News

THE closure and sale of the church hall in Stanhope continues to attract conversation. The article published in the Weardale Gazette a few days ago resulted in accusations of inaccuracy and indeed some local folk contacted Rev Holdsworth who had

A crowd gathered to watch a historic part of the Stockton and Darlington Railway be reinstated. Durham County Council has begun installing a new bridge over the River Gaunless, on the site of the former in West Auckland. The new

The date has been set for a by-election in County Durham, and residents are being reminded to check their voter registration details. A Durham County Council by-election will take place in the Craghead and South Moor County Division, in which

Stars on the red carpet for premiere of The Northumbria Mysteries   A premiere screening took place last night (Thursday) for a brand-new detective series filmed on location among the beautiful landscapes of the North East.  Starring Robson Green, The Northumbria

Jane Ruffer The Auckland Project’s ‘Bishop’s alive’ visitor campaign has defied challenging conditions across the UK tourism industry to record a 26% rise in summer ticket sales. The regeneration charity reported strong year-on-year growth during July and August 2026, despite

A council is looking for people who want to play an important role in scrutinising and reviewing its financial affairs and how it is governed. Durham County Council is calling for applicants to join its Audit Committee, which helps to

PCC Joy Allen explains, in her own words, why she continues to urge Ministers to follow in the footsteps of Northern Ireland and introduce graduated driver licensing to England In a single year, 269 people died and 4,466 were seriously

A new scheme aimed at reducing traffic congestion across County Durham will come into force next week. From Monday, 19 October, Durham County Council will become the first local authority in the North East, and the first county authority outside

Residents and businesses urged to pledge support while government funding can cover up to 80% of network build costs. Strong local support is accelerating plans to bring gigabit‑capable full‑fibre broadband to more than 300 homes and businesses in upper Weardale,

THERE will not be many folk in Stanhope who haven’t noticed the ‘SOLD’ sign on the church hall in the main street. Most people knew that it was up for sale, many joined a meeting held over a year ago

Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) Organisations across County Durham are asked to share their views on the proposed budget for 2027/28, along with the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) for the period up to 2030/31. A consultation has been launched to gather

Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has welcomed plans to roll out specialist courts prioritising rape and other sexual offences across England and Wales. Under a series of reforms announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, every Crown Court in England

Ever wanted to grow a pumpkin so big it turns heads? After much deliberation Tracy Hetherington from Wolsingham who runs The Newmarket public house in Tow Law has decided to start a members’ Pumpkin Show there. For many years, Tracy

The Bowes Museum’s late-night event returns on 21 November 2026 for an atmosphericevening of art, creativity and culture. Visitors can choose from creative workshops inspiredby the museum’s three current exhibitions, expert talks on the autumnal night sky, andentertainment throughout the

Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has written to MPs across County Durham and Darlington, urging them to back calls for a fairer funding settlement for Durham Constabulary. She warned that local communities should not be expected to keep paying

November is all about compost and getting everything ready for winter.  Clearing leaves and cutting back dead growth is top of the agenda – which is great news because leaves and garden debris are perfect ingredients for homemade compost.  It’s

A new hub, which will bring together services for children and young people so they can more easily find support, has opened in Newton Aycliffe. Next Chapter is Durham County Council’s new Young Futures Hub, and part of a government

Autumn is underway and Weardale Wilf and his friend have been checking out the changing colours in the Dale. He believes it is the most colourful season of the year even if he does have to eat the hay gathered