County Durham Connected

29/07/2026

Did you know that people across the North East are spending an estimated £846 million replacing items that could have been repaired?

With 64% of UK residents saying they replace things they believe could have been fixed, it's clear there are opportunities to save money and reduce waste.

That's why County Durham's volunteer-led Repair Cafés are so important. 💚 Every month, local volunteers help repair everything from household items to electricals, keeping belongings in use for longer and preventing unnecessary waste.

August's Repair Cafés start with Friendly Fixers and Merryoaks on Saturday (1st), followed by Cassop Repair Café on Wednesday (5th), Seaham Repair Café the following Saturday (8th) and then rounded off by Alan and his newly formed Consett Repair café on Wednesday 12th August.

☀️ This summer, don't bin it, bring it in!

www.durham.gov.uk/reuse

29/07/2026

🌈 It’s deeply troubling to see some blaming the recent attack on Berlin Pride on people just for “celebrating and shoving s*xuality into normal people’s faces.” This rhetoric shifts blame onto victims and ignores the real causes of hate and violence in our society.🏳️‍⚧️

😟Even more worrying, political opportunists are using this tragedy to push anti-immigrant narratives. Let’s be clear: the attack on Berlin Pride is NOT an immigrant problem. Blaming immigrants is not only wrong, but it also betrays the true spirit of Pride: solidarity, diversity, and acceptance.🏳️‍⚧️🌈🏳️‍🌈👀

👂Problems at Pride don’t come from people’s backgrounds. They come from prejudice, intolerance, and a lack of understanding. The answer isn’t pointing fingers; it’s coming together and standing up for each other, no matter where we’re from.💖

Like Durham Pride, Berlin Pride is about fighting for LGBT+ equality and celebrating who we are. Let’s keep it that way. Hate has no place here. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

29/07/2026

A boy has sadly died after falling through the roof of a barn.

Shortly before 2.45pm on Friday (July 24) police were alerted to an incident in which a child had fallen through the roof of a barn at Woodhouses, near Bishop Auckland.

The boy, who was with a group of friends at the time, sustained serious injuries and was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle, for treatment.

Tragically, he died yesterday afternoon (July 28) as a result of his injuries.

Today, he has been named as 12-year-old Jaxon Robert Hubery, of Bishop Auckland.

His family would like to thank those who have given them love and support throughout the last few days.

They are also urging other parents to keep their children away from the area.

Police are working alongside the Health and Safety Executive to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

29/07/2026

10/06/2026

A young girl who stood up to her ra**st has seen him jailed for ten years.

David McDonald r***d the girl when she was 13 years old.

He was arrested when the girl bravely told a teacher what had happened, and an investigation was launched.

The 64-year-old was charged with several offences, including r**e and several counts of s*xual assault.

McDonald, of Newton Aycliffe, denied the offences and went on trial at Durham Crown Court earlier this year where a jury found him guilty of r**e.

He was acquitted of the other charges.

Appearing back at court last Friday (June 5), McDonald was jailed for ten years.

He was also handed an indefinite restraining order preventing him from contacting the girl, and was placed on the s*x offenders’ register for life.

In a victim impact statement, the girl said he has ruined her life.

The Officer in the Case (OIC) Samantha Geraghty, from Darlington Safeguarding Team, said: “I’d like to commend the young girl for the immense bravery she has shown throughout this investigation and subsequent court process.

“By standing up to her ra**st and having her voice heard, she has helped to get a dangerous man off the streets.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing s*xual abuse call Durham Constabulary on 101, or dial 999 in an emergency.

If you’re more comfortable reporting online, you can visit our online reporting page here www.durham.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/r**e-s*xual-assault-other-s*xual-offences/

If you’re not ready to speak to police, there are other agencies who can help:

📍 The Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Centre provides free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support to people who have experienced r**e or s*xual assault. Call 0330 223 0099 or visit www.sarcdurham.co.uk

📍 The R**e and Sexual Abuse Support Line is available 24/7 and provides support for anyone who has been affected by r**e or s*xual assault. Call 0808 500 2222 or visit www.247s*xualabusesupport.org.uk

📍 The R**e and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre (RSACC) offers free, specialist support to anyone who has experienced any form of s*xual violence at any time in their lives. Call 01325 354119, email [email protected] or visit www.rsacc-thecentre.org.uk

📍 NSPCC – call 0808 800 5000, email [email protected], or visit www.nspcc.org.uk

📍 Childline – call 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk

10/06/2026

📜 Calling all history fans! There are still some spaces left on our Market History Tour, this coming Wednesday at 10:30am! 📜

The incredibly knowledgeable David Butler is hosting a totally free market history tour on Wednesday, the 10th of June, at 10:30am. In this tour, which lasts approximately 45-50 minutes, David will take you back in time, where you will uncover centuries of stories: from the Market Place’s medieval beginnings as a trading hub, to the Victorian rebuild of 1851 that gave us the Market Hall we know today, right through to today’s bustling hub of independent traders.

The tour takes you around the outside and inside of the Market Hall, giving you a whole new perspective on one of Durham’s most historic buildings. It’s the perfect way to see the city from a different perspective, whether you’re a local or just visiting. Homeschooler? This is a brilliant way to bring the history lessons outside of the classroom!

🗓 When? Wednesday, 10th June at 10:30am
📍 Where? Meet at the top of the main entrance ramp to the Market Hall
⏳ How long? Around 45-50 minutes
💷 Cost? Absolutely FREE!

📸 Booking isn't essential, but as it's designed for small numbers, if you want to guarantee your place, please email [email protected] or message our page.

PLEASE NOTE: As this tour will involve taking you around the back of the Market Hall and onto Back Silver Street, there will be steps.

10/06/2026

If you're wandering around our Market Hall, you may spot something a little bit different. Where the old pet stall was is now a huge space. No, we're not installing a ballroom 🪩💃 within the Market Hall... but something new is coming very soon! So watch this space!

10/06/2026

Our new food waste collections have begun for some residents in County Durham.

We will continue to issue caddies throughout the summer. You will receive a leaflet confirming when your collections will start. Please do not put your new caddy out until this date.

Your food waste collections will take place on the same day as your rubbish and recycling collections, but at a different time, using a different vehicle.

Type in your postcode to find out when we'll be delivering to your area - https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/35149/Bin-collection-dates

06/04/2026

We are appealing for witnesses to a collision which left a woman with life-threatening injuries.

Officers were called at 8.20pm yesterday (April 4) to a two-vehicle collision on Middridge Road, in Newton Aycliffe, which involved a Skoda Octavia and Peugeot 3008.

The cars are believed to have been travelling in opposite directions when they were involved in the head-on collision.

The 54-year-old driver of the Peugeot sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital for treatment. Her condition is currently described as life-threatening.

The driver of the Skoda, a 31-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, driving while under the influence of drugs, and possession of a controlled drug.

He was taken into police custody where he remains today.

Three passengers who were travelling in the Skoda were uninjured.

Officers would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have dashcam footage that could assist their enquiries.

Anyone who can help is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident number 453 of April 4.

Information can also be submitted by email to [email protected]