The North-East is closing the economic gap on other areas of the country but “there is still more to be done” in a number of key areas, an annual report on the region’s economy says. The North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has published its second annual Our Economy report, giving an update on areas such as unemployment,...

An investigation has been launched after a fire broke out on Aycliffe Business Park. The timber fire caused extensive damages to the warehouse at Appletree Joinery, on Linde Way, on Sunday. Residents were urged to keep all doors and windows shut at one point as a huge plume of smoke hung over. Rob Cherrie, group manager at County Durham...

Students at Greenfield Community College have been sampling outdoor life at Ullswater as part of their wider learning experience. The 46-strong Year 7 group were thrilled with the range of activities on offer and rose to the challenge even though the weather was testing at times. “It was an amazing opportunity,” said student Courtney,...

Rough sleepers across the North East will have increased access to accommodation, thanks to successful funding bids by Durham County Council. Sites will be established in the region to give those who are homeless interim places to stay and a lettings agency established for County Durham, after the government agreed to provide more than...

A round-up of the weekend’s cricket action… Saturday 11th May – NYSD Division 2 Newton Aycliffe 1st XI v Rockliffe Park 1st XI (Match Sponsored by 1AB Taxis) – weather was cold and overcast. Aycliffe won the toss and chose to bowl first. Rockliffe Park 1st XI 43 all out after 22 overs Jack Slatcher 5 for 13 and Michael Howe 4 for...

A very proud Sisters Are Doing It Run Leader Jules Baxter would like to congratulate all her beginners who completed their 10-week 0-3 mile running sessions and all received a nice shiny medal for their amazing progress. Personal trainer Jules said: “I love running this group, it’s so rewarding, I love to give back and have a real passion...

The next Aycliffe Business Park Community News and Networking event will take place on May 24 at Planet Leisure. This event is open to any business based in the County Durham area and free to Aycliffe companies only – a small charge of £10 applies to companies outside Aycliffe. Attendees will find out news and updates from the group,...

Over 3,500 volunteers across Durham and Darlington rallied to take part in this year’s Big Spring Clean. The campaign, run by LitterFree Durham and Darlington in partnership with Durham County Council and Darlington Borough Council, encourages individuals, community groups and schools to organise litter picks and help tidy up their towns and...

A new multi-million pound business park development on a former colliery could see the creation of more than 2,500 jobs in County Durham, subject to planning permission. As a first phase, Durham County Council is funding the construction of seven units (comprising 155,000 sq ft) at Jade Business Park, next to the A19 and Dalton Park, which will...

Horndale Community Association enjoyed a trip to North Yorkshire theme park Lightwater Valley recently. HCA was joined by Durham City of Sanctuary, who also took a coach full of people, so a total of nearly 100 enjoyed the community event. “Everyone enjoyed themselves despite the weather being a bit wet, the upside there were very few...