News
Hamsterley Road Closure continues..
THE C31 road between Witton-le-Wear and Hamsterley remains closed with villagers and visitors continuing to endure a lengthy diversion along narrow, winding roads. Villagers have patiently been awaiting any news regarding how much longer it will be before the road
Actors and hotel needed for new film
After the record-breaking success of his micro-budget short Christmas Eve, which amassed over 45,000 views on a budget of just £50, award-winning director Dean Midas has officially announced his next project: The Stitcher. Set to begin filming in Spring/Summer 2026,
Delve into County Durham’s historic registration records
County Durham residents can take a fascinating look at the history of the county’s registrars and registration documents next week. Durham County Council’s popular culture, heritage and registration venue, The Story, is hosting a talk delivered by superintendent registrar, Anne
Hidden camera catches man dumping overflowing wheelie bin
A man who was caught fly-tipping by a hidden camera has been ordered to pay over £1,000. Durham County Council took legal action against Lee Garthwaite, of Cheviot Place in Peterlee, after waste was found at a substation in the
Community Centre saved by the people continues to thrive
A COMMUNITY Centre, saved by the efforts of a band of determined volunteers almost a year ago, continues to thrive. Crook Community Centre, which started life as a church hall and was home to the Church Lads and Church Girls
Has Natural England’s Wildfire Message Been Punctured?
Natural England concedes rewetting does not prevent wildfires. With prescribed burning severely restricted, Ministers must urgently rewrite the England Peat Action Plan to deliver a credible, practical wildfire strategy. Natural England’s Chief Scientist promoted rewetting as the long-term answer to
GARDENS ARE COMING BACK TO LIFE!
By Sara Milne April is when the gardening season really kicks off. Not only is it a busy month for gardeners in general, but it also sees the start of National Gardening Week (28 April-4 May). Weather permitting, you can
Historic bridge reopens after refurbishments
Cllr Tim McGuinness with Mark Readman, head of highway services at Durham County Council, and representatives from BAM construction. An historic bridge dating back to 1894 has reopened following extensive works to refurbish and repair the structure following age-related damage.
PCC funds trailblazing drug education pilot in secondary schools
A major new pilot to educate children and young people on the harm and consequences of taking illicit drugs has been delivered, co-funded by County Durham and Darlington Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen. The project was delivered by the
Council welcomes new early years funding
A council has welcomed new government funding that will bring improvements to early years education and support the development of children from more deprived backgrounds. From April 2025, the Government increased the Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) to £655 per
Hamsterley Forest Development Faces Growing Doubts Amid Economic Downturn and Public
Serious concerns are being raised about the viability of a proposed cabin development at Hamsterley Forest, as new evidence highlights changing visitor behaviour, economic pressures, and a lack of supporting demand data. The scheme, involving large-scale holiday accommodation in a
CLA welcomes plan to tackle waste crime
he CLA (Country Land and Business Association) has commented on government and the Environment Agency measures targeting illegal dumping. The new Waste Crime Action Plan sets out a zero-tolerance approach, with action to prevent waste crime at its source
Fly-tip and failure to assist leads to £1,000 bill for woman
A woman has been ordered to pay £1,000 after waste was dumped on a County Durham lane. Responding to a fly-tip in May last year, Durham County Council’s Neighbourhood Wardens found a large amount of waste dumped on Knitsley Lane,
County Lines are devastating young lives
Ruthless organised crime gangs are targeting our children. This can happen to any child, from any background, in any neighbourhood, that is why we all have a role to play in keeping them safe. County lines are not just about
CLA comments on new Land Use Framework
The CLA (Country Land and Business Association) has commented on the government’s long-awaited Land Use Framework which will be unveiled this afternoon (Wednesday 18 March) by Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds. The Framework sets out how England uses its land. CLA
CLA comments on new law to protect animals from dog attacks
The CLA (Country Land and Business Association) has commented on the new Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill which comes into force today. This marks a watershed moment in improving the protection of farmed animals in England and Wales from
Firefighter opens up about how new role in Service led to neurodiversity diagnosis
It was a passion for helping people that attracted Lindsay Blake to join the fire service in 2009, but little did she know it would also help her to understand herself. After 15 years as a firefighter, the Watch Manager