Savage cuts to local authority services look set to continue for at least another five years, Durham Council has warned. An update on council finances in County Durham outlines how difficult decisions about spending priorities look set to continue for several years. DCC's Cabinet will consider its Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) –...

Aycliffe's MP Phil Wilson took part in a cupcake making workshop at Love Thy Cupcake in town centre as part of this year’s Small Business Saturday at the weekend. The Labour MP for Sedgefield said: “It was an honour to get behind our areas local small shops and independent businesses on Small Business Saturday. “We should do all we...

Speed limits could be reduced to 20mph on roads near two Newton Aycliffe schools if councillors approve the proposal. Members of Durham County Council’s Cabinet will be asked next week to agree a new approach to establishing 20mph limits and zones at several schools across the County - including Sugar Hill and St Mary's on the...

Greenfield Arts had a busy week of conferences last week, including the premier of the new Curiosity film “Be Curious” at the NCCPE Conference in Bristol. The film was designed and produced by two Greenfield Community College students alongside Dr Lorraine Coghill from Durham University, Katy Milne, Director of Arts and Creativity at...

By Martin Walker The transformation of Newton Aycliffe town centre has received national recognition with a top retail industry award. Our town centre won the Refurbishment/Extension of the Year (under £5m) award at the British Council of Shopping Centres’ Gold Awards this month. The £2m redevelopment of Aycliffe town centre was...

By Martin Walker Staff at 3M got on their bike when Travel Ranger Steve Shepperson popped in to visit the factory. Steve is heading up the Local Motion project for Newton Aycliffe, with the primary aim of making it easier for people to walk, cycle and take public transport in the South of the county. Steve has successfully taken...

BA Laceys 1, Aycliffe Sports Club 5 Wear Valley Invitation Cup By Paul Eales This weekend saw a break from league fixtures and a return to cup action for Newton Aycliffe Sports Club against Bishop Auckland Laceys. Cup form has not been great so far this season, and this fixture in the Invitation Cup is one of only 2 cups left for the...

Aycliffe Today columnist Zoe Skerrett continues her weekly feature on the popular TV talent show... After 15 weeks of auditions, judges houses and live shows, we are one week away from finding out the winner. The contestants performed a Christmas song and a second song picked by themselves. Simon is guaranteed an act in the final with...

By Martin Walker Police are hunting a man who terrified shop staff with a knife before making off with a quantity of cigarettes. As reported on Aycliffe Today yesterday, the raid took place at the McColl's store at Washington Crescent at around 2pm on Saturday. The man - described as white, slim and about 5ft 7ins tall - reportedly...

There are unconfirmed reports that an armed robbery has taken place in Newton Aycliffe today. It's believed robbers struck the McColls store at Washington Crescent this afternoon. Durham Police's helicopter was hovering overhead for more than an hour as police cars swarmed the area. Aycliffe Today is awaiting official comment from the...