News

A key Bedlington town centre development has reached an important milestone as Tolent Construction Ltd has been appointed the main contractor.

Northumberland Libraries is encouraging residents to make the most of the internet as part of national Get Online Week from October 15 - October 21.

A North East MP has demanded the "immediate scrapping" of controversial benefit Universal Credit.
The system will worsen child poverty, increase homelessness and even lead to people taking their own lives, Wansbeck MP Ian Lavery has claimed.
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown warned the country could face "chaos" similar to the poll tax riots if the national roll out continues, in the Daily Mirror today,
He branded the welfare reforms a "cruel and vindictive" experiment that will exacerbate the "convulsions" of Brexit and risk public disorder.
The Government says the reforms ensure working is worthwhile for claimants and simplifies the benefits system. But opponents believe it leaves claimants worse-off, and creates delays which leave people waiting for much-needed cash.
Now, Labour Party Chair Ian Lavery has called for an end to Universal Credit, predicting dire consequences for Northumberland if the roll out goes head.

A residential site development offering new, high-quality homes for affordable rent in Bedlington has been completed.

​Northumberland County Council have published revised budget proposals for 2019-2022 following Cabinet approval.

Changes to bin collection days for more than 27,000 residents are being introduced in the county.

News that pub giant Wetherspoon is to host a 12-day ale and cider festival will be bringing a smile to the faces of customers this autumn.
From October 10 to 21, 10 of the company's pubs in and around Newcastle will be inviting customers to enjoy a Real Ale & Cider Festival - and with a selection of up to 30 beers on offer from independent British craft brewers, there certainly will be plenty to enjoy.
Each of the brewers involved is a member of the Society of Independent Brewers and some of the beers to be served will be award-winners while others are brewed exclusively for the festival.
Kristopher Lee, manager of The Quayside Wetherspoon branch in Newcastle, said: "The festival is the perfect opportunity to showcase the wonderful range of beers from independent British craft brewers.
"It will give people the opportunity to enjoy a superb selection of the beers that they brew, many of which have not been served in the pub before."
Ales on offer will include Blueberry Classic Bitter, from Coach House; Jurassic Dark (Dorset), Jemima's Pitchfork (Glamorgan), Freddy Brewger (Robinsons), Hope & Glory (Brentwood), Hop Twister (Salopian), Big Job (St Austell) and Wheel of Fortune (Castle Rock).

Northumberland County Council today confirmed that they will build a stand-alone leisure centre in Berwick, separate to the planned new hospital.
Councillor Peter Jackson, Leader of Northumberland County Council said:
“The feedback from the people of Berwick is clear - they don’t want a co-located site - and we’re acting on that.
“We’re fully committed to making sure Berwick gets the very best, and I have promised that the County Council will build a brand new state of the art leisure facility on the Swan Centre site. We will keep our promise, and continue to listen to our residents through the planning stages.”
This announcement replaces previous plans for a joint site. Integrated and coordinated working will proceed where appropriate, but all the services will not be co-located on one site.
This followed strong representations by the three Berwick county councillors and the wider community. Following requests by the three local councillors, additional investment is also being considered for a potential extra care development alongside the new hospital. This would support provision of services to vulnerable and older people in Berwick.
Peter Jackson added: “After 50 years of inaction in Berwick, there will be £45 million invested in the town – our own investment of £20 million in a brand new state of the art leisure centre, and £25 million has been passed onto the Northumbria Healthcare Trust.”

Concerned police are appealing for help to find a missing Romanian woman who went missing from her Bedlington home.
Maria Stoica was reported missing in the early hours of Wednesday morning and officers are urgently appealing for help to find her.
A Northumbria Police statement said: "Officers in Bedlington are concerned for the welfare of Maria Stoica...who has been reported missing from her home in the town since the early hours."
Maria is Romanian and speaks very little English, the statement adds.
The 36-year-old is described as 5ft tall, of thin build with shoulder-length light-brown hair and tanned skin.
She was last seen early on the morning of October 3 and was wearing a two-tone blue coat with a hood and black leggings.