Construction work on a new housing development in Seaham is to finish a year earlier than planned due to the huge demand for properties at the site. Bellway is building 75 new homes at Byron Heights, off Dalton Heights Road. The housebuilder was due to finish work on...
Local News
News from Peterlee, Seaham, Hordon, Easington, Hartlepool, Blackhall, Wingate and the wider East Durham area
Coronavirus update: Council boss outlines how authority is supporting businesses and communities
A North council Leader has outlined the steps it has taken to “provide community leadership and support to our communities in what are truly unprecedented, uncertain and challenging times for everyone.” Cllr Simon Henig, Leader of Durham County Council, was addressing...
Coronavirus update: Council buildings, leisure centres and libraries to close and events cancelled
Durham County Council has announced further details of how its services and events are affected in response to government guidance on Coronavirus. The council is continuously reviewing emerging government advice on how best to stop the spread of COVID-19, and...
Reports of dog fouling across the area falls by 45 per cent
Work to encourage dog owners to be more responsible has seen a welcome fall in the number of complaints about dog fouling and stray dogs in County Durham. Durham County Council launched a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in 2017 to tackle issues such as dog...
Public invited to peek into Peterlee’s past
The powerful past and the distinct present of a County Durham structure will be the focus of a special talk, open to the public. Durham County Record Office will host its Third Thursday Talk titled, In Search of the Future - The Peterlee Archives, on Thursday 19 March...
East Durham College reaffirms commitment to the health and wellbeing of staff and students
East Durham College has reaffirmed its commitment to staff and students by signing up to a brand new national mental health and wellbeing charter - created by the Association of Colleges in conjunction with mental health experts. The 11-point document includes...
Big Spring Clean launches in Seaham and Crimdon
The ultimate clean-up in County Durham is now underway, as the Big Spring Clean launches. The annual event sees thousands of bags of litter cleared from local areas. This year’s litter pick will confront the amount of plastic thrown away as litter and ending up in the...
100th home completed as part of believe housing’s property scheme
A major investment project designed to help more north east families onto the property ladder is celebrating the completion of its 100th home. A three-bedroom house in Seaham has helped the innovative m!ne ‘Rent to Buy’ programme hit its century of new affordable...
Haswell man fined for flytipping in Shotton Colliery
A man who was paid to remove and dispose of another person’s waste has been fined for flytipping. In January, a Neighbourhood Warden employed by Durham County Council was made aware of reports of flytipping at Tudor Court, in Shotton Colliery. The rubbish, which...
Dalton Park transforms outdoor area into ecological oasis
County Durham shopping and leisure outlet, Dalton Park, is transforming part of its outdoor area into an ecological oasis with the help of community interest company Climate Action North. Over 250 wildflower plants suitable for bees, butterflies and birds will be...
Coronavirus Advice: What can you do to avoid contamination as Covid-19 spreads
As the coronavirus continues to spread globally, Peterlee and Seaham HR expert Alison Schreiber provides some essential advice to avoid the risk of contamination. Novel coronavirus, or Covid-19 to give it its official name, has been dominating news headlines since it...
National success for talented student barbers from East Durham College
A trio of talented student barbers from East Durham College are celebrating after success at this year’s City & Guilds National Student Barber of the Year competition. Elle Metcalfe won the silver medal, Jessica Filby won the bronze and Simone Morrow achieved the...
Easington care home receives ‘Good’ rating from CQC inspectors
A care home in Easington is celebrating after receiving a ‘Good’ rating from the health and social care regulator. Birchwood Court Residential Care Home was awarded the rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following an unannounced inspection. The Sanctuary Care...
Dalton Park sees an increase in sales and visitor numbers
Dalton Park Outlet Shopping has seen an increase in sales and visitor numbers, bucking the national trend of difficult trading for many of the UK’s retailers. Results for the whole of 2019 at Dalton Park, showed a like for like turnover increase of four per cent, with...
Plans put forward to improve the standards of privately rented properties in East Durham
Proposals to raise the standards of privately rented properties in County Durham are being put forward in a scheme to create better housing for residents. Durham County Council is proposing to introduce a selective licensing scheme across the county which would ensure...
Trees to be planted across East Durham to create greener and healthier urban areas
Thousands of trees will be planted across County Durham’s towns and villages to create greener and healthier urban areas. As part of Forestry Commission’s Urban Tree Challenge Fund (UTCF), Durham County Council has secured almost £500,000 to plant thousands of trees...
East Durham College stylists through to national hairdressing competition
Four talented young stylists from Durham have booked their places in the final of a national student hairdressing competition. The third regional heat of Concept Hair Apprentice of the Year 2020 took place at New College Durham and there was a strong showing from the...
Ground breaking development in Seaham will be first to utilise mine water energy
Construction on a ground breaking development in County Durham is set to begin in spring, and will become the UK’s first district heating scheme to utilise mine water energy. The Seaham Garden Village development will consist of 750 affordable homes, 750 private...
Peterlee and Seaham schools take part in out of this world challenge
Ten County Durham schools were set the challenging task of pitching out-of-this-world business ideas in a foreign language, as part of a special space themed learning day. Working alongside astrophysicists from Durham University, the Year 10 pupils learned about zero...
People in Peterlee and Seaham urged to donate old and unwanted glasses
People are being urged to donate their old, unwanted glasses to Vision Aid Overseas (VAO) which aims to improve the eye health of those less fortunate in the developing world. Specsavers in Seaham and Peterlee are collecting unwanted glasses and urging customers to...
More than three million people have only five days to complete 2018/19 tax returns
More than three million customers are yet to send in their 2018/19 tax returns and have just five days left to the deadline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has warned. The deadline for completing tax returns online is 11.59pm on Friday 31 January. 8.5 million...
East Durham youngsters constructing careers through new industrial programme
A North East developer is among the first to pilot a new industrial programme, which is helping to construct careers. Jay Dixon (17) from Murton and Kyle Cummings (17) from Easington have joined Durham Villages Regeneration Company’s (DVRC) developments – Byron Mews...
Lorry driver convicted of causing Peterlee man’s death by dangerous driving
A lorry driver who caused the death of a much-loved son after stopping on a dual carriageway has been convicted. Marcel Balan, 57, stopped the lorry he was driving on an unlit stretch of the A19 near Sunderland in March last year. His dangerous decision behind the...
Council receives Government recognition for its disability support
Durham County Council has received government recognition for its inclusive approach in recruiting and retaining staff with a disability or health condition. Awarded by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), the status of Level 3 Disability Confident Leader...
East Durham College nominated for prestigious national award
East Durham College is thrilled to announce that its Engage 14-16 programme has been shortlisted for an award at the Tes FE Awards 2020. The college has been nominated for the Contribution to the Local Community Award. This nomination comes after the Engage 14-16...
Peterlee man in the doghouse after failing to get his pet microchipped
Failing to get his dog microchipped has left a County Durham man with a criminal conviction and financially worse off. Connor McKittrick, 38, from Surtees Road, Peterlee, will have to pay £170 following the prosecution brought by Durham County Council. McKittrick...
New leisure centre for Seaham approved as part of £63m council plans
More modern, vibrant and innovative leisure services are promised for County Durham as part of £63 million plans approved. Members of Durham County Council’s Cabinet have given the green light to proposals which have been developed to ensure the authority’s leisure...
Children and young people enjoy a merrier Christmas thanks to generous council staff
Employees and elected members from Durham County Council gave families in need a helping hand this Christmas. Councillors and staff donated new, unwrapped toys and gifts for children and young people who might not otherwise have received a Christmas present, as part...
Easington residents invited to have say on eyesore former school building
Villagers are to be asked for their views on the future of a building that has blighted their community for more than 20 years. The former Easington Colliery Primary School, in Seaside Lane, has stood empty since 1997. With various owners failing to find a viable use...
New leisure centre for Seaham among £63m plans to invest in County Durham facilities
Three new state-of-the-art leisure centres could be built under plans to invest almost £63 million in leisure services across County Durham. Durham County Council is proposing to transform leisure provision across the county with plans to create more modern,...
Dalton Park scoops top prize at national ‘loo’ awards
Dalton Park scooped up the gong for National Eco Friendly Toilets at the Loo of the Year Awards. The toilet facilities were praised following an independent, unannounced visit from judges. This is the 16th time that the outlet shopping centre has been recognised by...
Work starts on new £10.55m Horden Railway Station
A government minister has welcomed the start of work on a new railway station during a visit to County Durham today (Monday, 6 January). Transport Secretary Grant Shapps met with representatives from Durham County Council, Network Rail and the North East Local...
More than 3,000 taxpayers filed their Self Assessment returns on Christmas Day
Completing a tax return may not be on the top of your to-do list on Christmas Day, but that didn’t stop more than 3,000 taxpayers from filing their Self Assessment returns on 25 December. For some customers, doing their tax return on Christmas Day is as traditional as...
Arrests made after multi-agency crackdown on anti-social behaviour in Peterlee
A Mercedes was seized and a stolen JCB recovered during a multi-agency crackdown on anti-social behaviour and vehicle nuisance. Operation Bellflower saw Durham County Council and Durham Constabulary teaming up in the Peterlee area to target off-road bikes, quad bikes...
Council offering residents a free collection service for their real Christmas trees
Residents can receive a helping hand with their Christmas clear-out thanks to a free tree collection service. Durham County Council are offering to pick up real Christmas trees for residents who book with the free service. Bookings for real tree collections can be...
East Durham foodbank benefits from generous council donation
Generous council staff and elected members have donated thousands of festive treats to foodbanks across the county to help people in need this Christmas. Employees and councillors from Durham County Council donated throughout November to the appeal which asks them to...
Murton convenience store undergoes significant refurbishment
A convenience store in Murton has undergone a significant refurbishment. G&E Murgatroyd, James Hall & Co.’s company owned stores division, is delighted to announce the completion of the project to drastically improve the shop. The store has been refurbished to...
Dalton Park celebrates a successful year with new stores, upgrades and refurbishments
Dalton Park is celebrating after a bumper second half-of-the-year, following new store arrivals, upgrades and refurbishments. The largest outlet centre in the North East recently welcomed popular retailers White Stuff and WHSmith, with development well underway for...
£9.4m development of extra care apartments in Peterlee approved
A £9.4 million development to provide 71 extra care apartments in County Durham has received planning permission. The development on a former school site in Robson Avenue, Peterlee, was unanimously approved by Durham County Council’s Planning Committee. It will be...
Peterlee students pay tribute to iconic Apollo Pavilion sculpture
Two student-led art projects designed to celebrate the anniversary of an iconic County Durham structure have culminated with shining success. Pupils from The Academy at Shotton Hall and Dene Academy in Peterlee have been working with artists throughout the year to...
Housing association awards over £75,000 to community groups
A successful funding programme by one of the north east’s largest housing associations has now helped more than 150 community groups. In excess of £75,000 has been distributed to grassroots projects stretching from Easington to upper Weardale by believe housing’s...
Manufacturer donates rattan suite to Peterlee care home to help tackle loneliness
A rattan suite has been given to a care home in Peterlee as part of an initiative to tackle loneliness among the elderly. Desser & Co, a furniture manufacturer and retailer based in Manchester, has donated the suite to Bannatyne Lodge Care Home, on Manor Way. The...
Peterlee businessman gets festive to support regional charity
A charity which supports adults and children with life threatening illnesses has been given an early Christmas present thanks to financial advice company Wealth of Advice. The company, which is based at Belmont in Durham, decided that rather than sending Christmas...
Council gets in the festive spirit to offer ‘Free after 3’ parking for shoppers
An annual free parking period has returned to give festive shoppers a small boost to their Christmas budgets. Durham County Council is bringing back its ‘Free after 3’ offer which will see free parking available in council owned car parks after 3pm, every day in...
East Durham housing association wins praise for support it offers domestic abuse victims
A County Durham housing association has received national accreditation for the support it offers to victims of domestic abuse. The work of believe housing to offer high-quality advice and support to domestic abuse victims has been recognised as some of the best in...
Peterlee school celebrated for encouraging pupils to be global citizens
A Peterlee school which proved it goes the extra mile to encourage pupils to be global citizens with respect for different cultures has been celebrated. Acre Rigg Academy was among twelve schools from across County Durham which were honoured at Durham Town Hall as...
Pupils at Shotton Primary School learn about the dangers of starting fires
Housing group believe housing and County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) have joined forces to educate young children about the dangers of starting fires. The two organisations delivered the Phoenix Fire Champions project, which aims to educate...
Ho ho ho as Peterlee shopping centre gears up for Christmas parade
Families visiting the Peterlee shopping centre this weekend are in for a treat as it prepares to host its biggest yearly Christmas spectacular. Castle Dene Shopping Centre is bringing back their amazing Christmas Parade, which will feature an afternoon of festive...
Rare postwar homes across East Durham given makeover in £138m improvement programme
A number of unusual homes in east Durham have been receiving a makeover as part of believe housing’s £138m improvement programme. Homes built using innovative construction methods straight after World War II have been given a new lease of life. A total of 35 houses...
County Durham prepares for winter as temperatures set to drop
With temperatures set to drop, preparations for winter 2019 are well underway in County Durham. Durham County Council is ready to keep the region moving this winter with a 76 strong fleet of gritters and snowblowers ready and waiting for the colder weather. There are...
MP Grahame Morris calls for people to have their say on issues which matter to them
Easington MP Grahame Morris is inviting everyone in East Durham to get involved in UK Parliament Week and ‘have your say’ on the issues that matter to you most. UK Parliament Week is a UK-wide festival taking place from 2-8 November, which aims to engage people,...
Easington Colliery pupils design mocaic inspired by the coastal denes
A mosaic inspired by the coastal denes in County Durham has been designed by children from the east of the county. Pupils from Easington Colliery Primary School worked with local artist Angela Tomlinson to create the artwork, which represents their time learning about...
Easington MP Grahame Morris backs campaign to stop Asda sacking staff
Easington MP Grahame Morris has written to Walmart, parent company of Asda, to ask them to rethink imposing Contract 6. As part of GMB’s campaign, nearly 4,000 people have emailed the Walmart CEO directly to demand Asda drop the threat to sack people and work with GMB...
Frightfully tasty cake sale organised by Peterlee care home raises funds for cancer charity
Spook-tacular cupcakes decorated as bats, spiders, ghosts and ghouls have helped raise funds to support those with cancer. The creepy cake sale at University Hospital of Hartlepool was organised by staff from Bannatyne Lodge Care Home, on Manor Way, in Peterlee....
East Durham residents reminded about final garden waste collection of the year
People who get their garden waste collected are being reminded that the last collection of the year will soon take place. Residents who are signed up to the garden waste collection service provided by Durham County Council will receive their last collection, on their...
Construction students from Seaham build a brighter future thanks to onsite training
Construction students from Seaham are building a brighter future, thanks to an onsite teaching experience which has helped exam results soar. A group of 28 students, from Seaham High School, visited the Byron Mews development in the town, which is part of the Durham...
£2.25m regeneration of Seaham’s heritage launches
A seaside town’s rich heritage will soon be enhanced following the launch of a £2.25 million regeneration project this week. Last month, Durham County Council announced it had secured a £1.6 million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund towards the three-year...
East Durham pupils among those recognised for perfect school attendance
Pupils from around County Durham have been honoured for never missing a day of school. Twenty-nine pupils who attend schools in the county achieved 100 per cent attendance during the course of their secondary school careers, never having missed even a half day of...
Unique art project to launch in Seaham this weekend
A unique arts project, “Shadows of War”, will be unveiled this Sunday, November 3, at the foot of Seaham’s ‘Tommy’ sculpture. “Shadows of War” was created by Dave McKenna, Founder of Seaham Remember Them Fund, in support of this year’s British Legion Poppy Appeal. The...
Housing group adds an extra £20,000 to funding pot for community groups
At least 20 grass roots community groups are set to benefit from the expansion of a successful grant programme. A two-year pilot scheme is offering projects in communities across County Durham, and some neighbouring areas, up to £1,000. believe housing is expanding...
Demolition of eyesore Seaham building starts
An eyesore building in the centre of Seaham is to be demolished. Durham County Council has begun work to knock down the Drive 2 Data building, formerly known as the Noah’s Ark public house, in the town’s North Railway Terrace. The council is taking the action after...
Decision to uphold planning permission decision for £16m retail scheme welcomed
A decision to uphold the granting of planning permission for a major £16 million retail scheme has been welcomed. Durham County Council awarded permission to Quora (Peterlee) Ltd to redevelop the former East Durham and Houghall College site, in Peterlee, earlier this...
Praise for Peterlee care home following independent inspection
A Peterlee care home has received high praise following an independent assessment by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Inspectors visiting Bannatyne Lodge Care Home, on Manor Way, spoke to more than a dozen residents and relatives, observed staff and reviewed records...
Keeping man’s best friend off the streets as partnership reduces number of stray dogs
The number of stray dogs found in County Durham continues to decrease as partnership working keeps man’s best friend safely off the streets. Durham County Council in the past three years has seen a significant reduction of 29 per cent in stray dogs being picked up in...
Housing group supports initiative to tackle loneliness in remote communities
Loneliness in some of the most remote communities in County Durham is set to be tackled by a new initiative, part funded by one of the region’s largest housing associations. Durham County Federation of Womens Institutes has launched a new programme of training in the...
It’s a dog’s life as pooches sought as models for dog grooming students
East Durham College is putting out an appeal to the doggie owners of County Durham – how would your dog like to be a pampered pooch as a model for one of our dog grooming students? EDC’s Houghall campus, in Durham, is looking for dogs to act as models for students...
Landlord fined for breaching licence for Easington Colliery property
A landlord has been ordered to pay more than £700 for breaching the terms of a licence for a property in a designated selective licensing area. Durham County Council brought the case against Stephen Lilley, of Howden Road, Hartlepool, after he failed to comply with...
Young people have their say on decision-making within their community
Young people have gone online to encourage their peers to get involved in decision-making in their community. Members of the East Durham Rural Corridor Area Action Partnership (AAP) Youth Forum have presented details of an online project, designed to get their peers...
Haswell remembers colliery disaster which claimed the lives of 95 men and boys
The town of Haswell has commemorated the Haswell Colliery Disaster that claimed the lives of 95 men and boys. On the 175th anniversary of the disaster, the communities of Haswell & Haswell Plough came together to remember those people who lost their lives. The...
Young people believe as housing association looks to recruit apprentices
More than 130 hopefuls are battling it out for the latest apprentice positions at believe housing as demand for development opportunities in roles such as bricklaying and business admin have soared. A total of 134 applications were received for six apprenticeship...
£1.4m road safety improvement scheme near Wingate is now complete
A £1.4 million scheme to improve safety at a busy County Durham road junction is now complete. Durham County Council has been working with Highways England on the initiative at the A19/A179/B1280 Sheraton junction, near South Wingate. The work has seen the...
Easington Lane man among three prosecuted for illegally dumping rubbish
A van driver who denied he had flytipped waste found behind his parked vehicle is facing a legal bill of more than £800. Thomas Cowan was parked in a layby in Long Edge, Sacriston, in January, when his white Transit van was spotted by a Durham County Council...
Seaham set to receive £1.6m boost to restore town’s rich heritage
A project which aims to restore and protect the rich heritage of a coastal County Durham town is set to receive a £1.6 million boost. Durham County Council has secured the £1.6 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Seaham Townscape Heritage Project....
School children visit Apollo Pavilion for art project inspiration
Schoolchildren have been visiting a unique County Durham landmark for an art project, as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations. Students from The Academy at Shotton Hall at Peterlee were at the town’s Apollo Pavilion, for Playful Places, which is part of a year of...
Campaign launches to help people seek the best treatment if they’re unwell out of GP hours
The NHS is launching a local campaign to help make it clear what to do and where to go if you feel unwell and your GP practice is closed. In a recent public consultation people told NHS Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield Clinical Commissioning Group that services...
Talented trio get their teeth stuck into apprenticeships at Heather’s Peterlee plant
A trio of talented young engineers are getting their teeth into life in the real workplace as they have been taken on as manufacturing apprentices at the new VBites factory in Peterlee as part of an exciting new partnership between the company and East Durham...
Indian restaurant in Seaham hit with hefty fine after peanuts found in nut free curry
An Indian restaurant in Seaham has been ordered to pay almost £7,000 after traces of peanuts considered to be a danger to health were found in a curry sold to be nut-free. Food safety officers from Durham County Council conducted a test purchase from the Sagar Indian...
Owners of fire-damaged building in Seaham ordered to demolish structure
The owners of an eyesore building are being urged to comply with a legal notice requiring them to demolish the structure. Durham County Council issued a notice against the owners of the Drive 2 Data building in Seaham in August last year. The notice required Malcolm...
Overloaded vehicle lands driver and his employer in court
A lorry driver and his employer are counting the cost after an overloaded vehicle was stopped while travelling through County Durham. William Arthur Monkhouse, of Cunningham Court, Sedgefield, and Eltel UK Limited have been now been fined and ordered to pay costs...
Housing association believes in young talent as it invests in even more apprentices
A successful apprenticeship programme by one of the regions largest housing associations is set to grow by more than a quarter. Aspiring bricklayers and horticultural estates apprentices are among some of the positions being sought by believe housing as the County...
Haswell charity boss feels the need for speed
The chief executive of a local charity is taking part in a new local event that tests people’s skills and nerves. Hayley Hood, CEO of Haswell & District Mencap is representing the charity in the inaugural Soapbox Bogey Derby, organised by Peterlee Town Council....
Work starts on £6.9m affordable homes scheme in Murton
Construction has begun on a £6.9m affordable home project that will bring much-needed new bungalows and family homes to Murton. A mix of wheelchair adaptable bungalows and three-bedroom houses is being built on a brown field site by believe housing. The County...
Thousands sign up for government-backed savings scheme
Over 132,000 people have signed up to the government-backed savings account Help to Save – depositing more than £31.4 million. The account offers working people on low incomes a 50 per cent bonus on what they save – rewarding them with 50p for every £1 they put away....
Peterlee’s Apollo Pavilion to be transformed by celebrated local artist
A unique County Durham landmark is to be transformed by a celebrated local artist as part of a year of celebrations to mark its half-century. The Apollo Pavilion at Peterlee is to host an inflatable and illuminated installation by Steve Messam – the man behind Hush in...
Horden resident one of seven prosecuted for failing to clear waste
Failing to pay fixed penalties for ignoring requests to clear waste has left seven people a combined £5,000 worse off and with criminal convictions. Durham County Council has successfully prosecuted four men and three women who did not pay fixed penalties issued in...
The story of Peterlee and the Apollo Pavilion to be told at exhibition
The story of Peterlee and the Apollo Pavilion are the subject of a new exhibition. When the visionary artist Victor Pasmore took over the design of the emerging new town of Peterlee in 1955 he was told to “do what you like but don’t do what we have done before"....
MP Grahame Morris backs tumble dryer safety campaign
Easington MP Grahame Morris has joined Electrical Safety First’s campaign to ensure constituents stay safe in their homes. “With 724 fires caused by tumble dryers in English homes last year and a major, ongoing tumble dryer recall, all of us need to check and use them...
Adults with disabilities treated to circus themed celebrations at summer funfair
Adults with disabilities enjoyed all the fun of the fair with their families and carers at a circus-themed celebration in County Durham. The Peterlee Pathways service, a branch of Durham County Council’s Care and Support Pathways, provides a range of fun activities...
Increased mental health support on offer for young people in East Durham
Increased mental health support is to be provided for children and young people in County Durham, following the success of a funding application. Teams will work in schools and colleges in areas of social disadvantage after the county was one of 57 areas across the...
Another year of success for East Durham College A Level students
East Durham College is thrilled to announce that A Level students at the college’s sixth form, ED6, have achieved 100 per cent pass rate in all subjects for students studying three subjects or more. ED6 Sixth Form, which is part of East Durham College’s Peterlee...
Sports initiative to tackle anti-social behaviour in Peterlee an Horden hailed a success
A six-month trial of weekly sports and physical activities has been hailed a success for east Durham youngsters. National charity StreetGames ran the sessions at a variety of locations across Peterlee and Horden, which regularly attracted up to 70 young people a week....
Legal challenge against £16m Peterlee scheme could put jobs and investment at risk
A legal challenge against a scheme to redevelop a brownfield site in Peterlee could put jobs and investment at risk, according to county councillors. In March, a Durham County Council planning committee approved a £16 million scheme to redevelop the former East Durham...
Law firm defends judicial review of planning permission for £175m Seaham development
Full-service law firm Ward Hadaway has successfully defended a judicial review claim in respect of planning permission for a multi-million pound garden village development in County Durham. Specialist planning lawyers within the organisation's Built Environment Team...
Blackhall shopkeeper prosecuted for possession of illegal tobacco
A County Durham shopkeeper found in possession of illicit tobacco worth thousands of pounds has been ordered to carry out 250 hours unpaid work. Balraj Singh Takhar, 49, owner of Lifestyle Express store at Blackhall Colliery, was also ordered to pay £585 having been...
Funding boost is blooming marvelous for voluntary group
Easington Village is in full flower this summer thanks to a local voluntary group and a little help from a leading housing association. Easington Village in Bloom Group have recently brightened the community with new planters and flowers, thanks to funding from...
East Durham youngsters to benefit from funding to tackle holiday hunger
Thousands of youngsters are set to benefit from a £150,000 funding pot aimed at combatting holiday hunger when children are not at school. Durham County Council’s Poverty Action Steering Group has been allocated the money from the Government’s New Burdens Funding...
MP urges East Durham charities to register for share of £3m funding pot
Easington MP Grahame Morris is encouraging local charities and community groups to apply for funding from a pot of over £3 million that has been raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Applications are open from Wednesday 31 July for two weeks until 14 August....
Wheatley Hill woman among three fined for dropping cigarette butts
Failing to pay fixed penalties for discarding cigarettes has left three people hundreds of pounds worse off and with criminal convictions. Durham County Council issued £150 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) to two women and a man who dropped cigarette butts and made no...
Popular wildflower planting scheme brightens up A19 roundabout at Peterlee
A popular wildflower planting scheme is once again bringing a burst of colour to roadsides across County Durham. Various species of wildflowers and herbaceous plants have been sown on roundabouts and verges around the area as part of the Durham County Council...
Only a week until tax credits renewal deadline – miss it and your payments will stop
With just seven days to go until the 31 July renewal deadline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging customers in the North East to renew their tax credits – or their payments will stop. Tax credits help working families with targeted financial support and more than...
Grahame Morris MP calls to abolish visa fees for Commonwealth servicemen and women
Easington MP Grahame Morris has added his support to a cross party group of MP’s who have written to Home Secretary Sajid Javid calling for the abolition of visa fees for Commonwealth servicemen and women in the British armed forces. Currently Commonwealth citizens...
Improvement works on 50 affordable homes in Horden nears completion
Work to improve more than 50 affordable homes in Horden is nearing completion as part of a major investment in the area. Homes on the Ponyfields Estate are receiving new roofs and upgrades to walls as part of an extensive improvements to affordable homes in east...