Local News

A court has heard how a dangerous driver who led four police vehicles on a 30-mile chase at speeds of over 100mph was caught when his car ran out of petrol;

Another public protest has been held over a controversial new housing site in our area;

...and a much-loved Saltburn church building that has served the community for over 100 years will close its doors after this weekend.

A court has heard how a dangerous driver who led four police vehicles on a 30-mile chase at speeds of over 100mph was caught when his car ran out of petrol.

On Monday, Teesside Crown Court heard that 33-year-old Michael Gallagher was pursued across our area by police, at times reaching speeds in excess of 100mph.

Gallagher, of Scott Place in Newton Aycliffe, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving.

He was given a 12-month prison term, suspended for two-years. He was also ordered to attend 20-rehabilitation days, banned from driving for three years and was ordered to attend appointments to address his mental health problems.

Another public protest has been held over a controversial new housing site in our area.

Archaeological works have been taking place at the site near to Marske, with an application also now being made to Historic England in a bid to halt the development.

Some residents dressed up as Romans at a gathering to display their opposition to the scheme for which planning permission is in place to build 812 homes south of Marske on a greenfield site the size of 71 football pitches off Longbeck Road, along with other elements such as a pub, petrol station and hotel.

Archaeological investigations on behalf of developers Taylor Wimpey and Miller Homes have so far uncovered Romano-British pottery, animal bones and flint tools.

Meanwhile, campaigners claim there is evidence of a Roman ‘ladder’ settlement, various iron age roundhouses and a bronze age burial mound, extending over 50 acres.

A much-loved Saltburn church building that has served the community for over 100 years will close its doors after this weekend.

The Saltburn Methodist Church building will hold its final service on Saturday before it is sold to a local developer at the end of the month.

The church has been home to huge congregations and groups from parent and toddler sessions to performing arts over the years.

The landmark Grade II listed church, on Milton Street, was first built in 1865, with another church added in 1905.

The 1905 building is being sold to a local developer who intends to use it as an “event space”.