News

The Auckland Project exceeds Big Give target to expand free therapeutic drawing classes
A pioneering project supporting people’s health through classical art tuition has exceeded its fundraising target as part of the Big Give Arts for Impact campaign. The Auckland Project raised a total of £6,688 from 74 donations (increasing to £7,250 with

Former Wolsingham Pupil on BBC Breakfast
A FORMER Wolsingham School pupil appeared on BBC Breakfast news this morning (Sunday) talking about the history of telephone boxes. Professor Nigel Linge, originally from Willington, attended the school, starting in the early 1970s and proceeding to the 6th form

Crowding into Cowshill
A rare trip ‘up Dale’ today in glorious sunshine proved that Spring has certainly sprung and the Gazette wasn’t the only one who ventured into the far west of the county to experience the annual magic of the season. Driving

Blatant thefts at Tow Law
FOLLOWING on from the despicable theft of a cherished Landrover from Wolsingham, a series of other burglaries have taken place in Tow Law. In the early hours of this morning (Friday) the premises of Dixon’s Cabinet Makers near Ironworks Road

Protecting Horses and Riders on Our Roads
With horse riders being among the most vulnerable road users, Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen explains, in her own words, why she will continue working with partners such as the British Horse Society to raise awareness and improve their

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