in the community, with the community, for the community

POLITICALLY IMPARTIAL Occasionally, the Newton News receives complaints of political bias. These are unfounded. The Newton News prides itself on being “your local community newspaper”, and the Newton Press recently won the ‘Heart of the Community’ category in the Regional Heat of the North East Business Awards 2019. Since our community includes people of many political opinions, it would be inappropriate for the Newton News to support one political opinion over another, and readers will know that we provide a platform for political letters of all persuasions.

There are times, of course, when the interests of the community overlap with politics but, where they do, unlike many media outlets, the Newton News remains impartial politically.

Likewise, in this Editorial column, as we scan through the week’s edition and comment on items which have caught our attention, you can be assured that the sole focus of the Newton News is the welfare of the community.

OUR WONDERFUL YOUTH So – what has caught our eye this week? Overwhelmingly, it has been the achievements of some of our young people, whom we see landing a Level 4 apprenticeship, debating the future, dancing at the Gala Theatre, recommending rugby, winning at swimming and succeeding at skating.

It is easy to concentrate too much on the very few young people who are causing trouble – because sometimes it is impossible not to notice them. But always we need to remind ourselves of the thousands of wonderful young people who are working hard, getting good grades and making a success of their lives.

HELP FOR HITACHI We note with approval the short letter from our MP detailing his outrage over the Siemens snub, and his attempt to hold the Transport Secretary to his promise that the government “would do everything it can” for Hitachi.

Hitachi is a prominent and vital part of the Business Park community. Like Mr Wilson, we find TfL’s decision astonishing, and we wish him every success in his attempts to fly the Hitachi flag in Westminster.

WHO DESERVES A BLUE PLAQUE? The Durham Women’s Banner Group have pointed out the lack in County Durham of blue plaques – those circular metal plaques on buildings associated with eminent people – which celebrate women. We are aware through Aycliffe Radio that one location being suggested is for a Blue Plaque to be placed on the ROF 59 building to recognise the work of the ‘Aycliffe Angels’ during the Second World War … surely an idea with which most readers will thoroughly agree.