By Martin Walker A Newton Aycliffe man described by police as a “one-man crime-wave” has been locked up for nearly two-and-a-half years. Lee Morris, of Bates Close in the town, appeared at Durham Crown Court this week charged with burglary. And the 34-year-old was jailed for 28 months (two years and four months) after failing to...

By Paul McGeary Newton Aycliffe hosted just their second game of 2014 last night, and a mixture of rustiness and depletion in personnel saw the Newtonians slip up against lowly Penrith, who played more than 45 minutes with 10 men. Allan Oliver’s side had twice come from behind to lead going into the final 15 minutes, only to succumb to...

Hitachi Rail Europe has awarded Treadmaster Flooring preferred bidder status on their flooring contract for the Inter City Express Programme. The Cornwall-based company is bidding to provide the fire retardant, PVC free floors on the new trains Hitachi is building as part of the Government scheme on Aycliffe Business Park. Treadmaster...

Concerns about the impact of cuts to legal aid were voiced during a debate at Teesside University. Fears that criminals could end up walking the streets if legal aid cuts proposed by the Ministry of Justice go ahead were mooted by legal experts and members of the criminal law profession. Worries about access to justice and fears of a...

People are being invited to swim for just £1 at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre to celebrate the reopening of the pool following essential maintenance. The pool is due to reopen next Monday (24th February) and the £1 swim offer will be available the following weekend (Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd March). Lesley Tindale, manager at Newton...

By Martin Walker iPad swindler Kirsty Cox has been granted an early release from prison, it has been confirmed. A spokesperson for HM Low Newton in Durham, where Cox was serving her time, has told Aycliffe Today she was released this month after serving just five weeks of a two-year sentence. Cox duped hundreds of people out of...

A budding entrepreneur has been successful in launching a bathroom and kitchen installation business thanks to a council-supported venture. Newtonian Eddie Hall, of E Hall Installations, is Aycliffe’s most recent resident to secure funding via ‘Step into Business’, a scheme set up by the Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership (GAMP)...

By Martin Walker A Newton Aycliffe distribution firm is investing £700,000 in a new multi-use building on its huge site as part of the group’s long-term growth plans to create employment. Stiller Warehousing and Distribution has plans to develop a two-and-a-half acre piece of land which adjoins its main premises on Ridgeway, Aycliffe...

By Martin Walker A Newton Aycliffe teenager has admitted to stealing from more than 60 cars so he can "wipe the slate clean". The 17-year-old boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court last week. He admitted burglary of a garage in Bishop Auckland last year and stealing from a car...

By Martin Walker The world’s largest producer of garden care equipment which has a major Newton Aycliffe operation is showing its commitment to training up young people by taking on six new Apprentices. Swedish firm Husqvarana – which produces a range of Robotic mowers along with the Flymo range of products at its 45,000 square metre...