12 Jan 2021 The headlines in this week's Teesdale Mercury: Former town council clerk Jane Woodward speaks out over being unfairly dismissed as a judge describes her sacking as a “charade” - full report in this week's paper on the damning judgement on Barnard Castle Town Council. Schools struggle to cope with an “explosion” in demand for places for vulnerable and keyworker children. Plan to repair Whorlton bridge – but it won't be a quick fix. More than 90 per cent of over-80s in Teesdale have had the Covid jab – NHS in the dale praised for efforts. Faster internet may be on the way to Boldron and Startforth.