Archive
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Fair trade firm banks on share issue to raise £3m
THE country's largest fair trade organisation, based in the North-East, is to raise more than £3m with a share issue. Traidcraft, which has its head office in Gateshead, needs to raise the capital for expansion and changes to its governance. It will issue
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Consultant cleared of professional misconduct
A hospital consultant who admitted failing to take a patient's symptoms seriously has been cleared of serious professional misconduct. Dr John Paterson, a consultant physician at Scarborough General Hospital, was said to be "delighted" to have been vindicated
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Opposition voiced to trust move
HEALTH bosses are being urged to reconsider the decision to move Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Health Care Trust to Thirsk. The trust is to move its headquarters from a temporary site at Catterick Garrison to purpose-built offices in the market
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Anguish for N-E family as court hearing is adjourned for eight months
A North-East family poised for a court case to establish whether Greek medical staff killed their son, have been told the hearing will not take place for another eight months. Relatives of Christopher Rochester were in Rhodes yesterday ready for the trial
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Heads join row over 'manipulated' A-levels
OUTRAGED headteachers in the North-East have joined the row over claims that examiners may have deliberately manipulated A-level grades. Hundreds of high-flying students across the country failed their A-level course work modules despite receiving top
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Identity quiz for councillors
The thorny issue of the cultural identity of Redcar and East Cleveland has forced its way on to the agenda of a high-powered council meeting later tomorrow. The East Cleveland Independents group of councillors will argue that all Redcar and Cleveland
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Nightclub conversion would 'give a boost to businesses'
DEVELOPERS hoping to turn a former theatre into a nightspot have hit out at claims by local residents that there are already too many nightclubs in the town. Members of Stockton Borough Council's planning committee will meet on Friday to discuss plans
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GlaxoSmithKline faces legal action over anti-depressant drug
Pharmaceuticals giant GlaxoSmithKline is facing legal action from hundreds of people hooked on the anti-depressant drug Seroxat. A firm of solicitors has already gathered a dossier of evidence from more than 850 clients including a Durham man who claimed
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Hodge ends spell in control
DURHAM will be captained by Brad Hodge for their final five days of the season, starting against Gloucestershire at Bristol today. It's a low-key end to the campaign as the hosts are guaranteed to finish one place above Durham in second bottom place,
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Pool fightback after Mike's strike
GORDON Watson can rest his broken leg today safe in the knowledge that Hartlepool United are still on top of Division Three. Goals from Adam Boyd - in as Watson's replacement - and fellow front man Eifion Williams ensured Pool followed up Saturday's win
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The soldiers who are braced for another Desert Storm
OPERATION Iron Anvil was planned months ago, long before media attention focused on storm clouds gathering over the Iraqi desert once again. The British Army rotates units on instant readiness to deal with flashpoints around the globe every three years
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A more comfortable seat for Portillo
REMEMBER Michael Portillo? Of course you do. He and Kenneth Clarke were the Tory 'big hitters' who somehow found themselves floored by the weakling Iain Duncan Smith - William Hague without the wit - in last year's knock-out for the Tory leadership. A
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Put your best foot forward and ramble on
The season of mists and mellow fruitfulness is almost upon us _ and now is the time to get out and enjoy that crisp autumnal air. In an attempt to put healthiness at the top of personal agendas, the Ramblers' Association is encouraging more people to
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Lottery award helps Highland dancers to step out in style
Members of the Scott School of Highland Dancing in Newton Aycliffe are celebrating after receiving £3,825 from the National Lottery's Awards for All programme. The grant will allow the group to buy dancing costumes so that every dancer will have the opportunity
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Geoff's 40 years of change
THE Northern Echo's longest serving employee has celebrated 40 years with the newspaper. Systems manager Geoff Elvish, 55, started his working life as an apprentice compositor on September 10, 1962. He said: "When I started it was the old hot metal days
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Twinning talk
A PUBLIC meeting has been held to discuss moves to twin Richmond with the French town of St Aubin du Cormier. Town clerk Dr Peter Clarke said the meeting was "enthusiastic" about forming links with the town in Brittany, which has much in common with Richmond
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Society appeals to youngsters
FOLLOWING a second set of auditions and a change to the intended play, a group of actors has found that life really does go on. Bedale Amateur Dramatic Society is now rehearsing for their next production, "Life Goes On", although there have been a few
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Gang hid huge hauls of tobacco
A CRIMINAL gang centred in the North-East avoided paying almost £1m of tax with a massive smuggling scam, a court heard yesterday. The international conspiracy stood to gain £950,000 in evaded duty on six million cigarettes. The haul was in two lorry
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Youngsters are shown road hazards lying round corner
MORE than 400 youngsters are being prepared for the dangers of driving with the help of an advanced simulator. The machine, provided by the British School of Motoring, is being used in the Drive for Life safety event, which began at Durham Constabulary's
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Ooh la la, show has a flavour of Paris
ALL the stops are being pulled out to give a North Yorkshire country show a Parisian feel. Providing some of the musical accompaniment at this weekend's Stokesley Show will be one of the biggest and best preserved steam organs in the world. The 112-key
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Re-think urged over disabled parking fees
A WOMAN is urging a council to reconsider its decision to charge for disabled parking. In June, Durham City Council decided to introduce charges for disabled badge holders at its five city centre car parks. The move followed a district auditor's finding
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Woman found man in bed
A WOMAN told a court yesterday that she was asleep when a semi-naked man slid into bed with her and her best friend, leaving his clothes on the floor. Police who recovered the clothes, said that skinny Christopher Gill, 19, was wearing two of almost everything
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Art makes garden bloom
PAINTINGS by local artists of a beautiful five-acre walled garden in the heart of North Yorkshire are being exhibited from Saturday. Painters, from groups such as the Pickering Art Society, are exhibiting their work of Helmsley Walled Gardens. Sir David
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Grassroots: Weardale
LEEKS WIN: Bill Wilthew, from Frosterley, won the leek show at the Mill Race pub, Wolsingham, with a matched pair of leeks measuring 181.99 cubic inches. Results: Leeks - 1 Bill Wilthew, 181.99; 2 D Storey, 123.71; 3 C Dobson 118.88. Matching onions,
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Ex-union chief to give lecture
FORMER union boss Rodney Bickerstaffe will be visiting the region to deliver the fourth annual Joan Maynard memorial lecture later this month. For many years he was the general secretary of one of the country's biggest unions, Unison, and he is currently
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News in brief: Zones should curb speeding
ACTION is to be taken against speeding motorists on Scarborough's Barrowcliffe estate following protests from worried parents and the police. North Yorkshire County Council is to spend £75,000 creating 20mph zones on the approaches to the Barrowcliffe
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When The Boat Comes In author dies aged 76
THE author behind the well-loved North-East drama When the Boat Comes In has died. James Mitchell, 76, died in Newcastle's Freeman Hospital in the early hours of Sunday after a brief battle with cancer. Born in South Shields, he wrote more than 70 novels
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Engraver with an eye for detail
THE work of a North-East artist considered to be one of Britain's greatest engravers has gone on show. The exhibition of work by Thomas Bewick, called An Anecdotal Eye, is at the dli, formerly the DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery, until Sunday, October
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New beginning
PRIMROSE Hill community centre, Stockton, will open its doors to the public this weekend following refurbishment. The open day takes place on Saturday from 10am to 4pm. There will be information stands on further education and lifelong learning, free
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Medicinal art
AN exhibition linking art and medicine has been launched in Hartlepool. Pharmacopoeia, a visual arts project highlighting prescription drugs and a range of related medical issues, opened at Hartlepool Art Gallery, in Church Square, on Saturday and runs
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Staff at stately home have 'ruff' day at office
A STATELY home in North Yorkshire gained some new staff - of the four-legged variety - yesterday. Staff at Castle Howard, near Malton, took their dogs into work in aid of The Blue Cross animal welfare charity. Take Your Dog To Work Day was aimed to educate
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All aboard for the good life
A HEALTHY eating superbus toured Thornaby yesterday offering residents the chance to sample different foods and get fitness advice. Among those who boarded the Asda healthy eating bus was MP Dari Taylor, who helped launch the Health Assets Project at
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Learning centre welcomes its first visitors
A CITY Learning Centre (CLC) opened at a Stockton school yesterday. Located in a new building in the grounds of Grangefield School, it is one of five CLCs in the region. The centres are a feature of the Government's Excellence in Cities initiative using
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No action over home scalding incident
THE Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is to take no action against two care home workers who allegedly lowered an elderly resident into a basin of scalding water. But the case file is now being passed on to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which will
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All the fun of the quarry-go-round
More than 1,000 people attended the first public open day held by a County Durham limestone quarry. Lafarge's Thrislington Quarry and Works, in Ferryhill, one of the largest in the North-East, was taking part in a European initiative to improve public
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News in brief: Hunt for brick attackers
POLICE are seeking witnesses after children threw a brick from a bridge at a motorbike, hitting the pillion passenger. The woman escaped unhurt in the incident, on the A194 road near Springwell, Tyne and Wear, on Saturday, at about 6.30pm. Anyone with
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Jake sniffs out his first drugs target
A CRACKDOWN on drug dealers using the help of a force's first passive sniffer dog has already resulted in the arrest of two people. On Saturday night, two men were arrested in Chester-le-Street on suspicion of possession of drugs as they queued outside
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Driver admits he picked up prostitute
A HAULIER has been fined £150 for picking up a prostitute. Noelle Brockbank, prosecuting, told Teesside magistrates that working prostitute Yvonne Stewart approached Michael Walton's parked car in Borough Road, Middlesbrough, at 5.30am on August 12 and
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Soldiers on the hunt for new recruits
SOLDIERS from the region have mounted a recruitment campaign. The nine soldiers, from local corps and regiments including the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, the Royal Signals Corps and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, took part in the national
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Spaniel takes top slot
A Northallerton woman's Welsh springer spaniel was crowned top dog at the 'Crufts of the North' on Sunday. All the main winners from the three-day annual Darlington Championship Dog Show competed in the final but it was Cleavehill Brynberrys who impressed
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Proud finale to chairman's term
THERE could not have been a sweeter moment to end one of the most difficult years in a former council chairman's career. Councillor Wilf Dobinson proudly watched as his younger brother Peter made the bravest walk of his life across the floor of the council
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Man's knife attacker 'was mentally ill'
AN Arab who stabbed a Hasidic Jew from the North-East at least 20 times during an attack on a London bus, should be found not guilty to attempted murder by reason of insanity, the Old Bailey heard yesterday. Nabil Ouldeddine, 28, attacked Mayer David
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Footballers selected to represent their town
THE Darlington Primary School Town Football Team has been selected for the forthcoming season. After a 30-year break, this is the third season a town-wide squad has been selected. Last year the team won the County Durham five-a-side cup, the County Peter
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Fight for open space to continue
AN action group has promised to continue fighting plans for housing on the site of a former factory. The group want to see a community open space created to provide a focal point at the heart of Dean Bank, in Ferryhill, on the site of the demolished Praxis
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DIY firm settles with right-winger
A British National Party leader has won a settlement after he was fired by a high street DIY chain. B&Q said he was sacked from his job because customers complained about being served by a racist. Kevin Scott, regional organiser for the British National
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Smoke-free trendsetter
A RESTAURANT is encouraging others to follow its example by promoting smoke-free places to eat in the North-East. Maxine's, at the New Grange Hotel, Darlington, is the only non-smoking restaurant in town. Hotel owner, Duncan Bannatyne, believes the issue
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Financial bonus for training programme
AN investment of £10m across the country has secured funding for a training programme in the Tees Valley for the next two years. Some of the money from the Learning and Skills Council will help to fund the Tees Valley Lifelong Learning Partnership which
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News in brief: Thieves raid junior school
AN estimated £9,500 worth of damage was caused during a break-in at Woodham Burn Junior School, Humphrey Close, Newton Aycliffe, at the weekend. A window and a skylight were smashed and an unsuccessful attempt was made to steal a computer. CASH TRIBUTE
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North prisons struggling to cope with spiralling unrest
THE region's prisons are struggling to cope with a rising tide of unrest due to the spiralling number of inmates, a new report reveals. The Prison Reform Trust said safety across the country was at risk and that tension in some cases had reached potentially
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M&S outlets plan
Retailer Marks and Spen-cer is planning to open more outlet stores following the success of its first in the region. Since opening a year ago, the M&S outlet at Royal Quays, North Shields, has proved a huge hit with bargain hunters. As the only one
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Gardener Lynne digs up grenade
Lynne Heraghty allowed herself a little laugh when she found an unusual metal object among the weeds of her back garden. "Oooh, I've found a bomb," she joked, tapping it with her trowel. But once she had knocked off the mud, Mrs Heraghty realised she
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Antiques help charity towards £200,000 target
CHARITY organisers were thrilled with the turnout for an antiques day which may have helped them reach their £200,000 target. The money raised at the event at Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland, at the weekend, which is still being counted, will go to the
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Officer beaten by stick-wielding gang
AN off-duty policeman was beaten with a snooker cue and sticks by a gang of about 30 teenagers. The 47-year-old officer, who has not been named, was set upon by youths and girls - including some who had been drinking - after warning them about their conduct
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New centre planned for town estate
A NEW village centre with shops, a residential care home and children's nursery is planned for a Newton Aycliffe estate. The proposed development, which would create 150 jobs, is designed to serve a new estate being built in several phases in the Cobblers
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Action promised over NHS dental care
Health bosses have promised to take action after it was revealed that dental patients are having to travel up to 35 miles for NHS treatment. People in Wensleydale are forced to make the long journey to seek treatment even though £18,000 in public money
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Bedsits and flats facing demolition
THREE blocks of flats could be demolished under radical council plans to increase demand for property in Darlington. Of the 54 bedsits and flats in the blocks in the Lascelles Park area of the town, 15 are standing empty and two have been bought by tenants
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Gang's work comes up rosy
an environmental garden is blossoming where a rickety classroom once stood. Children at Dodmire Infant School, in Darlington, rolled up their sleeves and formed a garden gang to create the display. The old tin hut was built at the school in 1919 as a
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Scandal of the 'make do and mend' Army
THE Government is facing unprecedented criticism from soldiers likely to be on the front line if Britain goes to war with Iraq, The Northern Echo can reveal. Squaddies serving with the British Army in Canada have described how patience is wearing thin
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Parents protest over bus pass policy
A Catholic pupil faces a daily struggle to reach school after being refused a place on the school bus because her parents are Protestant. Lauren Loan's parents have been left wondering how to get their daughter to and from their home in Perkinsville,
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Last Night's TV: Two Men In A Trench (BBC2)
Why the cannon was called Sweet Lips. AS the BBC embarks on its Cracking Crime day of programmes, someone should report the case of the two men who go around digging up football pitches. Tony Pollard and Neil Oliver have an excuse for such vandalism -
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Real potatoes are worth fighting for
SO when did you last peel a potato? Possibly some time ago. We are cooking fewer potatoes than ever. Half the potatoes we eat now are already peeled and processed for us - crisps, frozen chips, waffles, potato-topped ready-made pies, even ready-bought
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A claim to fame goes down the pan
PRETTY generously, the company wanted the column to fly last week to America. Cautiously consulted, the Good Doctor reviewed recent medical history - an ABC of DVTs - and reached for his tranquillisers. We took off for Scotland instead. Before catching
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Council links to 'green' grid
SEDGEFIELD Borough Council is switching to 'green' electricity to supply its large sites. From next month the council offices at Green Lane, Spennymoor, Chilton Depot and the leisure centres at Newton Aycliffe, Spennymoor and Ferryhill will be supplied
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Long-distance traveller Tuneful sure to hit the right notes
FLAT racing on turf finishes in about seven weeks' time prompting trainers to send their horses far and wide in search of in search of success. Amanda's Perrett's horse box for instance will have clocked up around 250 miles transporting Tuneful (4.20)
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Gadfly: A claim to fame goes down the pan
PRETTY generously, the company wanted the column to fly last week to America. Cautiously consulted, the Good Doctor reviewed recent medical history - an ABC of DVTs - and reached for his tranquillisers. We took off for Scotland instead. Before catching
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Icelandic Siggy on trial at the Boro
MIDDLESBROUGH last night gave a six-week trial to Icelandic teenager Sigurdur Donys - after their interest in the striker was exclusively revealed by Northern Echo Sport. After Newcastle United tried to hijack Boro's move for Donys, Riverside bosses invited
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Parents fail to save store creche
Parents have accused a supermarket of putting profits before people after confirming it is to close its crche. Safeway has been reviewing how best to use the space at its store on Victoria Road, Darlington. The company carried out an extensive consultation
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Financial bonus for training programme
AN investment of £10m across the country has secured funding for a training programme in the Tees Valley for the next two years. Some of the money from the Learning and Skills Council will help to fund the Tees Valley Lifelong Learning Partnership which
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New base for emergency service
THE OFFICIAL opening of the new Darlington Ambulance Station took place last Friday. Mayor of Darlington Doris Jones did the honours at the new station, which is at the Fire and Rescue Service premises on St Cuthbert's Way. The North East Ambulance Service
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£1m drug and alcohol facility unveiled for town
PLANS for a major housing scheme to accommodate people recovering from drug and alcohol addictions have been revealed. Darlington Borough Council is working with charities and health groups to provide a £1m facility in the town. A lack of housing for
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Bullied prisoner found hanged
A BULLIED prisoner was discovered hanged after being moved to another jail in the same prison van as his tormentor. The second day into his arrival at Holme House Prison, Stockton, Adam Larder, 21, was found dead in his cell. Home Office Pathologist James
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Sure fire remedy for problem teens
A group of teenagers have been given a fire engine of their own in a new pilot scheme aimed at correcting behaviour problems. The youngsters all aged between 13 and 14 and who have displayed difficulties from truancy to bullying, all lined up at Peterlee
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North-East couple handle 'Hot Property'
Meet the young North-East couple who lived up to their surname of Million by becoming one of the lucky few to be chosen as contestants for Channel 5's Hot Property, where you can win a mortgage-free home. Viv Hardwick reports... but don't read the last
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Star Skelton stays loyal to his roots
TEENAGE sensation Michael Skelton has insisted that loyalty to his hometown club Hunley Hall was the reason why he opted not to represent Middlesbrough Brass Castle in the recent English Champions' Club Championship. Skelton, 18, inspired the Teesside
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Care crisis as practice GPs resign
HEALTH bosses have stepped in to ensure thousands of patients are not left without a family doctor. The resignation of three out of five GPs at a busy practice in Gateshead - which meant that 2,750 patients of the Winlaton and Ryton Medical Partnership
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AA to phase out roadside boxes
We've all known that sinking feeling. A long journey, a recalcitrant car, fractious passengers and an odd and ominous noise coming from somewhere in the engine compartment. Heart-in-mouth you carry on through grey and grizzly weather, cursing the fact
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News in brief: Charity says thank-you
MARIE Curie Cancer Care has announced that the 45 people who abseiled from Middlesbrough's Transporter Bridge earlier this month have raised more than £5,500. The money will fund nursing care for people with cancer and their families in Teesside and North
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Approval to demolish blocks of flats
THREE blocks of flats should be demolished as part of efforts to stimulate demand for property in Darlington, councillors agreed last night. Darlington Borough Council's cabinet decided to approve proposals to demolish properties in the Lascelles Park
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Wardens act to protect fell from bracken
COUNTRYSIDE officers are taking drastic action to protect a beauty spot from being threatened by bracken. Waldridge Fell, near Chester-le-Street, is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is one of the few areas of lowland heath in the North-East
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Shoppers urged to take care of health
SHOPPERS are being encouraged to take care of their hearts while they buy their groceries as part of National Blood Pressure Week. A team of coronary heart disease nurses and health professionals from Derwentside Primary Care Trust will be offering blood
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Crew pays tribute to Neil
A TRAINEE ambulance technician killed in a road tragedy a year ago, was remembered by family, friends and former colleagues at the weekend. Neil Hughes, from Darlington, died at the scene of the accident, after his motorcycle was involved in an accident
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A Slowhand to China . . .
THE North-East's own Eric Clapton could be heading for China. Mike Hall, the Durham-born Slowhand look and sound-alike, has been invited to do a mini-tour by a promoter in Beijing. Mike, 50, of Newcastle, said: "I never ever dreamed we'd get to play in
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Ravine crash lorry driver had suffered heart attack
POLICE confirmed last night that a lorry driver had suffered a fatal heart attack before his wagon plummeted down a ravine. A post-mortem examination at Darlington Memorial Hospital yesterday showed that Geoffrey Young had suffered a cardiac arrest just
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Cemeteries rise to top challenge
THE battle over which town or city has the best kept graves was laid to rest yesterday with the announcement of the winners of the Cemetery of the Year Competition. Four cemeteries from across the UK took the top titles in four categories. The winners
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Comment: Cunning that may backfire
IT is only possible to marvel at Saddam Hussein's cunning. He is loathsome, vile, murderous and violent, but he is also marvellously cunning - especially when it comes to his own self-preservation. By allowing the United Nations to return its inspectors
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Council go-ahead for bridge repairs
URGENTLY needed repairs to crumbling railway bridges were given the go-ahead last night. Darlington Borough Council will spend £130,000 on eight bridges after expert assessments revealed they were at risk. It is the latest in a series of improvement schemes
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Teenager's fears after
A TEENAGER vowed yesterday never to return to the park where he was the victim of an unprovoked attack in broad daylight. Christopher Fazakerley, 16, was knocked unconscious with a metal bar in the assault. The youngster, of Annfield Plain, near Stanley
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No sign of action on tourist trail
AN initiative to tempt tourists off the A1 and into the Yorkshire Dales is still languishing with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, tourism officials have warned. They fear it could be another six months before publication
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Piano concert
Virtuoso pianist Helen Crayford will launch the autumn season of lunchtime concerts at the Durham Light Infantry Museum, today, with Cakewalks to Concert Halls, the latest concert in her Rags to Riches series. The programme will include pieces by Eubie
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Visitors taken on journey through artist's memory
AN art installation by Durham Cathedral's artist-in-residence has opened at a Durham art gallery. Dichotomy is an atmospheric film by artist Tony Sinden, the nineteenth cathedral artist-in-residence, and it has opened to the public at Durham Light Infantry
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Town's leaders unveil history festival scheme
PLANS for a two-year festival based on a port's history have been unveiled. Consultancy group Streets of History, of Whitby, North Yorkshire, announced the scheme for the Festival of St Hilda, to be held next year and 2004, which would be among the biggest
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County's best blooms win recognition
THE winners of the 2002 Yorkshire in Bloom Awards have been announced. Among the winners were Ripon, Thirsk and Harrogate. Yorkshire in Bloom chairman Frank Robinson said: "Most of our success stems from the enthusiasm and effort of the communities involved
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Magistrates' court
The following cases were considered by Darlington magistrates yesterday: NEW CHARGE: David Mark Smith, 46, of Park Lane, Darlington has had a new charge of false imprisonment set against him. He is also charged with assaulting Sonia Creighton on August
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Helping to cope with illnesses
PEOPLE living with chronic medical conditions in the Sedgefield borough are being offered the chance to take part in a Department of Health initiative. The Expert Patient Programme (EPP) is a national initiative offering courses to help people cope with
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Inflation fall 'means interest rates stay low'
INFLATION edged back below 2 per cent in August, figures showed yesterday, indicating that interest rates will stay low for the foreseeable future. Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the underlying rate of inflation dipped to 1.9
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It's still looking good, says Tesco chief
TESCO shrugged aside fears of slower growth in its UK stores yesterday after its overseas expansion helped to fuel a 13.3 per cent increase in first-half profits. Chief executive Sir Terry Leahy said the group was taking market share from its rivals and
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Crash course for motorists of the future
ABOUT 400 youngsters are being prepared for the dangers of driving with the help of a simulator. The machine, provided by the British School of Motoring, is being used in the Drive for Life safety event, which began at Durham Constabulary's headquarters
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Taxi drivers pledge strikes over driving test decision
TAXI drivers in Darlington confirmed that they would be taking strike action last night, after councillors voted to introduce a new driving test for cabbies. Members of Darlington Borough Council's cabinet agreed that all new drivers, and those who have
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Bowling breaks the ice
STUDENTS at Redcar and Cleveland College enjoyed a day at the Hollywood Bowl to start the new term. Students were invited to the Teesside Park bowling centre to break down barriers and improve student relationships with each other and staff. Alan Old,
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Surgeon to run for India
A TEESSIDE surgeon is lacing up his running shoes to help people in India with brain injuries. Fred Nath, who works at Middlesbrough General Hospital, is taking part in the Great North Run in October to raise funds for a new hospital in Calcutta. The
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School club gets a lift
YOUNG trampolinists in Hartlepool are jumping for joy after landing a cash windfall from the National Lottery. High Tunstall School Trampolining Club has been awarded almost £4,000 from the Lottery's Awards for All programme. The money will be used to
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Council comes under fire over planning decision
COUNCILLORS have been criticised for approving plans to convert a listed building into flats and build on a historic park. Green campaigners hit out after Middlesbrough Council's planning committee gave conditional permission for Grey Towers House, on
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Black Wednesday warning
LEADING businesses have warned the Government to stay out of the euro on the tenth anniversary of Britain's withdrawal from the ERM. In marking Black Wednesday, John Wright, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) North-East policy chairman, said: "We believe
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Hear All Sides: War on Iraq
A QUICK trawl through authoritative international law books highlights urgent questions about President Bush's call for a war against Iraq. The US is a founder member of the UN and an author of its Charter. It is obligated: (1) to seek a negotiated, peaceful
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News in brief: Free advice for elderly
AGE CONCERN is offering advice to elderly people at a free event at the Union Place Communal Hall, Morley Crescent, Kelloe, next Tuesday. The session, run in partnership with Durham City Council and Durham Police, covers information affecting elderly
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David joins trust team
A NEW executive has joined the team running the hospitals of Northallerton and Middlesbrough. David Dobson has been appointed a non-executive member of South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust. Mr Dobson, who has lived in Sowerby, Thirsk, for more than 26 years
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Adoption service recognition
SOCIAL workers from across the country attended a conference in the region yesterday and heard how Gateshead Council is one of only three UK authorities to earn Beacon status for its adoption services. Staff were awarded the status by the Government in
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Creditors seek bankruptcy ruling on business
CREDITORS have applied to the Official Receiver to have a Darlington businessman declared bankrupt. A petition has been sent to Darlington County Court to wind up Christopher Humble's business. Mr Humble, of Eldon Street, Darlington, who is presently
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Euro-MP tours factory
A SUCCESSFUL digital factory project in Newton Aycliffe played host to a VIP guest this week. Euro-MP Stephen Hughes visited The Digital Factory, on the town's industrial estate, to check on progress and view some of the new technology being employed
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Drunken brawlers targeted by police
POLICE chiefs have pledged to crack down on drunken brawls after an increase in assaults outside pubs at closing time in Darlington town centre. Figures show criminal damage and assaults are significantly higher in the town centre than in previous years
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Tesco unveils plans for old brewery site
A VISION for the regeneration of a city centre site was unveiled by the store group Tesco last night. More than three years after the closure of Vaux Breweries, with the loss of 430 jobs, Tesco announced plans to develop a showpiece superstore employing
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Communities urged to support aid bid
COMMUNITY groups in Teesdale are being urged to come forward with ideas for projects, which could help secure more than £200,000 in European funding. Thousands of residents in Teesdale could benefit from part-funding for projects. A meeting organised
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Grouse moor bought - but not by singer
A NORTHERN grouse moor, which pop diva Madonna was reported to be interested in buying for her film director husband, Guy Ritchie, has been sold to a secret buyer. Agents acting for Lord Lambton, who put the 12,000-acre Muggleswick estate on the market
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News in brief: Thieves target school
AN estimated £9,500 worth of damage was caused during a break-in at Woodham Burn Junior School, Humphrey Close, Newton Aycliffe, at the weekend. A window and a skylight were smashed and an unsuccessful attempt was made to steal a computer. CASH TRIBUTE
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Need of small businesses in the spotlight
ISSUES affecting the small business community were discussed during a question and answer session at a meeting organised by the Darlington branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). The effect of the foot-and-mouth crisis, the future of regional
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'Keep Mary Bell out of my life'
Tomorrow, Mary Bell will ask the High Court to grant her anonymity for life. While some feel she should have no such right, it puts the mother of one of her victims in a quandary. Nick Morrison reports. JUNE Richardson is torn. Her instinctive reaction
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Directors back new man
North-East members of the Institute of Directors (IoD) have welcomed the appointment of David Marshall as director of public affairs. Mr Marshall, who will be based at the IoD's headquarters in London, will be responsible for conveying the policies and
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Sharon Griffiths: Real Potatoes are worth fighting for
SO when did you last peel a potato? Possibly some time ago. We are cooking fewer potatoes than ever. Half the potatoes we eat now are already peeled and processed for us - crisps, frozen chips, waffles, potato-topped ready-made pies, even ready-bought
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News in brief: Charity says thank-you
MARIE Curie Cancer Care has announced that the 45 people who abseiled from Middlesbrough's Transporter Bridge earlier this month have raised more than £5,500. The money will fund nursing care for people with cancer and their families in Teesside and North
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Spotlight on literary giant's life
HE was a poet, journalist, artist's model, conscientious objector and RAF officer, and mixed with such literary giants James Joyce and W B Yeats. Now people can learn all about Basil Bunting at an exhibition where photographs charting the extraordinary
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Warehousing lease shows support for development
A business park redevelopment has been given a vote of confidence by one of the estate's longest standing businesses, which could safeguard jobs. Lingfield Warehousing, which has been running on the site for more than 20 years, has signed a lease to stay
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Dance with a Spanish flavour
FLAMENCO dancers are set to light up Hartlepool on Saturday night when they perform at the Town Hall Theatre. Seville based Jaleo Flamenco is a potent cocktail of explosive footwork, singing, virtuoso guitar playing and hand clapping from southern Spain
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News in brief: Free advice for the elderly
AGE CONCERN is offering advice to elderly people at a free event at the Union Place Communal Hall, Morley Crescent, Kelloe, next Tuesday. The session, run in partnership with Durham City Council and Durham Police, covers information affecting elderly
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Welcome for China trade delegates
LEADING businesses and universities across Yorkshire are hoping to benefit from the first Chinese trade visit from the Zhejiang province. Regional development agency Yorkshire Forward is entertaining the delegation this week. It follows the establishment
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Off-sick officer had police okay to be match official
A POLICE sergeant who officiated at a top Premiership match while on sick leave with stress was backed by his bosses last night. Sergeant Nigel Miller, as The Northern Echo revealed exclusively yesterday, already had the support of his doctors when he
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Advisors gain specialist accreditation
TWO organisations have been recognised for providing excellent advice for smaller businesses by being awarded specialist status. Business Link Tyne and Wear and Biz-KIT Team are two of 17 UK organisations to gain Technology Means Business (TMB) approved
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Top dog crowned at international show
A WELSH Springer Spaniel beat off stiff competition to come out on top at the 34th annual Darlington Championship Dog Show. Cleavehill Brynberrys was crowned championship winner at the three-day event last weekend. All the main winners from the show competed
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Rubbish refusal sparks outrage
ANGRY residents have criticised a council for refusing to collect bins unless they are placed right on the kerbside. Darlington Borough Council has introduced the new kerbside collections to cut costs and plough the savings into recycling schemes. But
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Children pack bags to raise charity funds
YOUNGSTERS will be helping out shoppers at a Stanley supermarket to raise cash for a children's charity. About 15 youngsters from Consett YMCA are taking part in a bag pack at the Asda store in Stanley on Saturday, September 28, from 10am until 4pm. Proceeds
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Guided walk to help fund skate park
VILLAGERS are being urged to join a guided walk to raise money for a skateboard park. Coxhoe Community Partnership, which created the Coxhoe Kidzone play area, is holding a three-and-a-half mile walk on Sunday. Money raised will go towards the partnership's
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Angie opens doors for rugby players
A CHARITY worker is playing her part in demonstrating that even such a physical game as rugby is not beyond the scope of those in wheelchairs. Angie Stewart of Aiskew, who suffers from brittle bones and is confined to a wheelchair, works for Open Doors
