A cowboy builder who ripped off customers in County Durham by carrying out sub-standard work on their homes has been handed a prison sentence of more than two years. Anthony James Gray, 57, who traded as Cathedral Home Improvements Ltd, defrauded a collective £39,600...
Local News
News from Peterlee, Seaham, Hordon, Easington, Hartlepool, Blackhall, Wingate and the wider East Durham area
Ellwood’s gym in Horden ordered to close for breaching lockdown rules
A council has successfully obtained a closure order against a County Durham gym for breaching health protection regulations by operating during lockdown. Durham County Council applied for the closure of Ed’s Gym and Fitness in Horden, also known as Ellwood’s Gym,...
Seaham’s Redu announces the appointment of retail expert to its board
Redu Group, a leading provider of employee benefit & retail marketing solutions, has announced the appointment of Karen Hubbard to their Board of Directors, as Non-Executive Chair to help drive further growth and expansion for the company. Karen Hubbard, former...
Seaham’s CoreHaus begins recruitment of diverse workforce
An innovative modular North East housebuilder is expanding the business by recruiting a team of people with a diverse skillset. CoreHaus, which recently set up a manufacturing facility in a 20,000 sq ft unit on Jade Business Park, Murton, near Seaham in County Durham...
East Durham community groups have just weeks to apply for coronavirus fund
Community groups have just weeks left to apply for grants from a successful County Durham funding programme. Food banks, sports clubs, schools and charities are being urged to apply for the last batch of grants from believe housing’s community funding programme before...
East Durham College among the winners of prestigious national education awards
East Durham College has been announced as the winners of the Association of Colleges (AoC) Beacon Pears #iwill Award for Social Action and Student Engagement. During 2019/20, East Durham College created our own bespoke Community Action Projects for all learners to...
Do you know the location of the shop and people in this photograph?
Residents are being asked to help uncover the identity of the location in an old photograph found in a collection belonging to an East Durham couple. The photo, which shows a greengrocers shop with many people outside of it, was found by George Kevin Bell, who was...
Successful opening of Horden Station part of £25m investment in county wide regeneration
A £25million investment in the regeneration of communities across County Durham is to be presented to councillors for approval. Durham County Council’s Towns and Villages Investment Plan commits £20m to the county’s most disadvantaged communities and, following the...
East Durham College launching new ED5 bus service from Darlington
East Durham College has announced two new direct routes as part of its ongoing partnership with Arriva North East. From September 2021, East Durham College will be offering a new, ED5, bus route directly from Darlington to its Houghall Campus in Durham. The new...
County Durham’s big book giveaway
Organisations across County Durham are benefitting from a big book giveaway. Following a successful Facebook campaign, hundreds of surplus books which have been withdrawn from Durham County Council’s libraries, have been donated to new homes across the county. Each...
Concern as vital transport funding withdrawn at critical time
The Government’s decision to slash northern transport funding by more than half will deprive the region of vital investment at a critical time, as well as undermining promises to close the North/South divide. This is the view of Cllr Carl Marshall, Durham County...
Seaham among the locations for electric vehicle charging points
Electric vehicle charging points will become more widespread across County Durham in a move to reduce carbon emissions and make it easier for residents to own electric cars. As part of an ambitious plan to ensure residents without off-street parking can access an...
Maximising the value of every pound key to sustainable economy in County Durham
Maximising the value of every pound spent in County Durham is key to developing a sustainable economy and driving forward recovery, councillors will hear. Next week, Durham County Council’s Cabinet will receive an update on the progress and next steps for Social Value...
East Durham residents invited to have their say on digital services
Residents across County Durham are being invited to take part in a survey about digital services over the next month. Durham County Council is hoping the survey will help to identify any barriers facing people across the county, in a bid to improve access for its...
Bin men get into the festive spirit to bring Christmas cheer to children on their route
Thankful parents have praised a County Durham bin crew for going out of their way to bring festive joy to children on their route. Colin Hodgson, Paul Bailey and David Heslop, who all work for Durham County Council as refuse collectors in the east of the county,...
Best Christmas present ever as Peterlee mum undergoes life saving brain surgery
A Peterlee mum has undergone life-saving brain surgery – just 24 hours after doctors told her she had two days to live. Emma Selby was admitted to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough last week after doctors found she had a bleed from one of the three brain...
£10m funding boost to help young people into education, employment and training
A further £10 million in funding has been provided to help support young people into education, employment and training across County Durham. The Durham County Council led partnership programme, DurhamWorks, has been awarded the funding from the European Social Fund...
Prestigious national award win for Believe Housing
Believe Housing has won the prestigious Homebuilder of the Year award at the UK Housing Awards. Judges were impressed by believe housing’s commitment to provide both affordable and quality homes in communities of greatest need across the region, from small rural...
Peterlee teenager Lucy sheds light on need for new multiple sclerosis treatments
As evidence reveals one in five people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the UK is now under the age of 30, a 17-year-old living with MS in County Durham, is shedding light on the need for new treatments as part of a £100 million charity appeal. Lucy Wood from...
Fund launches to help communities become cleaner and greener
County Durham community groups can now apply for funding to help make their neighbourhoods cleaner and greener. Volunteers can apply for a grant of up to £500 from Durham County Council, as part of the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) It’s Your Neighbourhood...
Flytippers warned they could lose their vehicles as Christmas campaign launches
Enforcement officers are warning flytippers that they risk being stripped of their vehicles this Christmas. The warning comes after a number of vehicles found to have been used in flytipping incidents in County Durham were taken off their owners for good....
Over £20,000 raised by family of Peterlee mum battling three inoperable brain tumours
The family of a Peterlee mum who is battling three incurable brain tumours have launched a campaign to raise funds to pay for potentially life-saving cell therapy treatment. Durham County Council employee Emma Selby was first diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour in...
East Durham College makes the final of prestigious further education awards
East Durham College has made it to the finals of the prestigious Association of Colleges (AoC) Beacon Awards in the Social Action and Student Engagement category, the Oscars of the Further Education sector. The Association of College’s Beacon Awards celebrate the best...
Haswell charity tackles isolation thanks to housing association grant
A County Durham charity has helped people with learning disabilities, and their families, beat isolation during coronavirus thanks to support from believe housing. Haswell Mencap has supported 50 families who faced the challenge of being alone during the pandemic....
Training courses enhance work to preserve Seaham’s heritage
The first in a series of training courses providing top tips on how to repair and maintain historic buildings has taken place in a County Durham seaside town. Durham County Council has teamed up with East Durham College to deliver heritage construction training...
Soldiers’ stories brought to life for Remembrance
An interactive programme which uses actors, virtual sessions and objects to tell the stories of County Durham soldiers has been produced to teach children the importance of Remembrance. Durham County Council and the Durham Light Infantry Collection (DLI) have put...
Seaham man and daughter begin the next chapter of their lives in Seaham
A short-distance move has gone a long way towards helping John Hodgson begin the next chapter of his life. The 61-year-old machine operator, who has lived in Seaham for 20 years, had been thinking for a couple of years about downsizing from his four-bedroom house in...
Work starts on 250-property housing development in Wingate
Construction work is starting at a new residential development in Wingate after plans were approved by the local authority. Bellway has planning permission to build 250 new homes at the site off High Grange Way in the village, which is nine miles to the east of...
Council pledges support for families who would normally receive free school meals
A council is to step in to support families during next week’s half term holiday by providing support to those who would normally receive free school meals. Senior members of Durham County Council’s Cabinet have met to discuss a scheme to provide support for eligible...
County Durham prepares for winter despite the mild conditions
Preparations for winter are already well underway in County Durham. In order to keep the region moving over the colder months, Durham County Council has its 76 strong fleet of gritters and snowblowers ready and waiting on standby. The winter maintenance team is now...
Former East Durham College student lands her dream teaching job
A former East Durham College student has landed her dream job seven years after making the decision she wanted to work with children and signed up for a childcare course. Lauren Crampton, aged 23, from Coxhoe, joined EDC from Framwellgate School Durham school to study...
Horden man fined and left with criminal record after admitting fly-tipping
A man who borrowed his brother’s vehicle without asking and used it to fly-tip has been left more than a thousand pounds worse off and with a criminal conviction. Gary Peacock, 39, of Horden, was taken to court by Durham County Council after one of the CCTV cameras it...
More than £104m paid to 9,500 businesses to help them through the coronavirus pandemic
More than £104 million has been paid to more than 9,500 businesses across County Durham to help them deal with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Durham County Council has now processed all of the government’s Business Support Grants and the Local Discretionary...
Jayne receives MBE for efforts to reduce suicide across County Durham
A key figure in an initiative to reduce suicide in County Durham has been left stunned after receiving an MBE. Jayne Adamson, who works for County Durham-based believe housing, was awarded the prestigious accolade for services to housing and suicide prevention in the...
Operator of East Durham care home announces plans to create dozens of new jobs
An expanding North East care provider is creating dozens of new jobs on the back of growing demand for its domiciliary care services. Aurora Care Group operates two residential care homes in the region and also provides specialist staff to a range of industry clients...
First properties as part of £14m housing development at Hetton-le-Hole released
One of the UK’s leading build-to-rent developers has unveiled the first phase of properties to be released for let to the public, at its new £14 million housing development in the North East. The ambitious ‘Scholars View’ development created by Placefirst is situated...
Dalton Park stores and customers raise over £1,400 for the Great North Air Ambulance
Dalton Park stores and customers have come together to raise over £1,400 for Great North Air Ambulance (GNAAS), the shopping centre's nominated charity partner over the past 12 months. The North-East based charity is receiving this boost after kind-hearted shoppers...
Specsavers urges smokers and drinkers to see clearly and take part in ‘Stoptober’
Specavers is encouraging people to take part in the 'Stoptober' challenge by highlighting the dame drinking and smoking can have on your eyesight. Smoking and drinking alcohol are two things many people put on their list of habits to give up time and time again to...
Grants of up to £20,000 available to community groups in towns affected by coronavirus
New grants of up to £20,000 are being made available to community groups in some of the towns and villages hardest hit by the economic fallout of coronavirus. County Durham-based housing association believe housing has launched a new funding programme to provide...
East Durham College one of first FE colleges to work with WorldSkills UK Centre of Excellence
East Durham College has confirmed it is one of the first colleges to be part of the WorldSkills UK Centre of Excellence, in partnership with NCFE, to mainstream world-class standards in skills development in the UK. Working together with WorldSkills UK, NCFE and our...
North East calls for local restrictions change on childcare
Leaders across the North East have written to Health Secretary Matt Hancock calling on him to amend new local COVID-19 restriction measures to allow families to continue their usual childcare arrangements. Seven local authorities came together to request stricter...
New partnership set to help people live independently for longer
A collaboration between two of the north east’s largest home providers is set to find new ways that technology can help more people live independently for longer. County Durham based housing associations believe housing and Karbon Homes are bringing together experts...
East Durham Trust among the winners at county-wide awards celebrating adult learning
A festival which promotes lifelong learning in adults has been celebrating individuals and organisations who have gone above and beyond in their learning. Durham County Council’s Adult Learning and Skills Service (ALSS) hosts an annual awards ceremony to recognise...
Work to start on £11m affordable housing scheme in Easington Village
Nearly 100 new affordable homes are set to be built in Easington Village in an £11m construction project for believe housing. A mix of family houses and bungalows is set to be built on the site of the long-demolished Easington working men’s club in Seaside Lane. The...
Eleven new neighbourhood wardens employed across County Durham
A North East council has employed 11 new neighbourhood wardens to help it keep enviro-crime and anti-social behaviour under control. Durham County Council has invested £500,000 in the recruitment of the wardens as part of its efforts to ensure previous reductions in...
Works starts on £2.25m regeneration scheme in Seaham
Work is underway to enhance a seaside town’s rich heritage as part of a £2.25 million regeneration scheme. Durham County Council launched the Seaham Townscape Heritage Project last November after securing a £1.6 million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund...
£44,000 funding boost for adult social care providers across County Durham
Adult social care providers across County Durham will be able to access additional training for their staff thanks to a £44,000 grant. County Durham Care Academy has secured the funding from the Workforce Development Fund to help local care providers cover the cost of...
Murton PC Peter Baker to receive a British Citizen Award Medal of Honour
Peter Baker from Murton is to be recognised with a British Citizen Award Medal of Honour in recognition of his extraordinary endeavours. The British Citizen Award, in partnership with One Stop, is now in its fifth year and recognises exceptional individuals who...
East Durham residents urged not to miss out on their chance to vote
As part of County Durham’s electoral register update, canvassers will be visiting households that have not yet responded to the annual request for information. Last month, Durham County Council sent letters to all homes in the county asking residents to check the...
New Morrisons store at Dalton Park will bring with it 150 new jobs
Confirmation that a new Morrisons store will open in County Durham by the end of the year has been welcomed by Durham County Council. The new store will open at Dalton Park in Seaham, creating 150 jobs and providing essential community services to the area. At a time...
Peterlee care home staff give out hampers to vulnerable and public sector workers
Picnic hampers full of sweet and savoury treats have been distributed to Peterlee’s vulnerable as well as public sector workers. Staff at Bannatyne Lodge Care Home, on Manor Way, prepared the “hampers of kindness” with a variety of food to give away to those in need....
Housing association recognised for the support it gives to veterans
One of the north east’s largest housing associations has been recognised for the support it gives to veterans, reservists and their spouses. believe housing has picked up a silver award in the armed forces Employer Recognition Scheme. The County Durham-based housing...
Residents warned about releasing personal info after series of scam emails
A warning has been issued to County Durham residents following a series of scam emails, trying to obtain personal and financial information. The trading standards team at Durham County Council is urging residents to be on their guard after it has received reports of...
Five years of perfect pass rates for East Durham College students
East Durham College has announced that A Level students at the college’s sixth form, ED6, have achieved 100 per cent pass rate this year, the fifth consecutive year that students at the college have achieved this milestone. In addition, all students at the sixth form...
Industrial placement leads to employment for East Durham College student
An industrial placement has been the key for unlocking a future career for East Durham College student Callum Fishwick, who has now secured employment at Seaham-based engineering firm Kraftwerx as an engineering apprentice. At East Durham College, many of our Level 2...
£8.5m investment programme to improve more than 600 affordable homes confirmed
More than 600 affordable homes across County Durham are in line for major improvements as part of a massive programme by believe housing. Streets in Bishop Auckland, Horden and Seaham are among those set to benefit from the £8.5m investment during the 2020/21...
Redundant site in Seaham transformed into low-cost housing development
A redundant site in the Parkside area of Seaham has been transformed with 48 new low-cost homes by a leading housing association. The 30 family homes and 18 bungalows have been built on a brown field site in Heathway by Seaham based believe housing. The last new...
New app showcases the history and heritage of Seaham
A new app will showcase the sites and stories of Seaham to visitors. Durham County Council have commissioned heritage app specialists At Creative to produce a smartphone app, aimed at encouraging locals and visitors alike to explore the history and heritage of Seaham....
Former East Durham College student graduates as a fully qualified dentist
A former East Durham College student has graduated as a qualified dentist from Newcastle University. Laura Maddison, who originally began work at the age of 16 as a dental nurse, completed an Access to Higher Education course in science at East Durham College from...
Housing group funding programme extended to help communities recover from COVID-19 pandemic
A successful funding programme has been expanded to cover projects that will help communities recover from the coronavirus pandemic. County Durham-based believe housing has already distributed more than £20,000 of funding to coronavirus related projects. But now the...
Blackhall residents invited to virtual sessions to tackle housing and environmental issues
Residents are being invited to a series of virtual engagement sessions to help identify and tackle housing and environmental issues in their community. This week, Durham County Council’s Community Action Team (CAT) launched a 12-week project to address priorities...
People claiming tax credits reminded they must notify HMRC if their circumstances have changed
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding tax credits customers that they need to tell HMRC about any changes in their circumstances or income by 31 July. Tax credits help working families with targeted financial support so it is important that people don’t miss out...
Peterlee school children share COVID-19 stories with care home residents
A fairy princess carriage is the latest exchange in a pen pal project between care home residents and primary school pupils in Peterlee. Residents at Bannatyne Lodge Care Home and pupils from Dene House Primary School, both on Manor Way, have been exchanging letters...
Young people recognised for their support to communities across County Durham
Young people across County Durham have been recognised for their commitment to their communities. More than 1,500 youngsters from across the county signed up to The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award between April 2019 and 31 March this year. Between them, they gave almost...
Seaham housing development proves popular as half of the homes sell
Half of the homes have now sold at a new development in Seaham, showing the strength of the property market in the area. Five-star housebuilder Bellway Durham is currently building 75 new three and four-bedroom houses at its Byron Heights development, which is located...
Council asked to help secure of the future of struggling Peterlee school
A North East council has been asked to help secure the future of a County Durham secondary school as it prepares to join a multi academy trust. St Bede’s RC Comprehensive, in Peterlee, has been supported by the Northern Saints Academy Trust, now the Bishop Chadwick...
Eyesore school could be demolished as Easington residents overwhelmingly back plans
A building that has blighted a County Durham community for more than 20 years could soon be demolished – with an overwhelming majority of residents backing the plans. The former Easington Colliery Primary School, in Seaside Lane, has stood empty since 1997. With...
Regeneration partnership champions safe working as study highlights Peterlee as ‘at most economic risk’
A North East regeneration partnership is laying the foundations that will help economically at risk communities to recover from the coronavirus pandemic. Responsible for breathing new life into Durham for almost 20 years - through the provision of housing, jobs and...
First train arrives at £10m Horden Railway Station as it officially opens to passengers
A new multi-million-pound station in County Durham has opened to passengers. The first scheduled train stopped at the new Horden station this morning (Monday, 29 June), marking the entry into service of the £10.55 million development near Peterlee. Located on South...
Housing association funding boost supports virtual cooking sessions to tackle isolation
A series of new virtual walks and cooking sessions to tackle isolation during the coronavirus pandemic have been supported by funding from a leading housing association. New IT equipment to help former armed forces personnel take part in virtual sessions while social...
Young East Durham entrepreneur to pitch to Dragon’s Den star Peter Jones CBE
A talented young entrepreneur from East Durham has earned the chance to pitch their business to star of Dragons’ Den Peter Jones CBE. Sam Prince, 28, studies with the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy at East Durham College and has been chosen as a finalist for this...
Housing group’s coronavirus fund provides more than 3,000 meals to vulnerable people
A specially created fund to assist communities during the coronavirus pandemic has helped to provide more than 3,000 meals for vulnerable people. The believe housing Coronavirus Crisis Fund was launched in May to provide targeted assistance to communities that were...
Durham leader to join global meeting on climate change and coronavirus
Climate change and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on travel and work will be the focus of a virtual meeting spanning three countries next week. Cllr Simon Henig, Leader of Durham County Council, Boris Palmer, Mayor of Tübingen in Germany and Christopher...
Employability support available for East Durham people who have lost their jobs
People who have lost their job or are looking for new employment are being offered help in County Durham. Durham County Council is encouraging residents aged 25 and over to take advantage of a tailored support programme which could boost their chances of finding work....
Seaham and Peterlee Specsavers stores now open for routine testing
Specsavers stores in England, including the optical and audiology services in Seaham and Peterlee, have reopend for routine testing. This follows approval from NHS England, having operated an urgent and essential care only service throughout the COVID-19 restrictions....
East Durham College to support the North East Institute of Technology
Students in the North East will have a clear route to technical employment with the launch of the region’s new Institute of Technology. Following the successful bid in 2019, the licence to operate as the North East Institute of Technology has now been awarded by the...
Town centres and retailers across County Durham prepare for return of shoppers
Town centres in County Durham are preparing to welcome back shoppers as many more retailers reopen this month. During the lockdown period, town centres have remained open to the public to provide essential goods and services. From today, in line with government...
Mental health charity receives £10,000 funding boost from believe housing
A successful mental health charity will be able to carry on supporting vulnerable people through the coronavirus pandemic thanks to funding from a leading housing association. Gilesgate based RT Projects has received £10,000 from believe housing to allow it to...
Measures to enforce responsible dog ownership extended
Measures to enforce responsible dog ownership in public spaces will be set in place for another three years, following overwhelming support during a public consultation. Durham County Council introduced the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) on dog control in June...
Coronavirus community fund helps 1,750 people across East Durham
A new fund for communities during the coronavirus lockdown has directly helped more than 1,750 people in just three weeks. The believe housing Coronavirus Crisis Fund was launched last month to provide targeted assistance to communities that were struggling with the...
Tributes to NHS workers as council paints rainbows on roads across East Durham
Tributes to the hard work of the NHS have been painted on roads across County Durham to show gratitude to frontline workers during the coronavirus outbreak. Durham County Council has been installing rainbows and messages of thanks on the county’s roads to show support...
Durham Cathedral turns blue in support of the NHS
Durham Cathedral has given its support to the NHS during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic - as it spectacularly turned blue for the night. Thanks to Martin Warden of Hi-Lights, who made the light showcase possible, the cathedral could be seen for miles around. Picture...
Jupiter Juniors raise over £4,500 for the NHS after completing 30-day burpees challenge
Young fitness fanatics from an Easington Village gym have quadrupled their NHS fundraising target after completing their 30-day burpees challenge in style. The youngsters, all members of Jupiter Juniors, part of Jupiter Health Club, initially set themselves the target...
Work starts on mixed use development on Seaham’s North Terrace
Construction has started on a new mixed-use development in Seaham’s North Terrace. Durham County Council is supporting the project, which will see an office, restaurant, café, bar, indoor-bowling lanes and residential apartments built on the site. Planning permission...
Seaham-based housing association praised for its ‘green’ credentials
A County Durham housing association has landed a great result in its first external assessment of its environmental credentials. Seaham-based believe housing has been given a silver award in a national sustainability scheme for affordable housing providers. The SHIFT...
Improvement work resumes at Bowburn’s Junction 61
Work at a busy road junction in County Durham has resumed as a council begins to reinstate some projects and services. Durham County Council has resumed work on Junction 61 at Bowburn, one of the projects it halted in March in response to government guidance aimed at...
Food parcels delivered to vulnerable East Durham residents thanks to council grant
Food parcels and essential items are being delivered to vulnerable residents in East Durham thanks to a council funding grant. East Durham Area Action Partnership (AAP) has awarded funding to a number of community groups as they support those who are vulnerable and...
Peterlee residents celebrate VE Day in style
Residents in a Peterlee street came together to celebrate VE Day in style. The social distancing rules in place during the coronavirus pandemic didn't stop people living in Oxford Close enjoying the Bank Holiday Friday celebrations. Every household in the street...
Young gym goers smash target as they raise £2,600 for the NHS
Junior members of an Easington gym have smashed their fundraising target in support of the NHS. The Jupiter Juniors youngsters, part of Jupiter Gym in Easington Village, set themselves a target of raising £1,000 for NHS Charities Together by completing a '30-burpees...
Residents say thank you to council staff working tirelessly through the coronavirus pandemic
“I am more grateful than I can say and thank them from the bottom of my heart for everything they did and all with such gentleness and professionalism.” “We really are very grateful to you and cannot stress how much of a difference it has made to us this week just...
East Durham businesses encouraged to think about apprenticeships as part of future growth plans
Businesses in the East Durham area are being encouraged to think about their apprenticeship offering for September. Despite the tough economic conditions brought about due to the coronavirus pandemic, the college is asking employers to consider how they might be able...
Housing association announces £10,000 support package for tenants during coronavirus
believe housing has announced new support for projects tackling isolation and financial hardship during the coronavirus outbreak. At least £10,000 has been allocated to the Seaham-based housing association’s new Coronavirus Crisis Fund. The funding will be directed at...
Durham deemed the UK’s greenest city
Durham has been hailed as the UK’s greenest city as carbon emissions reduced by half and air quality continues to improve. Solar technology specialists, The Solar Centre, researched Government data to rank cities based on 10 green criteria including waste management,...
East Durham youngsters go ‘burpee’ to raise money for the NHS
Junior members of an Easington gym are completing a 30-day burpees challenge to raise money to support the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic. The Jupiter Juniors youngsters, part of Jupiter Gym in Easington Village, set themselves a target of raising £1,000 for NHS...
East Durham College holds first ever virtual open day
May the fourth be with you in choosing your college, as you can now take part in a virtual open day with East Durham College. East Durham College, with its main campuses in Peterlee and Houghall in Durham, will be holding its first ever virtual online information and...
Help for residents worried about losing their homes during coronavirus pandemic
Residents concerned about losing their home due to the financial impact of Coronavirus are being urged to contact a council’s housing team as soon as possible. Durham County Council has reissued the plea following a recent poll by the homelessness charity Shelter,...
More than 6,000 households have had a combined £1.7m taken off their council tax bills
More than 6,000 households in County Durham have had a combined £1.7m taken off their council tax as part of a local authority’s efforts to help residents through the Coronavirus pandemic. Durham County Council is giving households in receipt of a partial council tax...
Peterlee shopping centre and police donate hundreds of Easter eggs to the community
Hundreds of Easter eggs have been distributed to families in Peterlee thanks to a generous donation from a shopping centre at the heart of the town. Castle Dene Shopping Centre donated 250 Easter eggs to Peterlee Police, who gave them to schools in the community which...
Jobs boost for County Durham’s adult social care sector
New job opportunities are being created in County Durham’s adult social care sector as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. An online recruitment and training programme has been launched by the County Durham Care Academy in response to the pressures placed on the...
Council staff prepare food parcels to help vulnerable people across the county
Staff at a North East council are being redeployed to help those in the community who are most vulnerable during the Coronavirus outbreak. Durham County Council’s staff have been preparing food boxes to assist their Community Hubs in making sure essential items are...
Stay at home, save lives, is the message for County Durham residents this Easter weekend
Residents in County Durham are being reminded about the importance of staying at home during the Coronavirus outbreak. With the Easter bank holiday fast approaching, Durham County Council is asking residents to continue to stay at home and only leave the house for...
Council continuing to provide employment and skills training during COVID-19
A North East council is continuing to provide employment and skills training during the Coronavirus pandemic. Durham County Council is offering support to unemployed residents and young people remotely, as it adapts services to comply with government guidance aimed at...