Consumer, crime and safety news

The owner of a Grade II listed church located at the heart of a conservation area has been fined £10,000 for failing to carry out essential repairs.

A shop in Peterlee has been ordered to close after illegal cigarettes, tobacco and vapes worth over £16,000 were found hidden in the premises.

A shop in County Durham has been forced to close for the second time in six months after being found selling illegal cigarettes, tobacco and non-compliant disposable electronic cigarettes.

Shouting, screaming, swearing, fighting, late night parties, criminal damage, suspected drug use and noxious smells caused by rubbish and dog faeces. These are just some of a catalogue of anti-social behaviour incidents that led us to successfully apply for a closure order for a residential property in Horden.

People are being urged to be aware of social media posts claiming a new dentist is opening with NHS places in Shildon.

A County Durham shop has been forced to close for three months after thousands of pounds worth of illegal cigarettes, vapes and tobacco were discovered on the premises.

A rogue roofer has been ordered to repay over £3,500 for failing to complete work for two customers.

A man who was caught on CCTV flytipping three times in 89 minutes has been left more than £2,600 worse off.

A County Durham takeaway owner has been fined nearly £5,000 after flytipping two freezers behind his shop.

New proposals to control anti-social behaviour in Durham City have been given the green light.