POLICE are appealing for information after two quadbikes and a Stihl 250 chainsaw were stolen from a garage on Station Road in Witton Le Wear in the early hours of the Monday, January 20. Information can be reported in confidence to Durham Police on 101, the crime reference number is DHM-20012014-0283.

OIL WARNING: Police in Weardale are warning residents with outside heating oil tanks to improve security after a spate of thefts. A spokesman for the Weardale Neighbourhood Policing team said: “Where possible use security lighting and secure any access gates. Please report any suspicious activity using the 999 system, making a note of any vehicle details available.” For more advice call 101.

SMASHED WINDOW: A large window at Choice health Care on Front Street in Stanhope was smashed at about 11pm on Saturday, January 18. Police said it will cost a considerable amount to replace. Anyone with information on the damage or who was in the area at the time is asked to contact police in Stanhope on 101.

WALL DAMAGE: Durham County Council has granted planning permission for the boundary stone wall of a Grade-II listed house on Front Street in Stanhope to be rebuilt after a car caused damage by colliding with it. The council approved the plan so long as the stone used is as close a match as possible to the existing wall.

SCOUT DEMOLITION: Durham County Council has approved plans to demolish a former scout hut on Park Road in Willington and build two new houses in its place.

DEMOLISH CENTRE: Dale and Valley Homes have been given permission by Durham County Council to demolish a community centre on the Hall Lane Estate in Willington. A company spokeswoman said the centre will be pulled down by the end of March with the land turned into a grassy area.

OPEN EVENING: Billy Row Community Association is holding an open evening in the Green pub on Billy Row Green on Wednesday, January 29, at 7.15pm. County councillor John Hart, members of the committee and Neighbourhood Watch and police will be there. John Raw from Neighbourhood Watch said: “We hope residents come along as there are monies available through both Neighbourhood Watch and the Hill Top Villages to undertake local projects.”

HALL B&B: William Gandy has applied to Durham County Council for planning permission for a part change of use to allow Old Stanhope Hall to be used for bed and breakfast accommodation. The hall at the west end of Stanhope dates from the 16th and 17th Century and is a Grade II listed building. In his application, Mr Gandy said the change would not see the building altered in any way.

TAX RISE: Middleston-in-Teesdale parish councillors have agreed an increase of just under four per cent in their precept for 2014-15. This equates to a Council Tax rise of £1 a year to £26.24 for a Band D property. The parish council budget for the coming year will be £12,750, with main areas of expenditure being the renovation of the Bainbridge Memorial Fountain, maintenance to the cenotaph and grass cutting.