News

STANHOPE FIRE CADETS PROGRAMME TO CLOSE
THE highly popular and successful Fire Cadet Scheme in Stanhope is to end in a few weeks’ time with the young people and their parents very upset at the news. The scheme, introduced in 2017, provides fire service training for

9-year-old local girl Freya and family take Tourette Syndrome awareness campaign to Downing Street
Local school-girl Freya Hodkinson has knocked on the door of No. 10 Downing Street and hand-delivered a letter to the Prime Minister as part of her campaign to raise awareness of Tourette syndrome. The Crook-based family visited Parliament on Monday 1st June,

Dog owners warned their pet may secretly hate being hugged
Dog owners are being warned that hugging their pet may not be as comforting for the dog as it feels for the owner, with some dogs simply tolerating the interaction rather than enjoying it. Jo Hinds, COAPE-certified behaviourist and Dynamic

Lane Rental Scheme to be introduced in County Durham
A scheme designed to reduce congestion caused by roadworks has been recommended for approval. Next week, Durham County Council’s Cabinet will be asked to note an application to government to introduce a Lane Rental Scheme in County Durham. Lane Rental

Council hails financial year as a success
A council is celebrating a successful financial year of investment, increased employment, reduced fly-tipping, and prevention of homelessness, as it continues to meet its priorities for the county. At the end of last year, Durham County Council set out its

Progress continues for new County Durham Plan
A public consultation will mark the first formal stage of a new planning framework for County Durham. Durham County Council’s Cabinet will be asked next week to agree proposals for the council to engage with residents, businesses and stakeholders on

THE WEARDALE ASSOCIATION FOR THE PROSECUTION OF FELONS AND OTHER OFFENDERS
President Clement O’Donovan (centre) with Andrew Patterson, left and Terry Ashby, right. IF you were the victim of a crime, you would expect the judicial process to begin, involving the police, the public prosecution service and the courts culminating in

Weardalians shake their bootees in Seaham
A GROUP of Weardalians set off to Seaham on Sunday night to take part in a Silent Disco Walk event. Organised by the Shoreline Shakers, headed by Karen Savage, the walk began at Nose’s Point on the western side of

PCC Joy Allen invites public input on Anti-Social Behaviour ahead of July Accountability Meeting
Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen is calling on residents and businesses to share their experiences of anti-social behaviour (ASB) by completing her latest survey ahead of her next Public Accountability Meeting (PAM) on 2 July 2026, which will focus


Stanhope Community Centre

Harperley 10-year-old chosen for Team GB
A TEN-year-old from Harperley Hall has been chosen to represent her country in an international gymnastics showcase. Imogen Atkinson, a pupil at Witton-le-Wear Primary School, is a member of Astrid Academy of Movement, based in Kirk Merrington. She currently attends

MP attends Stanhope Open Air Pool
A LOT has been going on behind the scenes with the group who is working hard to try and re=open Stanhope Open Air Swimming Pool. And recently, they welcomed the Dale’s MP, Sam Rushworth, to see what has been happening

Christian Choir Director Needed
IS there anyone out there who may be interested in becoming a Choir Director for churches around the Dale? Rev Graeme Holdsworth is experimenting with the idea of perhaps developing a Christian Choir that would move up and down Dale,

Robson Green brings BBC’s Made Of Here campaign to Alnwick Castle
One of the North East’s best known screen stars has voiced a unique BBC film projected onto the landmark Alnwick Castle. Robson Green provided the voiceover for the distinctive footage which was created to underline the BBC’s commitment to homegrown

Santa Express returns to Weardale Railway this Christmas
The magic of Christmas is set to return to Weardale Railway this winter, as the much-loved Santa Express welcomes families back for a festive experience running from 28 November to 24 December. Promising to be bigger and better than ever,

New College Durham approved to deliver Apprenticeship Units
(L-R) Natasha Francis, Director of Apprenticeships and Partnerships and Sharon Bennett, Assistant Principal, Partnerships and Skills, New College Durham New College Durham (NCD) has been approved by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to deliver Apprenticeship Units, marking a

12 Local Network drop-in events taking place across the county over the coming weeks.
The Local Networks are building on the work of the Area Action Partnerships (AAPs) that you may have previously had some contact with. These drop-in events are being held to provide an opportunity for residents, partners, councillors and community group