A proposal to extend a council tax discount scheme which supports County Durham’s most vulnerable residents will be considered by councillors next week. Durham County Council’s Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme offers a council tax discount to eligible residents on low incomes whether in work, unemployed or retired. Just over 53,800...

Durham County Council will consider preparations to begin collecting food waste. The local authority’s cabinet will be asked to approve changes to the county’s household recycling collections in line with the Simpler Recycling reforms introduced by government. The new legislation makes it a statutory requirement for councils to collect...

By Ryan Livingston Newton Aycliffe progressed in both FA competitions last week – in both cases thanks to penalty shoot-outs. Last Tuesday they beat NPL Premier side Bamber Bridge in a replay to progress to the second qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup for only the second time in their history. Jake Petitjean’s second half...

A series of Menopause Peer Support Groups hosted by Wellbeing for Life (WBFL) are proving to be very popular, with 14 women joining in one session alone. Groups take place at Newton Aycliffe Youth and Community Centre, Chilton Town Council and Shildon Football Club. They provide a safe space for women at any stage of menopause to come...

By Steven Dawson It has been a busy couple of weeks for Aycliffe Running Club with some excellent performance and a few new club records. On Thursday, August 22, five members took part in the Fifth race of the Muddy Roads Summer Trail Series, the Newham Grange Farm 5k. Representing the club were Andrew Tweddle (23:24), Lucy Heron (25:12),...

Live music, family entertainment and a host of classic cars and vintage buses will greet visitors to Newton Aycliffe this weekend. The exciting line-up promises something for all ages this Saturday (September 7), as an event is held to celebrate 75 years of the town. The first Newton Aycliffe cubs on parade at Neville Parade shops, circa...

By Philip Tallentire Rapidly expanding industry training experts NC Group has announced an exciting major leadership reshuffle. Liam Noble, one of the Newton Aycliffe-based firm’s rising stars, has been promoted into the managing director role. It’s a switch that enables Liam’s predecessor as MD, Ian Nelson, and fellow NC Group...

By Ryan Livingston Newton Aycliffe progressed to the second qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup this week. The Newtonians earned a replay with a 1-1 draw against NPL Premier side Bamber Bridge last Saturday, before a dramatic penalty shoot-out win at Moore Lane. The away tie was a game where both teams had chances to win, but the game...

Lee Weldon’s weekly round-up from the wicket… Saturday 31st August – NYSD Division 2 Newton Aycliffe 1st XI v Shildon 1st XI – weather was warm and sunny. Newton Aycliffe won the toss and chose to bat first. Newton Aycliffe 1st XI 210 all out after 46.1 overs Sam Telford 63, Adam Gittins 52 and James Layfield-Carroll...

A charity promoting volunteering across County Durham and Darlington has secured a £10k grant to help communities build resilience and prosper. Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has provided £10,000 to Durham Community Action (DCA) as part of a joint funding deal with Durham County Council to support its activities in 2024-25. The...