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Showing content with the highest reputation on 09/12/20 in all areas

  1. Without doubt this year has been very different to any other. As 2020 comes to an close I would like to give an update on what is happening both in my ward and across Bedlington. I particularly want to touch on why things haven’t moved as quickly as we all hoped on the town centre redevelopment. Like all Bedlingtonians, by now I had expected to see steel frames emerging from the ground, but unfortunately that is not where we are at. Coronavirus has played a large part in this. Ahead of the pandemic Advance Northumberland had both ALDI as the anchor tenant and several other retailers in place to occupy retail units on the site. However, the outbreak caused a number of these other retailers to review their plans. In one case a prospective tenant went into administration. Therefore, from a point where things were looking very rosy, we have had to make changes to the project. These changes were reported earlier in the year and I am particularly delighted that given the reduced demand for space from retailers, improved leisure facilities are now a key part of the town centre redevelopment. In my opinion, these changes are more suited to the needs of residents and will result in a much better overall outcome for Bedlington. Given the ongoing eyesore that is our town centre, along with fellow Bedlington Independent Councillors Bill Crosby and Malcolm Robinson, I am continuing to make the case to the County Council for funding to be made available to advance the revised scheme as quickly as is possible. I have again written today to the Council’s Chief Executive and Leader to remind them of this. As always, requests for funding are difficult when budget cuts are having to be made. However, this assumes all current budgets are not only spent but spent well. For instance, if the Council can invest in an ‘International Team’, it can certainly invest in Bedlington. Equally, any unspent Members Allowance funding, rather than be clawed back, should be transferred to current projects which can deliver. Returning to the retail element of the scheme, ALDI remains as the anchor tenant and I fully expect the deal to bring them to Bedlington to be signed off soon. At that point we will at last see activity taking place on site. A short build time is expected to allow the store to open well before the end of 2021. In the meantime, the leisure part of the scheme will continue to be developed and I will provide an update on the funding situation whenever I can. I mentioned above the need for the scheme to be tailored to the need of the town. With that in mind, the public consultation, in whatever form possible given current circumstances, must ensure that everyone can have their say. The second project I would like to reference is the Northumberland Line. Having taken part in a visit from a former Transport Secretary to Bedlington Station in 2019, I am increasingly optimistic on this project being delivered. After all the promises that weren’t kept and the photographs of politicians longingly looking up the track for a train that never arrived, I never thought it would happen. However, progress at last seems to have been made and this will be an excellent achievement for the County Council The key factor at Bedlington Station will be having enough parking to serve the rest of the town but if that can be provided, I am sure the project will be a great success. As someone who lived on Bower Grange for over 20 years, I am well aware of the positive impact that the increased footfall will have on the economy of the Station. There have certainly been some setbacks in 2020 but as it draws to a close, I am increasingly confident of a much better 2021 for Bedlington.
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  2. “Puns” to make you smile 1. A SIGN IN A SHOE REPAIR STORE: We will heel you We will save your sole We will even dye for you. 2 A SIGN ON A BLINDS AND CURTAIN TRUCK: “Blind man driving.” 3. Sign over a Gynecologist's Office: "Dr. Jones, at your cervix.” 4. In a Podiatrist's office: "Time wounds all heels.” 5. On a Septic Tank Truck: Yesterday's Meals on Wheels 6. At an Optometrist's Office: "If you don't see what you're looking for, you've come to the right place.” 7. On a Plumber's truck: "We repair what your husband fixed.” 8. On another Plumber's truck: "Don't sleep with a drip. Call your plumber.” 9. At a Tire Shop: "Invite us to your next blowout.” 10. On an Electrician's truck: "Let us remove your shorts.” 11. In a Non-smoking Area: "If we see smoke, we will assume you are on fire and will take appropriate action.” 12. On a Maternity Room door: "Push. Push. Push.” 13. At a Car Dealership: "The best way to get back on your feet - miss a car payment.” 14. Outside a Muffler Shop: ...they really mean silencer... "No appointment necessary. We hear you coming.” 15. In a Veterinarian's waiting room: "Be back in 5 minutes. Sit! Stay!” 16. At the Electric Company: "We would be delighted if you send in your payment on time. However, if you don't, YOU will be de-lighted.” 17. In a Restaurant window: "Don't stand there and be hungry; come on in and get fed up.” 18. In the front yard of a Funeral Home: "Drive carefully. We'll wait.” 19. At a Propane Filling Station: "Thank Heaven for little grills.” 20. And the last...; Sign on the back of another Septic Tank Truck: “Caution - This Truck is full of Political Promises”
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  3. Too true Alan!That's the way it was before PC came alang...a got clipped and belted any amoont o times,AND caned at schyuul,for piddly little things like stepping on the Schyuul grass in winter ,when it was oot o boonds,ti get wa baal...a dinna think one foot on the edge of the grass was gaana destroy the field..ye canna kill the sod off wi weedkiller nivvor mind puttin one foot on the bugga!!...naa...it was wa perverted Paedo Heedmaster hoo used ti not just cane ye,but actually terrorised ye for ten minutes before actually thrashing ya fingers wi he's cane.Aye...THAT was another Loathe!! ...a bit late..pity wi didnae hae this site in them days eh?!! Did ye see thi news thi neet?...doon Northumberland Street at thi toon?...it was heaving!! ..just wait....the Spike will come!! Cheers Alan!
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