Durham News Network

Durham News Network Your go-to for timely updates, breaking alerts, and what’s on across the county.

Durham News Network (formerly County Durham Alert) is an independent, community-run local news for County Durham.

Chuck Norris sends us thoughts and prayers.
20/03/2026

Chuck Norris sends us thoughts and prayers.

💐Happy Mothers day!🥰💐Today is a day to honor all mothers! Tag your mum or comment something about her below 💌 spread the...
15/03/2026

💐Happy Mothers day!🥰💐

Today is a day to honor all mothers! Tag your mum or comment something about her below 💌 spread the love! ✏️

~A Mother's Love~

A mother's love is soft yet strong, Your shelter when the days are long. A guiding light, a steady hand, The safest place to always land.

Through every joy, through every tear, She stands beside you, always near. No gift on earth could ever compare - A listening ear, she's always there.

Through every trial, big or small, Her love remains, through it all. No time can fade, no distance part, The unconditional love, she holds in her heart.

A bond so deep, so strong, so true, A mother's love lives on in you. ✨

12/03/2026

Well...I've had to ring my coat out before stepping through the door! Buckle up people it's going to get worse before it gets better
☔🌧️🌨️🌧️🌬️

Celebrating our new Sergeants 💙Last night, officers recently promoted to the rank of Sergeant were invited to our Police...
12/03/2026

Celebrating our new Sergeants 💙

Last night, officers recently promoted to the rank of Sergeant were invited to our Police Headquarters in Durham where they were commended in front of peers, senior leaders and family for their hard work and dedication.

Officers were individually invited up to receive a gift from Chief Constable Rachel Bacon and got the chance to have a professional photo taken to mark the special moment.

Family and friends were also thanked for their continuous support to our colleagues.

ACC Jon McAdam, along with Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Graham Hall and Chief Superintendent Andrea Arthur also attended the ceremony to personally recognise each officer.

CC Bacon congratulated the officers and said: “This promotion is a testament to your unwavering commitment, professionalism, and exemplary service to our community.

“Being promoted to the rank of Sergeant is not just a recognition of your past accomplishments, but also a reflection of the trust and confidence placed in you to lead and inspire your fellow officers.

“Policing is not just a job; it is a calling, a commitment to serving others, often at great personal sacrifice.

“ I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the support of your families and loved ones, who have stood by you through the long hours, the challenging situations, and the sacrifices that come with a career in the police. Their unwavering support is invaluable, and I thank them for their commitment to your service.

“As you embark on this new chapter in your careers as Sergeants of Durham Constabulary, remember to lead with compassion, inspire with your actions, and always uphold the trust and confidence placed in you.”
Durham Constabulary 🫡

With the introduction of our new food waste collections, which will be rolled out across spring and summer, we will no l...
12/03/2026

With the introduction of our new food waste collections, which will be rolled out across spring and summer, we will no longer be emptying your green boxes from 31 March.

From the start of April, all glass should be placed with your other dry recyclables in your blue lidded recycling bin only. Any glass left at the side of the bin will not be collected.

Any additional household packaging recyclables such as plastics, cans, paper, and cardboard can be put in clear bags next to the bin if your blue bin is full.

Residents can reuse their green boxes; you do not need to return them.

More information on our new kerbside collection changes can be found at:
https://www.durham.gov.uk/BinCollections2026
Durham County Council

Income Support and Jobseeker’s Allowance Ending in March 2026 New adjustments made for April.It is reported that the Dep...
12/03/2026

Income Support and Jobseeker’s Allowance Ending in March 2026 New adjustments made for April.

It is reported that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will end Income Support and Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance on March 31, 2026.

Claimants are being moved to Universal Credit, and over 1.8 million migration notices have already been sent. Those who do not apply for Universal Credit within the time frame risk having their benefits stopped.

Universal Credit is gradually replacing six legacy benefits, combining them into a single monthly payment to simplify the system.

There is a short extension for some Employment and Support Allowance cases, as these claimants may need extra support to complete the move. It is reported that the government urges everyone to act quickly when they receive their migration notice to avoid any disruption to payments.
North East News

Durham Councillors’ Misconduct Investigations Cost Over £36,000.It is reported that investigations into bullying, harass...
12/03/2026

Durham Councillors’ Misconduct Investigations Cost Over £36,000.

It is reported that investigations into bullying, harassment, and councillor misconduct at Durham County Council, handled under the Reform council’s complaints system, have cost over £36,000.

The first investigation, following complaints in 2023, involved five allegations against Councillor Paul Sexton, including mistreatment of staff, bullying, and comments in a March 2023 article criticising officials. He was cleared of all misconduct in January.

A second investigation looked at three councillors on a planning committee, costing £8,105.75, and one councillor was found to have breached the code, with training recommended.

It is reported that the Reform administration introduced the complaints system in 2025, creating a politically balanced Standards Assessment Board to handle investigations and improve transparency.

Some councillors have criticised the new process, saying senior officers have limited input and calling for full reports to be made public. Investigation cleared January 2026.
North East News

🙌 A shameless thief has been jailed – after determined officers recovered a bike stolen during a charity challenge. Gar...
12/03/2026

🙌 A shameless thief has been jailed – after determined officers recovered a bike stolen during a charity challenge.

Garry Lee, a Learning Support Assistant at Percy Hedley Foundation's Northern Counties School in Jesmond, had been raising money to fund a once in a lifetime trip for ten students.

🚲 His goal was to cycle and run the 3,330-mile distance between Newcastle-upon-Tyne and New York to help them get to The Big Apple.

On the evening of October 15 last year, we received a report that his bicycle had been stolen from outside Sainsbury’s on Etherstone Avenue in Heaton.

🔐 The distinctive green Carrera bike, which was securely locked at the time, had been forcibly taken by a male offender.

Our neighbourhood officers covering Heaton and Jesmond quickly trawled nearby CCTV in the area – and appealed to the public to identify the mystery suspect.

👀 Subsequent tip-offs soon revealed him to be now 37-year-old Mark Oliver, and he was arrested in connection with the report.

Oliver, of Fairview Green in High Heaton, later admitted the theft of two bikes, as well as a robbery at a shop in Benton on November 26.

He appeared before Newcastle Crown Court last month, where a judge jailed him for three years and two months.

Another man was also convicted for handling stolen goods as part of the investigation, with officers later tracking down the stolen bike.

🍎 Garry later went on to almost double his fundraising target, with all ten pupils able to visit New York this month!
Northumbria Police

It is reported that a £104 million investment is planned to support the cultural and creative sector in the Northeast, t...
11/03/2026

It is reported that a £104 million investment is planned to support the cultural and creative sector in the Northeast, targeting stalled projects and regional development. 💷

The Gateshead Quayside Arena is set to receive £24 million to start infrastructure work. The original plan for an international-grade conference centre has been scaled back. The investment is intended to derisk the project, making it more appealing to investors after previous delays and rising costs. Research indicates strong interest from major operators despite earlier setbacks.

The Sunderland Crown Works Film Studios will get £38.5 million. Construction is expected to begin this summer, with completion targeted by the end of 2027. The initial £450 million plan with 19 sound stages has been reduced to two studios in phase one, aiming to attract further public and private support for future expansion.

🎉Beyond these projects, it is reported that £42 million will support culture, creative industries, and sport across the region. This includes developing local talent, improving smaller venues, and increasing participation through festivals, events, and sports programs.

It is said that these investments could mark a turning point for the Northeast, generating opportunities for local communities and potentially attracting further development.
North East News

It is understood that Nigel Farage is planning to focus political attention on Sunderland, with an event expected to tak...
11/03/2026

It is understood that Nigel Farage is planning to focus political attention on Sunderland, with an event expected to take place in Houghton-le-Spring.

Farage believes the area deserves better than what has been delivered by both Labour and the Conservatives, and he aims to promote Reform UK as a party offering real change. Sunderland has long been considered a Labour stronghold, but recent election results suggest the political landscape may be shifting.

During 2024 elections, Reform UK managed to surpass the Conservatives in several wards. The party also secured its first council seat in a Hetton by-election in late 2025, which is seen as a sign of its growing presence in the area.

Reform UK has also been gaining support in other nearby locations, including Hartlepool, Spennymoor, North Durham, and Newton Aycliffe.

In some places during the 2024 general election, the party finished second behind Labour, suggesting an increase in their overall vote share. Farage’s decision to focus on Sunderland appears to signal Reform UK’s intention to challenge in areas where some voters feel traditional parties have not delivered.

The planned event in Houghton-le-Spring is expected to be an opportunity for the party to rally support locally.
North East News

A former councillor from the North East has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after being found guilty of s*xually ab...
11/03/2026

A former councillor from the North East has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after being found guilty of s*xually abusing a boy.

Mark Burden, aged 57, who previously served as a councillor in Darlington, appeared at Durham Crown Court on Tuesday where he was sentenced for assault by pe*******on, three counts of s*xual assault of a child, two counts of s*xual activity with a child, and one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in s*xual activity.

It is reported that Burden carried out the abuse shortly after being elected as a councillor for the first time, and went on to commit further offences against the same child on separate occasions. The abuse left the victim battling serious mental health issues.

The offences only came to light following Burden’s earlier prison sentence in 2012, when he was jailed for 22 months for s*xually assaulting a girl after a re-election party. The offences against the boy happened before that 2012 conviction.

The victim, who is now an adult, said the abuse had severely affected his life and that he later turned to cannabis as a coping mechanism.

The court heard that Burden, of Langley Moor, County Durham, already had one previous conviction involving 17 offences, including s*xual assault and possession of indecent images. He is also currently subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

During the hearing, Burden’s defence stated the offending happened within a relatively short period and that he has not been in trouble since his 2012 prison sentence. He had already been disqualified as a councillor following that conviction.

Judge Nathan Adams said Burden had shown no remorse and continues to deny the offences. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison and will remain on the s*x offenders register for life.
North East News

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