By Martin Walker New figures have revealed that County Durham already has the second highest number of wind farms in England – before E.ON’s controversial bid for a 24-turbine cluster near Newton Aycliffe. Campaigners fighting against the new application, including our MP Phil Wilson, say the county has played its part...

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe’s newest superstore is making steady progress – as our picture shows. The £1.5m Aldi store is expected to be open for business by early 2013, with construction of the steel frame of the shop now well under way. The new Aldi, on Greenwell Road opposite Tesco, is the latest phase in Freshwater’s...

Library-users could be given the chance to decide on new opening hours for facilities across County Durham if changes to services are given the go-ahead. Durham County Council’s Cabinet will next week be asked to approve proposals that would enable it to make required savings of £1.457m while ensuring that all libraries can remain...

Newton Aycliffe family-run steel firm Finley Structures are looking for a new part-time receptionist to job share. The role will involve 22 hours a week, Wednesday and Thursday 8.30am to 5pm, and Friday 8.30am to 3.30pm, as well as covering holidays and sickness. The salary is £14,000 pro rata, and previous experience is...

Feedback on plans to review the provision of CCTV cameras across County Durham will be discussed by councillors next week. Durham County Council is reviewing where cameras are sited and how they are monitored in order to create an improved, better value and more effective service. As part of this process, which includes all equipment...

The Woodham Warriors American Football team from Woodham Community Technology College continued their undefeated season with three more victories at the weekend. The Warriors travelled to Sheffield on Saturday to take on three of their rivals in the Northern Conference. Wins of 36-2 against the Doncaster Mustangs, 56-0 against the Durham...

A new website for cultural activity in County Durham has been launched by the Chair of the County Durham Cultural Partnership. The website, which was originally created to support Durham’s bid to become UK City of Culture, has been overhauled and refreshed to provide creatives in the county with a new home. The Cultural Partnership...

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe FC have appointed a former university director as their new general manager. Dan Lewis, who spent seven years as deputy director of sport at Durham University before leaving to set up his own business last year, is now heading up Newton Aycliffe’s off-field affairs. The 34-year-old, who is currently...

An energy firm plans to consult locals on its preferred lay-out for a controversial 24-turbine wind farm. E.ON is proposing to build two clusters of seven turbines and one of 17 more than a mile apart east of Newton Aycliffe, County Durham. The scheme, known as The Isles, was original drawn up by E.ON to hold 45 turbines but it was...

By Martin Walker Groups in the Newton Aycliffe and Middridge are set to benefit from a new pot of funding dedicated to small community minded organisations. The fund, which has been developed by the Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership (GAMP) and the local community and voluntary organisations support group CAVOS, will provide a...