A proposal to combine a Newton Aycliffe infant school with a neighbouring junior school to ensure the best possible outcomes for children will be considered by councillors this week. Durham County Council’s Cabinet will hear that amalgamating Horndale County Infant and Nursery School and St Francis Church of England (C of E) Aided Junior...

You’re an individual or firm doing remarkable things in the Aycliffe business world – but how do you get well-deserved recognition for your efforts? An easy way is to enter the Make Your Mark Awards, which reflect the breadth of business brilliance we have across Aycliffe Business Park. Simply by entering, you put yourself in line for...

He’s a former apprentice who worked his way to the top – now he has a master’s degree in psychology and is managing director of Aycliffe Company of the Year, Senstronics. Andy Reed embodies the philosophy of steady growth, relentless self-improvement and genuine care for people. Balancing his professional achievements with a vibrant...

A new fleet of tractors is helping to prevent slips and falls in County Durham this winter. The 12 additional compact tractors are proving an invaluable resource during the current cold snap, helping Durham County Council to clear snow and spread salt on paths leading to medical centres and pharmacies, as well as in busy areas such as town...

Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) will be opening the doors of its Pioneering Care Centre (PCC) in Newton Aycliffe to support the local community offering a free Welcome Space for all. The first session started on Wednesday, January 8, and will continue to run every Wednesday from 4pm to 6:30pm, until Wednesday, March 26. The weekly drop-in...

The best managers keep their teams productive and engaged – and a course offered by Optimum Skills helps delegates do just that and more. The Skills Bootcamp in Business and People Management gives junior managers, new managers and first-time leaders the toolkit to get the best out of their team – and themselves. And by encouraging...

Residents in County Durham are being reminded that Customer Access Points and most other county council buildings will be closed over the Christmas and New Year holidays. Customer Access Points will close at 12.45pm on Tuesday (December 24), with normal opening hours resuming from Thursday 2 January. Normal opening days and times vary, visit...

Holidaymakers who decide to drive under the influence once they touch down at the airport are being targeted as part of a new police operation. The first of its kind in the North East, Operation Take Off sees Durham officers team up with Northumbria Police to take dangerous drivers off the roads. It is hoped the campaign will make travellers...

A national monument to highlight the dangers of knife crime is coming to Newton Aycliffe for the first time. The Knife Angel – constructed using 100,000 seized blades and weighing in at 3.5tonnes – will officially be installed in the town on June 1, 2025. The sculpture was created by artist Alfie Bradley, from The British Ironwork...

Durham County Council has announced it will once again offer free parking after 3pm in its car parks this festive season. The local authority’s Free After 3pm scheme will return on Monday, December 16, and run through to Friday, January 4. The aim is to encourage people to shop on their local high streets and to visit the county’s...