Consultation is being proposed on suggested changes to a council tax reduction scheme. Durham County Council is proposing changes to its Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) to ensure it is easier to understand and fairer for all applicants, and to reduce mounting administration costs. The scheme was introduced in 2013 and offers...

Residents in County Durham can have their say on a new framework which will determine future developments and planning applications in the county. Durham County Council is reviewing the County Durham Plan (CDP) to update it from when it was last refreshed in 2020. Reviewed regularly, the CDP plays a key role in the planning system and sets...

Lee Weldon’s weekly round-up from the wicket… Saturday 28th June – NYSD Division 3 Newton Aycliffe 1st XI v Thornaby 2nd XI – the weather was warm with sunny spells. Thornaby won the toss and chose to bat first. Thornaby 2nd XI 109 all out after 25.2 overs Tom Dearden 5 for 25, Matty Greaves 2 for 21 and Will Dearden 2 for...

The ‘topping out’ of Merchant Park’s Phase One 17-acre development in Newton Aycliffe has been celebrated. The latest milestone marks a significant step forward for the commercial development on Millenium Way at Aycliffe Business Park which will provide 52,500 sq ft and bring 198 jobs to the local area. Having reached this important...

A vital community hub in Newton Aycliffe is undergoing a vibrant transformation thanks to a new partnership between local award-winning charity, Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP), and Bishop Auckland College. The college students are gaining valuable hands-on experience through placements to help decorate and enhance the healthy living hub, the...

Durham County Council has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting service personnel past and present during Armed Forces Week. The local authority has a long record of positive engagement with, and support for, the Armed Forces and has pledged to strengthen these connections in the years to come. The local authority is a signatory to the...

Additional support and accommodation is now available for single households who are experiencing homelessness across County Durham. Durham County Council has received government funding to establish a Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP), to provide up to 32 bed spaces for people from County Durham who have been sleeping rough or...

Newton Aycliffe-based apprenticeship and commercial training provider NC Group has announced the appointment of Julie Knight, who joins the business as a fractional HR Leader at the board level. Her appointment follows NC Group’s recent celebration of being awarded an Ofsted Outstanding rating, achieved at its first full inspection. Julie...

Lee Weldon’s weekly round-up from the wicket… Saturday 21st June – NYSD Division 3 Yarm 1st XI v Newton Aycliffe 1st XI – the weather was very hot and humid. Newton Aycliffe won the toss and chose to bowl first. Yarm 1st XI 278 for 6 after 40 overs Will Dearden 3 for 65, Matty Greaves 1 for 41 and Jai Sander 1 for 43 Newton...

People are being invited to have their say on the future of two towns in County Durham. Durham County Council is developing new Strategic Place Plans (SPP) for Newton Aycliffe and Shildon. Already adopted for Spennymoor and Durham City, SPPs aim to create a vision for each town by identifying key plans and objectives individual to the...