Following Labour’s General Election win, this is a good time for employers to start looking closely at Labour’s plans to reform employment law. The Labour Party published a Green Paper on its plan to “Make Work Pay”, which contains its proposals for new employment rights for workers. The emphasis is on Day One rights for employees,...

The newly-elected MP for Aycliffe says he’ll work hard to “safeguard” the 700 reportedly threatened jobs at Hitachi Rail. Alan Strickland was elected as the first MP for the new constituency of Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor in the 2024 General Election. The Labour candidate won with 18,394 votes, as Conservative Paul Howell came third...

Woodham Academy is preparing to open the doors of its state-of-the-art £39m school in September. Work is underway to pack up resources and prepare for the move, allowing for a smooth transition into the new building. As many people in the town may wish to visit the current school before the demolition process gets underway in September, the...

Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen's proposals to appoint Graham Hall as her new deputy have been unanimously backed by Durham Police and Crime Panel. The County Durham and Darlington PCC presented her plans to panel members at a Confirmation Hearing on Monday (July 1). In doing so, the PCC said Mr Hall would provide vital support to...

By Steven Dawson It has been another busy weeks for Aycliffe Running Club. This started on Wednesday (June 26) with the 5th race in the Darlington Trail series and the tough and hilly West Park 5k. John Surtees (18:34) finished first with Tracey Surtees (21:10) first female and Lucy Postle (23:55) third female. Also representing the...

By Dave Robson For proof that Optimum Skills’ approach to upskilling works, look no further than the company itself. Now in its 10th year, the Newton Aycliffe firm has forged a reputation for providing high-quality training and apprenticeship programmes. But within its own ranks are several examples of staff who’ve practised what the...

County Durham residents are being invited to apply for a number of committee roles focussed on challenging and shaping local services. Durham County Council is looking for volunteers to serve on its overview and scrutiny committees as non-statutory, non-voting co-optees. Currently, the council has four vacancies for co-optees on three of its...

Year 10 students from Woodham Academy recently completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition. The expedition consisted of a two-day hike with an overnight camp. The students completed their expedition from Barnard Castle and along the River Tees in very hot weather over two days. To be self-sufficient, they had to carry...

By Dave Robson To gain ISO accreditation within just three months speaks volumes for the new packing and fulfilment facility recently opened by Stiller Warehousing and Distribution. But that’s exactly what’s happened after the long-established firm took over and refitted a former engineering building on Grindon Way. The 42,000 sq ft...

Lee Weldon’s weekly round-up from the wicket... Saturday 29th June – NYSD Division 2 Middlesbrough 2nd XI v Newton Aycliffe 1st XI – weather was cool and cloudy Middlesbrough won the toss and chose to bowl first. Newton Aycliffe 1st XI 190 for 9 after 50 overs Terence Smit 71 not out, Joe Teasdale 31 and Tom Dearden...