Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has secured an extra £1m to step up visible ‘hotspot’ patrols to tackle serious violence, knife crime and anti-social behaviour. The extra patrols will be targeted in locations which have the highest prevalence of knife crime, serious violence and ASB to deter crime and ensure communities feel...

Woodham Academy’s year 10 photography class visited the Knife Angel sculpture in Newton Aycliffe town centre. The 27ft travelling sculpture, also referred to as the National Monument Against Violence & Aggression, is a contemporary sculpture formed of 100,000 knives obtained through anonymous, knife bank amnesties across the north of...

Palestine Action has claimed responsibility for a double attack in Newton Aycliffe. UK-based Palestine Action campaigns against companies involved in the arms trade, particularly those supplying weapons or military technology to Israel. The group was founded in 2020 and is known for its disruptive protests targeting the facilities, offices...

In a major coup for the North-East music scene, Grammy-nominated country artist Jeremy McComb will perform an exclusive and intimate show at Steam Machine Brewing Company on Tuesday, August 26, as part of a limited three-date UK tour. The Idaho-born singer-songwriter, known for his high-energy performances and heartfelt songwriting, has spent...

By Bob Wood Newton Aycliffe’s pre-season friendlies get under way this Saturday (July 5) as Stockton Town visit the Ashcourt Group Stadium. It’s an early workout for the squad which began training last week ahead of the official season start on August 9. There have been a number of departures from the end of last season including...

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...