Witton-le-Wear is part of the North West Durham Parliamentary constituency, and is represented by Richard Holden (Conservative).

[2] The farming hamlet of Witton-le-Wear was part of the Witton Castle estate, which was bought in 1816 by Sir William Chaytor for £78,000 from the Stobart family.

He redeveloped the castle, and in 1819 developed the Jayne Pitt as part of the large Witton Park Colliery complex.

After the S&DR was extended into Bishop Auckland, the railway was able to access the limestone deposits within the upper River Wear valley.

This brought employment to the valley through both mining, as well as production of both pig iron and cement, which was distributed by the railway to all parts of the United Kingdom.

Further trees have been added to celebrate the Silver and Golden Jubilees of Queen Elizabeth II and other important occasions.