By Martin Walker Hitachi’s new plant manager for the proposed £77m Newton Aycliffe factory is relishing his new role in the North-East. Darren Cumner, 42, quit a secure job to join Hitachi Rail Europe seven weeks ago – a signal of the company’s confidence their £4.5bn Intercity Express Programme (IEP) will be rubber-stamped by...

By Martin Walker Phil Wilson says Hitachi’s decision to appointment a new plant manager for the eagerly-awaited Newton Aycliffe site shows their intent. The Sedgefield MP, who played a major part in helping to bring the Intercity Express Programme (IEP) to County Durham, says Darren Cumner’s arrival is good news, after recent...

By Martin Walker For all those pessimists out there, Aycliffe Today think there are several reasons to be cheerful following this week’s big Hitachi event. Whilt it is still yet to be officially signed, sealed and delivered by the government – only a matter of time, we’re told – Hitachi Rail Europe held an over-subscribed...

By Martin Walker Hitachi Rail Europe insists the company is here for the long-term – and is looking forward to embracing the local community in Newton Aycliffe. That was the message from the company’s managing director, Keith Jordan, who delivered a hugely-positive speech at Thursday’s construction open day at the Xcel...

Aycliffe Today Sports Editor and Newton Aycliffe FC reporter Glen Robertson continues his daily Euro 2012 blog… So here we are. After 30 games and 72 goals, it all comes down to tonight’s game at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev. Italy versus Spain. Gianluigi Buffon against Iker Casillas. Andrea Pirlo faces Andres Iniesta. A team playing...

By Martin Walker A Newton Aycliffe man has been given a suspended prison sentence for assaulting a woman. In his regular blog on Aycliffe Today, NPT Sergeant Mark Edwards revealed that Neil Paul Brown, 26, from Newton Aycliffe, appeared at the town’s Magistrates Court charged with an assault on a female. He was committed to prison...

A Newton Aycliffe teenager was given an 80-hour community order after assaulting a police officer. In his latest blog on Aycliffe Today, NPT Sergeant Mark Edwards revealed how Mark Aaron Dial, 18, from Aycliffe, appeared at the town’s Magistrates Court charged with assault by beating, assaulting a Police Constable in the execution of his...

Aycliffe players returned to pre-season training for their first session this week. The Northern League season begins on Saturday 11th August with the FA Cup, followed by the opening league game on Saturday 18th August. Meanwhile, Aycliffe are gearing up for their huge pre-season friendly against Sunderland on Friday 20th July (7.30pm)...

Aycliffe Today Sports Editor and Newton Aycliffe FC reporter Glen Robertson continues his daily Euro 2012 blog… So close, and yet so far away. The neutrals’ dream final of Spain versus Germany was within touching distance, but the inspired Italians stole the limelight with a terrific display. Mario Balotelli – you may have heard...

Newton Aycliffe NPT Sergeant Mark Edwards continues his regular blog on Aycliffe Today… Hello everyone, I’d just like to start with highlighting that in the 12 months or so since May last year there has been a 42% reduction in all incidents of anti-social behaviour across the force area. In the Shafto St Mary’s ward here in...