Durham County Council’s Cabinet will be asked to approve plans by the Social Value Taskforce to further increase spending with local firms. The taskforce, the first of its kind in the North-East when it was created, was set up by the council and the Federation of Small Businesses in response to the Social Value Act. The taskforce’s...

It was a washout for both our cricket teams on Saturday. The rain postponed Aycliffe’s first team’s fixture at home to Sedgefield’s second XI. Aycliffe second XI’s game at Blackhall also fell foul of the bad weather. The first team hope to get back to action when they go to Redcar on Saturday, to take on their second team...

Greenfield Community College received two SSAT Educational Outcomes Awards at an event in Newcastle on Friday. The Outstanding Continuous Improvement award is for being in the top 20% of schools nationally based on improvement in the percentage of pupils achieving 5+ A*-C grades, including English and mathematics, and the Outstanding...

Landmark energy efficiency scheme, Warm Up North, is helping North East homeowners stay safe as ‘rogue traders’ look to cash in on the Government’s Green Deal scheme. Ian Weatherston, Head of Warm Up North, is advising people living in the North East to be aware of potential unscrupulous door knockers hoping to take advantage of...

By Rachel Wright Quality, expertise and customer focus are the main forces that have brought about a new and thriving business which is ready to build upon years of skill and knowledge. Director Chris Leach is the influence behind Q-Dec Quality Painting, Decorating and Maintenance, which operates from Middridge, Newton Aycliffe. Chris...

By Martin Walker Another one of Aycliffe Business Park’s “hidden treasures” enjoyed a 30% jump in turnover last year and is looking to take on more business. Upex Electrical Distributors (UED) is the only specialist electrical and plumbing wholesaler in Newton Aycliffe. It caters for a range of needs, from the man on the street...

By Martin Walker Woodham Golf Club is set to re-open on Monday after months of uncertainty. New owners Hall Construction, who this week completed the sale of the club for an undisclosed sum, has already re-employed four green-keepers at the course. And the club's professional, Ernie Wilson, will also return to work on Monday as Hall...

EXCLUSIVE By Martin Walker Aycliffe Today played a key role in the sale of Woodham Golf Club - its new owners have told us. Rushyford-based Hall Construction this week purchased the troubled course for an undisclosed sum. And director Neville Hall has told Aycliffe Today that it was our exclusive story two weeks ago which alerted...

Nominations are now open for the County Durham Environment Awards 2014. Now in their 25th year, the awards recognise and celebrate projects and activities that improve and enhance the environment. Applications are invited from individuals, community organisations, businesses and schools across County Durham for the following...

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe's market now looks doomed after traders snubbed an offer to relocate it to the Greenwell Road car park. As we exclusively revealed earlier this week, Aycliffe Town Council identified the car park at the back of the town centre as a potential alternative and worked with its owners Durham County Council to...