Newton Aycliffe’s MP says he’s proud of the way the general public has reacted to social distancing measures – but insists we must keep it going for a few weeks yet, amid the coronavirus crisis. The Conservative MP for Sedgefield Paul Howell admits it’s difficult to maintain measures not seen in peace time – but that it has to be done...

Finley Structures has won a contract to fabricate 12,000 metres of steel for Durham County Council’s new futuristic offices on the banks of the river Wear. Work to build a smaller, more efficient headquarters for the region’s largest council began earlier this year, paving the way for a new multi-million-pound business district at Aykley...

Thousands of households across County Durham are set to benefit from extra help in covering the cost of their council tax bills during the coronavirus pandemic. Durham County Council already provides council tax discounts of up to 100 per cent to eligible households through its Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) and is one of only a small...

Durham County Council has thanked kind-hearted residents for the flurry of messages of thanks received by its bin crews during the coronavirus pandemic. The local authority is ensuring residents’ refuse and recycling bins continue to be emptied as it strives to maintain delivery of essential services amid the government guidance aimed at...

A hand sanitiser production facility at Newton Aycliffe will help British chemical firm INEOS produce one million bottles a month during the coronavirus pandemic. INEOS, which already operates sites at Seal Sands and Newton Aycliffe, initially revealed it would build the new plant within ten days – meaning it could be ready by the end of this...

Members of the public are being asked to share their views on whether controls to tackle dog fouling and irresponsible dog ownership in County Durham should be extended. A new consultation has been launched, which asks members of the public if they support the extension of an existing public space protection order (PSPO) to prevent dog-related...

More than 1,000 businesses across County Durham have already received their grant to help support them through the Coronavirus pandemic. Staff at Durham County Council have worked tirelessly since government guidance was received late last week to contact businesses whose properties qualify for the grants. Working over the weekend, the...

A helpline, webpage and support network have been set up to help people in County Durham who are struggling during the Coronavirus pandemic. Following government advice that people with certain health conditions must stay isolated for the next 12 weeks in order to be shielded from the virus, Durham County Council also wants to reassure...

People in County Durham who are having to stay at home during the Coronavirus pandemic are being offered advice on how to maintain their mental wellbeing. Durham County Council is strongly advising all residents to follow guidance from the government on staying at home and to only go outside for food, health reasons – such as to exercise once...

Visiting Wizards, a.k.a STEM Ambassadors (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), from science-based technology company 3M in Newton Aycliffe, were special guests at Levendale School in Yarm, as part of the annual British Science Week celebrations in March. The STEM Ambassadors, made up of graduate trainees and industrial placement...