 people - has announced it has bought Online Electronics Limited (OEL), a leading global pipeline communications...

Read more

DURHAM POLICE BAG £50K CASH FROM DRUG DEALER

By Martin Walker February 25th, 2015 In News 0 comments

By Martin Walker Durham Constabulary is £50,000 better off after seizing a load of cash from a drug dealer. Officers seized £100,000, suspected to be the proceeds of drugs crimes, from a man stopped in the region. And while half of it must go to the Home Office, the other £50,000-plus goes into Durham Police coffers to help fund...

Read more

£46K EXTENSION FOR WOODHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE

By Martin Walker February 25th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

Woodham Village Community Association is celebrating after securing £46,000 funding to an extension at its popular community centre. The cash will pay for new male and female changing rooms at the community centre as well as a much-needed storage room. Planning permission for the project was secured last month and work is expected to...

Read more
HITACHI'S £566M ITALIAN JOB Business

HITACHI'S £566M ITALIAN JOB

By Martin Walker February 25th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker Hitachi Rail Europe strengthened its position as a world leader in train building by agreeing to buy an Italian manufacturer in a multi-million pound deal this week. The Japanese firm - currently building an £82m train-building factory on Aycliffe Business Park which will open later this year - says it has agreed to buy...

Read more

FINE VICTORY AT WHITLEY BAY

By Aycliffe Today Reporter February 25th, 2015 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Whitley Bay 1, Newton Aycliffe 4 By Bob Wood Newton Aycliffe enjoyed a return to winning ways with an excellent performance at Whitley Bay last weekend. The three points return from the trip to the seaside was fully deserved with Aycliffe putting recent disappointments behind them. Right from the start Aycliffe took a positive...

Read more

DURHAM HAS SHOWN AMBITION, SAYS MP

By Martin Walker February 20th, 2015 In Business, News 0 comments

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe MP Phil Wilson insists Durham County Council can't be faulted for showing "real ambition" with its County Plan, which was ripped to pieces by an independent inspector this week. As reported by Aycliffe Today, independent inspector Harold Stephens said Durham’s County Plan – which would see Aycliffe...

Read more

BIG CLUB ON BRINK OF CUP GLORY

By Martin Walker February 20th, 2015 In Football, Sport 0 comments

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe Working Men's Club are on the brink of a major cup final with a crunch tie this weekend. Jason Steele's Big Club side take on South Shields Rose & Crown at Woodham Academy this Sunday (22nd February, kick-off 10.30am) in the last four of the Durham County Cup. The Club beat Winlaton Commercial 4-3...

Read more

PAIR IN COURT OVER WOODHAM INCIDENT

By Aycliffe Today Reporter February 19th, 2015 In News 0 comments

Two people have appeared in court in connection with a serious incident at Woodham Academy last month. Daniel Brannigan, 23, and a youth who can't be identified for legal reasons entered the grounds at Woodham at 1pm on Friday 23rd January. Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court heard how 23-year-old Brannigan, dressed in a monkey onesie,...

Read more

MEDAL FOR COMMUNITY CHAMPION

By Martin Walker February 19th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

A tireless community worker, who is dedicated to supporting people in need, has been recognised for her work by being awarded a Chairman’s Medal. Susan Sadler, founder of Lifeline Community Action has been chosen by Durham County Council Chairman; Cllr John Robinson as the Great Aycliffe and Middrige Partnership (GAMP) recipient of this...

Read more

ST MARY'S COFFEE MORNING TO RAISE LEUKAEMIA CASH

By Martin Walker February 19th, 2015 In News 0 comments

St Mary’s Church are hosting a fundraising coffee morning next month, with all proceeds being donated to Newtonian Paul McGeary’s charity push as he looks to raise £10k for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research. Paul, 33, was diagnosed with Leukaemia in November last year and has spearheaded a campaign which has seen almost £6k raised to...

Read more

AYCLIFFE SENSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP CAMPAIGN

By Martin Walker February 19th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

A two-week mini Green Dog Walkers campaign will start in Newton Aycliffe next week. The campaign, organised by Durham County Council’s Civic Pride team, will start on Monday (23rd February). Assemblies and educational sessions will be held at St Francis Primary School, Woodham Burn Primary School and Stephenson Way Primary...

Read more
READ WITH ROSS IN NEWTON AYCLIFFE Community

READ WITH ROSS IN NEWTON AYCLIFFE

By Aycliffe Today Reporter February 19th, 2015 In Community, News, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe’s most successful and best known sports star is offering an exclusive coaching session to one lucky primary school. Champions League winning goalkeeper Ross Turnbull, who started his career at Newton Aycliffe Youth FC before playing for clubs including Middlesbrough, Cardiff and Chelsea, is returning to the town to hone...

Read more

TUB GO TOP WITH CROOK WIN

By Aycliffe Today Reporter February 19th, 2015 In Football, Sport 0 comments

FC Turbinia 6, Crook Wanderers 1 FC Turbinia stormed to the top of the Crook and District League second division with a thumping win at the weekend. The home side were quick out of the box, forcing a great save from the Crook keeper in the opening couple of minutes. The Turbinia applied the pressure and opened the scoring after eight...

Read more

PLAN REPORT 'BEYOND DISAPPOINTING' - FOSTER

By Martin Walker February 19th, 2015 In Business, News 0 comments

By Martin Walker Durham County Council's member for economic regeneration Neil Foster has admitted a planning inspector's damning review of its County Plan is "beyond disappointing". As reported by Aycliffe Today, independent inspector Harold Stephens said Durham's County Plan - which would see Aycliffe Business Park become the biggest...

Read more

POLICE APPEAL AFTER HIT AND RUN

By Martin Walker February 19th, 2015 In News 0 comments

Police are appealing for information after motorist collided with a parked car before making off. Officers say the driver of a small red vehicle sped off after it collided with an unattended parked Renault Clio in Scott Place, at about 7pm on Thursday 12th February, before heading towards Burnhill Way. Anyone with any information is...

Read more

DURHAM COUNTY PLAN 'FLAWED' - INSPECTOR

By Martin Walker February 19th, 2015 In Business, News 0 comments

By Martin Walker The much-celebrated multi-billion pound County Plan drawn up by Durham Council is in tatters after the findings were flawed by an independent inspector. It means Aycliffe Business Park's hopes of becoming the biggest industrial estate in the North East - and Merchant Park Development's plans to create 5,000 new jobs here...

Read more

NEWTON AYCLIFFE 1, CELTIC NTION 2

By Aycliffe Today Reporter February 16th, 2015 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

For the second Saturday in a row Aycliffe surrendered a lead to lose 2-1 to a Cumbrian team. Following last week's loss at Penrith, Valentine's Day saw the Newtonians give Celtic Nation a present of their first away win of the season. The game was preceded by a perfectly observed minute's silence for Aycliffe fan Brian Starforth who...

Read more
AYCLIFFE LADIES LAUNCH PROM DRESS WEBSITE Business

AYCLIFFE LADIES LAUNCH PROM DRESS WEBSITE

By Martin Walker February 14th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

By Ryan Burton Two businesswomen from Newton Aycliffe have set up a new website selling specialist dresses online. Liz Lambert and Nicola Maull, both born and raised in Aycliffe, have created Prom and Wedding, an online boutique specialising in wedding and prom dresses. The two have followed the ever-growing trend of businesses...

Read more
3G PITCH TO BE RE-SURFACED THANKS TO GAMP Community

3G PITCH TO BE RE-SURFACED THANKS TO GAMP

By Martin Walker February 14th, 2015 In Community, News, Sport 0 comments

A popular sport facility in Newton Aycliffe is set for a major refurbishment thanks to funding received from Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership (GAMP). The well used 3G Pitch at Greenfield Community College opened in 2004 and has over 50,000 visits a year; however, as a result of the high demand the current 8-a-side floodlit 3G...

Read more

WOODHAM & GESTAMP TEAM UP ON APPRENTICE CHALLENGE

By Martin Walker February 14th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

Woodham Academy is working with Gestamp Tallent for the fifth consecutive year as it looks to recruit more apprentices to its international engineering and manufacturing company. Students have the opportunity to work with a real life employer in a Lord Sugar style challenge. Over a five-week period, students will complete in a range of...

Read more
YOUTH FOOTBALL ROUND-UP Sport

YOUTH FOOTBALL ROUND-UP

By Aycliffe Today Reporter February 14th, 2015 In Sport, Youth Football 0 comments

  Adam Cayless reviews Newton Aycliffe Junior FC's action from last week... U8’s - The under 8s entertained mount pleasant in what turned out to be a close game! Few chances for both teams in the first half meant the score was 0-0 at halftime! The deadlock was broke midway through the second half by Aycliffe player jason beadle and...

Read more

MAN WANTED AFTER ASSAULT

By Martin Walker February 13th, 2015 In News 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe police would like to speak to a man who they say is responsible for an assault in the town. Officers issued the above image, taken from a CCTV, after the incident outside the Tesco store at 5.30pm last Friday (6th February). Anyone who recognises him is asked to call police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555...

Read more

ENERGY EFFICIENCY OFFER TO IMPROVE GAS BOILERS

By Martin Walker February 13th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe residents are set to benefit from warmer homes this winter as one of the UK’s largest energy efficiency initiatives offers additional support to people who need it most. Warm Up North is offering free or subsidised gas boilers to residents on certain benefits with an inefficient boiler in their home. To qualify, people...

Read more

SCOUT HUT BURGLARIES - TWO MEN ARRESTED

By Martin Walker February 12th, 2015 In News 0 comments

By Martin Walker Two men have been arrested in connection with a series of burglaries at the Scout Hut in Newton Aycliffe. As reported by Aycliffe Today yesterday, the community centre had offered a £500 cash reward for information after thieves stole more than £1,000 and a load of booze in three separate incidents recently. Nearly...

Read more

70 JOBS TO GO AS NESS GOES BUST

By Martin Walker February 12th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker Around 70 jobs are expected to be lost after the collapse of furniture firm Ness, which has a site in Newton Aycliffe. Administrators are trying to find a buyer for the company, which was established by Fredrick Corner in 1945 and has factories on Aycliffe Business Park and Croxdale, near Spennymoor. Ness Furniture...

Read more
HITACHI A 'SEXY' PLACE TO WORK - BOSS Business

HITACHI A 'SEXY' PLACE TO WORK - BOSS

By Aycliffe Today Reporter February 12th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

The man in charge of Hitachi Rail Europe's Newton Aycliffe factory has said it will be a "sexy" place to work when it opens for business later this year. Work continues on the site of the £82m facility on Aycliffe Business Park, which is expected to open in the autumn, with trains due to roll off production line early next year. Around...

Read more

I TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR DEFEAT, SAYS DIXON

By Aycliffe Today Reporter February 11th, 2015 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

By Ryan Burton Newton Aycliffe boss Peter Dixon took the blame for his side’s defeat at Penrith on Saturday. Things looked to be going to plan as Aycliffe went into half time a goal to the good. However, the Cumbrians fought back to secure a 2-1 win, with the winning goal late in the game. Dixon was disappointed with the manner in...

Read more

£30K SET ASIDE FOR AYCLIFFE FESTIVAL

By Aycliffe Today Reporter February 11th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

By Ryan Burton Preparations for this summer's Aycliffe Festival are well under way, with Great Aycliffe Town Council preparing to spend £30,000 on the series of events. Aycliffe Fest, which will be replacing the Great Aycliffe Show this summer, will be taking place across various venues in Newton Aycliffe from 3rd to 12th...

Read more

FC TURBINIA HIT CASTLE FOR EIGHT

By Martin Walker February 11th, 2015 In Football, Sport 0 comments

FC Turbinia returned to action with a thumping away win at Barnard Castle side Castle Rangers. The game started slowly with The Turbinia having the better of chances, Luke Williams forced a great save from the “Ranger’s” Keeper and Daniel Keane saw his effort just run wide of the post, but it wasn’t long before “The Tub” opened...

Read more

AYCLIFFE FIRM BACKS BHF CAMPAIGN

By Martin Walker February 9th, 2015 In News 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe shower manufacturer Roman has got involved and showed their support for the British Heart Foundation’s Wear It Beat It Campaign. The staff at Roman showed their support for the fantastic cause by wearing red, whether that be red shoes, red tie, red lipstick, Welsh Rugby Shirt or English (change strip!). Managing...

Read more

BID TO PRESS ‘DELETE’ ON CYBER CRIME

By Aycliffe Today Reporter February 9th, 2015 In News 0 comments

Durham Constabulary is joining a national drive to help keep young internet users safe. All of next week the force will be running a campaign to raise awareness of cyber crime. And tomorrow (Tuesday 10th February 10) it will join organisations from around the UK to mark Safer Internet Day. With the aim of preventing online child...

Read more
NOWHERE TO HIDE FOR FLYTIPPERS News

NOWHERE TO HIDE FOR FLYTIPPERS

By Martin Walker February 9th, 2015 In News 0 comments

Left to right: Ian Hoult, neighbourhood protection manager, Cllr Brian Stephens, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, Oliver Sherratt, head of direct services, and Dave Riseley, neighbourhood protection enforcement manager. Flytippers are more likely than ever to be caught red-handed as extra CCTV cameras are being set up...

Read more

PCP GROWING TOGETHER

By Martin Walker February 9th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) is encouraging people to get involved in its big plans to develop a socially inclusive garden in the grounds of the Pioneering Care Centre. Last year the garden was transformed into a hive of growing activity with thanks to participants attending a ‘Plot to Plate’ project. The idea became a reality...

Read more

AYCLIFFE LOSE AT PENRITH

By Aycliffe Today Reporter February 9th, 2015 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Penrith 2, Newton Aycliffe 1 Newton Aycliffe lost out on their return to action after last week's enforced winter break going down 2-1 at Penrith. With both sides having been deprived of much recent action it was perhaps not surprising that the teams took a while to get going. Penrith were seeking their fifth win in a row in the Ebac...

Read more
COUNCILLORS 'PITCH' FOR LOCAL SPORTS CLUB! Sport

COUNCILLORS 'PITCH' FOR LOCAL SPORTS CLUB!

By Martin Walker February 6th, 2015 In Baseball, Community, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe Spartans have unveiled their new pitching machine and a large portable batting net, which has been purchased with help from Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership (GAMP) and local County Councillors Sarah Iveson and Jed Hillary. Newton Aycliffe Spartans was set up in order to help bring baseball back to the North East of...

Read more

LOSTBOX THRIVES THANKS TO HELP FROM LOCAL MARKETING FIRM

By Martin Walker February 6th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

Thrive Marketing has been supporting local lost and found company in their content marketing, since Lostbox won Aycliffe Business Park’s Achieve Your Dream competition in early 2014. With a view to build their online marketing strategy and brand further, Thrive’s Managing Directors, Rachel Townsend Green and Johnny Woods, have formed a...

Read more

WOODHAM TRIAL READING TABLETS

By Aycliffe Today Reporter February 6th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

Woodham Academy is trialling electronic reading tablets in some of its classrooms as part of a drive to embed the ‘Three E s’ in the school: e-reading, e-writing and e-arithmetic. Despite some public apprehension to the contrary, young people still find reading popular. However, more and more readers are accessing literature through...

Read more

ADVANCED HANDLING RACKS UP FURTHER SUCCESS

By Aycliffe Today Reporter February 6th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

By Jonathan Ward A Shildon business which specialises in designing and installing warehouse equipment has racked up one of its biggest contracts to date fitting out one of the North East’s Leading supply chain company for vehicle components. Advanced Handling and Storage installed pallet racking at Calsonic Kansei’s brand new...

Read more

ESSENTIAL RESURFACING OVER HALF-TERM

By Aycliffe Today Reporter February 4th, 2015 In News 0 comments

Motorists are advised that a series of roadworks will take place throughout County Durham during half-term which may affect Newton Aycliffe drivers. Durham County Council will be carrying out carriageway resurfacing works on a number of routes from 14th to 22nd February. The essential works have been scheduled to take place during the...

Read more

OPERATION CHECKPOINT TARGETS ON-ROAD CRIMINALS

By Aycliffe Today Reporter February 4th, 2015 In News 0 comments

An operation targeting travelling criminals and involving six police forces, farmers and local volunteers across the north of England and southern Scotland resulted in 189 vehicles being stopped and checked, as well as three people arrested and two vehicles seized. Nearly 90 officers from the North Yorkshire, Durham, Cleveland, Cumbria and...

Read more

HALF-TERM SPORT FOR YOUNGSTERS

By Aycliffe Today Reporter February 4th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

Youngsters in Newton Aycliffe can fill up the first half-term break of the year with a range of sports organised by Durham County Council. The “Your Sport Your Patch” activities on offer (Monday 16th February to Friday 20th February) include a junior training camp with the Durham Wildcats basketball team, cricket, netball and...

Read more

LOG ON TO REGISTER YOUR VOTE

By Aycliffe Today Reporter February 4th, 2015 In News 0 comments

Voters are being urged not to miss out on the chance to have their say in this year’s general election. All households in County Durham have been issued with a letter listing everyone at the property who is on the electoral register. Anyone whose name is not on the letter and is, therefore, not registered is encouraged to go online at...

Read more

ON YOUR BIKES!

By Aycliffe Today Reporter February 4th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

A weekly bike ride for all ages and abilities is starting to be held in Newton Aycliffe to help people stay fit and healthy. The group cycles, organised by Durham County Council as part of the national Bike4Life programme, are led by trained experts and volunteers. They are free and you don’t even need a bike or helmet as these can be...

Read more

COUNCIL SETS OUT £52M INVESTMENT PROGRAMME

By Aycliffe Today Reporter February 4th, 2015 In News 0 comments

Councillors will be asked to agree an extra £52m of investment when they meet next week – bringing Durham County Council’s total capital programme up to 2017 to £366m. The money will help to fund road improvements, new schools and town centre development in County Durham. Members of Durham County Council’s Cabinet will discuss...

Read more

HITACHI LAUNCH RECRUITMENT DRIVE - 200 JOBS UP FOR GRABS

By Martin Walker February 2nd, 2015 In Business 1 comments

By Martin Walker Hitachi Rail Europe will this week launch its recruitment drive for prospective employees across a range of roles at its £82m train-building factory in Newton Aycliffe. Two recruitment events will be held at the Xcel Centre on Aycliffe Business Park, on Thursday (5th February) and Saturday (7th February). There will...

Read more

NEWTONIAN SPICES UP FUNDRAISING EFFORTS

By Martin Walker February 2nd, 2015 In News 0 comments

Charity fundraiser Paul McGeary is spicing up his efforts to raise much-needed cash with a tasty event at a local curry house! Newtonian Paul, diagnosed with leukaemia last November, has already raised £5,000 for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research after setting up his #NontOneInch Just Giving page before Christmas. After quickly racing...

Read more

HANDBAG SNATCHED FROM CAR

By Martin Walker February 2nd, 2015 In News 0 comments

Police are appealing for information after a handbag was snatched from a car in Newton Aycliffe. It happened some time between 12.30pm and 2.30pm last Friday (30th January) in the Phoenix Place area of the Agnew estate, when the bag was stolen from an unsecured, parked vehicle. Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101,...

Read more
BARONESS VISITS EBAC FACTORY Business

BARONESS VISITS EBAC FACTORY

By Martin Walker February 2nd, 2015 In Business 0 comments

Business Minister in the House of Lords Baroness Neville-Rolfe visited Newton Aycliffe appliances manufacturer Ebac to learn how a Regional Growth Fund grant is supporting its new production line, which will deliver the only UK made washing machines on the market. Click here to see a short video about this visit in our Video Vault The...

Read more
THE 'AYCLIFFE BLUE' BLOG Features

THE 'AYCLIFFE BLUE' BLOG

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 30th, 2015 In Blog, Features 1 comments

Newton Aycliffe Neighbourhood Police Team Sergeant Mark Edwards continues his regular blog on Aycliffe Today... Hello all, I thought it was about time that I did another edition of my blog so here we go… Readers of Aycliffe Today and other local media will be aware that there was an incident that occurred on Friday 23rd January 2015 at...

Read more
SOLAR FARM PLANS MET WITH POSITIVITY Community

SOLAR FARM PLANS MET WITH POSITIVITY

By Martin Walker January 30th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

By Ryan Burton Plans for a new solar farm in Newton Aycliffe are nearing completion. Lightsource Renewable Energy held a meeting with town residents and councillors during the Christmas period. Plans for the new solar farm was met with positive reactions. People were particularly impressed with how easily the site could be screened...

Read more

CHAMPION BEN PICKED FOR GB SQUAD

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 30th, 2015 In Community, Sport 0 comments

Woodham Academy student Ben Stephenson has been selected for a GB squad after he became a national champion representing Sedgefield Water Polo Club Under 15's at Manchester Aquatic Centre in October. After playing in the Under 14's Inter Regions competition for the North East in December, Ben was awarded The Most Valuable Player Award,...

Read more
JAMIE'S A GEM WHEN IT COMES TO RECRUITMENT! Business

JAMIE'S A GEM WHEN IT COMES TO RECRUITMENT!

By Martin Walker January 30th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

In response to growing demand from the business community, GEM Partnership has recently bolstered their Commercial Team with the addition of Jamie Hayhurst, who has taken up his post at the company’s Newton Aycliffe office based at the Evans Business Incubation Centre on Aycliffe Business Park. At the heart of GEM’s philosophy is an...

Read more

'CAN'T WAIT TO GET BACK ON THE PITCH'

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 30th, 2015 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

By Ryan Burton Newton Aycliffe FC boss Peter Dixon is raring to get back to winning ways and put the disappointment of last week’s result behind them. Aycliffe suffered only their second defeat in six games as they went down 4-0 to title-chasers Marske United. They face Sunderland RCA at Moore Lane Park on Saturday, with their...

Read more

PUBLIC RESPONDS TO FLYTIPPING CAMPAIGN

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 30th, 2015 In News 0 comments

A campaign to stop flytipping has sparked a positive response from County Durham public after it emerged more than 460 incidents were investigated in December. As part of Durham County Council’s Operation Stop It, officers responded to 462 reports of waste being dumped illegally throughout the month and 18 CCTV cameras were set up at...

Read more

SEDGEFIELD CHAMPIONS SUPPORT CHAIRMAN'S CHARITIES

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 30th, 2015 In Community, Sport 0 comments

Sedgefield's all-conquering national water polo champions have put their names to the chairman of Durham County Council's charity appeal. Members of Sedgefield Water Polo Club's under-15 team, who won the British Gas Amateur Swimming Association’s (ASA) National Water Polo Championships at the end of last year presented the Chairman, Cllr...

Read more

GYMNASTS QUALITY FOR NATIONAL FINALS

By Martin Walker January 30th, 2015 In Community, Sport 0 comments

Woodham Gymnastics Academy made an excellent start to their competition season earlier this month. The regional Milano competition, held at the University of Cumbria, was the first competition that the Gymnastics Academy has taken part in this academic year. Woodham had three girls’ teams in the under 16 category, where gymnasts were...

Read more

A GAME OF TWO HALVES, SAYS DIXON

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 28th, 2015 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

By Ryan Burton Newton Aycliffe FC boss Peter Dixon was left to rue missed chances and costly defending after his side’s defeat to Marske United on Saturday. Aycliffe went down 4-0 to the Teesside outfit, having knocked them out of the League Cup earlier on in the week. The game was always likely to be a tough one, with Dixon having...

Read more
GESTAMP TALLENT INVESTING IN FUTURE WITH ACADEMY Business

GESTAMP TALLENT INVESTING IN FUTURE WITH ACADEMY

By Martin Walker January 27th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

EXCLUSIVE: By Martin Walker Gestamp Tallent has completed a major redevelopment of the former Sanyo site on Aycliffe Business Park - transforming the derelict building into a state-of-the-art training facility. Newton Aycliffe's biggest firm has invested heavily in completely rejuvenating the area and expanding its site across St...

Read more

FORMER BOXING CHAMPION VISITS GREENFIELD

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 27th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

Former Great Britain boxing champion Amanda Coulson visited Greenfield Community College to work with Mr Butterworth’s Year 8 boys PE group last week. The retired boxer’s loyalty visit coincided with an initiative, Sky Sports Living for Sport, that Greenfield Community College have signed up to for the fifth year in a row that uses...

Read more

WOODHAM STUDENTS OFF TO CAMP CODY

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 27th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

Four lucky year 11 students from Woodham Academy are off on the summer of a lifetime this year as they travel to Camp Cody in New Hampshire, USA, as part of the school’s Coach USA programme. The students, who were selected from a strict application and interview process, will work on the American summer camp for three weeks. The group...

Read more

AYCLIFFE UNDONE AT MARSKE

By Martin Walker January 27th, 2015 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Marske United 4, Newton Aycliffe 0 By Bob Wood If a week is a long time in politics, then four days is a lifetime in the Ebac Northern League. Having put Marske United out of the League Cup last Tuesday evening, Saturday found Newton Aycliffe visiting the same opponents. This time the prize was the three points on offer for a...

Read more
GREATER TOGETHER Business

GREATER TOGETHER

By Martin Walker January 27th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

It's a new era for South West Durham Training, as the training provider enters into partnership with Bishop Auckland College. Martin Walker finds out more... South West Durham Training (SWDT) is now officially a very different proposition. In December, the training provider was championed by Ofsted as one of the highest performing...

Read more

SPORTS CLUB PROMOTION PUSH CONTINUES

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 27th, 2015 In Football, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe Sports Club 6, Bishop Auckland Station 0 By Paul Eales Last week’s bad weather saw the Derby against The Huntsman put on hold for now, but another win this weekend saw the Sports Club extend their winning streak to nine in all competitions. Bottom of the league side, Bishop Auckland Station, came to Moore Lane Park...

Read more

WOODHAM HEAD PRAISES STAFF

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 24th, 2015 In News 1 comments

Woodham Academy head teacher Christine Forsyth has praised the actions of her teachers after Friday's incident involving two intruders. Mrs Forsyth says the two suspects entered the school at about 1.10pm but were contained by staff within minutes. Police were quickly on the scene and the intruders were arrested and taken into custody,...

Read more

UPDATED: TWO IN CUSTODY AFTER WOODHAM INCIDENT

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 23rd, 2015 In News 1 comments

Two males were behind bars on Friday night after a serious incident at Woodham Academy. Eye witness accounts claim two young men stormed into the Aycliffe school during the Friday lunch hour and tormented young pupils before they were arrested by police. Woodham head teacher Christine Forsyth wrote to all parents at the end of the school...

Read more
TOWN CENTRE UP FOR ANOTHER AWARD AS WORK CONTINUES News

TOWN CENTRE UP FOR ANOTHER AWARD AS WORK CONTINUES

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 23rd, 2015 In News 1 comments

By Ryan Burton It has been revealed Newton Aycliffe town centre is up for another award, as work on the third phase of the redevelopment gets under way. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has nominated the town for the renaissance award in the North-East. It comes just a month after our town centre won a gold award at...

Read more

POLICE LAUNCH CRACKDOWN ON MOBILE-DRIVING MENACE

By Martin Walker January 23rd, 2015 In News 0 comments

By Martin Walker Police are launching a major crackdown across County Durham and Cleveland this weekend on motorists using their mobile phones. The campaign will be carried out by officers from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit (CDSOU) over the week beginning Sunday, 25th January. The aim of the campaign is to...

Read more
ASPIRING TO BE THE BEST Business

ASPIRING TO BE THE BEST

By Martin Walker January 23rd, 2015 In Business, Sport 0 comments

Sharon Whitehead, director of Aspire Fitness Studios, believes she has found a gap in the market with her business... In 2010, Sharon Whitehead stood in a derelict roomwith a clear vision. Her aim was to provide all-purpose fitness studios with a wide range of quality fitness classes offering members the flexibility to pay how they want and...

Read more
POLICE BID TO SET UP CRIME-BUSTING TV NETWORK Community

POLICE BID TO SET UP CRIME-BUSTING TV NETWORK

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 23rd, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

By Ryan Burton Police are appealing for residents of Newton Aycliffe who have their own private CCTV cameras to help set up a crime-busting network. Durham Constabulary want to set up a database in Newton Aycliffe made up of CCTV cameras in the town to help assist with future enquires and investigations. PCSO Mike Hutchinson (pictured...

Read more

BEWARE THE WOUNDED ANIMAL, SAYS DIXON

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 23rd, 2015 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

By Ryan Burton Newton Aycliffe FC boss Peter Dixon has warned his team to expect a reaction from Marske United on Saturday. Aycliffe take on the Marske in the league after playing them in the league cup on Tuesday night. They recorded a resounding 4-1 victory, which knocked the Teessiders out of the competition that they won last...

Read more

AYCLIFFE BUSINESS BIRTHDAY EVENT PLANNED

By Martin Walker January 23rd, 2015 In Business 1 comments

By Martin Walker The Aycliffe Business Park Community (ABPC) will celebrate its second birthday during a special event at the end of January. It's been two years since the Steering Group officially launched ABPC at the Xcel Centre, with around 100 firms from Aycliffe Business Park attending. Since then the group has hosted regular...

Read more

COUNCIL STILL HOPES TO RELOCATE THE CUBBY

By Martin Walker January 22nd, 2015 In Community, News 1 comments

By Martin Walker Durham County Council says it is still trying to find a new location for The Cubby community cafe and charity fundraiser Honest John. As reported on Aycliffe Today last week, charities and voluntary groups in Newton Aycliffe could lose out to the tune of £20,000 a year if The Cubby can’t be relocated this...

Read more

COMMUNITY GROUPS CASH IN ON GAMP FUNDING

By Martin Walker January 22nd, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

Groups in the Newton Aycliffe and Middridge who work with young people are starting to benefit from a new pot of funding dedicated to groups organising projects and activities. Now other groups are being urged to apply for more cash which is available. The Small Grants Fund for Children and Young People, which has been developed by the...

Read more

NEXT STOP AYCLIFFE... HITACHI TRAIN ARRIVES IN UK!

By Martin Walker January 21st, 2015 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker Hitachi Rail Europe's very first prototype train bound for Newton Aycliffe has arrived in the UK! It has taken 52 days and 12,880 nautical miles for Hitachi's training carriage to make its way from Japan to the Port of Tyne. Dramatic images (below) show the part-assembled carriage, shrouded in mystery, rolling off the...

Read more

AYCLIFFE HAMMER MARSKE IN CUP

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 21st, 2015 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe 4, Marske United 1 By Bob Wood Newton Aycliffe ended Marske’s hopes of retaining the Northern League Cup with a 4-1 win at Moore Lane Park on Tuesday night. The match had been in doubt throughout the day but at a 5pm inspection referee Terry Fletcher decided that the pitch was playable and that conditions should not...

Read more

AYCLIFFE FINANCE BROKERS CAN HELP YOU

By Martin Walker January 20th, 2015 In Business, News 0 comments

A company specialising in personal and business finance has moved to Newton Aycliffe. Since the financial crash in 2008, when banks virtually ceased lending altogether, many people now assume that they are unable to raise funds for essentials such as consolidation of debts, home improvements, or funding business ventures. However,...

Read more
BUSINESS BOOMING FOR BECKY Business

BUSINESS BOOMING FOR BECKY

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 20th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

A Newton Aycliffe mum has even more reason to make her new business a success after her husband was recently diagnosed with Leukaemia, leaving her as the sole earner in the household. Becky McGeary, 31, launched her business Forever Living Aycliffe – a multi-level franchise of the health, wellness and beauty company Forever Living – in...

Read more

BIKES STOLEN FROM SCHOOL AYCLIFFE

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 20th, 2015 In News 0 comments

Police are appealing for information after thieves stole a pair of bikes. Police say the bikes, pictured above, were taken from a property in School Aycliffe sometime overnight on Thursday 15th January. Anyone with any information about the bikes is asked to call police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.  ...

Read more

CONTEST LAUNCHED TO CURB UNDER-AGE DRINKING

By Martin Walker January 20th, 2015 In News 0 comments

Pupils at schools across County Durham and Darlington are set to feel the heat in a new competition just launched. The aim of the Dragons’ Den-style contest is to find an innovative way of raising awareness of the risks of under-age drinking. It is being run under the banner of Operation Aries, an on-going multi-agency campaign...

Read more

ROBOT INVASION AT SCHOOL

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 20th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

Eight teams from across County Durham competed for the second Royal Academy of Engineering Durham VEX Robotics Challenge at Woodham Academy. The schools taking part were Greenfield, St Leonards, Tanfield School, Park View, The Hermitage Academy, Staindrop, Ferryhill Business College and Woodham Academy. Each school presented a team of 6...

Read more

LUMIERE TO RETURN TO DURHAM THIS YEAR

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 20th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

Lumiere, the UK’s largest outdoor light festival, is returning to Durham later this year for the fourth time. Created by Artichoke, one of the UK’s leading arts producers, Lumiere is commissioned by Durham County Council and receives additional support from Arts Council England and a raft of sponsors. This year's event will take...

Read more
PROPOSALS FOR DEVOLUTION News

PROPOSALS FOR DEVOLUTION

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 20th, 2015 In News 0 comments

The North East Combined Authority (NECA) will consider a significant programme of devolution of power, funding and responsibilities to the North East at a meeting tonight. This marks a major step forward in negotiations with government to promote economic prosperity in the North East and ensure decisions about the North East’s economic...

Read more
UNCERTAINTY LOOMS FOR HONEST JOHN News

UNCERTAINTY LOOMS FOR HONEST JOHN

By Martin Walker January 16th, 2015 In News 0 comments

By Martin Walker Charities and voluntary groups in Newton Aycliffe could lose out to the tune of £20,000 a year if The Cubby community cafe can't be relocated this year. Durham County Council issued notice to The Cubby after it sold the land to developers - and the popular cafe must find new premises by October of this year. Along...

Read more
NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN NEARS SECOND PHASE Community

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN NEARS SECOND PHASE

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 16th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

By Ryan Burton The Neighbourhood Plan set up by Great Aycliffe Town Council last year is about enter its second phase. Angela Corner, Community Neighbourhood Engagement Officer, has called on people to get involved as the plan goes into its next stage. Neighbourhood Plans have created a platform for members of the community to get...

Read more
WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT HONEST JOHN? News

WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT HONEST JOHN?

By Martin Walker January 16th, 2015 In News 1 comments

By Martin Walker Honest John has raised literally tens of thousands of pounds for local charities and good causes in Newton Aycliffe. The sum total currently stands at £102,000 in the last seven years. A total of £21,850 was donated to 34 Aycliffe organisations in 2014, ranging from roller skating groups and youth football clubs to...

Read more

AYCLIFFE BOSS DIXON UPBEAT WITH FORM

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 16th, 2015 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

By Ryan Burton Newton Aycliffe FC manager Peter Dixon has called on his side to continue with their recent run of results and climb up the league. His side face a tricky week, starting with an away game to Bedlington Terriers followed by back-to-back games against highflying Marske United in the league and cup. Newton Aycliffe are in...

Read more

BIKE MARKING EVENT THIS WEEKEND

By Martin Walker January 16th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

Aycliffe residents are being reminded there is a bike-marking event in the town this weekend. The Aycliffe Neighbourhood Police Team is holding the event 10am-1pm on Sunday (18th January) at the former BHP solicitors unit in the town centre. This is a free service, with PCSO Richard Scott and PC Thompson in attendance.  ...

Read more

SIGN UP TO GET YOUR GARDEN WASTE COLLECTED

By Martin Walker January 16th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe residents are reminded to sign up to the garden waste scheme this month to ensure they receive all collections this year. For an annual fee of £20, householders will receive fortnightly collections from their property between spring and autumn. A three-year subscription is also available at the discounted rate of...

Read more

WOODHAM'S GOT TALENT 2015

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 16th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

Woodham Academy will once again showcase the very best in music and dance in the eagerly anticipated Woodham’s Got Talent 2015 later this year. Last year’s show saw the judges have to make the toughest of decisions in separating the performers as the standard was so high, however the wonderful dancing of Year 8 student Lauren Towell won...

Read more
ALLISON'S FIGHT GOES ON Features

ALLISON'S FIGHT GOES ON

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 15th, 2015 In Features 0 comments

Newtonian and charity campaigner Allison White will undergo a hysterectomy this week in her latest battle with leukaemia. She talks to Zoe Skerrett about her continued fight, and her support group which is approaching its first anniversary... Five years ago Newtonian Allison White popped home during a country festival in Barnard Castle to...

Read more

100 ARRESTS DURING XMAS DRINK-DRIVE CAMPAIGN

By Martin Walker January 15th, 2015 In News 0 comments

The Christmas drink-drive campaign in Cleveland and Durham saw more than 100 motorists arrested for failing a roadside breath test or being unfit to drive because of the influence of drugs. The Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit (CDSOU) launched the initiative on 1st December to run alongside the national campaign led by ACPO...

Read more

FAMILY PAYS TRIBUTE TO 'GENTLE GIANT' SHANE

By Martin Walker January 14th, 2015 In News 0 comments

The family of a Newton Aycliffe man who died in a road accident at the weekend have paid tribute to their "gentle giant". Shane Smith, 25, of Stainforth Close in the town, died after his blue Audi A4 left the road and crashed at Close House in Bishop Auckland, just before 8.50pm last Saturday (10th January). His family have issued a...

Read more
PREMO FABS HIT £5M-MARK WITH MAN CITY CONTRACT Business

PREMO FABS HIT £5M-MARK WITH MAN CITY CONTRACT

By Martin Walker January 14th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

(Above, left-to-right): Fabricators Gareth Harman, Stephen Addison and Stephen Bell with directors Dave Knowles and Beau Stevens. By Martin Walker A Newton Aycliffe fabrication company has celebrated the end of its fifth year by hitting the £5m-mark. Premo Fabrications, based on Aycliffe Business Park, specialise in the design and...

Read more

AYCLIFFE BOUNCE BACK WITH ASHINGTON WIN

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 14th, 2015 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe 3, Ashington 0 Peter Dixon's Newtonians bounced back from Saturday's disappointment at Shildon to record their third 3-0 victory in their past four outings. In a game which saw wind and snow batter the AuxAudio Stadium, goals from Stuart Banks and a Jordan Laidler double sealed the points against Ashington. Former...

Read more
NEW JOBS IN PIPELINE AS STILLER CELEBRATES £15M DEAL Business

NEW JOBS IN PIPELINE AS STILLER CELEBRATES £15M DEAL

By Martin Walker January 14th, 2015 In Business 1 comments

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe family firm Stiller Warehousing and Distribution is looking to create more new jobs after celebrating a £15m deal with a major multinational food packaging firm. Stiller, based on Aycliffe Business Park, hopes to create at least 10 new posts after striking a five-year contract with Coveris Rigid...

Read more

FUNDING AVAILABLE TO COMMUNITY GROUPS

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 13th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

There’s still time for community groups in Newton Aycliffe to take advantage of funding on offer to help spruce up their local open spaces. As part of the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) It’s Your Neighbourhood campaign, Durham County Council is making up to £500 available to encourage volunteer-led community groups to take part...

Read more

GREENFIELD PUPILS AND TEACHERS ENJOY SKIING TRIP

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 13th, 2015 In News 0 comments

A group of over 80 students and teachers from Greenfield Community College (both Greenfield and Sunnydale campuses) enjoyed a brilliant time in Italy’s Aosta Valley when they took part in the annual ski residential during the last week of term. Greenfield has visited Pila, a superb Italian ski resort boastings stunning views of Monte...

Read more

HAVE A SAY ON LOCAL ISSUES

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 13th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

Residents in Great Aycliffe and Middridge can find out how local issues are being tackled when the Area Action Partnership meets later this month. The GAMP board meeting is on Tuesday 20 January 2015 (6pm to 8pm) at Great Aycliffe Town Council offices. Local people can also raise any neighbourhood concerns they want the board to address....

Read more
SPORTS CLUB GO TOP WITH EIGHTH STRAIGHT WIN Sport

SPORTS CLUB GO TOP WITH EIGHTH STRAIGHT WIN

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 13th, 2015 In Football, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe Sports Club 5, Darlington Rolling Mills 3 Wear Valley Sunday Morning League 11th January 2015 Aycliffe Sports Club claimed their eighth consecutive win to go top of the table for the first time this season. After a 4-2 home win against Witton Victoria, the Sports Club went one better at the weekend with a magnificent 5-2...

Read more

OLIVER LAUDS OUTGOING FARLEY

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 12th, 2015 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

By Ryan Burton Newton Aycliffe FC Chairman Allan Oliver has praised Gary Farley after announcing his decision to leave the club. Farley leaves the club after eight years at Moore Lane Park. He spent seven years in a dual role as chairman and assistant manager. Oliver, who took over as chairman in the summer after previously being...

Read more

POLICE HUNT SUSPECTED TESCO THIEF

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 12th, 2015 In News 0 comments

Police have issued a picture of a man they'd like to speak to in relation to a theft which took place at Newton Aycliffe's Tesco store. As reported on Aycliffe Today last week, a suspected thief asked a member of staff at Tesco to remove security tags from computer games before leaving the store without paying. The incident happened on...

Read more

AYCLIFFE LOSE DERBY AT SHILDON

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 12th, 2015 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Shildon 3, Newton Aycliffe 1 Newton Aycliffe were left to curse their ill-discipline as they threw away three points against title challengers Shildon on Saturday, imploding in the second half which saw them surrender their early lead and have two men sent for an early bath. Dennis Knight gave the visitors and early lead on the counter...

Read more

AYCLIFFE MAN DIES IN ROAD ACCIDENT

By Martin Walker January 12th, 2015 In News 0 comments

Police are appealing for witnesses after a 25-year-old Newton Aycliffe man died when his car left the road and crashed in Bishop Auckland at the weekend. It happened just before 8.50pm on Saturday (10th January) at Close House in Bishop Auckland. One vehicle was involved, a blue Audi A4 driven by Shane Michael Smith, of Stainforth Close,...

Read more

PAUL SETS SIGHTS ON £10K TARGET

By Martin Walker January 12th, 2015 In News 0 comments

By Martin Walker Inspirational fundraiser Paul McGeary has set an ambitious goal to reach the £10,000 mark after almost doubling his original target. The 33-year-old Newtonian, who was diagnosed with leukaemia at the end of November, has been undergoing a gruelling programme of Chemotherapy at the James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough...

Read more

HORNDALE RESIDENTS CELEBRATE £6K WINDFALL

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 10th, 2015 In Community, News 0 comments

By Ryan Burton Horndale Residents’ Association has been awarded a £6,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund. The Newton Aycliffe group will use the money to fund community fun days and a number of low cost day trips throughout the year. Philip Clark, chairman of Horndale Residents’ Association (pictured above) said: “We are...

Read more

POLICE APPEAL AFTER MOTOR BIKE STOLEN

By Martin Walker January 8th, 2015 In News 0 comments

Police are appealing for information after a motor bike was stolen in Aycliffe Village. A statement said the motorcycle was taken from a garden shed in the Bickford Terrace area, some time overnight between last Saturday and Sunday (3-4th Jauary). Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101.  ...

Read more

TROUBLED TESCO TO CLOSE 43 STORES

By Martin Walker January 8th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

Troubled supermarket Tesco has said it will close 43 unprofitable stores across the UK - more than half of which will be local convenience shops, known as Tesco Express. The firm, which has a Tesco Extra store in Newton Aycliffe, is also shelving plans to open a further 49 new "very large" stores. Additionally, Tesco is closing its staff...

Read more

HITACHI TRAIN BEGINS JOURNEY TO AYCLIFFE

By Martin Walker January 8th, 2015 In Business 0 comments

Hitachi has started shipment of the first completed pre-series Class 800 train from Tokyo to Newton Aycliffe. The train manufacturers unveiled the train that will soon be gracing the East Coast mainline last November at Kasado Works in Kudamatsu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. In the first half of 2015 the three trains – each measuring...

Read more

SUSPECTED THIEF DUPES TESCO STAFF

By Martin Walker January 7th, 2015 In News 0 comments

A suspected thief asked a member of staff at Tesco to remove security tags from computer games before leaving the store without paying. Police would now like to speak to the male pictured in the above CCTV still in relation to the incident. It happened on Tuesday 23rd December at Aycliffe's Tesco Extra store. The suspect walked around...

Read more

DURHAM COUNCIL CUTS WILL NOW EXCEED £250M

By Martin Walker January 7th, 2015 In News 0 comments

By Martin Walker Durham County Council leader Simon Henig admits the local authority will no longer be able to protect frontline services after it was revealed cuts have yet again been increased. DCC said two years ago it must save £190m by 2017 and in December it said that figure had risen to £225m after the Chancellor's 2014 Autumn...

Read more

GAMP SEARCH FOR COMMUNITY HEROES

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 7th, 2015 In Community 0 comments

Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership (GAMP) are looking for individuals or organisations that have done something great for their community. The Chairman’s Medal is presented to individuals and groups to recognise significant achievement and outstanding effort in all walks of life. It’s the highest honour Durham County Council...

Read more

CAR BROKEN INTO AT ST. OSWALD'S COURT

By Martin Walker January 7th, 2015 In News 0 comments

Police are appealing for information after a car was broken into this week. A statement said a silver Peugeot 308 estate vehicle was broken into on St. Oswald's Court, some time between 6pm and 10.10pm on Monday (5th January). Numerous items were removed from the vehicle. Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101, or...

Read more

AYCLIFFE WIN AT LEADERS WEST AUCKLAND

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 7th, 2015 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Goals from former West Auckland players Jordan Laidler (2) and Aaron Brown helped Aycliffe boss Peter Dixon secure a remarkable 3-0 win over the league-leaders on his return to Darlington Road on Tuesday night. West started the game the brighter, and had three chances to take the lead, with Steve Richardson testing 'keeper James Winter and...

Read more
'BEAT THE DRUM' WW1 MUSICAL PRESENTATION News

'BEAT THE DRUM' WW1 MUSICAL PRESENTATION

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 7th, 2015 In News, What's ON 0 comments

An acoustic duo will use music and movies to illustrate how World War I affected local people during a special presentation in Newton Aycliffe. Man-and-wife musical team Steve and Carol Robson, known as Fool's Gold, will bring their musical performance 'Beat The Drum' to the town's Library, on Central Avenue, in February. The event will...

Read more

'THE TUB' START NEW YEAR ON A HIGH!

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 7th, 2015 In Football, Sport 0 comments

FC Turbinia got off to a New Year winning start after a five-week lay-off. The Tub re-started their 2014-15 season at Barnard Castle's Castle Rangers, and after the lengthy spell without any action they romped to a 5-0 victory. The visitors played a possession game and kept the ball well. A cross field through ball from Paul Hepper...

Read more

DURHAM POLICE TRIAL NEW TAGS

By Martin Walker January 7th, 2015 In News 0 comments

Criminals are being tracked by a new type of electronic tag being trialled by Durham Constabulary. The tags have been fitted to 10 offenders with a history of committing crime and enable the force to monitor the movements of the individuals remotely. This means officers’ time will be freed up to be spend time on other priorities and...

Read more

FARLEY LEAVES AYCLIFFE FC AFTER EIGHT YEARS

By Martin Walker January 6th, 2015 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

By Martin Walker Former Newton Aycliffe FC chairman Gary Farley has announced his decision to leave Moore Lane Park after eight years with the club. The popular Newtonian played a huge part in Aycliffe's meteoric rise from park football to the Northern League top flight. Farley's biggest achievement off the field was managing the...

Read more

EBAC'S NEW FREEZER DEAL WITH AMAZON

By Martin Walker January 5th, 2015 In Business 1 comments

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe manufacturer Ebac has won another major deal to supply freezers to online retailer Amazon. Ebac bought the Norfrost freezers brand and equipment in 2013 and launched a new factory - the former Radius Systems factory on Heighington Lane, Aycliffe Business Park - to relaunch the popular brand. The firm...

Read more
POLICE HUNT SCOUT CENTRE THIEF News

POLICE HUNT SCOUT CENTRE THIEF

By Martin Walker January 5th, 2015 In News 0 comments

Cops are hunting a thief who broke into a popular community centre before making off with two cash tills. Police say a suspect (pictured below) ransacked the Scout Centre, next to the Navy Club on Bluebell Way, before taking the tills, overnight on Tuesday 30th December going into New Year's Eve. "We believe the suspect has made his/her...

Read more

NEW YEAR CHEER FOR AYCLIFFE FC!

By Martin Walker January 5th, 2015 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe's Northern League club got off to the best possible New Year at the weekend. Peter Dixon's side halted a five-match winless run with a thumping 3-0 victory at home to fellow strugglers West Allotment Celtic on Saturday. The win lifted Aycliffe back up to 17th in the first division table, three points above the relegation...

Read more

£268 MILLION TO TACKLE POTHOLES IN THE NORTH-EAST

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 5th, 2015 In News 0 comments

A record £268 million will be spent on improving local roads between 2015 and 2021 in the North-East, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has revealed. The investment amounts to £45m a year, enough to fix around 800,000 potholes across the region. It is the first time councils have been given locked-in funding over this length of...

Read more
2014 REVIEW - OCTOBER, NOVEMBER & DECEMBER Features

2014 REVIEW - OCTOBER, NOVEMBER & DECEMBER

By Martin Walker January 5th, 2015 In Features 0 comments

Aycliffe Today editor Martin Walker takes a look back at 2014, reviewing October, November and December... October • A £40,000 Multi Use Games Area at Horndale Park is officially opened (pictured above). • Aycliffe FC appoint former West Auckland boss Peter Dixon as their new manger. • Tributes are paid to popular Newtonian...

Read more

PACT MEETING

By Aycliffe Today Reporter January 4th, 2015 In Community 0 comments

The next PACT meeting for Shafto/St Mary’s Ward is due to take place on Thursday (8th January) from 6pm at The Library on Central Avenue, Newton Aycliffe.  ...

Read more

2014 REVIEW - AUGUST & SEPTEMBER

By Martin Walker January 3rd, 2015 In Features 0 comments

Aycliffe Today editor Martin Walker takes a look back at 2014, reviewing August and September... August • The Government confirms the first Universal Technical College (UTC) for the North-East will be in Newton Aycliffe - the South Durham UTC, sponsored by the University of Sunderland, Hitachi Rail Europe and Gestamp Tallent. •...

Read more

2014 REVIEW - JUNE & JULY

By Martin Walker December 31st, 2014 In Features 0 comments

Aycliffe Today editor Martin Walker takes a look back at 2014, reviewing June and July... June • Aycliffe’s market looks doomed after traders snub an offer to relocate it to the Greenwell Road car park (pictured above). • Aycliffe Today plays a key role in the sale of Woodham Golf Club – its new owners, Rushyford-based Hall...

Read more

PAUL HOME FOR NEW YEAR

By Martin Walker December 31st, 2014 In News 0 comments

Brave Newtonian Paul McGeary has been handed a New Year surprise - a few days at home with his family. The 33-year-old, who was diagnosed with leukaemia at the end of November, has been undergoing a gruelling programme of Chemotherapy at the James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough since early December, where he spent the festive season. But...

Read more

2014 REVIEW - APRIL & MAY

By Martin Walker December 31st, 2014 In Features 0 comments

Aycliffe Today editor Martin Walker takes a look back at 2014, reviewing April and May... April • Aycliffe detectives are set to pioneer state-of-the-art spying technology that enables them to watch criminals in their own homes - but is 'Polar Flair' all what it seems? The story is later revealed to be an April Fool joke. • The...

Read more
DATE SET FOR TOWN CENTRE DEVELOPMENT News

DATE SET FOR TOWN CENTRE DEVELOPMENT

By Martin Walker December 30th, 2014 In News 1 comments

By Martin Walker The date for the third phase of Newton Aycliffe's award-winning town centre redevelopment has been revealed. The Freshwater Group, owners of Aycliffe Town Centre, has confirmed Churchill House and adjoining shops - excluding the town clock - will be demolished in March. It has also been revealed that Durham County...

Read more

POLICE APPEAL AFTER ASSAULT OUTSIDE TURBINIA

By Aycliffe Today Reporter December 30th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Police are appealing for information after an assault in the town at the weekend. A male is said to have been the victim of an unprovoked assault in the car park of the Turbinia public House at around 7pm on Sunday (28th December). Anyone with any information is asked to call the police on 101.  ...

Read more

2014 REVIEW - FEBRUARY & MARCH

By Martin Walker December 30th, 2014 In Features 0 comments

Aycliffe Today editor Martin Walker takes a look back at 2014, reviewing February and March... February • Newton Aycliffe police hunt a suspected hit and run driver after a man was knocked over by a vehicle on Horndale Avenue, adjacent to Permoids, on Aycliffe Business Park. • Stiller Warehousing and Distribution announces the...

Read more

MCGEARY BLOOD DRIVE SUCCESS

By Martin Walker December 30th, 2014 In News 0 comments

A festive 'Blood Drive' in the name of Newtonian Paul McGeary resulted in a large number of donors and several people being asked to return in the New Year. Becky McGeary’s ‘Driving Home for Christmas’ appeal gathered momentum in the build-up to a big Christmas Eve push. With four volunteers having already given blood under the...

Read more
SARAH WINS £500 CASH COMPETITION! News

SARAH WINS £500 CASH COMPETITION!

By Martin Walker December 30th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Greenfield Community College teacher Sarah Robson has been revealed as the winner of Aycliffe Today's Christmas Cash Competition. The 35-year-old art teacher says she was "delighted" to have picked up the prize after returning from a Christmas holiday at the weekend. Sarah was drawn at random from all the correct entries in our...

Read more

2014 REVIEW - JANUARY

By Martin Walker December 30th, 2014 In Features 0 comments

Aycliffe Today editor Martin Walker takes a look back at 2014, reviewing January... • iPad con merchant Kirsty Cox is jailed for two years at Teesside Crown Court for her £450,000 scam in 2012, but is later released after serving just a few weeks. • Aycliffe-based subsea technology firm Tekmar Energy celebrates hat-trick of contract...

Read more

POLICE DISH OUT CRIME-PREVENTION KIT

By Martin Walker December 30th, 2014 In News 1 comments

Newton Aycliffe police officers dished out crime-prevention kit to some of the town's residents over the festive season. Officers from the Aycliffe Neighbourhood Police Team gave out several pieces of kit - including 24-hour segment timers, magnetic door alarms and window alarms to name but a few items. The equipment was purchased as...

Read more

COUNCILLOR TOM HOPING TO MAKE HIS MARK

By Aycliffe Today Reporter December 24th, 2014 In Features 0 comments

By Zoe Skerrett Tom Twissell is Newton Aycliffe’s youngest town councillor and has big plans for the Youth Centre and getting more young people interested and involved in politics. The 19-year-old, who attended Woodham Academy, says his interest in politics began in 2010 with the General Election with his friend, and fellow councillor,...

Read more

PAYING THE PRICE FOR ECO FINES

By Martin Walker December 24th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Nearly 200 people in County Durham are paying the price for committing environmental crimes such as fly-tipping. Throughout October and November Durham County Council’s neighbourhood protection team issued 142 fixed penalty notices for littering, 11 for dog fouling and 39 for failing to respond to requests to clear untidy yards or...

Read more

SEVEN-UP FOR SIX-STAR SPORTSY

By Aycliffe Today Reporter December 24th, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Aycliffe Sports Club 7, BA Laceys 1 Wear Valley Sunday Morning League, 21st December 2014 By Paul Eales The second home game in a row saw The Sports Club win 7-1 against Bishop Auckland Laceys at Moore Lane. The Sports Club welcomed back the return of Craig Barrigan and Sam McKerr who slotted into the back three alongside Craig...

Read more
LEUKAEMIA RESEARCH APPEAL HITS £1,500 MARK News

LEUKAEMIA RESEARCH APPEAL HITS £1,500 MARK

By Martin Walker December 19th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Courageous Newtonian Paul McGeary's fundraising efforts have already topped the £1,500 mark. As reported on Aycliffe Today earlier this week, Paul was struck down by leukaemia at the end of November and faces Christmas in hospital. But he and his wife Becky bravely launched a campaign to both raise funds for Leukaemia & Lymphoma...

Read more

EYE IN THE SKY GIVES UNIQUE VIEW OF SPORTS VILLAGE

By Martin Walker December 19th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

An eye in the sky is capturing a unique view of the rapid development of the new Middlesbrough Sports Village, which has been constructed using Aycliffe steel. Dramatic aerial shots give a bird’s eye view of the new 400m track and Sports Hub - built by Aycliffe firm Finley Structures - which are the focal points of the £18m complex off...

Read more

WONDERFUL FESTIVE EVENT AT WOODHAM ACADEMY

By Martin Walker December 19th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Woodham Academy hosted its successful annual Christmas Fair earlier this month. "It was a wonderfully festive event which left visitors spoilt for choice," said the school. "A whole range of activities were on offer from face painting to writing letters to Santa. "There were families enjoying Christmas paper crafts, making tree...

Read more

WOODHAM ACADEMY SEEKS NEW TEACHING ASSISTANT

By Aycliffe Today Reporter December 18th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Higher Level Teaching Assistant required for January 2015 Grade 6 Point 21-25 (subject to HLTA qualification) The Governors of Woodham Academy seek to appoint a Higher Level Teaching Assistant to manage the day-to-day running of the school’s Behaviour for Learning Centre which supports the learning of students eligible for Pupil Premium...

Read more

SANTA'S CHRISTMAS EVE ROUTE

By Martin Walker December 18th, 2014 In Community, Features 1 comments

It's one of Newton Aycliffe's oldest and best traditions - Santa Claus' annual route around the town before his busy night delivering presents around the world! Aycliffe Today brings you Santa's Christmas Eve route in full... ROUTE ONE 3.45pm-4.10pm: Welbury, St Oswalds, Central 4.10pm-5.00pm: Washington area, Wycliffe, Armstrong,...

Read more

PHONE FIRMS AGREE £5 BILLION COVERAGE DEAL

By Martin Walker December 18th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

The Government has reached a deal with the four mobile networks to improve coverage across the UK, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said. A binding agreement has been reached with EE, O2, Three and Vodafone to tackle poor signal issues in so-called partial not-spots, a spokesman said. These are areas that have coverage from...

Read more

POLICE RAID SIX AYCLIFFE PUBS

By Martin Walker December 17th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Police officers stormed six Aycliffe pubs as part of a crackdown on suspected drugs use. The operation, carried out earlier this month, involved officers from the town's Neighbourhood Police Team going into the pubs with a drugs dog and the force's Alcohol Harm Reduction Unit (AHRU) to search customers. The pubs involved were DL5, the...

Read more

CHRISTMAS BIN COLLECTIONS

By Martin Walker December 17th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Residents are reminded that bins will be emptied as normal up to and including Wednesday 24th December with collection days then changing during Christmas and New Year. The following collection dates are in place: Normal collection days  Revised collection days: Revised collection days   Christmas New...

Read more

HELP IS OUT THERE FOR YOUNG LGBT PEOPLE

By Aycliffe Today Reporter December 17th, 2014 In Features 1 comments

For young people dealing with their sexuality, life can be a lonely place, but there is help out there with an Newton Aycliffe-based LGBT group, as Zoe Skerrett founds out... “Some people are LGBT Get support” is the motto for Newton Aycliffe’s LGBT support group, which is based at DISC (Developing Initiatives Supporting Commmunities)...

Read more
THE 'AYCLIFFE BLUE' BLOG Features

THE 'AYCLIFFE BLUE' BLOG

By Aycliffe Today Reporter December 17th, 2014 In Blog 0 comments

  Aycliffe Neighbourhood Police Team Sergeant Mark Edwards returns with a festive blog... Ho, ho, ho – well, I had to start this festive blog on a cheesy note! That said, now it’s down to business. What’s been going on in Aycliffe in the run up to Christmas? On Saturday 6th December there was a robbery at McColls Store on...

Read more

SPORTS CLUB HIT WILLINGTON FOR SIX

By Aycliffe Today Reporter December 17th, 2014 In Football, Sport 0 comments

Aycliffe Sports Clu 6, Willington Cottles 1 Wear Valley Sunday Morning League 14th December 2014 By Paul Eales The first home game in six weeks saw Newton Aycliffe Sports Club FC host one of the front runners, Willington Cottles, in a return to league action. With Craig Barrigan still out through injury and Sam McKerr unavailable...

Read more

TELEPHONE FRAUD WARNING

By Martin Walker December 17th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Police are warning people to be vigilant after a number of people in the north east were targeted by telephone fraudsters. Victims are contacted by someone posing as either a police officer or an employee at the fraud department of the victims bank. The fraudsters convince the victim that their bank account has been compromised and...

Read more
PAUL McGEARY LEUKAEMIA RESEARCH APPEAL News

PAUL McGEARY LEUKAEMIA RESEARCH APPEAL

By Martin Walker December 16th, 2014 In News 0 comments

A Newtonian struck down with leukaemia just weeks before Christmas is selflessly asking people to donate to charity over the festive season. Married dad-of-one Paul McGeary will spend Christmas in hospital after he was delivered the blow on Friday 28th November that he'd been diagnosed with an acute form of leukaemia. His 14-month-old...

Read more
PAUL'S BLOG FROM THE BEDSIDE #2 - DRIVING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS Features

PAUL'S BLOG FROM THE BEDSIDE #2 - DRIVING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

By PMcGeary December 16th, 2014 In Blog, Features 0 comments

Newtonian and Aycliffe Today writer Paul McGeary is writing blogs from the bedside during his battle with leukemia… Work, Rest and Play At full health, I enjoyed them all. Probably in that order, too. Whatever my health numbers now, these three words mean much more to me. “You need to relax, switch off…” No, I need to keep going, I...

Read more

WE CAN DO MORE TO STOP BURGLARIES

By Aycliffe Today Reporter December 15th, 2014 In Features 0 comments

By Zoe Skerrett Burglary crime is on the rise in Newton Aycliffe but can be prevented if you remember to lock your cars, windows and front doors. Since July there have been a spike in reported burglaries, many of which are “2-in-1” crimes where the thief enters a home, takes the car keys and then steals your car. This was seen in...

Read more
BLACK & DECKER BOSS RETURNS TO AYCLIFFE ROOTS Business

BLACK & DECKER BOSS RETURNS TO AYCLIFFE ROOTS

By Martin Walker December 15th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

A global manufacturing boss returned to his former training college after nearly 35 years to present awards to talented young engineers. Colin Thirlway, who qualified as a maintenance apprentice from South West Durham Training back in the early 1980s, is now Director of Global Product Compliance at Stanley Black & Decker. Appearing...

Read more

THE X FACTOR - FINAL WEEK

By Aycliffe Today Reporter December 15th, 2014 In Features 0 comments

Aycliffe Today columnist Zoe Skerrett completes her review of the TV talent contest... Saturday 13th December. Tens of thousands applied, and now there is three left. It’s Saturday night and the X Factor 2014 final weekend is about to begin. Ben Haenow, Fleur East and Andrea Faustini will be faced with their toughest challenge yet...

Read more

PAUL'S BLOG FROM THE BEDSIDE #1 - ROLLING WITH THE PUNCHES

By Martin Walker December 14th, 2014 In Blog, Features 0 comments

Newtonian and Aycliffe Today writer Paul McGeary is writing blogs from the bedside during his battle with leukemia... Bruised Ego November 7th, 2014. My 33rd birthday. A small bruise appears on my forearm, innocuous blemish. Never mind that, there’s a curry and a few beers with my name on, let’s go. The following day, a matching bruise...

Read more
WOMAN SOUGHT BY POLICE News

WOMAN SOUGHT BY POLICE

By Aycliffe Today Reporter December 14th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Police would like to speak to the woman pictured in these grainy CCTV images after an incident in the Co-Op store at Neville Parade. Police say the incident - believed to be a theft - happened on Saturday afternoon, and the female suspect made off in the car pictured below, also taken from CCTV. Anyone who knows her identity is asked to...

Read more

POLICE HUNT WOODHAM HIT-AND-RUN DRIVER

By Martin Walker December 12th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe police are appealing for information after a hit-and-run in Woodham. Police say a young man was hit by a car in Lowther Drive at about 10.20pm on Thursday night before the vehicle made off. "The only vehicle description we have is that it was possibly similar to a Vauxhall Vectra," said a statement. Anyone with...

Read more

PLANS AFOOT TO FORMALISE BUSINESS GROUP

By Martin Walker December 11th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker Talks are underway to officially formalise the Aycliffe Business Park Community (ABPC) Steering Group which will create a more powerful entity. The ABPC, which celebrates its second anniversary in January, has revealed plans to create an official organisation in 2015. The Steering Group, currently an informal...

Read more
MEGAN WINS ENGINEERING AWARD Business

MEGAN WINS ENGINEERING AWARD

By Martin Walker December 11th, 2014 In Business, Community 0 comments

By Martin Walker Woodham Academy student Megan Pluse picked up an engineering award at South West Durham Training's annual presentation this week. Megan was named Best Year 10 School Pupil at the training-provider's special event on Wednesday night. The school's deputy head teacher Jonathan Lumb, pictured below with Megan and her...

Read more

DURHAM MAN ACCUSED OF AYCLIFFE ROBBERY

By Aycliffe Today Reporter December 11th, 2014 In News 1 comments

A Durham man appeared at the town's Magistrates' Court yesterday (Wednesday) charged with a robbery which happened in Newton Aycliffe last weekend. James Campbell, 22, from Meadowfield, Durham, was charged with robbery and possessing an offensive weapon. Cigarettes worth £54.86 were taken during an incident at the McColl's store at...

Read more

BEWARE THE '12 SCAMS OF CHRISTMAS'

By Aycliffe Today Reporter December 11th, 2014 In Features 0 comments

Online shoppers are being warned not to fall victim to any of the ‘12 scams of Christmas’. With time running out to get those all-important presents under the tree before the big day, many people will be heading online to snap up some festive bargains. But Durham County Council’s consumer protection team is warning residents to...

Read more

RESTRAINING ORDER FOR PANTIE-PINCHING PENSIONER

By Aycliffe Today Reporter December 11th, 2014 In News 0 comments

The Newton Aycliffe pensioner who stole his neighbour's knickers was today handed a restraining and community order. Terence Robson, of Jackson Place, appeared at the town's Magistrates' Court today (Thursday 11th December). His solicitor had previously said Robson would drink his own home-brew wine before "losing his...

Read more

STEPHEN RUSSEL SIGNS NEW FIVE-YEAR LEASE

By Martin Walker December 10th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

Popular hair salon Stephen Russel celebrated its 30th anniversary in Newton Aycliffe this year by signing a new five-year lease. You can read more about this in the special Christmas issue of Aycliffe Today People - the only free community magazine in Newton Aycliffe - which will be landing on doormats from this weekend. We're producing...

Read more

TESCO SHARES TUMBLE TO 14-YEAR LOW

By Martin Walker December 10th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

Troubled retailer Tesco has slashed its profits forecasts for the fourth time in five months as its share price plunged to a 14-year low. Shares in the world's third-biggest retailer - which has a Tesco Extra store in Newton Aycliffe - plunged as much as 17% at one point on Tuesday, reported Reuters. More than £2.5 billion was wiped off...

Read more

MAN CHARGED WITH McCOLL'S ROBBERY

By Martin Walker December 10th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Police say a man has been charged with the robbery which took place in Newton Aycliffe last weekend. The incident happened at the McColl's store at Washington Crescent last Saturday. A statement from the police today said a Durham man has been charged and remanded in custody, and will appear in court in due course.  ...

Read more

ADVICE ON PETS THIS WINTER

By Aycliffe Today Reporter December 10th, 2014 In Features 0 comments

Because forecasters are predicting freezing temperatures throughout the North-East, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is offering urgent advice for ensuring the safety of animal companions. Please alert your audience to the following information, which could help save the lives of cats, dogs, birds and other companion...

Read more

INDOOR TITLE FOR OUR CRICKET TEAM!

By Aycliffe Today Reporter December 9th, 2014 In Cricket, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club won the Spennymoor Indoor Cricket League at the first attempt after a huge 114 run win against title rivals Spennymoor CC. Aycliffe and Spennymoor were joint top of the table coming into the last game of the season, when they met in what was, in effect, a winner-takes-all championship play-off. And thankfully...

Read more

SAVAGE CUTS WILL CONTINUE - DURHAM

By Martin Walker December 9th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Savage cuts to local authority services look set to continue for at least another five years, Durham Council has warned. An update on council finances in County Durham outlines how difficult decisions about spending priorities look set to continue for several years. DCC's Cabinet will consider its Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) –...

Read more

PHIL WILSON SUPPORTS SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

By Aycliffe Today Reporter December 9th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

Aycliffe's MP Phil Wilson took part in a cupcake making workshop at Love Thy Cupcake in town centre as part of this year’s Small Business Saturday at the weekend. The Labour MP for Sedgefield said: “It was an honour to get behind our areas local small shops and independent businesses on Small Business Saturday. “We should do all we...

Read more

20MPH SPEED LIMITS NEAR AYCLIFFE SCHOOLS

By Martin Walker December 9th, 2014 In Community, News 1 comments

Speed limits could be reduced to 20mph on roads near two Newton Aycliffe schools if councillors approve the proposal. Members of Durham County Council’s Cabinet will be asked next week to agree a new approach to establishing 20mph limits and zones at several schools across the County - including Sugar Hill and St Mary's on the...

Read more
"BE CURIOUS" FILM PREMIERES AT NCCPE CONFERENCE! Community

"BE CURIOUS" FILM PREMIERES AT NCCPE CONFERENCE!

By Martin Walker December 9th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Greenfield Arts had a busy week of conferences last week, including the premier of the new Curiosity film “Be Curious” at the NCCPE Conference in Bristol. The film was designed and produced by two Greenfield Community College students alongside Dr Lorraine Coghill from Durham University, Katy Milne, Director of Arts and Creativity at...

Read more
AYCLIFFE TRANSFORMATION GETS NATIONAL RECOGNITION! Community

AYCLIFFE TRANSFORMATION GETS NATIONAL RECOGNITION!

By Martin Walker December 9th, 2014 In Community, News 1 comments

By Martin Walker The transformation of Newton Aycliffe town centre has received national recognition with a top retail industry award. Our town centre won the Refurbishment/Extension of the Year (under £5m) award at the British Council of Shopping Centres’ Gold Awards this month. The £2m redevelopment of Aycliffe town centre was...

Read more
3M STAFF GET ON THEIR BIKE! Business

3M STAFF GET ON THEIR BIKE!

By Martin Walker December 8th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker Staff at 3M got on their bike when Travel Ranger Steve Shepperson popped in to visit the factory. Steve is heading up the Local Motion project for Newton Aycliffe, with the primary aim of making it easier for people to walk, cycle and take public transport in the South of the county. Steve has successfully taken...

Read more

CUP VICTORY FOR SPORTSY

By Aycliffe Today Reporter December 8th, 2014 In Football, Sport 0 comments

BA Laceys 1, Aycliffe Sports Club 5 Wear Valley Invitation Cup By Paul Eales This weekend saw a break from league fixtures and a return to cup action for Newton Aycliffe Sports Club against Bishop Auckland Laceys. Cup form has not been great so far this season, and this fixture in the Invitation Cup is one of only 2 cups left for the...

Read more

THE X FACTOR - WEEK 15

By Aycliffe Today Reporter December 8th, 2014 In Features 0 comments

Aycliffe Today columnist Zoe Skerrett continues her weekly feature on the popular TV talent show... After 15 weeks of auditions, judges houses and live shows, we are one week away from finding out the winner. The contestants performed a Christmas song and a second song picked by themselves. Simon is guaranteed an act in the final with...

Read more

POLICE HUNT McCOLL'S KNIFEMAN

By Martin Walker December 7th, 2014 In News 0 comments

By Martin Walker Police are hunting a man who terrified shop staff with a knife before making off with a quantity of cigarettes. As reported on Aycliffe Today yesterday, the raid took place at the McColl's store at Washington Crescent at around 2pm on Saturday. The man - described as white, slim and about 5ft 7ins tall - reportedly...

Read more

ARMED ROBBERY IN AYCLIFFE

By Martin Walker December 6th, 2014 In News 0 comments

There are unconfirmed reports that an armed robbery has taken place in Newton Aycliffe today. It's believed robbers struck the McColls store at Washington Crescent this afternoon. Durham Police's helicopter was hovering overhead for more than an hour as police cars swarmed the area. Aycliffe Today is awaiting official comment from the...

Read more
POLICE APPEAL AFTER TOWN CENTRE THEFT News

POLICE APPEAL AFTER TOWN CENTRE THEFT

By Martin Walker December 6th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe police have issued a CCTV image of a man who's suspected of theft. Officers say they'd like to speak to the man (pictured above) concerning a theft in Aycliffe shopping centre. Anyone who recognises him is asked to call the police on 101 or message them on Facebook.  ...

Read more

WIN £500 IN CASH!!!

By Martin Walker December 5th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Could you do with bit of extra cash just before Christmas? To stand a chance of winning this fantastic cash prize from Aycliffe Today, simply answer the following question: WHICH COMPANY IS BUILDING A TRAIN FACTORY IN AYCLIFFE? A) HITACHI B) HONDA C) HARIBO Text TRAIN plus A, B or C to 82055 Costs £1.50 + 1 std text...

Read more
DOUBLE BOOST FOR CRICKET CLUB Sport

DOUBLE BOOST FOR CRICKET CLUB

By Martin Walker December 5th, 2014 In Cricket, Sport 0 comments

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe have been further boosted by a double sponsorship whammy this week. Just a couple of days after announcing they'd been named the NYSD League's Gold Club of the Year for a second successive year, Aycliffe have revealed details of two sponsorship deals. The club have again won the support of shirt...

Read more
EBAC WINS APPRENTICESHIP AWARENESS PROGRAMME Business

EBAC WINS APPRENTICESHIP AWARENESS PROGRAMME

By Martin Walker December 5th, 2014 In Business, Community 0 comments

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe manufacturer Ebac won Woodham Academy's Apprenticeship Awareness Programme 2014. Six high-profile businesses spent nine weeks taking part in the successful scheme, which is part-funded by the Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership (GAMP) and brings education and business together. Ebac along with...

Read more

SWDT PARTNERSHIP CELEBRATES FIRST JOBS SUCCESS

By Martin Walker December 5th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

A new partnership between two of County Durham’s largest training providers is celebrating its first jobs success story. In August, Bishop Auckland College and South West Durham Training announced they were joining forces to boost the region’s manufacturing and engineering sectors. SWDT is now a subsidiary of the college, trading...

Read more

DYLAN SHINES BRIGHT IN BELGIUM

By Aycliffe Today Reporter December 5th, 2014 In Football, Sport 0 comments

Woodham Academy student Dylan Lewis has had a fantastic month on and off the football pitch. During November he was selected to be part of the Newcastle United U12 squad that went over to play in the annual Premier League Christmas Truce International tournament, in Ypres, Belgium. This was a fantastic achievement for Dylan, as he was...

Read more

WELFARE CHAMPIONS DAY OF ACTION

By Martin Walker December 4th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

A multi-agency group set up to help people deal with welfare reform is holding a special Christmas Day of Action later this month. Is December proving to be a tough month financially? Are you unsure who to turn to for support? The Welfare Champions are planning a Day of Action at Newton Aycliffe Youth Centre on Tuesday 16th December,...

Read more

UNI LAUNCHES 'DNA' SCHEME FOR AYCLIFFE BUSINESS

By Martin Walker December 4th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker The University of Sunderland has created a new scheme designed specifically to offer firms on Aycliffe Business Park a free graduate scheme. The Uni's Business Development Manager, Mark Donnelly, outlined details of the programme, dubbed Development in Newton Aycliffe (DNA), at Aycliffe Business Park's latest news and...

Read more

GARDEN WASTE SIGN-UPS HITS 15,000 MARK

By Aycliffe Today Reporter December 4th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

The number of County Durham residents signed-up to the extended garden waste collection scheme has already topped the 15,000 mark. Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, Cllr Brian Stephens, said: "These are early days but the initial feedback is hugely supportive. There is still plenty of time for others to subscribe and...

Read more

EBAC GETS INTO CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

By Martin Walker December 4th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Staff at electrical products firm Ebac are raising money for Save the Children as they launch an online Advent Calendar of offers and discounts. Customers at www.ebac.com/shop could also win prizes including a Norfrost chest freezer, one of the first off the production line after the company’s recent launch of the Norfrost by Ebac...

Read more

MONEY TALKS

By Aycliffe Today Reporter December 3rd, 2014 In Business, Features 0 comments

A new business to the region is aiming to change perceptions around insolvency and to help the economy prosper as a result. Business recovery specialist Wilson Field opened its Aycliffe office in the summer. JONATHAN WARD finds out more... Ever since the earliest days of trading, profit and success have gone hand in hand with bad debt and...

Read more

DURHAM CRIME BOSS CALLS FOR DRUGS REFORM

By Aycliffe Today Reporter December 3rd, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg has gathered support for reform and increased the pressure on the Government to review UK drug policy. At a drugs symposium hosted by Mr Hogg in Durham, professionals from across the country debated the future of drugs policy. Mr Hogg has previously voiced his concerns that the existing...

Read more
AYCLIFFE NAMED CRICKET CLUB OF THE YEAR... AGAIN! Sport

AYCLIFFE NAMED CRICKET CLUB OF THE YEAR... AGAIN!

By Aycliffe Today Reporter December 3rd, 2014 In Cricket, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club have become only the second club in NYSD history to win the prestigious Gold Club of the Year two years in a row. What makes the achievement more amazing is that the club only joined the North Yorkshire and South Durham League in 2013. Newton Aycliffe also scored a new record 913 points only dropping 14...

Read more

POLICE APPEAL: CHILD'S BIKE STOLEN

By Martin Walker December 3rd, 2014 In News 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe police are appealing for information after a child's bike was stolen. Officers say the black BMX was taken from the rear garden of a property in Lightfoot Road, near the town centre, overnight (Tuesday-Wednesday). Anyone who knows where the bike might be, or has any information, is asked to cal the police on 101, or...

Read more

BUSINESS HEALTH PARTNERS WORK WITH COMPOUND PHOTONICS

By Martin Walker December 2nd, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker An occupational health business is working with Newton Aycliffe-based Compound Photonics to help maintain a healthy workforce. Teesside-based Liz Short and Jane Wright formed Business Health Partners two years ago, offering a wide range of health services to companies and their employees. The pair have extensive...

Read more

GREEN SCHEME GRANTS

By Martin Walker December 2nd, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Green-fingered volunteers can get their hands on funding up to £500 for schemes to spruce-up their local areas. The “It’s Your Neighbourhood” campaign, a joint project between Durham County Council and the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), has the money available for everything from planting flowers to litter picks. It was...

Read more

PD PORTS OPENS NEW RAIL TERMINAL

By Martin Walker December 2nd, 2014 In Business 0 comments

PD Ports has welcomed the arrival of the first Freightliner train at Teesport’s new intermodal rail terminal as part of a £3m investment to improve connectivity. The first train arrived on Saturday 15th November, signifying the creation of new intermodal connections from Teesport to Felixstowe and Southampton. Opportunities for the...

Read more

WHO IS THIS MAN?

By Aycliffe Today Reporter December 1st, 2014 In News 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe police have released images from CCTV footage showing a man they'd like to speak to. Officers told Aycliffe Today they are investigating an incident which happened in the town centre between 9.30pm and 9.55pm on Saturday 22nd November. "We are hoping that someone can identify this male to greatly further our...

Read more

GESTAMP TALLENT: OUR BIGGEST SUCCESS STORY

By Martin Walker December 1st, 2014 In Business 0 comments

In a rare media opportunity, Gestamp Tallent's Plant Director PETER GALLONE talks to Aycliffe Today Business editor MARTIN WALKER about recent successes and its plans for the future... Gestamp Tallent is Aycliffe Business Park's biggest success story. The company has grown hugely in the last three years, increasing turnover, output and...

Read more

SWIMMING SUCCESS FOR ACADEMY STARS

By Aycliffe Today Reporter December 1st, 2014 In Community, Sport 0 comments

Woodham Academy has always had a strong swimming tradition and has excellent links to Sedgefield 75 and Sedgefield Water Polo Club. Over the past few weeks Woodham Academy students have had tremendous success both in water polo and swimming. Woodham Academy water polo players are currently enjoying tremendous success in the pool. Since...

Read more

NEW RECRUITS HOPING TO BUILD CAREERS

By Martin Walker December 1st, 2014 In Business 0 comments

Construction and development specialist Southdale has added two new people to its North-East team as they take their first steps on the career ladder. Sarah Dannatt and Lewis Minter have become the latest young people to join the team, which has recently moved into new office space on the Aycliffe Business Park. Sarah, 20, from...

Read more

THIRD WIN ON THE TROT FOR SPORTS CLUB

By Aycliffe Today Reporter December 1st, 2014 In Football, Sport 0 comments

Shildon The Crossings 2, Aycliffe Sports Club 6 By Paul Eales Another away game and another victory for Newton Aycliffe Sports Club which now sees them starting to close the gap on the teams at the top and pulling away from the teams in the bottom half of the league. The first game of the season saw the Sports Club surrender a 5-1...

Read more

RETAIL THERAPY

By Martin Walker November 28th, 2014 In Business, Features 0 comments

Retail provision is the talk of Aycliffe Business Park. Is it needed? Tim Francis delivers his verdict... From coffee shops to fancy bistros... clothing retailers to DIY stores... or even just somewhere to grab a sandwich... retail provision on Aycliffe Business Park is decidedly lacking. There's said to be 9,000 people working here, and...

Read more

TONY BLAIR EXCLUSIVE!

By Martin Walker November 28th, 2014 In Community, News, Sport 0 comments

By Martin Walker Tony Blair returned to Newton Aycliffe this week - and we brought you an exclusive video interview with the former Prime Minister. Mr Blair dropped into Woodham Academy to officially launch a partnership between his Sports Foundation and Woodham's Sports Academy. The ex-Sedgefield MP was accompanied by Stephen Miller,...

Read more

STEELE HOPING FOR BORO-BLACKBURN DOUBLE

By Martin Walker November 28th, 2014 In Football, Sport 0 comments

By Martin Walker Newtonian Jason Steele says he'd love to see both Boro and Blackburn win promotion to the Premier League this season. The goalkeeper - who's on a season-long loan with Rovers from Middlesbrough - will return to his parent club tomorrow for the top-six Championship clash at the Riverside. Steele is not able to play in...

Read more

THRIVE REBRANDS PRESTIGIOUS GREEN HOWARDS MUSEUM

By Martin Walker November 27th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

A prestigious museum in the region has been given a new brand as a £1.7m regeneration project comes to an end. The Green Howards Museum in Richmond, North Yorkshire, was given the Heritage Lottery Fund cash to give it a face-lift. And Newton Aycliffe inbound marketing and design agency, Thrive Marketing, has completed a rebrand of the...

Read more

KEN CROWNED UNSUNG HERO

By Martin Walker November 27th, 2014 In Community, News 1 comments

A Newton Aycliffe samaritan has been voted Durham’s Unsung Hero for 2014. Ken Sadler, the Treasurer for Lifeline Community Action, won a public vote to gain the title as well as a luxury experience day worth £200 provided by local business, Modern Rugs. Ken was nominated by his colleagues at Lifeline Community Action in recognition of...

Read more
SPORTS CLUB FORM CONTINUES Sport

SPORTS CLUB FORM CONTINUES

By Aycliffe Today Reporter November 27th, 2014 In Football, Sport 0 comments

BA Laceys 3, Aycliffe Sports Club 4 By Paul Eales Newton Aycliffe Sports Club recorded their first back-to-back league wins with victory at Bishop Auckland Laceys last weekend. There had to be another re-shuffle of the squad due to absentees again this week and it was clear from the start that the heavy pitch was going to take its...

Read more
VIRGIN & STAGECOACH WIN EAST COAST RAIL CONTRACT Business

VIRGIN & STAGECOACH WIN EAST COAST RAIL CONTRACT

By Martin Walker November 27th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

A consortium made up of Stagecoach and Virgin has won the franchise which will operate the Newton Aycliffe-built East Coast trains. The firms promised to invest £140m in the route over eight years, and will pay the government £3.3bn for the contract. The franchise, which covers the route between London and Edinburgh, has been publicly...

Read more

450 TREES PLANTED AROUND SCHOOL

By Aycliffe Today Reporter November 26th, 2014 In News 0 comments

They called it the Big Dig - and so it was! About 20 people had answered an appeal by Woodham Wildlife Club to help them plant 450 trees around the perimeter of the school. Among those braving the freezing fog and muddy puddles were pupils and parents, staff members and volunteers from Wilkinson’s Helping Hands committee. Many had...

Read more

POLICE APPEAL AFTER CAR TYRES SLASHED

By Aycliffe Today Reporter November 25th, 2014 In News 1 comments

Newton Aycliffe police are appealing for information after a car had its tyres slashed. It happened some time overnight from Saturday (22nd November) into Sunday, when a red Vauxhall Zafira has had all four tyres slashed on Marshall Road near the town centre. Anyone with any information is asked to call the police on 101.  ...

Read more
BOOLA IS BACK WITH SPECIAL SALE! Community

BOOLA IS BACK WITH SPECIAL SALE!

By Martin Walker November 25th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Popular clothing retailer Boola is returning to Newton Aycliffe this weekend for a special sale. Boss Mark Shepherd will bring the men's sale to Aycliffe Sports Club at Moore Lane on Saturday (29th November), 12-5pm. Up to 50% will be slashed off some labels in the sale with brands including Peter Werth, Bellfield, Farah Vintage, French...

Read more

MIDDRIDGE RESIDENTS OBJECT TO 241-HOME DEVELOPMENT

By Martin Walker November 25th, 2014 In News 1 comments

By Martin Walker A 241-home development on the outskirts of Newton Aycliffe has been met with a string of objections. Persimmon Homes has applied to build 241 new homes on the controversial Eldon Whins development. The developer is applying to build the new homes along with a park, woodland, landscaping and public open space on land...

Read more
FUTURE BUSINESS MAGNATES ANNIVERSARY YEAR KICKS OFF! Business

FUTURE BUSINESS MAGNATES ANNIVERSARY YEAR KICKS OFF!

By Martin Walker November 25th, 2014 In Business, Community 0 comments

By Martin Walker The Future Business Magnates competition has entered its tenth year, with competitors all set to do battle! Business Durham took ownership of Future Business Magnates five years ago, and the 2014-15 competition will be FBM's 10th anniversary. The Xcel Centre played host to the launch of this special year in November,...

Read more

BINS OUT BY 7AM IN AYCLIFFE

By Martin Walker November 25th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Newtonians must make sure their bins are out from 7am on collection days beginning in December. Durham County Council is asking people in Newton Aycliffe and surrounding areas - as well as other parts of the County - to have bins out by 7am, regardless of whether it is usually collected later in the day. This is due to the Heighington...

Read more

AYCLIFFE MOTORCYCLIST AIR-LIFTED TO HOSPITAL

By Martin Walker November 25th, 2014 In News 0 comments

A Newton Aycliffe man had to be air-lifted to hospital after a serious road collision. The motorcyclist suffered potential spinal and pelvic fractures after a road traffic collision on the A167 near Ferryhill on Friday (21st November). The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) worked alongside ambulance service personnel to treat the...

Read more

POLICE WARNING OVER ROGUE CALLERS

By Martin Walker November 25th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Rogue callers have been targeting elderly residents in County Durham, pretending to be from the police or bank. The convincing caller, often claiming to be a Detective, says they are investigating fraudulent activity on people’s accounts. They request people’s help in investigating the fraud and ask people to disclose their bank...

Read more

WOODHAM A GREAT SCHOOL FOR THE FUTURE - BLAIR

By Martin Walker November 24th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

By Martin Walker Tony Blair says Woodham Academy is going to be a great school for the future. The former Prime Minister and Sedgefield MP was in Newton Aycliffe on Monday to celebrate the seventh anniversary of the Tony Blair Sports Foundation, which has linked up with Woodham Sports Academy. Mr Blair told Aycliffe Today that sport...

Read more
TONY BLAIR VISITS WOODHAM ACADEMY - PICTURES Features

TONY BLAIR VISITS WOODHAM ACADEMY - PICTURES

By Martin Walker November 24th, 2014 In Picture Galleries 0 comments

Our gallery of pictures from Tony Blair's visit to Woodham Academy on Monday (24th November).              ...

Read more

HITACHI FACTORY READY FOR AUTUMN 2015

By Martin Walker November 21st, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker Hitachi Rail Europe's historic train-building factory in Newton Aycliffe is on course to be completed by next Autumn. Site manager Darren Cumner told Aycliffe Today he's "delighted" with the progress Shepherd Construction has made up to now. Local family construction firm Finley Structures started to fabricate and...

Read more

PENSIONER STOLE NEIGHBOUR'S KNICKERS

By Aycliffe Today Reporter November 21st, 2014 In News 0 comments

A Newton Aycliffe pensioner has admitted stealing a pair of his neighbour's knickers after getting drunk. Terence Robson, 65, of Jackson Place, was caught red-handed as he tried to dispose of the yellow undies in the summer. Robson, who has no previous convictions, admitted burglary at Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Thursday. The...

Read more

LIB DEMS CLAIM LIVING WAGE VICTORY

By Martin Walker November 20th, 2014 In News 1 comments

By Martin Walker A Lib Dem councillor is claiming victory after the Labour-controlled Durham County Council did a U-turn on the so-called Living Wage. The local authority has agreed to look again at introducing a new Living Wage which will affect 2,500 employees, including 1,800 who work in schools. It will see staff earn £7.43 an...

Read more
POLICE HUNT POUNDSTRETCHER THIEF News

POLICE HUNT POUNDSTRETCHER THIEF

By Martin Walker November 20th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Police have released CCTV images of a man they'd like to speak to after a large amount of clothing was stolen from the town's Poundstretcher store this week. Police would like to speak to the man pictured above after the theft on Tuesday (18th November). Anyone who recognises the man is asked to call the police on 101, or mess the...

Read more

800 LOCAL PAPERS COMBINE TO TAKE ON GOOGLE

By Martin Walker November 19th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

More than 800 regional newspaper websites have teamed up to launch a combined digital advertising platform designed to take on Google and Facebook. 1XL is a collaboration between three of the top four local newspaper publishers – Johnston Press, Local World and Newsquest – and a number of independent local media businesses. Trinity...

Read more

SOUTH WEST DURHAM TRAIN HITACHI'S FUTURE ENGINEERS

By Martin Walker November 19th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker South West Durham Training (SWDT) has already started training up some of Hitachi Rail Europe's future train-building engineers. The Newton Aycliffe-based training provider, recently rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted, has started working with the Japanese firm, which has now based some key management personnel at SWDT's...

Read more

TWENTY IS PLENTY NEAR SCHOOLS - HOGG

By Martin Walker November 19th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

"Watch out and slow down" is the key message from the top police boss, in support of National Road Safety Week this week. Ron Hogg, Durham's Police and Crime Commissioner, is in favour of introducing 20mph speed limits in the vicinity of local schools, to help keep more young people safe on the roads. Mr Hogg said: "It is well known that...

Read more

SUPER HEROES RAISE £360 FOR CHILDREN IN NEED!

By Martin Walker November 19th, 2014 In Business, Community 0 comments

Super hero staff at Gregg Little Testing Centre helped to raise hundreds of pounds for the BBC Children In Need appeal last week. Workers raised £180 for the popular annual fundraising event by having daily bake-offs during the week. Staff then dressed as super heroes on the big day before Gregg and the garage's local parts supplier...

Read more

DURHAM LIVING WAGE TO BE DISCUSSED

By Martin Walker November 19th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Dinner nannies, cleaners and lolly-pop people could be earning more than the national minimum wage next year under changes being discussed. Proposals for a Durham Living Wage would mean the lowest-paid workers at Durham County Council - such as lunchtime supervisors, caretakers, cleaners and school crossing patrols - would receive at least...

Read more

HELPING HAND BOOSTS WOODHAM WILDLIFE

By Martin Walker November 18th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

A Newton Aycliffe school has bagged a load of free gardening gear after a teacher's chance discussion. Literacy worker Mr Heaven set up Woodham Academy's Wildlife Club in September in the hope of encouraging students at the school to become involved in conservation projects. But he had been struggling to collect enough tools and...

Read more

WOMEN URGED TO 'THINK TWICE' ABOUT DRINK

By Aycliffe Today Reporter November 18th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

As part of this year’s Alcohol Awareness Week, Durham Constabulary is working with Balance, the North-East Alcohol Office, to encourage women to ‘Think Twice’ about how much they drink. The force is promoting the week among its staff and has laid on a series of events to provide help and education for anyone concerned about their...

Read more

CONSTRUCTION SPECIALISTS MOVE TO AYCLIFFE

By Martin Walker November 18th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker A construction and development specialist firm which is on target to hit £30m turnover and create 20 jobs after opening new premises on Aycliffe Business Park. Yorkshire-based Southdale is planning for growth in its North-East business after relocating from Faverdale in Darlington to larger premises at The HUB Workspace...

Read more

SPORTS CLUB HIT THE VIC FOR 10

By Aycliffe Today Reporter November 18th, 2014 In Football, Sport 0 comments

Witton Victoria 2, Aycliffe Sports Club 10 By Paul Eales Newton Aycliffe Sports Club bounced back from a penalty shoot-out defeat to hammer bottom club Witton Victoria 10-2, their largest margin win in the league so far this season. An early scare in the first ten minutes, which saw Victoria hit the bar was enough to wake up the...

Read more

THE X FACTOR - WEEK 12

By Aycliffe Today Reporter November 18th, 2014 In Features 0 comments

Aycliffe Today writer Zoe Skerrett continues her weekly review of the TV talent contest... Both Mel B and Cheryl began this week each with one act left, Louis had two and Simon still had a full house of four. But would be next to lose one? The theme of this week was Big Band – something I’m not the biggest fan of so I wasn’t sure...

Read more

PRESSWORK METALS FACTORY ON THE UP WITH £600K ROCK CLIMBING VENTURE

By Martin Walker November 15th, 2014 In Business, Community 0 comments

By Martin Walker A once thriving industrial factory is back on the up after being stood derelict for six years. The former Presswork Metals factory, along Durham Way South on Aycliffe Business Park, has been closed since 2008. Now plans are in place to convert the building into a new leisure facility, with rock climbing being the main...

Read more

FC TURBINIA FLYING HIGH!

By Martin Walker November 15th, 2014 In Football, Sport 0 comments

Saturday pub footy team FC Turbinia have sailed to the top of the Crook and District League after a rip-roaring start to the new season. Despite losing their first game, the Turbinia have gone on to win seven games in a row and go top by four clear points. After finishing in the bottom half of the table last season, the team has come a...

Read more

HANDBAG SNATCHED IN DL5

By Martin Walker November 15th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Police are appealing for information after a handbag was snatched in Aycliffe nightspot DL5. The ladies clutch handbag, which has jewels on its front, was stolen from the pub some time last Saturday evening or Sunday morning while the public house was open for business. The bag contained a mobile phone and personal documents. If...

Read more

LEARN, CREATE & DEVELOP AT PIONEERING CARE CENTRE

By Aycliffe Today Reporter November 15th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Colour your Life free creative and learning courses are now underway at the Pioneering Care Centre in Newton Aycliffe. PCP use professional, experienced tutors who deliver artistic and informal learning activities whilst providing opportunities for friendship in a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment. Beat the Winter Blues started...

Read more

RAISING MONEY IS A PIECE OF CAKE!

By Aycliffe Today Reporter November 15th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Woodham Academy students prove that raising money for charity is a piece of cake! Year 7 learners from Woodham Academy raised £383.45 for Macmillan Cancer Support by organising a giant bake-sale at their school. This amount beat all previous records and is, by any standards, a lot of dough. Not only did youngsters bake, beat, blend,...

Read more
CHILDREN'S HAND-CRAFTED POPPIES DELIGHT CARE HOME Community

CHILDREN'S HAND-CRAFTED POPPIES DELIGHT CARE HOME

By Aycliffe Today Reporter November 15th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

It seems everyone has heard about or been to visit Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red at the Tower of London but now Newton Aycliffe has its own, albeit smaller version of the hugely successful poppy installation. The ceramic poppies in London were created by ceramic artist Paul Cummings, with setting by stage designer Tom Piper. In total...

Read more

AYCLIFFE TODAY PEOPLE - XMAS EDITION!

By Martin Walker November 14th, 2014 In Business, Community, News 0 comments

We're planning to publish a special Christmas edition of our community magazine, Aycliffe Today People. We'll also be printing and distributing 15,000 copies throughout Newton Aycliffe and surrounding areas, tripling the usual circulation of the popular magazine. The 32-page special Christmas issue will include a review of 2014,...

Read more

SPACE SECTOR SUMMIT COMES TO AYCLIFFE!

By Aycliffe Today Reporter November 14th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

Businesses interested in working in the £11 billion space industry will gather for a unique space summit to be held in Newton Aycliffe next week. The inaugural Space Conference and Trade show is due to be staged at Aycliffe Business Park's Xcel Centre next Wednesday (19th November), with at least 230 delegates expected. The conference,...

Read more

NEW RAPE SCRUTINY PANEL IS FORMED

By Martin Walker November 14th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

By Martin Walker Durham's Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg has set up the first ever external Rape Scrutiny Panel in County Durham and Darlington. The panel is a key priority in the regional Police and Crime Commissioners’ Violence against Women and Girls Strategy. It aims to provide independent oversight of rape...

Read more

GESTAMP TALLENT EXCLUSIVE!

By Martin Walker November 14th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

In a rare media opportunity, Gestamp Tallent's Plant Director Peter Gallone talks to Aycliffe Today editor Martin Walker in the November-December issue of our business magazine. Gestamp Tallent has grown hugely in the last three years, increasing turnover, output and staff numbers, to record levels. The manufacturer of car chassis...

Read more

AYCLIFFE AT HOME TO ASHINGTON

By Martin Walker November 14th, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe's Northern League club will hope to add to a midweek cup win with a league victory at home this weekend. Peter Dixon's side hit a blip when they suffered back-to-back 3-0 defeats against Guisborough and title-chasing North Shields. But they bounced back with a 3-1 win at home to Hebburn Town in the second round of the...

Read more

ENGLAND V GERMANY AT THE RIVERSIDE!

By Martin Walker November 14th, 2014 In Football, Sport 0 comments

Middlesbrough legend and former boss Gareth Southgate is set to return to the Riverside Stadium for an England Under-21 international. The Teesside club has announced it will host an England U-21 friendly against Germany on Monday 30th March, 2015. England U-21, managed by Southgate, are no strangers to the Riverside, having played...

Read more

'I'M SO PROUD OF EBAC' SAYS TROUBLESHOOTER

By Martin Walker November 14th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker The TV star known as the “troubleshooter” has praised Newton Aycliffe manufacturers Ebac for bringing their freezer-making factory to fruition. As revealed on Aycliffe Today last week, former CBI Director General Lord Digby Jones returned to Aycliffe for the first time since filming BBC2’s Digby Jones: The New...

Read more
INKLAND BOUNCE BACK WITH £2M POTTS PRINT DEAL Business

INKLAND BOUNCE BACK WITH £2M POTTS PRINT DEAL

By Martin Walker November 13th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe print supplies company Inkland has landed a £2m deal with leading North-East firm Potts Print UK. Inkland was reeling after the announcement that one of its key clients, HPM and Addo, had gone into administration. But the Aycliffe firm, which employs 10 people at its site on Aycliffe Business Park,...

Read more
HITACHI TRAIN UNVEILED! Business

HITACHI TRAIN UNVEILED!

By Martin Walker November 13th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker We can now bring you the first real picture of the first trains that will be built at Hitachi Rail Europe's Newton Aycliffe factory. Hitachi today unveiled the first image, and detailed specifications, of the trains which are being manufactured for the UK Department for Transport’s Intercity Express Programme...

Read more

CASH AVAILABLE FOR AYCLIFFE YOUTH PROJECTS

By Aycliffe Today Reporter November 12th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Community groups working with children and young people in the Newton Aycliffe area can apply for grants of up to £1,000. Great Aycliffe & Middridge Partnership (GAMP) and the Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) have launched the ‘Small Grants Fund for Children & Young People.’ What is the Community Grant Fund? The Small...

Read more
REMEMBRANCE DAY IN AYCLIFFE - PART 2 Features

REMEMBRANCE DAY IN AYCLIFFE - PART 2

By Martin Walker November 12th, 2014 In Features, Picture Galleries 0 comments

Local photographer Dave Stocks brings us more stunning pictures from the 2014 Remembrance Day Service parade in Newton Aycliffe… ...

Read more

STILLER INVESTS IN NEW VEHICLES

By Martin Walker November 12th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker Stiller Warehousing and Distribution has invested in a new batch of vehicles to accommodate an upturn in business. The family-run firm, based in the heart of Aycliffe Business Park in Newton Aycliffe, has purchased eight new trucks of varying sizes. They include two 12-tonne vehicles, two urban trailers and four long...

Read more

BENGAL LOUNGE SPONSOR UNDER-23s TEAM

By Aycliffe Today Reporter November 12th, 2014 In Football, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe JFC u23’s were delighted when The Bengal Lounge Indian restaurant kindly agreed to sponsor a new home kit for the 2014-15 season. The u23’s team manager Nige Slatcher said: "I'd like to thank both Ali and Abs from the Bengal Lounge for donating the money to purchase the new strip." The picture was taken after the...

Read more

WOMAN WHO FAKED PREGNANCY IS JAILED

By Aycliffe Today Reporter November 12th, 2014 In News 0 comments

A Newton Aycliffe woman who lied about being pregnant in a bid to avoid jail has finally been locked up. Lisa Philips, 37, tricked Teeside Crown Court when she was sentenced in October 2013 for stealing £14,700 from her aunt by saying she was expecting a child. As a result, Judge Peter Armstrong suspended her sentence for two...

Read more

GREENFIELD & SUNNYDALE TO BECOME ONE SCHOOL

By Aycliffe Today Reporter November 12th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Proposals for Greenfield Community College and Sunnydale Community College to become one school are being recommended for approval. Both are currently run by one governing body and are just over two miles apart with Greenfield in Newton Aycliffe and Sunnydale in Shildon. Durham County Council proposals would mean the closure of Sunnydale...

Read more

TASK FORCE TO ATTRACT INVESTMENT TO COUNTY

By Aycliffe Today Reporter November 12th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

Councillors are being recommended to approve a task force to attract more investment into County Durham. It builds on the success of manufacturing and engineering in the county which currently provides more than 30,000 jobs across 815 companies. The task force, a public and private sector partnership, would include business leaders,...

Read more

BIGGEST EVER CRACKDOWN ON FLY TIPPING

By Aycliffe Today Reporter November 12th, 2014 In News 0 comments

A campaign to stop flytipping is being launched across County Durham. Operation Stop It is Durham County Council’s biggest ever crackdown on the illegal dumping of waste. The council is working in partnership with Durham Police, Crimestoppers and the Environment Agency to target flytippers and ensure householders understand their...

Read more
REMEMBRANCE DAY IN AYCLIFFE Features

REMEMBRANCE DAY IN AYCLIFFE

By Martin Walker November 11th, 2014 In Features, Picture Galleries 0 comments

Local photographer Dave Stocks brings us a stunning gallery of pictures showing the Remembrance Day Service parade in Newton Aycliffe on Sunday (9th November). Click here to see the second part of our picture gallery. ...

Read more

MIXED FORTUNES FOR AYCLIFFE SPORTS CLUB

By Aycliffe Today Reporter November 11th, 2014 In Football, Sport 0 comments

There were mixed fortunes for Aycliffe Sports Club in the last fortnight. Last weekend saw a return to winning ways in the league, with a hard fought 3-1 win over Gainforth Cross Keys. The result saw them leapfrog their opponents in the Wear Valley Sunday League 3rd Division with two or three games in hand around their rivals. Gareth...

Read more

SUSPECTED OF STEALING BUS DRIVER'S WALLET

By Aycliffe Today Reporter November 7th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Police have released an image of a man who they'd like to speak to in relation to the suspected theft of a wallet. The male pictured above, taken from the still of a CCTV on an Arriva bus, is suspected of taking the bus driver's wallet before hopping off in Newton Aycliffe. It's thought the suspect boarded the bus in Eldon Lane, and...

Read more
GREGG SAYS THANKS WITH SERVICE OFFER Business

GREGG SAYS THANKS WITH SERVICE OFFER

By Martin Walker November 7th, 2014 In Business, News 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe car experts Gregg Little Testing Centre was named Service Business of the Year at Aycliffe Business Park's Make Your Mark business awards event. And as a way of saying thanks, the garage has created a new winter offer for customers, with savings of up to £80 on a service and MOT. Gregg Little Testing Centre (GLTC), which...

Read more

DARLINGTON ARREST AFTER AYCLIFFE CAR THEFT

By Martin Walker November 7th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Police have arrested a man in Darlington after he was suspected of stealing from a car in Newton Aycliffe. As revealed in his blog on Aycliffe Today, Neighbourhood Police Team Sergeant Mark Edwards says his team made a number of significant arrests recently when they apprehended two local males - one 16, the other 18 - who were suspected to...

Read more

'I'M ON CLOUD 9' - EBAC BOSS

By Martin Walker November 7th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker The boss of Ebac admitted she was on "cloud nine" after the firm's new freezer factory was officially opened this week. Former CBI Director General Lord Digby Jones returned to Ebac for the first time since filming BBC2’s Digby Jones: The New Troubleshooter, to launch the Norfrost at Ebac factory. In a Video...

Read more

COUNTESS OF WESSEX OPENS NEW FIRE HQ

By Martin Walker November 7th, 2014 In News 0 comments

The headquarters of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) has been officially opened by Her Royal Highness the Countess of Wessex. Firefighters, officers, control and corporate staff from the service gathered at HQ, Belmont Business Park, Durham, to greet the Royal party. They were joined by local councillors and...

Read more

'TROUBLESHOOTER' RETURNS TO LAUNCH FREEZERS

By Martin Walker November 6th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker The TV star known as the "troubleshooter" was in Newton Aycliffe again today to launch Ebac's freezer range during a special event. Former CBI Director General Lord Digby Jones returned to Ebac for the first time since filming BBC2’s Digby Jones: The New Troubleshooter, in which he worked with Ebac as they looked to...

Read more
GAMP CELEBRATING 'GREAT' AYCLIFFE Community

GAMP CELEBRATING 'GREAT' AYCLIFFE

By Martin Walker November 5th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Great Aycliffe & Middridge Partnership (GAMP) are holding a community forum event to celebrate what’s ‘GREAT’ in Newton Aycliffe and Middridge this weekend. The Event is taking place on Saturday (8th November) from 10am until 2pm at Newton Aycliffe Youth & Community Centre, and a range of local community groups and service...

Read more

THE 'AYCLIFFE BLUE' BLOG

By Aycliffe Today Reporter November 5th, 2014 In Blog, Features 0 comments

Aycliffe Neighbourhood Police Team Sergeant Mark Edwards continues his regular blog on Aycliffe Today... Hello all. As we sail into November I can’t believe how fast this year has gone by. There’s been so much change on the Neighbourhood Team during 2014 with more, I suspect, to come. Gone is (former) Pc Tracy Henderson who left to...

Read more
WILKO STAFF RAISE FANG-TASTIC £160 FOR CHARITY Community

WILKO STAFF RAISE FANG-TASTIC £160 FOR CHARITY

By Martin Walker November 5th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Team members at Newton Aycliffe's Wilko store raised £160 for their regional charity of the year, Macmillan Cancer Support, with a hair-raising Halloween event. The team swapped their usual red uniforms for witches’ hats, capes and fake blood to give customers a fright, the Wilko way. Having the store taken over by witches, zombies...

Read more

CRICKET CLUB APPOINTS COMMERCIAL MANAGER

By Martin Walker November 5th, 2014 In Business, Cricket, Sport 1 comments

Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club have appointed their first Commercial and Marketing Manager with the remit to maximise the club's sponsorship and advertising revenue. Valerie Palmer, owner of graphic design company Vanila Design and Print Services, has been appointed to the role after previously lending her expertise to the Cricket Club by...

Read more

LOCAL BUSINESS PART OF XMAS BOX APPEAL

By Martin Walker November 5th, 2014 In Business, News 0 comments

For the second year running, global workplace provider Regus is supporting a Christmas campaign which sends present-filled shoeboxes to needy children in developing and war-torn countries. The Regus Centre, along Durham Way South on Aycliffe Business Park formerly known as Evans Business Centre, is a local drop-off point until the 18th of...

Read more

ARE YOU A BOOZE SMUGGLER?

By Martin Walker November 5th, 2014 In Features 0 comments

A third of people living in our region have confessed to smuggling booze into bars as drink prices go up, it has been claimed. With alcohol prices on the increase, residents in the North-East are becoming savvy and looking to cheaper brands of alcohol. Nights in at home and are even giving up alcohol altogether to avoid paying the higher...

Read more

STAYING SAFE ON BONFIRE NIGHT

By Aycliffe Today Reporter November 5th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

A campaign to ensure people stay safe on bonfire night has been under way this week. Members of the Safe Durham Partnership have been working to reduce the risks posed by illegal fireworks, unofficial displays and other dangers. Police and neighbourhood wardens have been carrying out extra patrols and arranging for any illegal bonfires...

Read more

GUISBOROUGH END AYCLIFFE PURPLE PATCH

By Martin Walker November 5th, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe's four-match unbeaten run came to an end with a 3-0 humbling at home to Guisborough Town. Peter Dixon's side were on a roll after back-to-back wins over Jarrow Roofing, West Allotment Celtic and Morpeth Town followed a draw with Sunderland RCA. It signalled the beginning of a much-needed run of goof form which saw the...

Read more

FIRM DEALT £100K BLOW BY HPM DEMISE

By Martin Walker November 4th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker The boss of a Newton Aycliffe company says he faces the prospect of laying off staff following HPM and Addo's demise. Inkland, based on Grindon Way on Aycliffe Business Park, supplied HPM and Addo, previously HPM Group, with printing consumables including ink and printing plates. But HPM and Addo went into...

Read more

4,500 JOBS IS 'FANTASTIC' AMBITION

By Martin Walker November 3rd, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker MP Phil Wilson says Merchant Park Developments' ambition to bring 4,500 new jobs to Newton Aycliffe is "fantastic". MPD director Geoff Hunton told us his plans for Merchant Park 2 and 3 should bring thousands of additional jobs to Aycliffe Business Park. The Labour MP for Sedgefield, Mr Wilson, campaigned tirelessly...

Read more
AYCLIFFE PRINTERS IN ADMINISTRATION Business

AYCLIFFE PRINTERS IN ADMINISTRATION

By Martin Walker November 3rd, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker It has been confirmed that Newton Aycliffe printers HPM and Addo has gone into administration. But bosses claim a rescue deal to secure 30 posts was struck on Friday, with only 12 jobs being lost out of 42. However, mystery still surrounds the deal involving HPM Group's former managing director Richard Mortimer...

Read more

REMEMBRANCE DAY INFORMATION

By Martin Walker November 3rd, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

The following information has been released by Great Aycliffe Town Council regarding Remembrance Day on Sunday 9th November: Remembrance Day, Newton Aycliffe The Remembrance Day Parade will assemble in the Barnard Armoury Yard at approximately 10.40am and proceed via Greenwell Road, Macmillan Road and Stephenson Way to St. Clare’s...

Read more

AYCLIFFE WIN THIRD IN A ROW

By Martin Walker November 3rd, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe won their third game in a row with a 1-0 win at home to Jarrow Roofing at the weekend. And they hope to make it four when they take on Guisborough Town at the Aux Audio Stadium tomorrow night (Tuesday 4th November, 7.45pm). Stuart Banks' controversial 32nd-minute penalty was enough for Aycliffe to bag...

Read more

THE X FACTOR - WEEK 10

By Martin Walker November 3rd, 2014 In Features 0 comments

Aycliffe Today columnist Zoe Skerrett continues her weekly review of the TV talent contest... This weeks X Factor was fright night themed for Halloween and it certainly did come with a trick as it was announced that after all the acts had performed, one of them would be going home that night. Simon is the only one with all four of his...

Read more

POLICE APPEAL AFTER CARS DAMAGED

By Martin Walker November 1st, 2014 In Latest, News 1 comments

Police are appealing for information after two cars were damaged in Newton Aycliffe. Some time overnight between Wednesday (29th October) andThursday morning, two vehicles were damaged in Lingard Walk and Pudsey Walk, near the Clarence Chare area. Anyone with any information is asked to call the police on 101, or message Aycliffe police...

Read more

RECORD NUMBERS FOR AYCLIFFE TODAY

By Martin Walker November 1st, 2014 In Business, News 0 comments

We had a record number of visitors to our website in the month of October, with more than 55,000 visits. From 1st to 31st October inclusive, Aycliffe Today had more than 30,000 unique visitors and 76,000 page views. It meant we had a weekly presence of 12,500 visits (17,000 page views) and an average of 2,400 daily page views and 1,000...

Read more

REDUNDANCIES AT AYCLIFFE PRINTERS

By Martin Walker October 31st, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker Mystery surrounds a Newton Aycliffe printing company as 11 members of staff were suddenly laid off on Friday. Workers at HPM and Addo - the new company which formed earlier this year following a merger between 125-year-old printers HPM Group and Darlington-based Addo Printing - have been told that as from Monday (3rd...

Read more

DIXON REVIVAL KICKS INTO GEAR

By Martin Walker October 31st, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe completed back-to-back wins this week as their revival under Peter Dixon was given a shot in the arm. Aycliffe grabbed another three points at West Allotment Celtic with a hard-fought 2-1 victory on Wednesday night. That came off the back of a thumping 4-1 win at Morpeth Town last Saturday - Dixon's first victory since...

Read more

SCHOOL GEOGRAPHERS VISIT DURHAM CITY

By Aycliffe Today Reporter October 31st, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Year 11 Geographers at Woodham Academy spent a day in Durham City gathering primary data for their Controlled Assessment task. Their hypothesis ‘Durham is a clone town’ is related to a New Economics Foundation report that suggested all UK high streets have become monochrome strips of bland anytown shops. As Durham City is a World...

Read more

DEVELOPERS WANT RETAIL & 4,500 NEW JOBS

By Martin Walker October 30th, 2014 In Business, News 0 comments

By Martin Walker The developers who brought Hitachi Rail Europe to Newton Aycliffe have told Aycliffe Today that retail provision and 4,500 new jobs are part of ambitious future plans for the town. Geoff Hunton, director of Merchant Park Developments, says the arrival of Hitachi in Aycliffe is just the beginning for Aycliffe Business...

Read more
AYCLIFFE FACTORY TO HOUSE HITACHI UK DESIGN OFFICE Business

AYCLIFFE FACTORY TO HOUSE HITACHI UK DESIGN OFFICE

By Martin Walker October 30th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker Hitachi Rail Europe has announced that its state-of-the-art Newton Aycliffe factory will house the company's UK design office, as another important milestone was celebrated. The Japanese giants hosted a "topping out" ceremony at its Aycliffe Business Park facility on Thursday, to mark the completion of the building...

Read more

KICK IN THE CHESTNUTS FOR NEWTONIANS

By Martin Walker October 30th, 2014 In Community, News 2 comments

By Martin Walker Furious Newtonians are complaining they can't attend next week's fireworks display because of their postcode. People who live in the Chestnuts development on the South side of the School Aycliffe Lane are not entitled to wristbands for the event at the Oak Leaf Sports Complex on Wednesday 5th November, because their...

Read more

NEW CONTRACT FOR AYCLIFFE COMPANY OF THE YEAR

By Martin Walker October 30th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe's Company of the Year Tekmar Energy has been awarded a major contract by VBMS to supply its latest innovation, TekTube, to the prestigious Westermeerwind near-shore windfarm project in the Netherlands. The contract award comes less than three months after the company demonstrated TekTube at the Offshore Renewable Energy...

Read more
ALLAN KELLEY DAY RAISES £5,600 Community

ALLAN KELLEY DAY RAISES £5,600

By Martin Walker October 29th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

By Martin Walker A special golf day and evening to celebrate the life of a popular Newtonian has raised £5,600 for charity. Allan Kelley sadly passed away in May after a hard-fought battle with cancer. His wife, Sue, and daughter Stephanie, along with the help of many friends, organised a fundraising day on what would have been...

Read more

SPOOKTACULAR WILKO TO RAISE CHARITY CASH

By Martin Walker October 29th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Team members at the Wilko store in Newton Aycliffe will be getting their ghoul on this Halloween to raise money for their regional charity of the year, Macmillan Cancer Support. On Friday 31st October, customers and children are invited down to enjoy a charity bake sale of spell-bound treats on Friday, conjured up by the spookily dressed...

Read more

MONKEY MONEY SUPPORT SITE IS LAUNCHED

By Martin Walker October 29th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

A Big Lottery Fund project aiming to support thousands of tenants to manage their money better has launched a new website for County Durham. The website helps people get the most out of their money by showing them where to get affordable furniture, support with fuel costs and advice on benefits, savings and low cost loans. The Monkey...

Read more
SUPER-FIT NEWTONIANS GO 'ALL OUT'! Sport

SUPER-FIT NEWTONIANS GO 'ALL OUT'!

By Martin Walker October 29th, 2014 In Sport 0 comments

Eight fitness fanatics were flying the Newton Aycliffe flag at a national CrossFit competition. Members of the town's CrossFit All Out were cheered on by 30 supporters at the Thorium Throwdown, held at Peterlee Pavilion. See picture gallery below CrossFit All Out owner and head coach, Terry Anderson, came sixth, followed by coach Joe...

Read more

FAGS & BACCY SEIZED AFTER AYCLIFFE SWOOP

By Martin Walker October 28th, 2014 In News 0 comments

More than 11,000 cigarettes and nearly 9kg of rolling tobacco have been seized as part of a crackdown on the supply of illegal tobacco. Trading Standards officers from Durham County Council and Durham Police officers searched two premises in Newton Aycliffe and Chilton last Friday (24th October). Both raids netted a total of 11,140...

Read more

EBAC FINED £7,500 AFTER ACCIDENT

By Martin Walker October 28th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe manufacturer Ebac has been fined £7,500 after a worker suffered serious burns to his face, hand and arm when he was struck by a jet of hot molten plastic. John Calcutt was helping clear solidified plastic from a large plastic injection moulding machine at the Aycliffe Business Park firm when the incident happened on 9th...

Read more

FIREARM ARRESTS IN SHILDON & BISHOP

By Martin Walker October 28th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Officers from Durham Constabulary have been carrying out raids in Shildon and Bishop Auckland to disrupt suspected criminal activity in the area. Six properties were searched on Byerley Road, Auckland Terrace and Osborne Street, all Shildon, and Proudfoot Drive, Bishop Auckland, on Sunday. Two men, a 25-year-old from Byerley Road, and a...

Read more

BE A GOOD NEIGHBOUR TO STOP ROGUE TRADERS

By Martin Walker October 28th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Neighbours in communities across County Durham are being urged to look out for each other as part of a campaign to tackle rogue traders. Durham County Council’s Trading Standards team will be asking residents to spot the signs of unwanted doorstep callers by asking: Are you a good neighbour? Do you want to protect vulnerable people from...

Read more

IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE WOODS TODAY...

By Martin Walker October 28th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Staff and pupils at Woodham Academy took advantage of the unseasonably good autumn weather to showcase their broad-leaved trees and shrubs to groups of enthusiastic youngsters. The event, which formed part of the school’s Y7 Specialist Day, also included a practical workshop on how to design and make model bird-boxes – ahead of Woodham...

Read more

NATIONAL AWARD FOR REUSE SCHEME

By Martin Walker October 28th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Durham County Council has picked up a national award for a scheme which has seen more than 2,200 tonnes of furniture and household items saved from disposal and provided for families on low income. The County Durham Reuse forum received the prestigious Best Partnership Award from the LARAC (Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee), the...

Read more

THE X FACTOR - WEEK 9

By Aycliffe Today Reporter October 28th, 2014 In Features 0 comments

Aycliffe Today columnist Zoe Skerrett continues her weekly review of the X Factor... With 12 acts left, this week’s theme was Saturday Night At The Movies. There was plenty of classics, some great performances and more bickering from Simon and Cheryl. Jake Quickenden opened the show with a Dirty Dancing classic, She’s Like The Wind....

Read more

MINI-BUS HIT BY MISSILE

By Martin Walker October 27th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Police are appealing for information after missiles were thrown at a passing vehicle from a bridge over a busy road in Newton Aycliffe. It happened around 1.30pm yesterday (Sunday 26th October) when someone standing on the footbridge over St Cuthbert’s Way – known locally as the ‘Blue Bridge’ - threw objects at vehicles passing...

Read more

HONEST JOHN SPONSORS UNDER-23s TEAM

By Martin Walker October 27th, 2014 In Football, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe JFC U23’s were delighted when Honest John kindly agreed to sponsor a new away kit for the 2014-15 season. The offer of sponsoring a new away kit could not have come at a more opportune moment for the team as Durham FA this season have made it a requirement that all teams entering and playing in the DFA Sunday u23’s...

Read more

FOSTER 'NOT CONVINCED' ABOUT A RETAIL PARK

By Martin Walker October 25th, 2014 In Community, News 6 comments

Durham County Council's cabinet member for economic regeneration says he's yet to be convinced that a retail park in Newton Aycliffe could work. We asked Cllr Foster about retail provision in Newton Aycliffe, amid Great Aycliffe Town Council's Neighbourhood Plan, which is canvassing opinions from local residents. Go to our Video Vault to...

Read more

FIREWORKS DISPLAY WRISTBAND DAYS

By Martin Walker October 25th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe residents are reminded that the opportunity to get wristbands for the free ‘ticket only’ fireworks display start this weekend. Great Aycliffe Town Council confirmed last month it was staging the display this year for Aycliffe residents only after it was scrapped in 2013 for safety reasons. The fun,...

Read more

LAST GARDEN WASTE COLLECTIONS OF 2014

By Martin Walker October 25th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe residents are reminded that the final garden waste collections for this year take place between 28th October and 7th November. Exact collection days can be checked by putting your postcode into “My Durham” on Durham County Council’s website www.durham.gov.uk So far this year, almost 20,000 tonnes of garden waste has...

Read more

STUDENTS ELECT SCHOOL COUNCIL

By Aycliffe Today Reporter October 25th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Students at Woodham Academy have been busy appointing their new school council following a series of tutor group elections. A total of 60 students, two from each tutor group, were democratically elected to represent their peers. In many cases the competition was tough with students presenting pre-election speeches. If that wasn’t...

Read more

AYCLIFFE TRAVEL TO MORPETH

By Martin Walker October 25th, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Newton Ayliffe boss Peter Dixon is hoping to add to his first point achieved in midweek with his first win at Morpeth this weekend. Aycliffe travel to the eighth-placed Northern League first division side hoping to climb out of the bottom three. Hometown striker Warren Byrne is expected to make his third debut for the club after joining...

Read more
WARRIORS BEAT AMERICAN HIGH SCHOOL Sport

WARRIORS BEAT AMERICAN HIGH SCHOOL

By Aycliffe Today Reporter October 25th, 2014 In American Football, Sport 0 comments

Woodham Academy’s American Football team played its second game of the season in the American High School League of Europe Division 2, against the Baumholder Buccaneers, from Baumholder US Army Base in Germany. Woodham, playing alongside Menwith Hill High school, got off to a great start, recovering a fumble, with an ever potent offense...

Read more

I'LL NEVER FORGET THE PIES!

By Martin Walker October 24th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

The boss of one of the North-East's biggest companies returned to his roots in Newton Aycliffe - then said pies were the highlight of his time here! Mike Matthews, managing director of Eaglescliffe-based Nifco UK Ltd and honorary vice president of the NECC, was one of the keynote speakers at the Durham Oktoberfest event in Aycliffe on...

Read more

MANTIS LAUNCHES TEESSIDE MAGAZINE

By Martin Walker October 24th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe-based media firm Mantis Media is launching an exciting new publication for the Teesside area. The publishers of Aycliffe Today is expanding by starting a new B2B business magazine modelled on the successful, award-winning Aycliffe Today Business. Tees Business will also have 36 pages and will be a high-quality production...

Read more

SAVE £££s IN AT BUSINESS LATE DEAL!

By Martin Walker October 24th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

We're finishing off the next issue of Aycliffe Today Business - and there are some last-minute deals to be had! Aycliffe Today Business is the award-winning business magazine for Aycliffe Business Park. With a circulation of 2,500, and one copy being mailed direct to 250 businesses on the park, we publish six issues a year. We're...

Read more

BUSINESS IS 'STRONG & HEALTHY', SAYS COUNCILLOR

By Martin Walker October 24th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker Durham County Councillor Neil Foster says business in County Durham is strong and healthy. Cllr Foster is the local authority's cabinet member for economic regeneration, and we spoke to him at Durham Oktoberfest - the manufacturing and engineering exhibition - on Aycliffe Business Park on Thursday. After seeing a...

Read more

D&J FRANKS EXPANDS INTO BIOMAS SECTOR

By Martin Walker October 24th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

One of County Durham’s oldest established heating and plumbing companies, D and J Franks Renewables, has expanded into the Biomass heating sector, which will see the company grow the business and create new jobs. The family-owned business, which has an office on Aycliffe Business Park, was established over 30 years ago and currently...

Read more

AYCLIFFE CROWDFUNDING VENTURE SMASHES £150K TARGET

By Martin Walker October 24th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

An ambitious financial services and technology business, which reached its £150,000 crowdfunding target in just 10 minutes, has gone on to raise an additional £85,000, which it will put towards accelerating its growth plan. Growth Capital Ventures, a FinTech firm which develops and operates online funding and investment marketplaces,...

Read more

PD PORTS BAG 3-YEAR ALLPORT DEAL

By Martin Walker October 24th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

PD Portcentric Logistics, part of the PD Ports Group which has a base on Aycliffe Business Park, has secured a three-year contract with freight forwarding company, Allport Cargo Service, to undertake their LCL deconsolidation service. Allport will move their growing LCL offering from Tilbury to PD Portcentric Logistics’ 500,000 sq. ft....

Read more

TESCO PROFITS DOWN 92% AS CHAIRMAN QUITS

By Martin Walker October 24th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

The chairman of Tesco is to stand down after Britain's biggest retailer reported a 92% fall in pre-tax profits and revealed that the accounting black hole in its profits is larger than expected. Britain's biggest retailer said in its half-year results that the black hole in its profits was £263m, larger than the £250m initially...

Read more
STRIKER BYRNE RE-JOINS HOMETOWN CLUB Sport

STRIKER BYRNE RE-JOINS HOMETOWN CLUB

By PMcGeary October 22nd, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Record breaker Warren Byrne tonight joined hometown club Newton Aycliffe for a third time, with the club’s all-time goalscoring record firmly in his sights. The 32-year-old sniffer scored 51 goals in two spells for the club – one behind Elliot Gardner’s record boast of 52 – including a record 44-goal haul during the club’s...

Read more

ABLE COLLECTION RAISES £1,160

By Martin Walker October 22nd, 2014 In Features, News 0 comments

By Martin Walker A target to raise £1,500 in memory of Darren Ablewhite is almost complete thanks to the generosity of his family and friends. Able's girlfriend, Julie Houhgton, launched a campaign to raise the cash for a community defibrillator to be installed in Liverpool’s Princes Park. Able tragically died after suffering a...

Read more
OAK TREE SET FOR DEMOLITION Community

OAK TREE SET FOR DEMOLITION

By Martin Walker October 22nd, 2014 In Community, News 1 comments

By Martin Walker The Oak Tree pub will be demolished if plans for new apartments are given the nod. Social housing provider, livin, has applied to Durham County Council to replace the once popular public house with two sets of two-storey apartment blocks for people aged over 55. The proposed development will consist of eight...

Read more

11-YEAR-OLD FOOTBALLERS WANTED!

By Martin Walker October 22nd, 2014 In Football, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe Juniors are on the lookout for new players to join their club. Newton Aycliffe Juniors is a well-established junior football club playing in local junior leagues. The club is looking to expand, and need 11-year-old boys and girls (just started at comprehensive school) who are interested in joining. "We have an...

Read more

GESTAMP TALLENT LANDS GOVERNMENT CASH

By Martin Walker October 21st, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe car parts maker Gestamp Tallent has been handed a Government cash boost to address skills shortages. Six companies nationwide have been shortlisted to share a £5.4m cash pot to strengthen the automotive industry. Business Secretary Vince Cable revealed Gestamp Tallent was included in the list of firms...

Read more

CYCLIST 'SERIOUSLY' HURT IN AYCLIFFE ROAD COLLISION

By Martin Walker October 21st, 2014 In News 0 comments

Police are appealing for witnesses to a collision in Newton Aycliffe on Sunday morning. It happened around 9.50am on Sunday (19th October) on Ricknall Lane as the road goes over the A1(M) and involved a pedal cycle and a black Vauxhall Insignia car. The pedal cyclist, a 33-year-old man from the Spennymoor area, suffered serious injuries...

Read more

£3.78M GRANT TO CREATE 'QUAD STATION'

By Martin Walker October 21st, 2014 In News 0 comments

Government funding of £3.78m has been awarded to emergency services in County Durham to build a unique station, which is set to be the first of its kind in the country. County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service is one of 37 projects across England and Wales to be given a share of the £75 million Fire Transformation Fund. The...

Read more

AYCLIFFE HOPE TO END 6-MATCH LOSING STREAK

By PMcGeary October 21st, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Match Preview – Tuesday 21st October 2014 SUNDERLAND RCA vs NEWTON AYCLIFFE Meadow Park, Sunderland. Kick Off 7.30pm. By Paul McGeary Meadow Park hosts the proverbial six-pointer as second-bottom Sunderland RCA host third-bottom Newton Aycliffe. The Newtonians are looking to end a run of six straight defeats after their narrow...

Read more

INEOS LOSSES JUMP TO £32.6M

By Martin Walker October 21st, 2014 In Business 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe firm Ineos has seen annual losses jump from £6.3m to an alarming £32.6m. Latest accounts for Ineos Newton Aycliffe Limited show that the disposal of two business streams led to a steep drop in turnover from £233.1m to £120.4m in the year ended December 31 2013, a 52% decrease. Headcount at the plastics firm was also...

Read more
NEW SPONSOR FOR SPORTS CLUB Sport

NEW SPONSOR FOR SPORTS CLUB

By Martin Walker October 21st, 2014 In Football, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe Sports Club FC has secured a new sponsor for their home kit with the 2014-15 season now well under way. E Hall Installations (Bathroom & Kitchen fitting General Home Maintenance), have gladly put the name on the new-look blue home shirts, which have also been funded by the Sports Club and The Jolly Boys Charity...

Read more

FABRICATION FIRM PREDICTS RECORD TURNOVER

By Martin Walker October 21st, 2014 In Business 0 comments

A Newton Aycliffe fabrication and engineering firm is predicting a record -breaking turnover for 2014 with the help from a recent high profile contract win. D & S Services and its newly launched sister company D & S Construction Services won the contract with Serco, an international service business, for a new helideck at the...

Read more

DOZENS OF NEW OFFICERS TO BOOST POLICING IN DURHAM

By Martin Walker October 21st, 2014 In News 0 comments

Up to 60 new police officers will be recruited to the ranks of Durham Constabulary over the next few months, the force has announced. From Friday 31st October application forms will be available on the force website – www.durham.police.uk – for potential new recruits. Ron Hogg, Durham Police and Crime Commissioner said: “Despite a...

Read more

POLICE APPEAL AFTER GARAGE BURGLED

By Martin Walker October 21st, 2014 In News 0 comments

Police are appealing for information after a garage was burgled in Newton Aycliffe. It happened some time between Wednesday 15th October and Saturday 18th October in the St Godrics Road area of the town, when two full sets of golf clubs were taken. Anyone with information is asked to call the police on 101.  ...

Read more

FIREWORKS DISPLAY WRISTBAND DAYS

By Martin Walker October 18th, 2014 In Community, News 1 comments

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe residents are reminded that the opportunity to get wristbands for the free 'ticket only' fireworks display start next weekend. Great Aycliffe Town Council confirmed last month it was staging the display this year for Aycliffe residents only after it was scrapped in 2013 for safety reasons. AYCLIFFE...

Read more

NOT TOO LATE TO HAVE YOUR SAY

By Martin Walker October 17th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

By Martin Walker It isn't too late for Newtonians to have their say in the Great Aycliffe Neighbourhood Plan. Three lucky residents landed a windfall after they were picked out as winners in the Neighbourhood Plan cash draw this week. SURVEY CASH WINNERS ARE DRAWN But people still have until 17th November to email their completed...

Read more

AYCLIFFE GEARS UP FOR ANOTHER OKTOBERFEST

By Martin Walker October 17th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker The region's biggest showcase for engineering and manufacturing is now fully booked with more than 140 businesses set to take part in the Newton Aycliffe event. Durham Oktoberfest gets underway at The Xcel Centre on Aycliffe Business Park next Thursday (23rd October), with exhibits from 118 registered companies including...

Read more

JULIE LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN IN DARREN'S NAME

By Martin Walker October 17th, 2014 In Features 0 comments

By Martin Walker Darren Ablewhite's girlfriend has launched a campaign to raise cash for a community defibrillator to be installed in Liverpool's Princes Park in his memory. Darren tragically died after suffering a cardiac arrest at the end of a 5k parkrun in Toxteth on Saturday 4th October. NHS worker Julie Houghton, from Wavertree,...

Read more
STUDENTS SIGN FINAL PIECE OF AYCLIFFE STEEL Business

STUDENTS SIGN FINAL PIECE OF AYCLIFFE STEEL

By Martin Walker October 17th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker Schoolchildren have left a lasting legacy on a major new sporting venue in the region which is being constructed by a Newton Aycliffe company. Budding athletes from Easterside Academy in Middlesbrough have seen their signatures immortalised in the structure of the main sports building at the new £18 million...

Read more

THIRD TIME LUCKY FOR DIXON

By PMcGeary October 17th, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Match Preview – Saturday 18th October 2014 NEWTON AYCLIFFE vs DUNSTON UTS AuxAudio.co.uk Stadium By Paul McGeary Peter Dixon will hope it is third time lucky for his Newtonians side as he goes in search of his first victory following two defeats in his opening two games in charge. The former West Auckland boss has again been...

Read more

GONGS FOR A-STAR STUDENTS

By Martin Walker October 16th, 2014 In News 0 comments

A number of students going into their final year at Woodham Academy have been recognised for their achievements. The school hosted its annual Year 11 celebration evening, marking the beginning of the end for Woodham's top scholars. The evening began with a celebration of the excellent GCSE results achieved in the summer in English...

Read more
SURVEY CASH WINNERS ARE DRAWN Community

SURVEY CASH WINNERS ARE DRAWN

By Martin Walker October 15th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

By Martin Walker Three lucky Newtonians have landed a cash windfall after they were picked out as winners in the Neighbourhood Plan draw. Great Aycliffe Town Councillor Brian Hall, who is chairman of the Neighbourhood Plan steering group, made the draw by computer this week, along with Chrissy Walton and Angela Corner from the...

Read more

ANOTHER INTERNATIONAL VISIT AT GREENFIELD

By Aycliffe Today Reporter October 15th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Another group of international visitors were welcomed to Greenfield Arts as part of their International Symposium of Teaching & Learning. Eleven colleagues from the Netherlands joined Greenfield for a morning of finding out about Greenfield Arts, Greenfield, SOLEs sessions and a language master class. "We also had more local visitors...

Read more

SHILDON MAN ARRESTED AFTER COP CAR PURSUIT

By Aycliffe Today Reporter October 15th, 2014 In News 0 comments

A Shildon man has been arrested after a car he was driving lost control following a short pursuit by police. Durham Police were alerted to an incident at filling station in Thinford in the early hours of Tuesday (14th October), where a vehicle made a sharp exit without paying for fuel. The Black VW Polo had been stolen earlier from a...

Read more

SPARKIES IN THEIR EYES!

By Aycliffe Today Reporter October 15th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Dramatic explosions and chemical reactions opened up the world of science to primary school children. Woodham Academy launched Sparkies Science Club to give younger children the chance to visit a laboratory and see how exciting science can be. The first session, last week, saw children from Woodham Burn, Sugar Hill, Vane Road and...

Read more

RETAIL PARK NOT FOR ME, SAYS COUNCILLOR

By Martin Walker October 14th, 2014 In Community, News 5 comments

By Martin Walker A councillor says he doesn't want to see a retail park in Newton Aycliffe. Great Aycliffe Town Councillor Brian Hall, who is chairman of the Neighbourhood Plan steering group, points to the new Bishop Auckland shopping park at Tindale Crescent which he claims has decimated its town centre. Cllr Hall had a shop in...

Read more

POLICE APPEAL AFTER ATTEMPTED BURGLARY

By Martin Walker October 13th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe police are appealing for information after an attempted burglary. Officers say the suspects smashed a window panel and tried to gain entry to a garage in the Simpasture area, some time between 8pm on Monday 6th October and 6pm on Tuesday 7th October. Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101.  ...

Read more

CASH FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS

By Aycliffe Today Reporter October 13th, 2014 In Community 0 comments

Community groups in the Newton Aycliffe and Middridge are set to benefit from a new pot of funding dedicated to organisations working with children and young people. Great Aycliffe & Middridge Partnership (GAMP) and the Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) will be launching the ‘Small Grants Fund for Children & Young People’ at the...

Read more

CHILDREN TO GET FREE CYCLE TRAINING

By Martin Walker October 13th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Funding has been secured to offer vital cycle training to 1,000 extra children in County Durham. Durham County Council has been awarded £20,000 by the Department for Transport to deliver Bikeability sessions to primary school pupils in Year 3. The training is provided in three progressive stages with levels one and two normally...

Read more

STUDENTS EMBARK ON APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME

By Aycliffe Today Reporter October 13th, 2014 In Business, Community 0 comments

Students and staff have spent half a day in one of the six Newton Aycliffe-based companies participating in the Apprenticeship Awareness programme at Woodham Academy. The students have gained insights into how some of the region’s biggest, brightest and best employers are facing up to the challenges of a tough economic climate. They...

Read more

DIXON ADDS THREE MORE TO AYCLIFFE SQUAD

By PMcGeary October 13th, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

By Paul McGeary Peter Dixon showed no sign of ending his recruitment drive as he signed three more players before Newton Aycliffe’s game with Durham City at the weekend, bringing his total of new faces to seven in his first week in charge. West Auckland midfielder Liam Henderson, Shildon defender Mark Stephenson and Bedlington Terriers...

Read more

THE X FACTOR - WEEK 7

By Aycliffe Today Reporter October 13th, 2014 In Features 0 comments

Aycliffe Today writer Zoe Skerrett reviews the first live shows weekend of the X Factor... What a first week of live shows! I spent the week itching to know who had been given any extra shot in the competition and was hoping to see Kerrianne Covell back - unfortunately that was not the case though. Other judges chose the four wild cards...

Read more

AYCLIFFE CHEESED OFF AFTER CATHEDRAL CITY DEFEAT

By PMcGeary October 13th, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Durham City 3, Newton Aycliffe 2 By Paul McGeary Newton Aycliffe went down by the odd goal in five, but deserved something from the game as they outplayed hosts Durham City for the second period, having gone in 3-2 down at half-time on Saturday. Boss Peter Dixon signed three more players before kick-off – bringing a total of seven...

Read more

WOODHAM CONTINUE I.T. INVESTMENTS

By Martin Walker October 13th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Students at Woodham Academy continue to benefit from the significant investment that has out into state-of-the-art ICT facilities. The Academy proudly boasts almost 400 Windows machines, all of which are less than three-years-old, which equates to a ratio of more than one machine to two students. In addition, the Academy’s ‘Mac...

Read more

SWIMMING SUCCESS FOR WOODHAM ACADEMY

By Aycliffe Today Reporter October 13th, 2014 In Community, Sport 0 comments

Competitive club swimmers from Woodham Sports Academy took part in the English Schools Swimming Association North East Trials recently. The event was held at Durham City Freeman Quay and hosted schools from all over the North East of England to compete in medley and freestyle relays, with the squad was a mixture of year 7 and 8 girls, and...

Read more
STEELE PAYS TRIBUTE TO FAMILY FRIEND Features

STEELE PAYS TRIBUTE TO FAMILY FRIEND

By Martin Walker October 11th, 2014 In Features, Football 0 comments

By Martin Walker He'd just kept another clean sheet for his new club, Blackburn Rovers. And with his proud parents watching from the Ewood Park stands, it should have been a memorable day. But after the 0-0 draw with Huddersfield last Saturday, joy quickly turned to sorrow. Boro 'keeper Steele, on a season-long loan with Blackburn,...

Read more

GREENFIELD SCHOOL PRODUCTION 2014

By Martin Walker October 10th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Rehearsals are well underway for this year’s Greenfield Community College School Production which will be performed in December. Without giving too many secrets away, the storyline, which includes dancing and music, takes place at a circus, where the custard pies aren’t being thrown so well, and the owners find themselves trapped in a...

Read more

HITACHI SECURES MULTI-MILLION POUND SCOTTISH CONTRACT

By Martin Walker October 9th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker Hitachi Rail Europe has secured another multi-million pound contract for its £82m factory on Aycliffe Business Park. Transport Scotland has announced its intention to award Abellio the new ScotRail franchise. The Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP) will be a crucial part of the new franchise, and Abellio...

Read more

SHAFTO DOOR SMASHED IN DRUGS SWOOP

By Aycliffe Today Reporter October 9th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Police have smashed open a door on Shafto Way in a dramatic drugs swoop. Aycliffe officers carried out a Magistrate's search warrant at the address on Wednesday (8th October). The police team were looking for cannabis and found a small amount within the premises. Aycliffe officers encourage anyone who is having problems with people...

Read more

GREENFIELD PARENTS HAVE THEIR SAY

By Aycliffe Today Reporter October 9th, 2014 In Features 0 comments

Parents of children at Greenfield Community College are regularly asked to tell the school what the school is doing well and how it can do better. Last week it was the turn of year 7 students who gave their reasons for choosing Greenfield. The most popular reason was the reputation of the school in the community, followed by academic...

Read more

WANTED MAN ARRESTED BY POLICE

By Aycliffe Today Reporter October 9th, 2014 In News 0 comments

A Newton Aycliffe man wanted by police was arrested overnight after he was found hiding in a loft. Aycliffe cops wanted to speak to Lewis Bowmer about an alleged assault on his partner. The 21-year-old is now in custody and helping police with their enquiries. "Thank you to everyone who assisted in helping to locate him," said a...

Read more

D-DAY DOOM AS DAN IS DISMISSED

By PMcGeary October 8th, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe 2, Penrith 4 By Paul McGeary D-Day came but unfortunately it was more doom for Aycliffe as boss Peter Dixon’s first game in charge ended in familiar defeat for Newtonians fans. A new era was hearalded for the club but it was the same old story as Penrith continued their 100% record at Moore Lane Park with a...

Read more

AYCLIFFE FIRM'S SEAL OF APPROVAL

By Martin Walker October 8th, 2014 In Business, News 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe shower manufacturer Roman has been collecting old towels at its Aycliffe Business Park factory to aid baby seals. Staff have been gathering the towels, some of them pictured below, and delivering them to help look after the rescued baby seals at Scarborough Sealife and Marine Sanctuary. Roman first spotted the appeal...

Read more

POLICE APPEAL AFTER WHEELIE BIN FIRE

By Aycliffe Today Reporter October 8th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe police are appealing for information after a wheelie bin was set on fire. The incident happened at about 5pm on Sunday (5th October), when an unidentified suspect set for to a wheelie bin in the garden of a property in Honister Place. "The bin was no more than two feet away from the house wall," said a police...

Read more
JOBS BOOST AT AYCLIFFE MANUFACTURER Business

JOBS BOOST AT AYCLIFFE MANUFACTURER

By Martin Walker October 8th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker A Newton Aycliffe manufacturer which is aiming to create 200 new jobs over the next few years has started by adding more than 40 members of staff to its team. Ebac produces dehumidifiers, water coolers and chest freezers at two sites on Aycliffe Business Park, and is bringing washing machine manufacturing back to the UK...

Read more

AYCLIFFE PERVERT JAILED FOR 14 YEARS

By Aycliffe Today Reporter October 7th, 2014 In News 0 comments

A Newton Aycliffe man has been jailed for 14 years after sexually assaulting a teenage girl with learning difficulties. Steven James Wilson, 36, formerly of Honister Place, was given the 14-year sentence at Durham Crown Court. Full story from The Northern Echo.  ...

Read more

WORKERS' £2,500 BOOST FOR BOSS

By Martin Walker October 7th, 2014 In Business, News 0 comments

Super-fit workers at Ebac in Newton Aycliffe have raised almost £2,500 for their boss’s charity – and have pledged to add to the total. The team has just finished counting a flood of donations after they completed the famous Rat Race obstacle course on the River Tees in aid of the Olivia Mae Foundation, set up by Ebac MD Pamela...

Read more
AYCLIFFE CAN BE TOP 4 SIDE, SAYS DIXON Sport

AYCLIFFE CAN BE TOP 4 SIDE, SAYS DIXON

By Martin Walker October 7th, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

By Martin Walker Peter Dixon insists Newton Aycliffe could be a top-four side in the Northern League - if they had the right support. The 46-year-old took over at Aycliffe on Saturday night just a few weeks after leaving West Auckland - the club he'd guided to Wembley twice in the FA Vase. His first game in charge was at home to...

Read more

POLICE HUNT DANGEROUS QUADBIKER

By Martin Walker October 7th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe police have released an image of a man suspected of driving a quadbike dangerously in the town. Officers say the man was seen riding the bike dangerously in Honister Place at about 6pm on Sunday (5th October) after riding it around West Park. Anyone who can identify the male pictured is asked to call the police on 101, or...

Read more

DIXON SIGNS FOUR AS NEW ERA DAWNS

By Martin Walker October 6th, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe's new boss Peter Dixon today set about his job at the Aux Audio Stadium by bringing four new players into the club. West Auckland players Paul Garthwaite, Stuart Banks and Ashley Coffey have all joined the Newtonians after being released by West, while Blyth Spartans midfielder Ryan Cummins has joined the club on...

Read more

WHAT A RESULT FOR AYCLIFFE FC!

By Martin Walker October 6th, 2014 In Features, NAFC 0 comments

Aycliffe Today editor Martin Walker comments on Newton Aycliffe FC's appointment of Peter Dixon as new manager... They say everything comes in 3s. Well that certainly is the case for Newton Aycliffe FC managers this season, and let's hope it's third time lucky for our Northern League club. Our community magazine heralded the appointment...

Read more

THOUSANDS OF FAKE FAGS SEIZED IN SHILDON

By Martin Walker October 6th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Thousands of suspected fake cigarettes were seized in a raid in Shildon. Trading Standards officers at Durham County Council and police searched two premises in the Shildon area last Thursday (2nd October) in connection with cigarettes and rolling tobacco, which were believed to be either smuggled or counterfeit. As a result two arrests...

Read more

AYCLIFFE FAIL TO DERAIL SHILDON CHARGE

By PMcGeary October 6th, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe 1, Shildon 2 By Paul McGeary With new boss Peter Dixon watching from the stands, his inherited Newton Aycliffe side failed to impress as Shildon produced a controlled performance to win 2-1 at the AuxAudio.co.uk stadium. Caretaker manager Allan Oliver said after the game, “We showed plenty of endeavour, but lack that...

Read more

IT'S D-DAY FOR AYCLIFFE!

By Martin Walker October 5th, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

By Martin Walker It's D-Day for Newton Aycliffe Football Club... D for Dixon! Our Northern League club has slashed ticket prices for Peter Dixon's first game in charge this week. The Newtonians officially confirmed the appointment of the former West Auckland boss as their new manager on Saturday night. His first game in charge will...

Read more
TRIBUTES PAID TO DARREN ABLEWHITE Sport

TRIBUTES PAID TO DARREN ABLEWHITE

By Martin Walker October 5th, 2014 In NAFC, News 2 comments

By Martin Walker Tributes have been paid to a popular Newtonian, who died suddenly at the weekend. Darren Ablewhite tragically died on Saturday while taking part in a fun run in Liverpool, aged just 44. The tributes have been led by Newton Aycliffe Football Club, whom Darren played a handful of games including a promotion-winning...

Read more
PETER DIXON APPOINTED AYCLIFFE BOSS Sport

PETER DIXON APPOINTED AYCLIFFE BOSS

By Martin Walker October 4th, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe FC have pulled off a shock coup by appointing former West Auckland boss Peter Dixon as their new manger. The 46-year-old takes over the reins at the Aux Audio Stadium with immediate effect after today's derby defeat at home to Shildon. His first game in charge will be at home to Penrith on Wednesday...

Read more

'GETTING DIXON IS MAJOR COUP' - OLIVER

By Martin Walker October 4th, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe chairman Allan Oliver says the opportunity to bring well-known Northern League manager Peter Dixon to the club was a "no brainer". The Newtonians tonight officially confirmed the appointment of the former West Auckland boss as their new manager after their game against Shildon. His first game in charge...

Read more
VELO HEROES ARE STREETS AHEAD Features

VELO HEROES ARE STREETS AHEAD

By Martin Walker October 3rd, 2014 In Features, Sport 0 comments

By Martin Walker A fledgling sports group in Newton Aycliffe has already achieved a string of achievements just seven months after starting out. Aycliffe Velo - the town's only cycling club - now has more than 70 members after reforming in March this year. And after already being nominated for Club of the Year in Sport Durham's...

Read more

AYCLIFFE... SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN TO ME!

By Martin Walker October 3rd, 2014 In Community, Features 0 comments

COMMENT: Great Aycliffe Town Council is taking the Neighbourhood Plan to the people of Newton Aycliffe with "zeal", as Aycliffe Today editor Martin Walker writes... Councils and politicians are often accused of being insular; incapable of tuning into the thoughts of the general public. Out-of-touch, grey suits sitting in council...

Read more

FIREWORKS DECISION LAUDED

By Martin Walker October 3rd, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

By Martin Walker The decision to bring back the Aycliffe fireworks display for the town's residents only has been a hugely popular one among Aycliffe Today visitors. And Great Aycliffe Town councillors across the board are also relishing the return of the gunpowder extravaganza on 5th November. AYCLIFFE FIREWORKS DISPLAY BACK ON –...

Read more

AYCLIFFE V SHILDON DERBY!

By PMcGeary October 2nd, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Match Preview – Saturday 4th October 2014 NEWTON AYCLIFFE vs SHILDON AFC The AuxAudio.co.uk Stadium. 3pm. By Paul McGeary Newton Aycliffe go into this local derby in search of a much-needed victory after two successive defeats have once again dragged them back towards the relegation places. Standing in their way are local rivals...

Read more
BE ON YOUR GUARD AGAINST ILLEGAL FIREWORKS News

BE ON YOUR GUARD AGAINST ILLEGAL FIREWORKS

By Martin Walker October 2nd, 2014 In News 0 comments

Dummy hand after illegal fireworks test (above) The illegal fireworks, which are labelled ‘Black Cat’ – a legal brand, are actually believed to be counterfeit and have been banned since 1997. Trading Standards officers at Durham County Council and police were tipped off about the batch after some residents in the county complained...

Read more

£40K HORNDALE 'MUGA' OFFICIALLY OPENED

By Martin Walker October 2nd, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

By Martin Walker A £40,000 Multi Use Games Area at Horndale Park in the town was officially opened on Thursday. The Mayor of Great Aycliffe Town Council, Cllr Wendy Hillary, joined the Horndale Residents Association as well as representatives from Newton Aycliffe Football Club and Durham Wildcats to mark the opening. SEE OUR PICTURE...

Read more

BGT OPEN AUDITION TOUR COMES TO NORTH-EAST

By Aycliffe Today Reporter October 1st, 2014 In News 0 comments

Popular TV talent show Britain’s Got Talent is scouring the length and breadth of the country with its biggest-ever open audition tour visiting a total of eleven cities across the UK and Ireland. The show will be heading to Newcastle United's St James' Park on Saturday 11th October to uncover some of the best talent around, looking for...

Read more

£4 BILLION WIPED OFF TESCO VALUE AS WATCHDOG PROBES

By Aycliffe Today Reporter October 1st, 2014 In Business 0 comments

Britain's financial watchdog has launched a full investigation into the Tesco accounting scandal that has now wiped £4 billion from the troubled grocer's stock market value. Tesco, Britain's biggest grocer and the world's third-largest retailer which has a store in Newton Aycliffe, announced on 22nd September that it had overstated...

Read more

POLICE TO ROLL OUT TOUGH NEW DRUGS POLICY

By Martin Walker October 1st, 2014 In News 0 comments

By Martin Walker A groundbreaking project aimed at getting drug users into recovery and away from crime is being rolled out across the Durham Constabulary area. After a successful pilot scheme in Peterlee and Bishop Auckland police stations, the ‘Drug Test on Arrest’ policy has now been extended to cover all of the force’s custody...

Read more

CROSSFITTERS QUALIFY FOR 'THROWDOWN'

By Martin Walker October 1st, 2014 In Sport 0 comments

A group of super-fit Newtonians will compete in a specialist fitness competition in the region this weekend. Eight members of Aycliffe specialist gym CrossFit All Out have qualified to take part in the North-East's Thorium Throwdown event at the Peterlee Pavillion on Sunday (5th October). The competition was open to all CrossFit boxes...

Read more

AYCLIFFE IS 'ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE', SAYS BUSINESS BOSS

By Martin Walker September 30th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker The managing director of Durham County Council's business arm says Aycliffe Business Park is now an "economic powerhouse". Business Durham boss Dr Simon Goon admits Aycliffe has "hidden its light under a bushel" in the past - but now insists it's time to put the spotlight back on the town. Dr Goon was speaking at the...

Read more

POLICE TO TAKE UP TOWN CENTRE POSITION

By Martin Walker September 30th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe police officers are hoping to set up a new base in the town's shopping centre. As revealed by Neighbourhood Police Team Sergeant Mark Edwards in his blog on Aycliffe Today, it's hoped two officers will be based from one of the units in the town centre. "There’s quite a bit of work ongoing at the moment to increase our...

Read more

ALDI'S PRICE WAR VOW AS PROFITS LEAP BY 65%

By Aycliffe Today Reporter September 29th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

Aldi has vowed to maintain the supermarket price war as it announced a 65% increase in its UK profits. The German discounter - which opened a store in Newton Aycliffe nearly two years ago - said it would respond to price cuts from competitors with further discounts and claimed that attempts by rivals to match its budget approach had only...

Read more

MOTOR BIKE STOLEN

By Martin Walker September 29th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Police are appealing for information after a bike was stolen. The red and black Honda motorcycle was stolen from an address in Guthrum Place at around 8.30-8.40pm on Tuesday 23rd September. "Fortunately, the motorcycle was found by officers the following morning in the Burn near to Brafferton Close," said a police statement. If anyone...

Read more

WE HAVE TO BREAK THE MOULD - SAYS UTC

By Martin Walker September 29th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker The man heading up the proposed University Technical College for Newton Aycliffe says they have to "break the mould" to attract young people into engineering. Sunderland University, with support from Gestamp Tallent and Hitachi Rail Europe, won a bid to launch an advanced engineering and manufacturing centre of...

Read more

AYCLIFFE SLUMP TO ANOTHER DEFEAT

By Martin Walker September 29th, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe slipped to fifth-bottom in the Ebac Northern League first division with their eighth defeat of the season at home to Whitley Bay at the weekend. A single goal, scored by Paul Chow, was enough for Bay to take all three points back to North Tyneside. It also represented two consecutive defeats within the space of three days...

Read more

XCEL BOSS DEDICATES AWARD TO STAFF

By Martin Walker September 29th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker The boss of the Xcel Centre has dedicated a business award to its "fantastic" staff. The Xcel was named Employer of the Year at Aycliffe Business Park's recent Make Your Mark event, beating off competition from More Time Online and Tyne Tees Packaging. Managing director Kerina Clark said: "We're delighted to win the...

Read more

POLICE APPEAL AFTER BOATING LAKE ASSAULT

By Martin Walker September 29th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Police are appealing for information after a young man was assaulted in the town. The incident happened between 2.30pm and 3.30pm on Saturday (27th September) at the boating lake area of Aycliffe to the rear of McColls shop. The victim has received injuries as a result of the assault, while the offender - who is unknown to the victim -...

Read more

THE X FACTOR - WEEK 5

By Aycliffe Today Reporter September 29th, 2014 In Features 0 comments

Aycliffe Today's Zoe Skerrett continues her weekly X Factor blog... With an extra episode this weekend, the X Factor is down to its final 24. The judges were given their categories: Cheryl with the girls, Mel B with the boys, Simon with the over 25s and Louis with the groups. With more drama and controversy this weekend than the whole...

Read more

THE 'AYCLIFFE BLUE' BLOG

By Aycliffe Today Reporter September 29th, 2014 In Features 0 comments

With Newton Aycliffe Neighbourhood Police Team Sergeant Mark Edwards... Hello all... There’s quite a bit of work ongoing at the moment to increase our reach amongst the areas we police here in Aycliffe. With the support of Town Centre Manager Bryan Haldane, PC Rogers and PCSO Laycock have been trying to secure a premises that the...

Read more

VIP SERVICE - GIVE YOUR CLIENTS THE SPECIAL TREATMENT

By Aycliffe Today Reporter September 29th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Zoe Skerrett Newton Aycliffe’s smartest taxi company, Safeline, launched Safeline Executive two years ago to cater for all your business needs. In 2012, Safeline Taxis saw a gap in the market and extended their business to supply a premium service for the occasions when a little bit extra is required. A lot of businesses aren’t...

Read more

TOP 10 MOST READ STORIES

By Martin Walker September 27th, 2014 In Features, News 0 comments

We've had just under 40,000 page views in the last month, and here are the top 10 most read stories in that time. 1 (1,925 views) AYCLIFFE FIRM HELPS COWBOY BUILDERS! 2 (1,574 views) NORTHALLERTON TRAP THE ‘RAT’ 3 (1,471 views) AYCLIFFE THIEF ON TRIAL AFTER PREGNANT CLAIM 4 (1,339 views) SUSPECT STEALS XBOX GAMES FROM...

Read more

DRUGS GANG JAILED FOR TOTAL OF 22 YEARS

By Aycliffe Today Reporter September 27th, 2014 In News 1 comments

A drugs gang including three people from Newton Aycliffe have been jailed for a total of 22 years. Police officers arrested 18 people as part of Operation Orient - a series of dawn raids in Aycliffe, Bishop and Shildon - in December last year. Aycliffe Today reported exclusively from the scene with video footage and pictures of the...

Read more

AYCLIFFE AT HOME TO WHITLEY BAY

By Martin Walker September 27th, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Match Preview – Saturday 27th September 2014 NEWTON AYCLIFFE vs WHITLEY BAY The AuxAudio.co.uk Stadium. Kick off 3pm. By Paul McGeary Newton Aycliffe return to Moore Lane looking to secure only their second home victory of the campaign against a Whitley Bay side that are fast becoming the league’s ‘entertainers’. Bay –...

Read more

AYCLIFFE FIREWORKS DISPLAY BACK ON - OFFICIAL!

By Martin Walker September 26th, 2014 In Community, News 2 comments

Great Aycliffe Town Council has confirmed the annual Fireworks Display will return this year. The authority had scrapped the event last year due to safety concerns, but has confirmed it will return for Aycliffe residents only on Wednesday 5th November this year. The fun will consist of a funfair for young children which will open at 5.30...

Read more

TWO CREATIVE DAYS AT GREENFIELD GALLERY

By Martin Walker September 26th, 2014 In Community 0 comments

This week The Greenfield Gallery got a surge of visitors to its latest exhibition! The show by the Community Art Project was visited by two groups from Mandale Mill Primary School in Thornaby, as part of their topic “Muck, Mess & Mixtures.” The groups of Year 2 students visited Greenfield Arts for a day of art, gallery and new...

Read more

GAMP CELEBRATING 'GREAT' AYCLIFFE

By Martin Walker September 26th, 2014 In Community 0 comments

Great Aycliffe & Middridge Partnership (GAMP) are holding a community forum event to celebrate what’s ‘GREAT’ in Newton Aycliffe and Middridge. The Event is taking place on Saturday 8th November, from 10am until 2pm, at Newton Aycliffe Youth & Community Centre, and a range of local community groups and service providers will...

Read more

A WALK IN THE PARK FOR STAFF

By Martin Walker September 26th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker Employees on Aycliffe Business Park are taking to the roads as part of an innovative project to encourage sustainable transport. Steve Shepperson is heading up the Local Motion project for Newton Aycliffe, with the primary aim of making it easier to walk, cycle and take public transport in the South of the...

Read more

COPPER CHOPPER DROPS IN TO SCHOOL

By Aycliffe Today Reporter September 25th, 2014 In Community 0 comments

All eyes were looking to the sky as a police helicopter dropped in to a Newton Aycliffe school today. Durham Constabulary's chopper made the surprise appearance at St Joseph's School on Thursday afternoon. The Newton Aycliffe Neighbourhood Police Team were also in attendance, along with the force's traffic unit and off-road bike...

Read more

WAR OF THE WARDROBE!

By Martin Walker September 25th, 2014 In Features 0 comments

Two thirds (64%) of people from the North-East think that women should be allowed more space in shared wardrobes than men, according to a new study launched by British Heart Foundation (BHF). When asked why women should be allowed more space in the wardrobe, over one third of people from the North-East (35%) said it was because women are...

Read more

NEWCASTLE BENFIELD 3, NEWTON AYCLIFFE 0

By Martin Walker September 25th, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe slumped to their seventh league defeat of the season at Newcastle Benfield on Wednesday night. After their much-needed, morale-boosting victory at Billingham Synthonia last weekend, Allan Oliver's were dealt another blow with their third away loss of the campaign against a team struggling with them in the bottom half of the...

Read more

THRIVE HOSTS SOCIAL MEDIA SESSIONS

By Aycliffe Today Reporter September 25th, 2014 In Business, Community 0 comments

Proving that everyone can and should embrace social media, inbound marketing agency, thrive, is delivering social media training events in Newton Aycliffe. Thrive was approached by our area’s local business support and guidance facilitators, the South Durham Enterprise Agency, to deliver social media advice and practical support as part...

Read more

GREENFIELD WELCOME ARGENTINA VISITORS

By Martin Walker September 25th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Greenfield College was pleased to welcome a cohort of young people and students from Buenos Aires this week. The group are undertaking a tour of England and Ireland, visiting notable places, schools and landmarks – and they chose to visit Greenfield Arts’ International Symposium of Teaching and Learning. The 30 students, aged 15 and...

Read more

PD PORTS PROVIDE THE PERFECT BLEND

By Martin Walker September 25th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

A Teesside company which has a Newton Aycliffe base has opened a new facility for the company best known for its Yorkshire Tea blend. PD Ports has created the new facility in Billingham for Taylors of Harrogate, to provide more space and increased efficiency for the family tea and coffee merchants. The operations undertaken by PD Ports...

Read more

STEELE FEELING THE LOVE AT ROVERS

By Martin Walker September 25th, 2014 In Football, Sport 0 comments

By Martin Walker Newtonian goalkeeper Jason Steele is feeling the love again after making his Blackburn Rovers debut. Aycliffe lad Steele, who joined Rovers from Boro on a season-long loan in August, kept a clean sheet in his first game for the Lancashire club in their 1-0 win at Fulham last Saturday. The 24-year-old stepped in for...

Read more

GREENFIELD CELEBRATES RECORD RESULTS... AGAIN!

By Martin Walker September 24th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Students and staff have been celebrating another year of record-breaking success at Greenfield Community College, as the top academic school in the area for the second year running. This achievement crowns a fantastic year at Greenfield, where outstanding results have been rewarded by the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT),...

Read more

BLUEBELL GARAGE BURGLARY ATTEMPT

By Martin Walker September 24th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Police are appealing for information after a burglary attempt at the car garage at Bluebell. Police say the incident happened some time between 5.30pm on Monday (22nd September) and 8.30am on Tuesday, when suspects have tried to gain entry into S Cars Garage, on the old Bluebell Garage site along Greenfield Way. "On this occasion no...

Read more

WATER POLO CLUB SCOOPS TOP AWARD

By Martin Walker September 24th, 2014 In Sport 0 comments

Sedgefield Water Polo Club won Junior Sports Club of the year last week at the Sedgefield Sports Awards. The Newton Aycliffe-based club now goes forward to the County Finals on 10th October. "All the members and parents are over the moon that all their hard work, dedication and determination has paid off," said Mel Stephenson, on behalf...

Read more

APPRENTICES JOIN THE COUNTY AFTER £50K REFURB

By Martin Walker September 24th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe award-winning restaurant The County is celebrating a £50,000 makeover after seeing another record year in turnover. Now the management is taking on two new Apprentices to add to its growing team in Aycliffe Village. Business owners Colette Farrell and Stuart Dale, who are seven years into a 25-year...

Read more

COURSE LAUNCHED TO IMPROVE DRIVER TRAINING STANDARDS

By Martin Walker September 24th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Driving instructors in County Durham are being urged to head back to the classroom and take advantage of a new skills course. Durham County Council is among the first to provide the two-day training programme, ‘Client Centred Learning for Driving Instructors’, which is aimed at helping instructors improve their performance and meet new...

Read more
EXPERT TO TACKLE HOMOPHOBIA IN SCHOOLS Community

EXPERT TO TACKLE HOMOPHOBIA IN SCHOOLS

By Martin Walker September 24th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Durham County Council has appointed a special advisor to tackle the issues of homophobia and transphobia in schools. Elly Barnes is the founder and Chief Executive of Educate and Celebrate, recognised by OFSTED as providing “best practice” in delivering training to teachers throughout the country. The Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and...

Read more

PREVIEW: NEWCASTLE BENFIELD V AYCLIFFE

By PMcGeary September 24th, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Match Preview – Wednesday 24th September 2014 NEWCASTLE BENFIELD vs NEWTON AYCLIFFE Sam Smith’s Park. 7.30pm. By Paul McGeary Newton Aycliffe are once again on their travels as they go to Newcastle Benfield hoping to build on Saturday’s victory over Billingham Synthonia. Sam Smith’s Park has never been a happy hunting...

Read more

MD'S GLAMOUR BALL TO RAISE CHARITY CASH

By Martin Walker September 23rd, 2014 In Business, Community 0 comments

One of Newton Aycliffe's leading businesswomen is staging an evening of glitz and glamour to raise money for a charity she set up after a personal tragedy. Pamela Petty, Managing Director of Aycliffe Busness Park-based manufacturer Ebac, started the Olivia Mae Foundation in memory of her daughter, who died aged seven weeks following a brave...

Read more

DAMAGE CAUSED TO PUBLIC MULTI-GYM

By Martin Walker September 23rd, 2014 In News 0 comments

Police are appealing for information after damage was caused to a public multi-gym. The damage happened some time between Sunday (21st September) and Monday, at the multi-gym in the playground near to Scott Place and Kestrel Court. If with information is asked to call the local police on 101, or message them on Facebook.  ...

Read more

AYCLIFFE DESIGNER NETS HISTORICAL FOOTBALL PROJECT

By Aycliffe Today Reporter September 23rd, 2014 In Business, Football 0 comments

By Zoe Skerrett Two local businesses have joined together to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Northern League. Newly-formed Backscratch Theatre has been asked to by the league to create a celebratory series of shows, aptly named Hewin' Goals. Backscratch have enlisted the help of Sarah Carlton, from Aycliffe design agency...

Read more

£650K AYCLIFFE-SHILDON FOOTPATH IS OPENED

By Martin Walker September 23rd, 2014 In Community, News 1 comments

A £650,000 footpath to link Newton Aycliffe and Shildon has officially been opened. Cyclists, pedestrians, families with pushchairs and children lined up to celebrate the official opening of the Locomotion Way. The three-metre wide path is two miles long and links the railway past and the future. The tarmacked path comes full circle...

Read more

MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING AT NEVILLE PARADE

By Martin Walker September 23rd, 2014 In Community, News 1 comments

A Macmillan Coffee Morning is being held at Neville Parade Community Hall on Saturday. The annual national fundraising event is billed as the world's biggest coffee morning, with events held on Friday and Saturday across the country. Local fundraiser Michelle Dodds is hoping to beat last year's total of £305 with this year's event at...

Read more

THRIVING AT THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

By Martin Walker September 22nd, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker New marketing agency thrive picked up the Heart of the Community award at the Make Your Mark event on Aycliffe Business Park. The award - the last of the night - was designed to celebrate excellence in corporate, social and ethical activity. It sought to "identify organisations which best exemplify the social and...

Read more

BIKE MARKING EVENT

By Martin Walker September 22nd, 2014 In Community 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe Neighbourhood Policing team are conducting a bike marking event in the town this weekend. The latest crime prevention initiative is being held this Saturday (27th September) from 10am-1pm at Cycleways, Neville Parade. It's a great opportunity for cyclists to get their bike marked for free. "It's quick, easy and only...

Read more

TESCO SUSPEND EXECS AMID PROFITS INQUIRY

By Martin Walker September 22nd, 2014 In Business 0 comments

Tesco has suspended four executives, including its UK managing director, after the supermarket overstated its half-year profit guidance by £250m. It has launched an investigation, while the supermarket chain - which has a store in Newton Aycliffe - says it is now working to establish the impact of the issue on its full-year...

Read more

AYCLIFFE SEASON ENDS IN A DRAW

By Martin Walker September 22nd, 2014 In Cricket, Sport 0 comments

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe cricket team's season ended with a draw at Moore Lane on Saturday. Aycliffe's visitors Wolviston racked up a healthy 206 for three, with Matty Atkinson taking two wickets for 22. Chasing 207 for an unlikely victory, man-of-the-match Dan Craggs (pictured) scored an impressive 77 in his last game for...

Read more

THE X FACTOR - WEEK 4

By Martin Walker September 22nd, 2014 In Features 0 comments

Aycliffe Today's Zoe Skerrett continues her weekly review of the X Factor... The final weekend of arena auditions are over! Next week comes the all important six seats that determine who gets through to the judges houses and who will be ending their X Factor journey there and then. This week had some highs, and some lows and for some...

Read more

POLICE TRAINING CAR IN AYCLIFFE CRASH

By Aycliffe Today Reporter September 22nd, 2014 In News 0 comments

A police training car was involved in a three-car crash in Newton Aycliffe. The incident, involving the force's vehicle, a lorry and another car, happened at the A167 junction leading into Aycliffe Business Park at midday on Friday. An ambulance was called to the scene but nobody was seriously injured.  ...

Read more

DAN'S THE MAN AS AYCLIFFE CLAIM WIN

By PMcGeary September 22nd, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Billingham Synthonia 0, Newton Aycliffe 1 By Paul McGeary Allan Oliver recorded his first win back in charge – albeit on an interim basis – as Aycliffe exorcised some demons to defeat Billingham Synthonia 1-0 at the Motif8 Stadium. Defender Dan Mitton scored his first goal for the club in the sixth minute to seal the points, but...

Read more

TEKMAR NAMED COMPANY OF THE YEAR

By Martin Walker September 19th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker Specialist offshore engineering firm Tekmar Energy scooped the Company of the Year award at Aycliffe Business Park's Make Your Mark awards event on Thursday night. More than 200 people enjoyed the glitzy ceremony at the Xcel Centre, attended by Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson and Business Durham managing director Dr Simon...

Read more

AYCLIFFE TODAY GETS NEWCOMER GONG!

By Martin Walker September 19th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

Aycliffe Today's prestigious business magazine picked up an award at Aycliffe Business Park's Make Your Mark event. Aycliffe Today Business - launched in December 2012 - won the Best Newcomer category, beating off competition from OneGym and training-provider Optimum Skills to the award. The publication is Aycliffe's only B2B...

Read more

BEANIES NAMED SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

By Martin Walker September 19th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker Flavoured coffee company Beanies picked up the Small Business of the Year award at Aycliffe Business Park's Make Your Mark event on Thursday night. The firm, based at Evans Business Centre on the park, pipped D&S Services and Capture Films. Managing director John Evans said: "Being nominated for this award gives...

Read more

PREVIEW: BILLINGHAM SYNTHONIA V AYCLIFFE

By Martin Walker September 19th, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

BILLINGHAM SYNTHONIA vs NEWTON AYCLIFFE Central Avenue Stadium. Kick off 3pm. By Paul McGeary Allan Oliver must pick his threadbare squad up after four consecutive defeats as they travel to Teesside to take on a Billingham Synthonia side who are in something of an indifferent run of form, despite being earmarked as one of the pre-season...

Read more

DRIVER HIRE WINS NATIONAL TURNOVER AWARD

By Martin Walker September 19th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe-based Driver Hire has won a national award for hitting more than £300,000 in turnover. Driver Hire Darlington, a franchise of the national network based on Aycliffe Business Park, has won the firm's prestigious Bronze Achievement Award for outstanding sales performance. The UK’s largest specialist supplier, Driver Hire...

Read more

BISHOP WOMAN CHARGED WITH AYCLIFFE SHOP THEFT

By Martin Walker September 19th, 2014 In News 0 comments

A Bishop Auckland woman has been charged with shoplifting by police after an incident in Aycliffe shopping centre. Suzanne Matthews, 29, was arrested and charged after allegedly stealing from the Boyes store in the town. "Newton Aycliffe Police continue to have a strong relationship with the shops in our town centre and shoplifters will...

Read more

MAKE YOUR MARK - THE WINNERS

By Martin Walker September 19th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

The full list of shortlisted nominees and winners of the Aycliffe Business Park Make Your Mark 2014 awards event. (Winners in bold) ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING AWARD Sponsored by Sunderland University Ebac Finley Structures 1 PWS EXPORT AWARD Sponsored by NECC Meditek 3M Think Eleven INNOVATION AWARD Sonsored by...

Read more

MAKE YOUR MARK - IN PICTURES

By Martin Walker September 19th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

A selection of pictures from Aycliffe Business Park's Make Your Mark awards event at the Xcel Centre on Thursday night... ...

Read more

COUNTY DURHAM SALT BARNS REVEALED FOR WINTER

By Martin Walker September 17th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Up to 12,500 tonnes of salt will be stored at two new barns in County Durham ready for the winter. Durham County Council is preparing for winter conditions by making sure that the new salt barns in Wolsingham and Peterlee are up and running in plenty of time. The Wolsingham barn, which was completed in January and cost £500,000 to...

Read more

HAVE A SAY ON LOCAL ISSUES

By Martin Walker September 17th, 2014 In Community 0 comments

Residents in Great Aycliffe and Middridge can find out how local issues are being tackled when the area action partnership (GAMP) meets next week. The GAMP Board will be meeting next Tuesday (23rd September, 6pm to 8pm) at Middridge Village Hall and members of the public are welcome. Local people can also raise any neighbourhood issues...

Read more

EXCITEMENT BUILDS FOR MAKE YOUR MARK EVENT

By Martin Walker September 17th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker The excitement was building across Aycliffe Business Park today for the inaugural Make Your Mark awards event. More than 200 guests are expected to attend the celebration of business achievements at the Xcel Centre on Thursday night. Eleven awards will be dished out on the night during an Oscars-style presentation...

Read more

PREVIEW: NEWTON AYCLIFFE V NORTON

By PMcGeary September 17th, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Match Preview – Wednesday 17th September 2014 NEWTON AYCLIFFE vs NORTON & STOCKTON ANCIENTS Durham Challenge Cup, Prelim. AuxAudio.co.uk Stadium. Kick off 7.30pm. By Paul McGeary Newton Aycliffe will look to bounce back from three straight defeats as they begin their Durham Challenge Cup assault with a home tie against second...

Read more

BUSINESSES LOOK FORWARD TO AWARDS EVENT

By Martin Walker September 15th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker Companies on Aycliffe Business Park are gearing up for an inaugural awards event this week. More than 200 guests are expected to attend the glitzy Make Your Mark celebration at the Xcel Centre on Thursday night. Eleven awards will be dished out on the night during an Oscars-style presentation after a three-course...

Read more

ADOPTION CAMPAIGN PILOTED IN COUNTY DURHAM

By Martin Walker September 15th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

County Durham has been chosen to pilot a new campaign that aims to find families for children in the area that are waiting to be adopted. There are 220 children in the North-East that are waiting for a loving home. The new campaign will encourage people in the North-East to consider adoption by bringing to life what it means to have...

Read more

NORTHALLERTON TRAP THE 'RAT'

By PMcGeary September 15th, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

By Paul McGeary Popular Newton Aycliffe midfielder Stuart Owen has tonight shocked the club and signed for second division outfit Northallerton Town. Affectionately nicknamed ‘Rat Boy,’ Owen has followed former star Dan Mellanby to Ainderby Road, after handing in a transfer request on Saturday evening. The move will stun followers...

Read more

BIKE STOLEN FROM TALLENTS

By Martin Walker September 15th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Police are appealing for information after a bike was stolen from the Gestamp Tallent factory on Aycliffe Business Park. It's believed the bicycle - a black and lime green Scott Park 70, and similar to the bike pictured above - was taken some time in the last fortnight. If you have seen this bike or know who is responsible for the theft...

Read more

CLUB RECORD WIN FOR AYCLIFFE

By Martin Walker September 15th, 2014 In Cricket, Sport 0 comments

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe's first team won comfortably at relegated Thornaby 2nds on Saturday. Aycliffe declared on 278 for nine after 46.3 overs, with Joe Haines (68), Chris Palmer (67) and Luke Telford (35) the top scorers. And it took the visitors just 14.5 overs to bowl Thornaby out for 20, with man-of-the-match Michael...

Read more

X FACTOR - WEEK 3

By Martin Walker September 15th, 2014 In Features 0 comments

Zoe Skerrett continues her X Factor review, summing up week three of the popular ITV programme... With 187 acts through to the next round it was time for the arena auditions this weekend. Beginning with a few poor acts before jumping straight into 17-year-old James Graham singing Bonnie Ray’s I Can’t Make You Love Me. He had the...

Read more

AYCLIFFE SUFFER CUMBRIAN WOE

By Martin Walker September 15th, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Celtic Nation 3, Newton Aycliffe 2 By Paul McGeary Newton Aycliffe lost another winnable game as they went down by the odd goal in five at Celtic Nation. Allan Oliver’s side remain in trouble at the lower reaches of the table after their sixth league defeat in eight games, following their 3-2 reverse to the Carlisle outfit. The...

Read more
CARE WITH COFFEE, CAKE AND CRAFTS Community

CARE WITH COFFEE, CAKE AND CRAFTS

By Martin Walker September 12th, 2014 In Community 0 comments

The Macmillan World’s Biggest Coffee Morning is now an annual event at the Pioneering Care Centre in Newton Aycliffe and this year PCP is hosting a ‘coffee with crafts’ event. The Coffee Morning is taking place on Friday 26th September between 10am–1pm. In addition to the refreshments sold in the Mall Coffee Shop within the...

Read more
GREGG LITTLE SUPPORT FOOTBALL CLUB WITH SPONSORSHIP Business

GREGG LITTLE SUPPORT FOOTBALL CLUB WITH SPONSORSHIP

By Martin Walker September 12th, 2014 In Business, NAFC 0 comments

Local family firm Gregg Little Testing Centre is getting behind the town's football club with a new sponsorship for the 2014-15 season. The company, which has been based on Aycliffe Business Park for 25 years, has forked out £1,000 to sponsor the Northern League club's tracksuits. The deal is another example of the football club working...

Read more

THIEVES RANSACK CRICKET CLUB SCORE BOX

By Martin Walker September 11th, 2014 In Cricket, News 0 comments

Cruel thieves have targeted Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club's brand new score box for a second time. The latest incident happened in the early hours of Monday morning, when thieves got away with some of the players' kit. It comes just a few weeks after the new electronic score box, which was revamped in the summer thanks to GAMP funding,...

Read more

BELT UP - FOR YOUR CHILDREN’S SAKE

By Martin Walker September 11th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Road policing crews are taking part in a Europe-wide seatbelt campaign this week. The initiative will see officers from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit stopping vehicles where drivers or passengers are not wearing their seatbelts as part of the work carried out by TISPOL (European Traffic Police Network) all this...

Read more

UNHAPPY RETURN FOR AYCLIFFE BOSS OLIVER

By PMcGeary September 10th, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe 0, Marske United 2 By Paul McGeary Allan Oliver was back in the home dugout but unfortunately it was a familiar story as Aycliffe were once again defeated – their seventh in nine games – on a lively Wednesday evening at the AuxAudio.co.uk Stadium. Marske, sitting fourth in the table with games in hand came out of...

Read more

AYCLIFFE THIEF ON TRIAL AFTER PREGNANT CLAIM

By Aycliffe Today Reporter September 10th, 2014 In News 0 comments

A Newton Aycliffe woman who was sparred jail for being pregnant is now being charged with perverting the course of justice. Lisa Phillips, of Eskdale Place, was given a four-month jail sentence for theft last year, but the term was suspended after she claimed she was due to give birth. The 37-year-old denied a charge of perverting the...

Read more

AYCLIFFE FIRM HELPS COWBOY BUILDERS!

By Martin Walker September 10th, 2014 In Business, News 0 comments

By Martin Walker A Newton Aycliffe firm came to the rescue of a family in the hit TV show Cowboy Builders. Aycliffe Business Park-based Roman, a leading UK shower designer and manufacturer, helped out when a home was left ruined by reckless workmen. The show, presented by Dom Littlewood (pictured) and Gabi Blackman, was aired on...

Read more
A BUSINESS PLAN FOR NORTH-EAST GROWTH Business

A BUSINESS PLAN FOR NORTH-EAST GROWTH

By Martin Walker September 10th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

The North-East Chamber of Commerce has outlined the priorities that a new Government must address in 2015 if the region is to deliver on its true potential. As the British Chambers of Commerce launches its Business Plan for Britain, NECC has defined the priorities within the BCC document that will help the North-East maximise growth and...

Read more
WOODHAM ACADEMY YEAR 6 OPEN EVENING Community

WOODHAM ACADEMY YEAR 6 OPEN EVENING

By Martin Walker September 10th, 2014 In Community 0 comments

Woodham Academy is hosting an open evening for parents of year 6 students who'll be moving to secondary school next summer. The school has produced a new interactive prospectus for parents, which enables parents and children to view videos within the printed publication, using the augmented reality App, Aurasma. Copies of the prospectus...

Read more

NEWTON AYCLIFFE V MARSKE UNITED

By Martin Walker September 10th, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Match Preview – Wednesday 10th September 2014 NEWTON AYCLIFFE vs MARSKE UNITED AuxAudio.co.uk Stadium. Kick off 7.30pm. By Paul McGeary Allan Oliver returns to the Newton Aycliffe dugout after just four months away to complete a full-circle saga which has seen two managers come-and-go with very little success. Rookie boss Aidy...

Read more
SUSPECT STEALS XBOX GAMES FROM TESCO News

SUSPECT STEALS XBOX GAMES FROM TESCO

By Martin Walker September 10th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Police have released a CCTV image of a man suspected of stealing from Tesco in Newton Aycliffe. A man stole four Xbox games to the value of £200 from the Tesco store in the town on Tuesday afternoon. And officers are keen to identify the man pictured (above) in relation to the theft. Anyone with information is asked to call police on...

Read more

OLIVER STEPS IN TO STEADY NAFC SHIP

By Martin Walker September 9th, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe FC chairman Allan Oliver has stepped back into the hot-seat as caretaker manager of the Royal Blues. Following Adrian Webster's resignation on Sunday, as revealed on Aycliffe Today, Oliver has returned to the Aux Audio Stadium dug-out just a few months after moving "upstairs". And he will take charge of Aycliffe's game at...

Read more

POLICE APPEAL AFTER TWO CAR THEFTS

By Martin Walker September 9th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe police are appealing for information after thefts from two cars in the last week. At around 8pm on Thursday 4th September, wheel trims have been stolen from a vehicle parked on Greville Way. And in the early hours of Sunday morning (7th September), between 1-3pm, a sat-nav was stolen from a parked grey Hyundai i20 in the...

Read more
RUGBY FANS WARNED OF WORLD CUP TICKET SCAMS Sport

RUGBY FANS WARNED OF WORLD CUP TICKET SCAMS

By Martin Walker September 9th, 2014 In Rugby, Sport 0 comments

  Rugby fans in County Durham are being urged to be on their guard against fake ticketing scams ahead of next year’s World Cup. Durham County Council’s trading standards team has issued the warning with local interest in the tournament set to be high. Among the matches being staged a few miles away at St James’ Park in...

Read more

NEWTONIANS URGED TO REGISTER THEIR VOTE

By Martin Walker September 9th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Nearly 43,000 people across County Durham are being urged not to lose their right to vote following changes to the way the electoral register is compiled. The introduction of Individual Electoral Registration means people are now required to register to vote individually, rather than by household. The new system also allows residents to...

Read more

MORE SUCCESS FOR WOODHAM SPORTS ACADEMY

By Martin Walker September 9th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Woodham Sports Academy students achieved record GCSE results this year, with 81% achieving five or more GCSEs at A*-C grade, including English and Mathematics. Woodham's acclaimed sporting provision offers high quality coaching opportunities to elite athletes in a range of sports, including football, dance, gymnastics, American football,...

Read more

TEESSIDE UNI SHORTLISTED FOR PRESTIGIOUS BUSINESS AWARD

By Martin Walker September 9th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

Teesside University is in the running for a prestigious award for its commitment to encouraging enterprise. For the second year in succession, the University has been shortlisted in the Entrepreneurial University of the Year category in the Times Higher Education (THE) awards. The award is given to universities which have ‘developed an...

Read more

HOUSEHOLDS INVITED TO SIGN-UP TO GARDEN WAST COLLECTION SCHEME

By Martin Walker September 9th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

More than 190,000 households are being invited to join the County Durham garden waste collection service next year. From spring 2015 there will be an annual fee of £20 for garden waste collections from the kerbside. It will also be offered to an additional 35,000 properties which are not covered by the current scheme. Letters are being...

Read more

CABLE LAUDS 'GLOBAL LEADING' HITACHI

By Martin Walker September 8th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

By Martin Walker Business Secretary Vince Cable has praised Hitachi Rail Europe after the Japanese firm revealed it is working with more than 30 UK-based suppliers for trains which will be built at its Newton Aycliffe factory. Of those parts, systems and operations that Hitachi Rail Europe could have sourced from the UK for the new...

Read more

STAR RADIO TO MAKE YOUR MARK SPARKLE!

By Martin Walker September 8th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

Local radio station Star Radio will make a business awards event sparkle next week! The County Durham station's star DJ Tim Lichfield will form part of the entertainment at Aycliffe Business Park's glitzy Make Your Mark event at the Xcel Centre on Thursday 18th September. A high-profile guest speaker will also form part of the line-up,...

Read more

AYCLIFFE MID-TABLE AFTER ANOTHER DEFEAT

By Martin Walker September 8th, 2014 In Cricket, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe first team's disappointing second half of the season continued with a 41-run home defeat to Redcar's second XI. Fast bowler Matty Atkinson (pictured) picked up yet another man-of-the-match award after taking five wickets for 46 from 13 overs before top scoring with 19. But it wasn't enough for the home side, as Aycliffe...

Read more

POLICE APPEAL AFTER BIKE STOLEN

By Martin Walker September 8th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Police are appealing for information after a bike was stolen in Newton Aycliffe. The red and silver Kobe bicycle was stolen from a garden in Tindale Green, some time between 8.30-10pm on Monday 1st September. Police say the back wheel on the bike was buckled and there was no rear brake. If anyone saw anything suspicious during the...

Read more

AYCLIFFE BOSS WEBSTER RESIGNS

By Martin Walker September 7th, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe FC are looking for a new manager after boss Adrian Webster quit on Sunday, just eight games into the 2014-15 season. Webster succeeded Dan Mellanby just before the start of the new campaign after the popular Newtonian stepped aside in the summer. But the former New Zealand international today told...

Read more

COUNCIL LEADER MAKES 'FASCIST' LEGAL THREAT TO PAPER

By Martin Walker September 7th, 2014 In Community, News 1 comments

By Martin Walker The leader of Great Aycliffe Town Council has threatened to sue a local paper over an accusation of being a fascist. In a letter penned by Ken Robson, chairman of the Friends of West Park, and published by the Newton Aycliffe weekly publication, Newton News, he accused elite councillors as being "environmental...

Read more

HISTORIC CUP WIN FOR UNDER-15s

By Martin Walker September 5th, 2014 In Cricket, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club's Under-15s team made history with a dramatic cup victory this week. The youngsters won the League Cup for the first time with a nail-biting win over Sunderland at Aycliffe Sports Club. With the home side down and out, they clawed the game back to tie before edging it after losing fewer wickets. "The drama...

Read more
MUSICIAN AIMING FOR STARS AFTER WINNING STADIUM NAMING RIGHTS Business

MUSICIAN AIMING FOR STARS AFTER WINNING STADIUM NAMING RIGHTS

By Aycliffe Today Reporter September 5th, 2014 In Business, NAFC 0 comments

By Zoe Skerrett A young A-star musician is hoping a new sponsorship deal will help to kick start his business. After winning a stadium naming rights competition organised by Newton Aycliffe FC, Tom Bussey - pictured (left) with Newton Aycliffe FC general manager Dan Lewis and local musician Lee Wright (back) - has been given the chance...

Read more

LOX OF LOVE EXPAND IN STYLE

By Martin Walker September 5th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe hair extensions specialists Lox of Love have expanded the business already by adding a new stylist to the team. Newtonian Emma Stevens, pictured above (left) with managing director Victoria Cartwright, has joined the firm at their premises in Evans Business Centre on Aycliffe Business Park. Victoria, also from the town,...

Read more

NEWTONIAN TO RUN GREAT NORTH BAREFOOTED AGAIN!

By Aycliffe Today Reporter September 5th, 2014 In News 0 comments

By Zoe Skerrett Newton Aycliffe’s barefoot runner, Steve Wood, is taking part in his second Great North Run without shoes this Sunday. After completing the race barefooted last year with a time of just less than two hours, Steve is back and running his way around the roads of Tyneside to raise money for Butterwick Hospice...

Read more

AYCLIFFE AWAY IN FA VASE

By PMcGeary September 5th, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Match Preview – Saturday 6th September 2014 DAISY HILL versus NEWTON AYCLIFFE New Sirs Stadium, St James’ Street. 3pm kick off By Paul McGeary Newton Aycliffe travel to Greater Manchester in the hope of securing only their second ever victory in the FA Vase, taking on North West Counties Division One side Daisy Hill for the first...

Read more
WOODLANDS SHOW HOMES NOW OPEN News

WOODLANDS SHOW HOMES NOW OPEN

By Martin Walker September 4th, 2014 In News 0 comments

House buyers are being invited to view the first showhomes at Keepmoat’s stunning new development in Newton Aycliffe. The two showhomes are now open for viewings at the development of 175 high-quality properties at The Woodlands on Cobblers Hall Road. The three bedroom Ashby showhome combines style and space and is ideal for first time...

Read more

CHARITY CYCLIST COMPLETES LONDON-NEWCASTLE CHALLENGE

By Martin Walker September 3rd, 2014 In News, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe charity cyclist Anthony Cox completed his challenge of riding more than 300 miles in under 24 hours for charity. In memory of Mark Bulman, a Newtonian who passed away from cancer at the age of 21, the 23-year-old took part in the fundraising event for Teenage Cancer Trust along with 300 other cyclists. Anthony completed...

Read more
ANTHONY COX - MY STORY Features

ANTHONY COX - MY STORY

By Martin Walker September 3rd, 2014 In Features, Sport 0 comments

Charity cyclist Anthony Cox delivers his own inspirational recollection of a gruelling London-Newcastle bike ride... As I woke at 7:30am on Saturday, having woken every hour to check the time (I really didn't want to sleep in today!), I began to feel nerves and excitement for the challenge I was soon to begin. Could I really cycle 310...

Read more

'NEW WAYS AHEAD FOR LOCAL SERVICES?' ASKS COUNCIL

By Martin Walker September 2nd, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

An invitation to groups and communities in County Durham to get more involved in or even take over some local services has resulted in enquiries ranging from libraries to Streetscene services. The ‘Ask’ campaign was launched in February by council Leader, Cllr Simon Henig, and has generated interest and questions from communities, the...

Read more
NEW START FOR NEWTONIAN STEELE Sport

NEW START FOR NEWTONIAN STEELE

By Martin Walker September 2nd, 2014 In Football, Sport 1 comments

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe footballer Jason Steele is looking forward to kick-starting his career again after completing a season-long loan move to Championship club Blackburn Rovers. The 24-year-old goalkeeper, a product of Middlesbrough's Academy, made the switch to Lancashire just before the transfer window closed on Monday...

Read more

NEXT SHAFTO ST MARY'S PACT MEETING

By Martin Walker September 2nd, 2014 In Community 0 comments

The next meeting of the Shafto St Mary's Police and Community Together (PACT) is due to take place at the library on Central Avenue, from 6pm on Thursday 11th September.  ...

Read more

SERVING UP SUCCESS WITH FREE SCHOOL MEALS

By Martin Walker September 2nd, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

All of Durham County Council’s 214 infant and primary school kitchens are serving free meals to children as the new academic year gets underway. As well as being able to offer free meals to Key Stage 1 pupils in reception class and years one and two, each of the council’s 214 schools is providing hot meals to any child, including those...

Read more

11 SERIES ON... AND WE STILL LOVE X FACTOR!

By Aycliffe Today Reporter September 2nd, 2014 In Features, Music 0 comments

Aycliffe Today's Zoe Skerrett reviews the first week of the new X Factor... The X Factor is back! There’s new judges, new audition rooms but as usual, plenty of contestants you have to laugh at. Returning judges Simon Cowell and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, newbie Mel B and, as always, Louis Walsh have to sort through the best and worst...

Read more

CRICKET CLUB'S U-15s IN CUP FINAL

By Martin Walker September 1st, 2014 In Cricket, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club's Under-15s team play their first-ever cup final tonight (Monday). Aycliffe's youngsters face Sunderland's Under-15s side at Aycliffe Sports Club this evening, which was due to start at 5.30pm. "They have done brilliantly to reach the final," said the club's secretary Lee Weldon. "They beat Evenwood away...

Read more

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

By Aycliffe Today Reporter September 1st, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

Great Aycliffe Town Council's Neighbourhood Plan Officer Angela Corner talks to Zoe Skerrett... Residents of Great Aycliffe are being given an opportunity to have their say in the future development of the town. Behind this plan is Angela Corner, who is running consultations with residents, businesses and organisations and forming task...

Read more

AYCLIFFE HIT CROOK FOR FIVE

By Aycliffe Today Reporter September 1st, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe FC broke their duck for the season at the AuxAudio.co.uk Stadium, as they smashed Crook for five on Saturday. In the process of registering their first home win of the season, they also staged something of a goal of the season competition in the second half. Boss Aidy Webster again made several changes as he looked for a...

Read more

AYCLIFFE BACK TO WINNING WAYS

By Martin Walker September 1st, 2014 In Cricket, Sport 0 comments

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe's cricket team got back to winning ways at the weekend. Adfter back-to-back defeats which saw them slip to seventh in the NYSD League second division, Aycliffe's first team comfortably beat relegation-threatened Sedgefield with an eight-wicket victory, moving up one place in the table to...

Read more

ALLAN KELLEY MEMORIAL EVENT

By Martin Walker August 29th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

By Martin Walker A special golf day and evening is being organised to celebrate the life of a popular Newtonian. Allan Kelley sadly passed away in May after a hard-fought battle with a cruel and debilitating cancer. Now his wife, Sue, and daughter Stephanie, along with the help of many friends, are organising a fundraising day on...

Read more
RUNNER KATE FLIES AYCLIFFE FLAG IN GLASGOW Sport

RUNNER KATE FLIES AYCLIFFE FLAG IN GLASGOW

By Aycliffe Today Reporter August 29th, 2014 In Sport 0 comments

By Zoe Skerrett Newton Aycliffe distance runner Kate Avery recorded a personal best time to finish fourth in the women's 10,000-metre finals at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Now the 22-year-old former Woodham Academy student has her eyes on the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. Kate discovered her love and passion for running after...

Read more

AYCLIFFE AT HOME TO CROOK TOWN

By PMcGeary August 29th, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Match Preview – Saturday 30th August, 2014 NEWTON AYCLIFFE versus CROOK TOWN AuxAudio.co.uk Stadium at Moore Lane Park. 3pm kick off By Paul McGeary With both sides having crashed out of the FA Cup at the first time of asking, this hastily arranged fixture pairs the teams just two weeks after Aycliffe won the reverse encounter 2-0...

Read more

SWDT SIGN DEAL WITH HITACHI

By Martin Walker August 28th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

South West Durham Training (SWDT) has struck a deal with Hitachi Rail Europe to teach some its future train-builders. Hitachi is investing £1m in a prototype train which will be installed at SWDT's premises as part of the deal - the train, shipped from Japan, is expected to arrive in December. Meanwhile, the Japanese firm is also...

Read more
GREAT AYCLIFFE SHOW 2014 IN PICTURES - PART 4 Community

GREAT AYCLIFFE SHOW 2014 IN PICTURES - PART 4

By Martin Walker August 28th, 2014 In Community, Picture Galleries 0 comments

Local photographer Dave Stocks brings us more cracking pictures covering the Great Aycliffe Show 2014. Dave is available for all kinds of photography - weddings, special events, sporting fixtures, studio photography or corporate pictures. You can visit Dave's website at: www.davestocksphotography.co.uk Click here to see Part...

Read more

AYCLIFFE 'FINTECH' FIRM EXPANDS

By Martin Walker August 28th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

Growth Capital Ventures, the financial services and technology firm behind GrowthFunders, is expanding. Although the first of its kind in the North East, the Newton Aycliffe-based business operates in the thriving alternative finance sector and is growing rapidly. Now, Growth Capital Ventures is set to use its own platform to raise...

Read more

KNIFEPOINT ROBBERY AT BOOZE BUSTER

By Martin Walker August 27th, 2014 In News 0 comments

A 19-year-old female shop assistant at Booze Buster in Newton Aycliffe was left "distressed" after a knifepoint robbery. A man entered the store at around 6.30pm on Monday Bank Holiday (25th August) and produced a large knife. He threatened the young shop assistant and demanded money and alcohol. "He left the store with a quantity of...

Read more

DUVET DAY LEADS TO JAIL STRETCH

By Martin Walker August 27th, 2014 In News 0 comments

A Ferryhill man who stole a duvet from Poundstretcher in Newton Aycliffe has been locked up. As revealed in NPT Sergeant Mark Edwards' blog on Aycliffe Today, Luke Graham Beasley, 28, of Ramsay Drive in Ferryhill, appeared at Aycliffe Magistrates Court on 20th August, charged with theft of a duvet set from Poundstretchers. He was committed...

Read more

OPPORTUNITIES AT WOODHAM 'EXCEPTIONAL' SAYS FOOTY LEGEND

By Martin Walker August 27th, 2014 In Community, Sport 0 comments

By Martin Walker Legendary football referee George Courtney says the sporting opportunities at Woodham Academy now are "exceptional". Courtney, a former Vane Road teacher and ex-World Cup referee, was one of the special guests at Woodham Sports Academy's presentation in the summer. He joined the school's sports ambassadors Jason...

Read more
GREAT AYCLIFFE SHOW 2014 IN PICTURES - PART 3 Community

GREAT AYCLIFFE SHOW 2014 IN PICTURES - PART 3

By Martin Walker August 27th, 2014 In Community, Picture Galleries 0 comments

Local photographer Dave Stocks brings us more cracking pictures covering the Great Aycliffe Show 2014. Dave is available for all kinds of photography - weddings, special events, sporting fixtures, studio photography or corporate pictures. You can visit Dave's website at: www.davestocksphotography.co.uk Click here to see Part...

Read more
AYCLIFFE DROP TO SEVENTH AFTER DOUBLE DEFEAT Sport

AYCLIFFE DROP TO SEVENTH AFTER DOUBLE DEFEAT

By Martin Walker August 27th, 2014 In Cricket, Sport 0 comments

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe's cricket team suffered two defeats at the weekend, slipping to seventh in the NYSD League second division. But there was better news for Aycliffe's second team, who chalked up a win and a draw from their Bank Holiday weekend double-bill. The first team lost both league games - at Darlington's second...

Read more

IN-FORM BISHOP WIN BANK HOLIDAY DERBY

By Martin Walker August 26th, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

In-form Bishop Auckland comfortably ran out derby winners against Newton Aycliffe on Bank Holiday Monday. Bishop cruised to a 3-0 victory at the Aux Audio Stadium as Aycliffe's start to the 2014-15 season went from bad to worse. Four defeats out of five leaves them fifth-bottom in the Ebac Northern League first division. But they can...

Read more

KENNY WALK CANNABIS MAN IS FINED

By Martin Walker August 26th, 2014 In News 0 comments

A Newton Aycliffe man has been fined for possession of cannabis. As revealed on Aycliffe Today on 6th August, a quantity of drugs was seized when Aycliffe police officers swooped on an address in the Kenny Walk, near Moore Lane. And in his latest blog, Neighbourhood Police Team Sergeant Mark Edwards has revealed Kieran Lewis Chisholm,...

Read more
GREAT AYCLIFFE SHOW 2014 IN PICTURES - PART 2 Community

GREAT AYCLIFFE SHOW 2014 IN PICTURES - PART 2

By Martin Walker August 26th, 2014 In Community, Picture Galleries 0 comments

Local photographer Dave Stocks brings us some cracking pictures covering the Great Aycliffe Show 2014. Dave is available for all kinds of photography - weddings, special events, sporting fixtures, studio photography or corporate pictures. You can visit Dave's website at: www.davestocksphotography.co.uk Click here to see Part 1 of...

Read more

BIKES STOLEN IN BURGLARY

By Martin Walker August 26th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Two bikes were stolen during a burglary in Newton Aycliffe this month. It happened some time between 11th and 22nd August, in Surtees Walk, when the bicycles (pictured above) were taken. "The smaller bike has since been sprayed completely black and the larger bike now has black pedals and black cabling," said a police...

Read more

CURTAIN DRAWN ON GREAT AYCLIFFE SHOW

By Aycliffe Today Reporter August 26th, 2014 In Community, News 0 comments

By Zoe Skerrett The last ever Great Aycliffe Show took place last weekend after being an August Bank Holiday tradition for 29 years. The show started in 1985 and has been attended by the town's residents ever since. Always a success for charities, stallholders and activities, the Great Aycliffe Show attracts many organisations on the...

Read more
GREAT AYCLIFFE SHOW 2014 IN PICTURES - PART 1 Community

GREAT AYCLIFFE SHOW 2014 IN PICTURES - PART 1

By Martin Walker August 25th, 2014 In Community, Picture Galleries 0 comments

Local photographer Dave Stocks brings us some cracking pictures covering the Great Aycliffe Show 2014. Dave is available for all kinds of photography - weddings, special events, sporting fixtures, studio photography or corporate pictures. You can visit Dave's website at: www.davestocksphotography.co.uk  ...

Read more

TEKMAR WINS MULTI-MILLION POUND CONTRACT

By Martin Walker August 25th, 2014 In Business 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe company Tekmar Energy has been awarded a multi-million pound project with Statoil and Statkraft on the Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm for the supply of its patented technology TekLink. Tekmar, one of the leading cable protection specialist based in the North East, says the new deal will help Tekmar's ongoing investment at its...

Read more

POLICE INFURIATED BY LACKADAISICAL HOUSEHOLDERS

By Martin Walker August 25th, 2014 In News 0 comments

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe police chief Mark Edwards has told Aycliffe Today he feels like banging his head against a wall when it comes to lackadaisical householders on the town. In his blog on Aycliffe Today, Aycliffe's Neighbourhood Police Team Sergeant says residents are making it too easy for opportunistic burglars to...

Read more

CAR THIEVES IN CRASH DRAMA

By Martin Walker August 25th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Two thieves rammed into vehicles before making off from the scene in a dramatic car crash incident in Newton Aycliffe. As reported on Aycliffe Today on Sunday, a silver Toyota Yaris was taken from the Merlin Court area of the town on Friday morning. The car collided with others in the King's Drive area (yellow estate) before two suspects...

Read more

EBAC STAFF IN RAT RACE

By Martin Walker August 25th, 2014 In News 0 comments

A team from Newton Aycliffe manufacturer Ebac had to have their own dehumidifiers on hand after a Sunday soaking! Ten brave workers from the Aycliffe factory competed alongside around 1,000 other fundraisers in the Stockton River Rat Race at the weekend. The five women and five men from Ebac, Europe's leading manufacturer of bottled...

Read more
THE 'AYCLIFFE BLUE' BLOG Features

THE 'AYCLIFFE BLUE' BLOG

By Martin Walker August 25th, 2014 In Blog, Features 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe Neighbourhood Police Team Sergeant Mark Edwards brings us his latest blog on Aycliffe Today... Change – it’s inevitable. In a matter of fact sort of way, everything changes. Policing and change go hand in hand. As criminals adapt, crime types evolve, so too must our approach to tackling issues. So why this talk...

Read more
WEBSTER PICKS BOAGEY TO HALT AYCLIFFE SLIDE Sport

WEBSTER PICKS BOAGEY TO HALT AYCLIFFE SLIDE

By PMcGeary August 24th, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

By Paul McGeary Newton Aycliffe boss Adrian Webster has reacted to his side's alarming start to the season by signing former Hartlepool United starlet Zak Boagey. The 20-year-old striker has been without a club since his departure from Victoria Park in the summer, and after a recent trial with Whitby Town – where he spent time on loan...

Read more

POLICE APPEAL AFTER CAR STOLEN

By Martin Walker August 24th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Police are appealing for information after a car was stolen in Newton Aycliffe. In the early hours of Friday morning, a silver Toyota Yaris was stolen from Merlin Court - the new housing development near the Turbinia pub. There was also a theft from another vehicle. If you have any information in relation to these crimes please contact...

Read more

AYCLIFFE AT HOME TO BISHOP IN BANK HOLIDAY DERBY

By PMcGeary August 24th, 2014 In Football, NAFC, Sport 0 comments

Match Preview – Monday 25th August, 2014 NEWTON AYCLIFFE vs BISHOP AUCKLAND The AuxAudio.co.uk Stadium at Moore Lane Park. 1pm kick off. By Paul McGeary Newton Aycliffe welcome Bishop Auckland to the Aux Audio Stadium at Moore Lane Park for a Bank Holiday derby clash which sees the clubs sharing contrasting fortunes. While...

Read more

POLICE HUNT POUNDSTRETCHER THIEF SUSPECT

By Martin Walker August 24th, 2014 In News 0 comments

Newton Aycliffe police have released a CCTV image of a man suspected of stealing from Poundstretcher in the town centre. A theft happened at around 11.40am on Friday and officers are appealing for information. A suspect, pictured above, was wearing a blue hoody, blue jeans and trainers and was riding a bike. If you can identify this...

Read more

STEELMEN SHOW METTLE TO SEE OFF RUSTY NEWTONIANS

By PMcGeary