Headlam Hall hotel hits out after being fined for staff 'underpay' – and Durham Police try to block a bid to create a new village green in Barnard Castle... they want to sell the land for housing instead

This week’s Mercury includes a 16-page rural life supplement and a pullout packed with people’s Christmas greetings. 

Here are some of the headlines in the main paper

Hotel hits out after it’s fined for staff “underpay”.

Complaints over postal service.

Petition over Natwest closure.

Primary school budgets – the winners and losers.

Tributes to Evenwood cricketer.

Fresh pleas for council to grit danger road.

Police try to block bid to create a new village green in Teesdale.

Chapel to close – it will hold its final carol service this weekend.

Award for Teesdale artist’s Lakeland book.

Photos from Barnard Castle’s Christmas tree festival.

Plus letters, community news, what’s on, sport and much more.