News


County Durham’s Food Waste to Help Power Up to 10,000 North East Homes
Organic Waste Solutions is processing an estimated 9,000 tonnes of household food waste per year from Durham County Council, converting county-wide collections into renewable energy and agricultural bio-fertiliser. Durham County Council has started household food waste collections across the county,

Environment Agency shuts down illegal waste site
The Environment Agency has closed down a waste site in County Durham after reports of illegal dumping on protected land. A court order is now in place prohibiting anyone from importing waste onto land known as Park Head Plantation, at

World Drowning Prevention Day July 25, 2026
Cameron Gosling A County Durham mum whose teenage son tragically drowned after jumping into a river, is urging parents to speak to their children about the dangers of the water. Fiona Gosling has spent more than a decade raising awareness

Rural Transport Options Discussed at Village Meeting
Residents of Fir Tree and Harperley gathered on Tuesday evening to learn more about a regional project examining ways to improve transport in rural communities. The meeting followed growing concerns raised in neighbouring Witton-le-Wear, where members of the Women’s Institute

When Official Tools Fail: Moorland Communities Step Up to Fight the ‘Firewave’
By Rob Beeson The July 2026 ‘Firewave’ continues to challenge our landscapes, but the dedication of our moorland communities remains unwavering. For nearly three weeks, the Crowden/Arnfield wildfire has been rumbling on through deep peat ignitions. With a very real

Citizens Advice expands Rural Advice Service across Weardale
Residents living across Weardale are set to benefit from access to free, independent advice asCitizens Advice County Durham continues to deliver its Rural Advice Service throughout thedale.The service is designed to support people living in more isolated and rural communities,

GROWING COUNTY DURHAM RAIL GROUP SECURES DOUBLE NATIONAL RAIL AWARDS SHORTLISTING
Holdham Group recognised for customer service excellence as inspirational 23-year-old Chief Executive Luke Allan Holmes is shortlisted for outstanding personal contribution A rapidly growing County Durham rail business has been shortlisted for two of the railway industry’s most prestigious national

Hunwick lady overcomes grief with fudge-making business
A lady from Hunwick has opened her own ‘Fudge Cupboard’ in the village. Vikki, a former school teacher, began her small enterprise as a way to cope with her grief after the death of her mother. She turned an enjoyable

Acclaimed horror director Dean Midas is officially expanding his cinematic universe from the screen to the living room this autumn
Following the massive success of his iconic antagonist, Eve Valentine, Midas has announced the upcoming release of a brand new game, scheduled to launch in early September. Designed to be played at home, the game offers a unique experience that

Step Into Stories at Beamish Museum This Summer
Travel through the 1820s landscape as a Drover Immerse yourselves in stories from the past during the Summer of Fun event, from 18th July to 31st August 2026 at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North. Choose from six exciting

Success at The Key Awards 2026!
Sixth Form students at the event from left: Jack Burdess, Flyn Waites, Elliot Metcalfe, AJ Pye, Leon Rudd, Hudson Maddison, Bez Umoru and Codey Austin. Year 12 students at King James I Academy have won ‘The KEY+ Pitch Innovators of

Bishop’s alive as The Auckland Project opens seven days a week for summer with new Discovery Day Pass
Families can enjoy a full day exploring Bishop Auckland’s heritage, art and culture for less than ever before this summer as The Auckland Project launches a new all-inclusive Discovery Day Pass and opens its attractions seven days a week. A

When will the Hamsterley Forest Planning Application be decided?
THE Hamsterley Forest Planning Application that was submitted almost two years ago has still not been heard and therefore decided. The application by Forestry England, Forest Holidays and Go Ape was first submitted in November 2024 and deferred four times

Weardale Wilf attends hay gathering
Wilf is jiggered after all that baling up Dale today….

PCC’s custody scrutiny scheme wins prestigious national quality award
Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has been recognised nationally for the high quality of her Independent Custody Visiting (ICV) scheme. The County Durham and Darlington PCC received a coveted ‘Gold’ award from the Independent Custody Visiting Association’s (ICVA) Quality

Pool clean-up begins
THE Weardale Open Air Swimming pool is undergoing a clean and tidy in preparation for its re-opening. Work is progressing and a man from Crook has been giving his time to help for free. Anthony Wilkinson who runs High Farm

Helen uses her artistic talents to amuse Dalefolk
Introducing Weardale Wilf. A TALENTED artist who lives in Wolsingham is using her talents to devise ‘cartoon’ pictures for the amusement of Dalefolk. Helen Blackburn, originally from Westgate, lives with her partner, Alistair, and her two disabled sons. Caring is