News

Businessman fined £48K after nine people found sleeping in dangerous office block
The owner of an empty office block in Peterlee has been ordered to pay a £48,000 fine after nine people were found sleeping inside the building during a fire safety check. Tarlochan Singh, 48, from Cryfield Grange Road, Coventry, was

Costly court appearance follows County Durham fly-tip
A woman has been ordered to pay almost £1,000 following a County Durham fly-tip. Durham County Council’s wardens found a large amount of household waste at the back of Brewer Street, Bishop Auckland, in March last year. Among furniture, bags

Fields of waste: Farmers under siege as fly-tipping hits new levels
Farmers’ fields and country lanes are being buried under piles of waste, with new figures showing fly-tipping in England has hit record highs with a 9% year-on-year increase in fly-tipping incidents. Breakdowns of some key factors in North sub-regions (North

The Auckland Project strikes gold with VisitEngland
Hazel Robson and Sarah Townsend. Photo: Chris Booth The Auckland Project’s heritage holiday accommodation has been recognised at the highest level after achieving outstanding results in its latest VisitEngland quality assessment. A selection of properties within Auckland Palace Stays were awarded

CLA comments on Environment Secretary’s £345m funding announcement
The CLA (Country Land and Business Association) has commented on Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds’ announcement today of £345 million to fund innovation, new technology and infrastructure to boost farm productivity and support the conditions for more affordable food over time.

International Women’s Day Event to help unemployed women with jobs and funded training
Wave, a national water retailer and major County Durham employer, is hosting a free event to help unemployed women find jobs and free training. Up to 200 women can sign up to the Helping Women into Employment event at the

The Auckland Project appoints Director of Marketing and Communications
The Auckland Project has appointed Stephen Reed as its new Director of Marketing and Communications, strengthening the organisations senior leadership team as it continues to grow its cultural and heritage profile. Stephen has more than two decades of experience in

We’re Putting More Police on your Streets
When local people talk to me about policing, they are clear about what matters most. They want to see more police officers and PCSOs on our streets, and firm action against the crimes that cause the greatest harm. That message

Fire service offers child ‘golden ticket’ prize as it launches firefighter for a day competition
A lucky youngster in County Durham or Darlington has the chance to win a ‘golden ticket’ to become a firefighter for the day in a rare fire service competition. County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) is offering

“Town of Culture 2028 Bid”: People of Bishop Auckland we need you
Bishop Auckland Town Council is delighted to announce that it is pressing ahead with a formal bid for Town of Culture 2028, marking an important step in showcasing the town’s heritage, creativity, and vibrant community spirit. The bid will celebrate

PROUD TO SERVE WEARDALE
By Alison Rippon As Weardale Ear Care approaches it’s first anniversary I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the people of Weardale for their continued support and custom. I have had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful

Gritter driver with 40 years’ experience honoured
A council gritter driver, who this year marked 40 years of service, is celebrating after being officially named the first ever Gritter Driver of the Year at this year’s Grit and Glory awards. Durham County Council’s Gary Lawson, aged 62

More great names join the line-up for Bishop Auckland Food Festival 2026
Brothers who convinced a Dragons’ Den judge to invest in them, the latest winner of The Great British Bake Off, a presenter of the popular BBC daytime series Escape To The Country and pies inspired by Bishop Auckland. All are

Spotlight shines on extraordinary youth mentors helping young people to thrive
Community groups across County Durham and Darlington have received high praise by Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen for their hard work encouraging young people to transform their lives. Twelve groups have been honoured at this year’s High Sheriff Youth

Darlington Mart
Darlington Farmers Auction Mart held their weekly sale of prime stock on Thursday 19th February 2026. Forward were 227 cattle and 1272 sheep. 21 Prime Bulls sold to 416ppk or £360534 Prime Steers sold to 460ppk or £3344172 Prime Heifers

WOLSINGHAM ANGLING CLUB TO HOLD COMPETITION IN MEMORY OF BILLY LAMBERT
WOLSINGHAM Angling Club are holding a competition for its members at Grassholme Reservoir on Sunday May 10th in honour of one of Wolsingham’s finest fishermen and all-round gentleman, Billy Lambert. Richard Dobson, Secretary of Wolsingham Angling Club, said, “ Following the success

Proposed changes to the allocation of social housing in County Durham
A north east council has developed a new policy around the way in which social housing is allocated. Durham County Council has created a new draft policy, following a consultation with residents, housing representatives and its Durham Key Options partners

Residents urged to have their say on future of fire service
Residents are being urged to have their say on the future of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) as it launches a new four-year plan to keep communities safe. CDDFRS published its draft Community Risk Management Plan