Tackling the problems caused by derelict buildings and land is a key focus of ambitious plans to enhance towns and villages across County Durham. Next week, Durham County Council’s Cabinet will be asked to endorse the local authority’s ongoing commitment to addressing these issues as part of its multi-million-pound Towns and Villages...

The latest phase of a major scheme is now underway with the development of a range of industrial units at Station Place in Newton Aycliffe. Station Place, which is now under construction, is part of the wider £90m Merchant Park industrial scheme – a 65-acre development at Aycliffe Business Park and home to Hitachi Rail. The new £4.8m...

Students from Greenfield Community College have been returning to site this week with guidelines in place to ensure a safe and positive learning experience. The school says the resilience and commitment shown by students has been exceptional with valuable support from expert staff, families and carers. Measures are in place for a...

Inspector Sarah Honeyman said officers are doing all they can to tackle the problem as new figures emerged showing Durham Constabulary has the lowest level of knife crime of any county force in the country. Data released by the Home Office shows that in the 12 months ending in September 2020, there were 150 recorded offences in Durham...

In the midst of another coronavirus lockdown, adaptability is crucial. Being adaptable means you’re better able to handle any changes in your life, support your colleagues and  managing the impact of this crisis. Here are five characteristics of people with high levels of ‘adaptability’. How many can you see in yourself? 1...

Four police officers who have earned their stripes as Durham’s newest sergeants have been congratulated by chief constable Jo Farrell. A total of 22 officers passed the force’s rigorous February promotion boards and, on this occasion, ten of the successful candidates were women. Four of the newly-appointed sergeants joined Jo at the...

“Cobots are technological marvels”, says Tony Thompson, managing director of ALM Engineering Solutions. “They’re revolutionising the manufacturing process.” Collaborative robots – or ‘cobots’ – are, indeed, having a huge impact on the manufacturing sector and are increasingly working peacefully side-by-side with their...

Newton Aycliffe captain Aaron Brown says the call to scrap the current Northern League is frustrating, but not surprising. The FA confirmed on Wednesday to curtail the 2020-21 season at Steps 3 to 6 including the Ebac Northern League Division One, with Aycliffe finishing fifth in the table. The Northern League season has been suspended...

Hitachi Rail’s investment at its Newton Aycliffe factory – which now totals £110m – sees new facilities completed, allowing welding and painting to start on brand new UK passenger trains. New welding and painting facilities will be used to build the next generation of intercity trains for East Midlands Railway and Avanti West...

A charity that works with blind and partially sighted residents in County Durham will be able to offer extra support through an Area Action Partnership (AAP) funding grant. Durham County Council’s 3 Towns Partnership has awarded £5,159 of its area budget to Blind Life in Durham. The organisation is a pro-active group of blind and...