Meanwhile Spectro Arts Workshop in Whitley Bay want to start a 'community paper for the north-east'. Watch this space.

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Durham County has been chosen as one of five areas in the country for an experiment which aims to replace prison sentences with community service. The scheme will start in March, and if it is to be genuine community service and not just another form of punishment then we are all in favour.

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South Shields Trades Council have put forward the suggestion that people who stay on in the sixth form at school should be paid a wage, so that they are not worse off than those who leave.

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Durham Claimants Union would like to thank all those people from Kesteven College, Grantham, Lincs for their contribution of £25 towards the Winter Heating fund for Pensioners.

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When the Bill authorising the Tyneside Rapid Transit system has gone through Parliament, the Tyneside Passenger Transport Executive will have the power to demolish any of about 800 buildings that stand in its way, without asking for objections or holding a public enquiry - although they say it is unlikely that these powers will be used.

Still, even if there aren't going to be any buildings left in Newcastle, we can always travel around on the rapid transit system admiring the motorways.

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We regret to announce that FRENDZ appears to have folded up. We do not know why or when but will let ya know in the next issue. All we do know is that their offices are closed and the phones are off.