2026 news archive

Sunderland City Council is launching its first local Blossom programme, part of the National Trust's longstanding national Blossom initiative that encourages people to get outside and enjoy nature as spring arrives.

The Great British Spring Clean is officially underway in Sunderland, and residents are being encouraged to get involved to help keep communities clean, green, and litter-free.

People are being encouraged to turn out to give a warm Mackem welcome to BBC Radio 1's Greg James when he arrives in Sunderland tomorrow on day six of his mammoth 'Greg James' Longest Ride' challenge for Red Nose Day.

North East credit union NEFirst is launching its services in Sunderland to help residents access affordable financial services.

Sunderland families are being given more opportunities to access advice and support at convenient locations and times across the city.

Sunderland has received funding from Sport England to boost levels of physical activity among those in greatest need, from the most inactive communities.

Ambitious plans to redevelop Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens have moved a step closer - thanks to a £500,000 grant from the Wolfson Foundation.

Tunstall Hope Road in Sunderland was temporarily closed on Wednesday 4 February to allow Sunderland City Council's Environmental Services team to carry out a large-scale litter pick and verge tidy, following a sharp rise in waste being thrown from passing vehicles.

A new safety and rescue boat that will keep water-based activities afloat at a much-loved Sunderland City Council-owned outdoor education centre, will ensure generations of the city's young people continue to set sail on Derwentwater.

Works are underway at Red Gables, a five-bedroom property in East Rainton purchased by Sunderland City Council on behalf of its children services partner Together for Children.

Two key figures have each received their Freedom of the City.

A drive which resulted in hundreds of Sunderland schoolchildren being able to tuck into the free school meals they're entitled to, is to be repeated this spring.