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swdn.bsky.social
South West Durham News
@swdn.bsky.social
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Independent publishers of the free to read Ferryhill & Chilton Chapter, Shildon & District Town Crier, Bishop Press and Spennymoor News community newspapers, serving the communities of south west Durham.

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South West Durham News @swdn.bsky.social · Apr 8
Hi Bluesky 👋

We are South West Durham News, independent publishers of four community newspapers -
🗞️ Ferryhill & Chilton Chapter
🗞️ Shildon & District Town Crier
🗞️ Bishop Press
🗞️ Spennymoor News

Our papers are free & unique to each town, providing relevant local news, events and info.

swd.news
SWD News | Community News for South West Durham
SWDN is the independent local publisher of the Ferryhill & Chilton Chapter, Shildon & District Town Crier, Bishop Press and Spennymoor News.
swd.news
swdn.bsky.social
Bus fare cap extension
A £2.50 cap on the cost of a single bus journey in the North East will stay in force until 2027, it has been confirmed, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Daniel...
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December 16, 2025 at 5:00 PM
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The Light offers a bright future for County Durham culture
The name of a new cultural venue that will boost Durham City’s visitor offer and provide a home for creativity and innovation has been announced. The Light will bring together...
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December 16, 2025 at 1:00 PM
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A Christmas Message from the Mayor of Ferryhill
I’ve lost count of the number of times that I’ve publicly and privately stated that it’s a privilege and honour to serve as Mayor of Ferryhill: it has been and...
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December 16, 2025 at 12:00 PM
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Councillor fined for hiring illegal worker
A Reform councillor’s business in County Durham has been fined £40,000 for hiring an illegal worker, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.  Andrew Harrison, who represents the Seaham division, has...
swd.news
December 16, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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Photo of the year 2025: Whispers of the Highland
Voting has closed, been counted, and the image with the most public likes, and therefore the winner of South West Durham News Photo of the Year 2025 is Finley Horner’s...
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December 16, 2025 at 8:00 AM
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Targeted support, community resilience and collaboration key to tackling poverty
Councillors will be asked to agree an upcoming consultation on the latest strategy to tackle poverty and support residents in County Durham. Durham County Council’s Cabinet will receive an update...
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December 15, 2025 at 8:00 PM
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World champion coach inspires Bishop Auckland College esports students
Bishop Auckland College’s esports students have received an invaluable masterclass leading to a unique insight into the mind of a world championship-winning coach. Ehsan Javaid, widely known in the esports...
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December 15, 2025 at 7:01 PM
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Be winter ready on the roads: Simple travel safety steps
Last week I took a call from my daughter, who lives just 15 minutes away. She was worried about driving to work because the roads were already turning white and...
swd.news
December 15, 2025 at 6:00 PM
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Flood defences below standard
Dozens of flood defences in County Durham and Darlington are below the required condition as winter approaches, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.  New figures obtained by the BBC Shared...
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December 15, 2025 at 5:00 PM
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Young Futures Hub
County Durham has been selected as a pilot area by the Government to deliver a new “young futures” hub that will transform support for young people, writes Local Democracy Reporter,...
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December 15, 2025 at 1:02 PM
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Christmas Eve Horror Short: Early Release & Rave Reviews
Christmas has come early for fans of award-winning director Dean Midas. In an exciting schedule shake-up, the premiere of his latest horror short, Christmas Eve, moved up from its original...
swd.news
December 15, 2025 at 12:01 PM
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Council poverty strategy
A council has revealed an updated strategy to support thousands of residents in poverty.  Durham County Council cabinet members will next week discuss the latest work being done by the...
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December 14, 2025 at 6:01 PM
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Reduced speed plea fails
A community campaign to reduce the speed limit on a busy County Durham road has been refused, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.  Hundreds of residents in the Neville’s Cross...
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December 14, 2025 at 1:00 PM
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Reform cllr becomes Independent
A County Durham councillor has left Reform UK after being suspended by the party, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.  Councillor Paul Bean now represents the Crook ward as an...
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December 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM
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Parking permit rise questioned
A council has been told its plans to increase the price of residents’ parking permits by up to 40% are “not realistic”, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.  The proposal...
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December 13, 2025 at 1:00 PM
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Jack and the Beanstalk coming to town in January
Local amateur dramatics group Spennymoor Stage and Song are making final preparations for their annual pantomime which takes place between January 14 and 17 at Spennymoor Town Hall. The group...
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December 13, 2025 at 12:00 PM
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Strong turnout at Kynren's first open call for 2026 season
Kynren has celebrated a hugely successful start to its 2026 volunteer recruitment season, after hosting its first Open Call event. The session offered attendees a behind-the-scenes look at the iconic...
swd.news
December 12, 2025 at 8:00 PM
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Raynard family take on challenge to help children with Arthritis
Beckie and Dean Ranyard from Durham Road in Spennymoor are taking on the challenge of walking or running 2 miles per day, everyday in December, raising vital funds to help...
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December 12, 2025 at 7:02 PM
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Supported living flats refused
Plans to convert a former laundrette and dog grooming parlour into supported living apartments have been refused, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.  A Durham County Council planning committee turned...
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December 12, 2025 at 5:00 PM
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Council tax support scheme reaction
Council leaders have defended a decision to change a council tax discount scheme for County Durham’s poorest residents, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.  The Reform-led local authority faced criticism...
swd.news
December 12, 2025 at 4:00 PM
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The Auckland Project welcomes five new trustees to its board
Strengthening its board and advancing its mission to drive long-term regeneration in Bishop Auckland through art, faith, and heritage, The Auckland Project has appointed five new trustees with extensive experience...
swd.news
December 11, 2025 at 8:00 PM
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20 years of Durham Brass Festival
A North East music festival promises to be bigger and better than ever as it celebrates two decades of bringing one of the biggest celebrations of brass to the region....
swd.news
December 11, 2025 at 6:00 PM
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Second successful community reporter workshop
South West Durham News (SWDN) ran the second of its free community reporting workshops last weekend and was delighted that the majority of attendees at its inaugural session the previous...
swd.news
December 11, 2025 at 1:00 PM
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Auckland Way upgrade completed
A joint project to enhance the local recreational amenity of the Auckland Walk within the boundary of the former Spennymoor Division, which was devised by two County Councillors, was completed...
swd.news
December 11, 2025 at 12:00 PM
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Lib Dems win Town Council By-election
Liberal Democrat Aaron Calder is celebrating after winning the November 27th by-election for Spennymoor Town Council. The Spennymoor ward by-election came about due to the resignation of Liss Owen who...
swd.news
December 11, 2025 at 8:00 AM