This week's Teesdale Mercury

This week’s news-packed Teesdale Mercury is out today – and here is a selection of some of the headlines:

Headteacher to quit in July so his ‘under-funded’ school can save on his salary.

Yobs damage beauty spot.

Council’s £2m expense bill queried.

Town firm kits out its factory from eBay.

Teaching assistants won’t suffer in new deal, council meeting told.

Recognition at last for Barney veterans.

162 houses for Startforth should be approved say county council planners…. but proposals to build 40 homes nearby have been turned down.

Free support group set up for people living with impact of cancer.

Call to protect Richardson Hospital by making it a ‘community asset’.

Photos from activities (Red Nose Day, mother’s day and more) at Woodland, Gainford, Forest, Kirklands, Staindrop schools.

Expert reveals the story of the deserted hamlet of Holgate.

Evenwood business supports Maia Mouse Foundation, set up after loss of a baby.

Spring gardens feature.

Upper dale will be last to get faster internet speeds, it has been claimed.

Teesdale School offers farming courses.

Plus letters, community news, Remember When, four pages of what’s on and three pages of sport including football and Teesdale CRC’s time trial.