Local Member of Parliament, Paul Howell, has called on the Labour Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) to prevent the removal of frontline police officers from Newton Aycliffe to station them almost eight miles away in Bishop Auckland.
Paul has said “I am extremely concerned by these plans and I have posted a link to my petition on my website, which can be located here https://www.paulhowell.org.uk/saveaycliffepolicestation
In recent years, the Neighbourhood Police Team and Police response team have shared a site in the town centre, along with the County Durham and Darlington Fire Department. Although it may be necessary for changes to be made to the arrangement, Paul – who served as a County Councillor in the town before his election to Parliament at the end of 2019 – has consistently made clear the need for a local police team in Aycliffe, because of concerns about issues like ASB and crime.
Paul, who serves as Member of Parliament for Sedgefield, which includes the town, said: “I am intensely frustrated that the Police team have allowed it to get to this situation, we need cooperation from all to find a way forward. This not only affects Newton Aycliffe but the localities served by this team.
“Newton Aycliffe is the third biggest urban area in County Durham, and it is getting let down by a lack of estates strategy and the Labour PCC needs to get on top of this. Newton Aycliffe should not be left with a police presence that is equivalent to a small housing estate.”
Cllr Robert Potts, who is on Durham County Council’s Police and Crime Panel, and Conservative candidate for PCC in May 2024, said that: “I share Paul’s concerns about the loss of front-line policing from Newton Aycliffe. As a former custody sergeant in County Durham’s Police force, I know how important it is that police teams are rooted in communities and I will be working with him on his campaign to ensure residents are heard on this vital matter.”
The petition can be accessed on Paul’s website (www.paulhowell.org.uk) as well as using the above QR code. For those without access, the form is reproduced below and can be handed in to Newton Press and Paul Howell’s Office on the Business Park.

https://www.paulhowell.org.uk/saveaycliffepolicestation
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Save Our Aycliffe Police Station
I believe it is imperative that the full Aycliffe Police Team of neighbourhoods and response remain in Newton Aycliffe?

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