TRAFFIC LIGHTS: Motorists are being warned that temporary traffic lights will be installed on the A694 Shotley Bridge to Hamsterley Mill road in the New Year. Traffic lights will be in place at off-peak times from January 6 for two weeks while footpath improvements work is carried out.

SURGERY CANCELLED: The ward surgery due to be held by Peterlee councillors Audrey Laing and Harry Bennett at the offices of East Durham Trust on December 31 has been cancelled.

LICENSING HEARING: The next meeting of Durham County Council’s General Licensing and Registration Sub-Committee will take place in County Hall, Durham on Wednesday, January 8 at 2pm.

GUIDED WALK: Countryside ranger Jennie Garrod will lead a 10-mile walk around the Pity Me and Low Newton Junction nature reserves on Saturday, January 4. The walk, expected to last six hours, sets off from the car park at the DLI Museum, in Durham City, at 10am and costs £4 per person.