By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe's ambitions of having the biggest business park in the North-East have taken another huge step forward. Durham County Council (DCC) has secured £10m-worth of funding to start developing the second phase of Merchant Park, adjacent to the Hitachi Rail Europe site. The Government cash, secured by DCC...

By Martin Walker MP Phil Wilson and local businesses are backing a campaign which will see one lucky firm win the naming rights to Newton Aycliffe FC's ground. Aycliffe, who currently play in the Ebac Northern League first division, want to increase links with the local business community and has drawn up a range of new options for the...

The chairman of Aycliffe Youth Centre has angrily hit out after one of the youthy’s windows was smashed. Vince Crosby says it’s frustrating when the management give up their time to make the Youth Centre look nice. He told Aycliffe Today: “We don’ot have a bottomless pit of money, nor do we get funding for this damage from any...

The Fire Brigades’ Union (FBU) has announced details of further planned industrial action in relation to its national dispute over pensions with central government. Members of the FBU plan to hold strikes on the following days: Monday 14 July 06.00 to 08.00 17.00 to 19.00 Tuesday 15 July 06.00 to 08.00 17.00 to...

Durham County Council is cracking down on people who misuse disabled parking badges. From Monday (7th July), enforcement officers will be targeting motorists who abuse the Blue Badge Scheme, which allows disabled drivers to park closer to shops and amenities. Officers will be checking that badges are real and being used by the badge...

Newton Aycliffe have been drawn at home in the FA Cup as two different roads to Wembley opened up on Friday. The draws for both the FA Cup and FA Vase have been made, and in the world famous FA Cup - held by Arsenal - the Newtonians will host Garforth Town, from West Yorkshire. Garforth play at an equivalent level to Dan Mellanby's side,...

Green fingered volunteers are needed to increase home composting and reduce the amount of biodegradable waste going to landfill. Durham County Council will help the volunteers become Master Composters and they will be out and about across County Durham to advise residents on the benefits of composting and giving top tips on how to get the...

Newton Aycliffe schoolchildren were treated to a surprise today when Durham Constabulary's police helicopter dropped in to say hello. The chopper, known as 'Ghetto Bird', made the surprise appearance at Byerley Park Primary on Friday as part of the school's 40th birthday celebrations. "The pupils had a chance to look around the...

Newtonian Andrea Harrison is fundraising for a charity close to her heart. Here, she tells Chloe McKenna why her stillborn baby tragedy inspired her to help others... May 10, 2004, is a date which will stay with Newtonian Andrea Harrison forever. Andrea (pictured above, right) was 41 weeks pregnant when she went into early on-set labour...

A rail union is warning of possible industrial action over the introduction of new high-speed trains which are set to be built in Newton Aycliffe. The Rail, Maritime and Transport union has written to the Government making it clear it will ballot for industrial action if guards and buffet cars are not retained on the new Hitachi fleet,...