Neil Fatkin

4 days ago | sunderlandecho.com | Neil Fatkin

After 45 years of waiting, it has been confirmed the Tyne & Wear Metro line is finally going to be extended to include Washington as part of a £1.85bn funding deal with with the Government. The new Metro line through Washington stands at the heart of the largest single package of investment ever made in the North East’s transport networks, funding a huge investment in road maintenance, better and safer walking and cycling routes and new bus priority measures.

5 days ago | sunderlandecho.com | Neil Fatkin

"I've said it before, I will believe it when I see it" - the words of Echo reader Joan Morton to the news that a feasibility study has been commissioned and designers appointed for the proposed Metro line extension to include Washington. North East mayor Kim McGuinness confirmed the news as part of an £8m business case study to help secure funding from central Government. Mrs McGuinness said: “I said that I will bring the Metro to Washington and I’m delivering on that promise.

5 days ago | sunderlandecho.com | Neil Fatkin

A fly-tipper from Easington Lane is over £1,000 out of pocket after being caught dumping rubbish at a popular dog walking spot. Durham County Council took legal action against Lauren Carr, of Queen Elizabeth Drive, Easington Lane, Houghton-le-Spring, after neighbourhood wardens found rubbish dumped on the route in Cookshold Lane, Sherburn Hill. A Durham County Council spokesperson said: “After searching through the waste, evidence was found that linked the rubbish to the defendant.

5 days ago | sunderlandecho.com | Neil Fatkin

“I’d love to represent Team GB at the next Olympics” says Sunderland schoolgirl Celine Obinna-Al after breaking the England Under 17 speed record over 60 metres, despite being just 14 at the time. Celine, who has now turned 15, beat girls up to three years older than her to take the England 60m Under-17 title in a time of just 7.38 seconds.

5 days ago | shieldsgazette.com | Neil Fatkin

A County Durham couple have paid off their daughters’ mortgages after scooping a £1m win on the National Lottery. Terry Gillings, 61, and his wife Caroline, 54, decided to make it a family affair after the life-changing win. Builder Terry said: “We’ve always worked hard and helped our kids where we can but this is a whole other level – surely it’s every parent’s dream. “We decided pretty much straightaway that we wanted the girls to benefit from our luck.