Community venues across County Durham are being encouraged to apply for financial support to help them through the coronavirus pandemic. With the government’s Business Support Grants scheme having now been extended, Durham County Council is urging community centres and venues, which might not have thought themselves eligible, to apply. To...

A temporary relaxation of concessionary travel arrangements in County Durham will end next week to help bus companies manage social distancing. As more people return to work, public transport operators across the region face the challenge of meeting this extra demand, while ensuring a safe environment for passengers. Passenger numbers are...

Schools in County Durham are being advised that they should only start a phased reopening when they feel it is safe to do so, following the Government’s announcement on the phased return. Durham County Council has been working with schools and has provided comprehensive guidance on risk assessment, acknowledging that the circumstances for...

Innovative Aycliffe manufacturer Roman has added new shields for desks and receptions to its portfolio of products to help local firms to tackle the Covid-19 crisis. Many companies have re-opened recently or are planning to re-open soon as the UK economy hopes to bounce back from the coronavirus downturn. And as firms look to implement safe...

Slow down, save lives – that is the message we are urging motorists to pay attention to as a national speed campaign launches. Officers in the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit (CDSOU) will be taking part in the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s (NPCC) speed enforcement operation. With the gradual relaxing of lockdown...

Greenfield Arts and Greenfield Community College are celebrating after being nominated for national awards. Greenfield Arts have been recognised for their contributions to family focused arts activities, bringing creativity to local communities. In their 20th birthday year they are reflecting upon the many activities, projects and events...

A Newton Aycliffe-based company providing support services for schools is looking to expand as it looks ahead to its 10th anniversary. Peter Barron talks to the two women behind the success story… As they prepare to celebrate their tenth anniversary as business partners in the challenging world of education, Sarah Monk and Julie Sowerby can...

Almost £8.5mn has been allocated to repair roads and prevent potholes forming in County Durham. Durham County Council has been awarded the money from the Department for Transport’s Pothole and Challenge Bid funds. The funding is in addition to the £30m already committed by the council for 2020-21 to help repair local highways in the...

A major drive to recruit new officers to one of the top-performing police forces in the country is set to begin at the end of the month. Applications to join Durham Constabulary as a police constable open on May 29, with potential new recruits having until 5pm on Friday, June 12 to submit their application. The force is looking for...

Newton Aycliffe’s football club is appealing to members of the public to help fund vital ground improvements after their season was cut short due to the coronavirus crisis. The Covid-19 outbreak brought Aycliffe’s Northern League campaign to an abrupt end in March, and with it seven home games which would have brought in critical...