Great Aycliffe Town Council

14/06/2026

Great Aycliffe Town Council’s Senior Citizens Trip to Alnwick — Thursday 4 June 2026

Despite the grey skies, the coach rolled out of Newton Aycliffe at 9am with spirits high and plenty of chatter.

Alnwick welcomed us with its timeless charm — from the bustle of the Market Square to the cosy magic of Barter Books and the character-filled High Street.

Whether people explored the heritage, browsed the shops, or lost themselves among the bookshelves, there was something for everyone. Judging by the smiles and the feedback, it was a fantastic day out — rain and all.

13/06/2026

Great Aycliffe’s seniors set off bright and early for a brilliant day in Whitby on Tuesday 2nd June 2026. Leaving Newton Aycliffe at 9am, the sun was shining, the weather was dry, and the adventure began.

From the dramatic Abbey towering above the town… to the iconic swing bridge, bustling harbour views, and breezy strolls along the pier — Whitby delivered charm at every turn.

There was something for everyone: heritage to explore, shops to browse, and of course fish and chips by the sea. Judging by the smiles and the feedback, a fantastic day was had by all — a trip to remember.

11/06/2026

What is a Flood Warden Scheme?

Flood Warden Schemes are owned and run by members of the Parish Council or the Local Community and supported by the Environment Agency.

They consist of nominated volunteers who receive direct flood warnings from the Agency and pass these on to their neighbours.

We're meeting this evening at 5.30pm at the Carpark behind Stephenson Way School if you'd like to come along and get involved.

09/06/2026

🌞 A wonderful day out for our senior residents!

On Friday 5th June 2026, one of Great Aycliffe Town Council’s Senior Citizen’s Excursion set off from Newton Aycliffe at 9am, with residents ready for a day of discovery, company and sunshine.

The group enjoyed a relaxed morning exploring Northallerton, followed by an afternoon taking in the charms and delights of Thirsk. With kind weather and great company, the day couldn’t have been better.

Judging by the lovely feedback we’ve received — a fantastic time was had by all.

Here’s to more days that bring our community together ❤️

09/06/2026

🪴 VACANCY: GROUNDS MAINTENANCE OPERATIVE🌳

Full Time, Permanent, Salary Scale 2(ii) 6-7 Annual Salary £25,989 to £26,403 (£13.47 – £13.69ph)

Enjoy being outdoors? Ever thought about making a career working outside? We are looking for a hardworking, reliable person who has what it takes to join our works section:

🌱 Immediate start
🌱 Tasks include grass mowing, strimming, tending flower beds, burials, tree work, assisting with events and so much more
🌱 MUST hold a full UK driving licence
🌱 Experience preferred but not essential as full training will be given
🌱 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 28 days after five years’ continuous service
🌱 Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
🌱 Discounted memberships at the Oak Leaf Sports and Golf Complex

Send your CV to [email protected] or complete an application form from our website: www.great-aycliffe.gov.uk/jobs where you can also find the recruitment pack (job description & person specification).

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the Works Management team at the Council Offices on 01325 300700.

Closing date is Thursday 18th June 2026 with interviews Friday 26th June 2026.

09/06/2026

🌞🎉 FUN IN THE PARKS 2026 IS COMING… AND IT’S OUR BIGGEST SUMMER EVER!

Get ready, families — Fun in the Parks is back with eight incredible themed days across our local parks, designed especially for children aged 3 to 8. From 11am–3pm, every event is bursting with free entertainment, magical moments, and unforgettable adventures.

✨ Circus skills. Dinosaurs. Wild animals. Bubble storms. Fairground rides. Inflatables. Magic shows.
Every park brings its own theme, its own surprises, and its own reason for kids to wake up excited.

Organised by Great Aycliffe Town Council, these events are free to attend, with optional extras like side stalls, body art, food vans, and ice cream vans available throughout the day (charges apply).

🎪 Town Park – Big smiles, big fun, big magic
🎉 Simpasture Park – Bubble‑filled adventures
🤹 Moore Lane Park – Circus spectacular
🐾 Oak Leaf Field – Wild animal encounters
🦖 St Oswald’s Park – Dinosaurs take over
🌈 Horndale Park – Laughter & play
🔍 Aycliffe Village Park – Magic & family hunt
🎠 Woodham Park – Funhouse thrills & games

⚠️ Height, weight & age restrictions apply to some attractions.

Summer 2026 is going to be unforgettable — and we can’t wait to see you there! 🌟

08/06/2026

***FINANCE MANAGER VACANCY - CLOSING FRIDAY!***

Full-time, 37 hours per week, based at Great Aycliffe Town Council Offices, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6QF.
Salary Band 5(i) covering Salary Scale Points 33 to 36 (£44,075 – £47,181 per annum)

As Finance Manager, you will be a dynamic, qualified and experienced individual to join our Corporate Management Team.
The successful candidate will be responsible for managing our small finance team and overseeing all aspects of the financial management of the Council, including preparing the medium-term financial plan, annual budgets and year-end accounts, and overseeing the management of internal audit, payroll, accounts payable and receivable.

You will need sound financial knowledge and experience, preferably at management level within a local government organisation, and a knowledge of the legal and financial framework relating to local councils. A relevant accountancy qualification would also be desirable.

The Council is committed to further enhancing its image as a pro-active and financially responsible Council, working in partnership with, listening to and speaking up for the community of Great Aycliffe.

If you feel you can help meet the challenge, please complete an application pack, which is available to download on our website www.great-aycliffe.gov.uk/jobs or upon request from the Council Offices, telephone 01325 300700.

The post is paid at Salary Band 5(i) covering Salary Scale Points 33 to 36 (£44,075 – £47,181 per annum). The job brings with it benefits including 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 28 days after five years’ continuous service; access to the Local Government Pension Scheme; flexible and home working arrangements, and discounted memberships at the Oak Leaf Sports and Golf Complex.
Please contact the Town Clerk on 01325 300700 or [email protected] if you wish to have an informal discussion about the role.

The closing date for applications is 12noon Friday 12th June 2026 and interviews are scheduled to take place on Monday 22nd June 2026.

Finding the job of your dreams can be very difficult.

08/06/2026

Three new bus services are launching across County Durham to help visitors and residents explore its key attractions.

The Durham Explorer services will run on weekends and bank holidays between 23 May and 31 August this year.

Each service will connect Durham City to a range of visitor destinations including Locomotion; Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens; Beamish, The Living Museum of the North; The Auckland Project; Raby Castle, Park and Gardens; The Bowes Museum; and High Force Waterfall; with many venues also offering discounts to those who arrive by bus.

The new Durham Explorer buses, operated by Northstar, are:
1. The Durham Dales Explorer (873) which runs from Durham City to The Auckland Project; Raby Castle, Park and Gardens; Barnard Castle; The Bowes Museum and High Force Waterfall. View timetable here.
2. The Time Traveller line (874) from Durham City to Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens; and Beamish, the Living Museum of the North. View timetable here.
3. The Tracks Through Time line (875) from Durham City to Shildon and Locomotion. View timetable here.

All buses have accessible access, with dogs also allowed on board.

An adult day ticket is also available in County Durham for £6, allowing unlimited bus travel, while passengers can also purchase a regionwide adult day ticket for bus and Metro travel for £7.50. A regionwide day ticket for young people costs £3. Children under 11 can also travel without charge during the school holidays as part of the Kids Go Free initiative, offering travel at no cost for up to three children when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket or a concessionary pass holder. All children will be issued with a ‘goody bag’ and if they wish to complete the A-Z eye spy game they will be entered into a prize draw.

For more information, visit www.durham.gov.uk/CountyDurhamByBus.
For more information on discounts to regional attractions through the North East Combined Authority’s Days Out by Bus scheme, visit www.northeast-ca.gov.uk/daysoutbybus.

08/06/2026

This National Blood Week we've been inspiring the country to get talking about blood types. Do you know yours? You can join the conversation by sharing your blood type on social media, using emojis 🅰 🅱 🆎 🅾 ➖ ➕ or by simply talking to a friend about blood donation.

05/06/2026

***CURRENT VACANCIES!***

We currently have 3 vacancies based in Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6QF:

~ FINANCE MANAGER 💷
~ GROUNDS MAINTENANCE OPERATIVE 🌱
~ SPORTS ATTENDANT (Part-time) ⚽

Full details of all vacancies and Recruitment Packs are available on our website www.great-aycliffe.gov.uk/jobs

🏠 Make a difference - work for your Local Council 🏠

Finding the job of your dreams can be very difficult.