LOCAL NEWS
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LEISURE & LIFESTYLE
News from Peterlee, Seaham, Hordon, Easington, Hartlepool, Blackhall, Wingate and the wider East Durham area
As the leaves start to fall and the nights draw in, communities across County Durham are being invited to help give the county a Big Autumn Clean. Durham County Council has launched its newest seasonal litter picking campaign, the Big Autumn Clean, building on the...
County Durham community groups can now access an additional £1.2m of funding as part of a council scheme that brings together residents, councillors, businesses and partner organisations to improve community life. Durham County Council runs 12 Local Networks across...
Thousands of people enjoyed great food in the sun this weekend prompting organisers to hail Seaham Food Festival as a huge success. The free Durham County Council event took place on Saturday 1 August and Sunday 2 August and saw crowds flock to the coast to enjoy...
A series of measures aimed at tackling littering are to be rolled out across County Durham. An Autumn Big Clean, a trial of ‘litter cams’ and changes to the Fixed Penalty Notice system are being introduced by Durham County Council to address the issue. The authority...
East Durham College has been recognised as one of the country's leading apprenticeship providers after achieving a 75% apprenticeship achievement rate, significantly above the national average of 65.7% placing the college among the top 10 college providers nationally...
Not-for-profit landlord believe housing is supporting a County Durham-based veterans’ charity that helps former service personnel and their families to feel safe, connected and supported in their community. The housing association awarded a £2,000 community investment...
Notice is hereby given that Durham County Council proposes to: Grant a Deed of Easement on 22.81 m² or thereabouts of land adjacent 13-16 Cheviot Place, Peterlee. This is to create a footpath to allow the residents to move waste and recycling bins to the adopted...
Notice is hereby given that Durham County Council proposes to: Grant a Deed of Easement on 22.81 m² or thereabouts of land adjacent 13-16 Cheviot Place, Peterlee. This is to create a footpath to allow the residents to move waste and recycling bins to the adopted...
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO DISPOSE OF OPEN SPACE Notice is hereby given that Durham County Council proposes to dispose of: 17.52 m² or thereabouts of land adjacent to 43 High Grange Way, Wingate A plan showing the area concerned may be inspected at the offices of...
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO DISPOSE OF OPEN SPACE Notice is hereby given that Durham County Council proposes to dispose of: 17.52 m² or thereabouts of land adjacent to 43 High Grange Way, Wingate A plan showing the area concerned may be inspected at the offices of...
A project to restore coastal grasslands along the Durham Heritage Coast has been successfully completed. Led by Durham County Council and the Heritage Coast Partnership in collaboration with the National Trust and Durham Wildlife Trust, the £1 million project was...
A rare restored vintage engine that once belonged to one of Tractor Fest’s founders will be on display at this year’s show at Newby Hall in North Yorkshire. The single cylinder Ruston & Hornsby 1HR engine manufactured by the British engineering company in the...
Caremark, one of the UK’s leading providers of home care, has opened nominations for its Community Care Fund – a new nationwide initiative designed to support local projects that make a positive difference to people’s lives. The Community Care Fund invites members of...
Durham County Council has successfully doubled investment provided to bus services across the county thanks to funding from the North East Mayor. Over the last year, the council has secured over £8m for the Bus Service Improvement Plan from the Combined Authority,...
A popular youth project in Shotton Colliery will continue for another year thanks to new funding from believe housing. The not-for-profit housing association has awarded Shotton Partnership 2000 a £9,565 community grant to support services and activities at the Youth...
Two members of staff at a County Durham nursery are celebrating after completing qualifications. Donna Green and Eve Bell from Clever Clogs Day Nursery in Belmont both recently passed courses to enhance their personal development. Nursery Manager Donna has now...
A County Durham music teacher has been honoured at the national Music & Drama Education Expo awards for the remarkable impact she has had on students. Charlotte Sellers teaches violin and viola for Durham County Council’s Durham Music Service, part of the North...
Not-for-profit landlord Believe Housing has welcomed four new participants to its Board Trainee Programme, which supports the development of future leaders and aims to strengthen diversity in housing and public sector governance. This is the second cohort to join the...
Go North East has launched 29 brand-new electric buses in an event unlike anything the region has seen before as part of North East Mayor Kim McGuinness’ drive to create a world class public transport system. Backed by a £17 million joint investment from Go North...
Two housing associations have worked together to unlock government funding, paving the way for 115 new social and affordable homes in the region. Through a partnership between believe housing and Karbon Homes, the homes will be delivered across five sites in County...
Housing association colleagues came together for a hands-on volunteering session that will help people in need this Christmas. Employees at believe housing created a mini production line at its Coast House office in Seaham, to pack donations for two local charities....
A £10.7 million scheme to regenerate a County Durham village has reached a major milestone, as plans for more than 100 new affordable homes are given the green light. A key part of Durham County Council’s plans to regenerate Horden’s Numbered Streets was approved by...
A council has reached a major milestone marking the beginning of construction on a new housing development using high-quality, modular units. The units have been transported to the site on Merrington View in Spennymoor as part of Durham County Council’s Council House...
A celebration has taken place to commemorate what would have been the 100th birthday of the youngest Second World War soldier to receive the Victoria Cross. Fusilier Dennis Donnini VC, from Easington Colliery, was just 19 years old when his courageous actions inspired...
The Diocese of Durham has announced details of an administrative role it is recruiting for. The Acting Bishop of Durham is looking to appoint a Parish Accounts and Deanery Administrator. The role will involve supporting the governance of parish churches by ensuring...
Sections of the world’s first railway to carry passengers and goods have been saved for future generations, through a council-led active travel project. Four stretches of the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR), which this year celebrates two centuries since...
Pupils at a County Durham school are now enjoying a new outdoor wellbeing garden, designed to support learning, play and mental wellbeing. The rejuvenated space at New Seaham Academy features a wooden gazebo, fit trail, picnic tables and seating, wildlife habitats,...
A council has commissioned a leading mental health support charity to deliver suicide prevention training across County Durham over the next three years. Delivered by If U Care Share Foundation, commissioned by Durham County Council, the initiative marks a significant...
Three areas in County Durham are set to benefit from £20m each in funding to help the regeneration of high streets and community infrastructure. Peterlee East; Stanley South; and Crook North and Tow Law, will receive the new funding and support over the next decade,...
A new funding programme has launched to support community groups and organisations across County Durham. Durham County Council is launching the Thriving Together programme through its partners, Point North, to offer funding to the county’s voluntary and community...
A huge number of students are receiving A-level, T-level, BTEC National and other Level 3 results today. Durham County Council is congratulating students for their efforts, with average grades across the county in line with last year. This year, the average grade...
Two nurseries in County Durham have given their pre-school children the perfect send off as they prepare for the next stage of their early years journey. Clever Clogs Belmont and Clever Clogs Bowburn both held graduation ceremonies for their three and four-year-olds,...
Landlord believe housing is upgrading more than 1,700 homes to boost energy efficiency, support lower fuel bills, and improve living conditions for customers. The housing association has received £7.8 million from the government’s Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund Wave...
A housing association has announced a proposal to redevelop a former industrial site in County Durham to address the growing need for affordable housing. The project by believe housing would transform 2.77 hectares of disused land on the North East Industrial Estate,...
A leukaemia survivor who was given just one week to live is holding a charity night to raise funds for a charity which helps people with the illness. Karin Manchester from Wingate has arranged the event at the Top House in the village on Friday, July 18 in aid of...
A North East food festival will be serving up more than just amazing eats this summer, with a fun-filled programme of live entertainment adding extra excitement to the menu. Seaham Food Festival will bring back its unmissable blend of live cookery demonstrations and...
“I’ve been coming here since the building opened in 2005. The staff here are very helpful.” These are the words of Leo, a regular user of Durham County Council’s Hawthorn House which he has attended, and supported, for many years. As part of Learning Disability Week,...
A Peterlee gym which featured in a Hollywood movie has held its first ever competition to find the strongest male and female competitors from around the region. Myo Muscle Gym, which is owned by Peterlee businesswoman Leighann Jewitt, decided to launch the contest to...
A contractor has been appointed to create a brand-new leisure centre for Bishop Auckland, with work to start this summer. Durham County Council has appointed Morgan Sindall to carry out work on the new-build site, which will be located next to Woodhouse Close Leisure...
A new build development that will provide much-needed affordable homes is also supporting jobs and creating training opportunities during construction. Apprentice bricklayer Dan Gamrot is building a strong foundation for his career by gaining hands-on experience on a...
A new Leader of Durham County Council has been appointed at the authority’s Annual Meeting. Cllr Andrew Husband was voted into the post, with his appointment marking a new political leadership for the council. Cllr Husband will lead the first Reform political group to...
A man has been ordered to pay more than £1,000 after dumping rubbish along a lane in County Durham. Legal action was taken by Durham County Council against Gary Hancock of Brackenridge, Shotton Colliery, County Durham after neighbourhood wardens found evidence among...
The outstanding achievements of some of County Durham’s young people and sporting stars have been recognised. The Chairman’s Medal, which is the highest honour that can be awarded by Durham County Council, has been bestowed on Olympic rower, Lauren Irwin, and Tanfield...
One of the North East’s most sought-after housing developments is holding a special event to give first time buyers a glimpse of what’s on offer. Seaham Garden Village has been designed to create a new community at Durham’s heritage coastline, with open space,...
County Durham residents are being offered support to start working in social care. County Durham Care Academy, which is run by Durham County Council, is launching another ‘Pathways to Careers’ programme later this month, to help people develop the skills needed for...
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has praised a regional housing association for its ongoing programme of home energy upgrades, highlighting the role this work plays in tackling poverty, cutting household bills, and building a greener future. Mayor McGuinness said: “I...
New homes built in Peterlee, County Durham, have completely transformed a once-derelict site and are helping to improve the lives of residents. The Weavers Close scheme by believe housing regenerated brownfield land off Stephenson Road, which had stood empty for...
Work has now started on site at Citrus Durham’s 205 acre Integra 61 mixed-use development for the construction of a new 73 bedroom facility by North Bay Developments for one of their sister operating companies, Marton Care, creating some 70 jobs for the local area....
Residents in County Durham are reminded to make sure they are registered to vote in this year’s elections. The Durham County Council and parish and town council elections will take place on Thursday 1 May, with polling cards delivered to residents from this week....
Businesses in County Durham are being reminded about new food waste legislation coming into force next month. From Tuesday 1 April, medium-sized businesses with ten or more full-time employees will be legally required to keep food waste, dry mixed recycling and glass...
As World Oral Health Day approaches, a successful project to raise awareness of the importance of dental hygiene among families is continuing across County Durham. Durham County Council works closely with nurseries and other early years settings to promote the...
A woman from East Durham who completed tours of Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Afghanistan with the Army, wants to encourage other women who served to try adaptive sports. Denise Kidger, who is 54 and lives in Seaham, served for 22 ½ years in total after joining the...
A key milestone has been reached in one of the UK’s first large-scale mine water heat projects, with work now underway. Durham County Council is working with a number of organisations to deliver the project, which will ultimately see mine water used to heat homes on a...
A large-scale clean-up operation has been launched to enhance County Durham’s communities. Durham County Council has allocated an additional £150,000 to its Clean and Green team to carry out a clean-up operation across the county. The team used the money to take on...
A council is continuing to crackdown on fly-tipping, with hundreds of fixed penalty notices issued, multiple vehicles seized and fines and court charges topping £134,000 secured in just over three years. Between 1 June 2021 and 31 December 2024, Durham County Council...
The development of affordable homes in an East Durham village will proceed after plans were given the green light by Durham County Council. Affordable house builder Adderstone Living will build 56 houses on a 4-ha site to the north and east of Petwell Cottage off...
An innovative partnership led by a North East housing association is creating opportunities for people to start their career in construction as an apprentice. Nine roles have already been created through the be:ONE partnership, which was established by believe housing...
An East Durham primary school has been recognised for its work to bring the world into the classroom. Wingate Primary School has been awarded the prestigious International School Award by the British Council. The award celebrates the achievements of schools that bring...
A shopkeeper whose premises housed illegal vapes stashed in boxes of wine and cleaning product packaging has been left more than £2,600 worse off. And another shop linked to thousands of pounds of illegal tobacco has been ordered to close for three months, with a...
A council is reminding residents of the need to dispose of waste responsibly following the prosecution of a woman in County Durham. Peterlee Magistrates’ Court heard a Durham County Council neighbourhood warden discovered a box full of household waste on Eleventh...
Employment levels and productivity rates across County Durham now exceed pre-Covid levels of performance. Durham County Council’s Cabinet members are set to hear how the authority’s Inclusive Economic Strategy is helping to boost the county’s economy and create a wide...
Parents in County Durham are being reminded of the upcoming deadline to apply for a primary school place for their child. Applications for the next academic year, which starts in September, must be submitted by Wednesday, January 15. For a child to be eligible to...
Six out of 10 people who smoke in the North East say their life would be better if they didn’t smoke. And six out of 10 also say they worry about dying and not being around for loved ones in the future because of smoking. This New Year, Fresh is encouraging people who...
A landlord with a portfolio of houses has been fined in court for a second time this year, for failing to comply with his licensing obligations. Durham County Council took legal action against Kamran Adil, of Halterburn Close in Gosforth, for failing to comply with...
Volunteers who saved a village church from closure have completely transformed it into a cherished community venue. Easington Colliery Methodist Church, in County Durham, was declared at risk of closure in 2022 due to maintenance costs and a dwindling congregation....
An industrial artwork at the heart of the DLI Museum and Art Gallery will serve as a unique time capsule celebrating the venue’s past and future. Durham County Council has commissioned local blacksmith artist Graeme Hopper to emboss an inscription onto a steel plate,...
Thousands of families in County Durham will be given some extra Christmas cheer through a food box scheme. Durham County Council has used £81,000 of its Household Support Fund (HSF) allocation to purchase 2,000 support boxes for families this Christmas. Working with...
A popular running club is supporting its local community with the planting of over 100 trees. Members of Run Peterlee and their families joined together to plant over 100 trees along with Natural England at Castle...
A shop in Peterlee has been ordered to close after illegal cigarettes, tobacco and vapes worth over £16,000 were found hidden in the premises. Durham County Council was granted a closure order by Peterlee Magistrates Court for Quick Pick Store, following an...
Health campaigners are asking MPs to support plans to create a smokefree generation with the second reading of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in Parliament on Tuesday, November 26. It comes as new figures show how much the majority of people who smoke regret ever...
A team which helps people with disabilities, neurodiversity, and long-term health conditions into work has been recognised as one of the highest-performing supported employment services in the UK. Durham County Council’s DurhamEnable service was ranked as “excellent”...
A project to restore 213 hectares of rare coastal habitat in East Durham has been launched with nearly £1m of funding. Durham County Council has partnered with the National Trust and Durham Wildlife Trust to deliver the Coastal Grasslands Reconnected Project. The...
The region’s largest council has been recognised with a prestigious award for its work to support and recruit apprentices. Durham County Council’s HR and employee services enjoyed success at this year’s LGC Workforce Awards, which showcases innovation in local...
Preparations for winter are well underway across County Durham. Durham County Council is ready to keep the region’s roads clear and safe with a fleet of 87 gritters and snow blowers all set for the colder weather. The council has already taken delivery of 42,000...
Clever Clogs Day Nursery in Belmont, County Durham, has announced several new appointments and promotions. The changes in personnel come on the back of the nursery retaining its ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating following a recent inspection. Two new people have joined the...
School children across County Durham are enjoying the magic of road safety this week. Allan’s Road Safety Magic Show is touring ten schools across the county to teach them how to stay safe near roads. Organised by Durham County Council, the show aims to engage with...
Esh Group’s ongoing commitment to investing in the future workforce has seen 13 new apprentices welcomed into the business. It takes the total number of Esh employees currently taking on apprenticeship opportunities to 62, representing more than 8% of the group’s...
Housing association believe housing has appointed a new chair of its board. The not-for-profit landlord, which manages more than 18,000 homes across County Durham and beyond, has appointed John Marshall as its new chair. A board member since 2019, he takes over the...
The new man AT THE HELM East Durham Business editor Leanne Fawcett chats to Scott Bullock, who is just a few weeks into his role as Principal and CEO of East Durham College. Scott tells us more about his unlikely move into the further education sector, his aims to...
The 1932 (Blackhall) Royal Air Force Air Cadet Squadron was recently invited to Peterlee Community Fire Station for an evening hosted by White Watch. The cadets aged between 12 and 16 spent time in the station learning about the work the firefighters undertake and the...
Councillors have agreed to extend a council tax reduction scheme which supports County Durham’s most vulnerable residents. Durham County Council’s Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme offers a council tax discount to eligible residents on low incomes, whether in work,...
An award-winning marina is going from strength-to-strength, with all berths and commercial units now fully occupied. All 96 pontoon berths at Seaham Harbour Marina are now occupied by pleasure boats – the first time the facility has been full since the marina was...
New College Durham has announced a collaboration with the New College Durham Academies Trust (NCDAT) to address the growing demand for skilled teaching assistants in the region. This partnership aims to equip individuals interested in pursuing a career in education...
A man previously banned from collecting scrap metal after being convicted of multiple offences in both County Durham and Northumberland has been caught flouting the law again. Glen White, 38, of Shelley Avenue, Easington Lane, was ordered to pay out almost £2,500 in...
A County Durham nursery has been awarded ‘Outstanding’ status by Ofsted inspectors following their recent visit. The inspectors were delighted with what they experienced throughout the nursery on the day. Their feedback included: Staff put the needs of children at the...
Employees from Marlborough Surgery in Seaham and the Mental Health Alliance have been walking through Seaham to raise awareness of prostate cancer. Forty representatives from the two organisations took to the streets to let people know more about the symptoms of the...
A £100m project to deliver hundreds of new council houses across County Durham has taken a major step forward, with the appointment of a delivery partner. Durham County Council is planning to provide 500 properties, a mix of bungalows and houses that will be truly...
North of England housebuilder, Homes by Esh, has brought forward a development of 41 energy efficient homes in Trimdon Village. The Bluebell Gardens development features a mix of three- and four-bedroom detached homes and two-bedroom terraced bungalows, with nine...
A council is sending a message of support to a Peterlee rower who will be competing for a medal in the Olympic finals. Durham County Council is wishing Lauren Irwin the best of luck in Saturday’s rowing final, where she will be part of Great Britain’s Women’s Eight....
Hundreds of home care services in the region are operating despite having never been inspected by the watchdog, new statistics suggest. New analysis has revealed that 40 per cent of services in the North East and Yorkshire are either still awaiting inspection by the...
Peterlee care home residents have been collaborating with a group of primary school children to record their memories of growing up and working in County Durham. The “People of Peterlee” project has seen elderly residents at Bannatyne Lodge Care Home, on Manor Way,...
Two crematoriums in County Durham have retained their Green Flag status for another year. Mountsett Crematorium and Durham Crematorium have each been given a Green Flag, an international award which acknowledges parks and green spaces for their good quality, excellent...
People are being invited to have their say on a proposal to extend restrictions on the display of letting boards in Durham City. Durham County Council introduced the restrictions in October 2019 after successfully applying to the Secretary of State for a Regulation 7...
The Managing Director of a fast-growing North East cleaning company has won another prestigious award in recognition of her outstanding leadership. Alison Stephenson, boss at Bowburn-headquartered AAA Caring Caretaker, was crowned ‘Most Influential Commercial Cleaning...
County Durham is flying the flag for those who serve and have served this Armed Forces Week. Representatives of the armed forces community joined Cllr Joan Nicholson, Chair of Durham County Council, and Cllr Robert Potts, the council’s Armed Forces Champion, at County...
Sangria could help you live to 100 according to a centenarian from Peterlee, who said the classic combination of brandy and lemonade was her secret to a long life. Ethel May Clark, who was born just five years after the conclusion of the First World War, claimed the...
A new visitor attraction celebrating the past, present and future of County Durham is now open to the public. Durham County Council officially opened The Story– a gateway to the history of County Durham and its people, on the outskirts of Durham City. Located in the...
East Durham College is delighted to announce it has once again been graded as ‘Good’ following a rigorous four-day full inspection by Ofsted, as well as receiving two ‘Outstanding’ grades for Personal Development and Behaviour and Attitudes. A team of 11 inspectors...
Young drivers have been learning about the ‘fatal four’ causes of collisions as part of a programme to improve safety on roads. Durham County Council’s road safety team, in partnership Durham Constabulary and County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, has...
A charity supporting premature and sick new babies and a group that tackles loneliness and social isolation are set to receive an extra boost. Cllr Joan Nicholson has chosen Tiny Lives Trust and Friends Together Crook as her official charities as she enters her second...
Two Seaham businesses have been ordered to close for three months after more than £7,000 worth of illegal cigarettes and vapes were seized. Durham County Council secured closure orders for European Mini Market, on Church Street, and Ardo’s Barbers, of Adelaide Row, in...
A prospectus presenting 24 of County Durham’s most compelling investment opportunities has been launched to an international audience at a major trade conference. Durham County Council launched the prospectus at the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum...
