toffo

As said previously there's a huge difference between the two cases, the soldier has taken an oath to risk his life in defence of the nation and all subjects within it, often for little pay and in difficult circumstances, he is willing and able to put every inch of his being into ensuring his duties are carried out to the highest degree to ensure the safety of the country without question, therefore the nation has a moral duty to ensure his welfare is of the highest order. As for the engineering apprentice the individual responsible for the reckless act should be held responsible and made to ensure adequate provisions are put in place to give him a level of care that's required as it's the actions of one irresponsible person that has caused his suffering. For the record the soldier would be medically discharged at some point and would be placed Into the care of the various military charities if he or she so wished.

Dont know how true it is but I heard that the store hasn't been as succesful as they thought so they were reviewing their plans?

Our current speed laws I feel are so outdated its incredible, I for one am in favour 20mph outside schools rigourisly enforced by cameras, however in a built up area the speed should be determined by factors which include pedestrian safety etc. On a Motorway increase it to a more realistic 80mph as most people average above 70mph and modern cars have hugely improved braking systems against the vehicles that were around in 67 when it became the permanent limit for derestricted roads (most vehicles at the time struggled to reach above 70).

Keith The cycle routes in and around Norhtumberland are something that could be capitalised on by all, the Station needs tidying up to be honest as it doesnt come across as cyclist friendly (no secure racks, poor signage etc) as for the litter maybe liaison with the school is required? Cycling is becoming more and more popular and the benefits for the community are obvious especially as Bedlington Station is on the NCN Route 1. Hopefully the Station gets the money needed and brings some much needed support into the community.

Hi Andy, I know where you mean and whole heartedly agree! Maybe West End need to open a parent class for the Green Cross Code!!!

As a parent of a child in west end I agree rather than walking an extra 50 yards to use the designated crossing most parents use the "old lollipop man location" opposite St. Bennies, however most people here are actually going to bennies not west end, maybe a case for another designated crossing point? or replacement of the lollipop man?

I agree the station looks a bit of a state, we stopped there recently on a part of our 200 mile coast & castles charity bike ride as its on the official sustrains route, we parked our support vehicle and cyclists behind the medical centre which resembled a scene from beirut with properties smashed to bits and litter thrown all over the place (including the med centre roof)!. hopefully the train lines will get re-opened and bring some much needed investment into the area along with shares of the "County" spoils that have recently been poured into Blyth, Morpeth etc. The Sustrans Coast & Castles route is a huge draw of people from outside the area as it is a popular route and regularly cycled by several groups and the station is one of about five locations that needs regeneration. However I would like to add that the butty shop coped with 15 of us extremely well and served up some cracking sarnies!

couldnt remember their names (too much)! but they a pretty decent couple and are looking at doing food etc. the bar was extremely clean and the atmosphere was welcoming

We were in the Wharton on Friday the new people in their seem decent and were pleasant to chat to

keith, There is no time limitations as per TUPE regs an employer has to honour an existing contract when transfer takes place. As you rightly say if a new employer wanted to change any terms or conditions then they would have to enter into a negotiation with the individual but cannot make him or her worse off. anyone has any concerns the best thing to do is contact their Union or ACAS for advice.

Cympil, they are a waste of time, when i phoned them with a noise complaint through the night I was told they only work during office hours but they would make a note of my call!! As for breaking in can you imagine the proceeding before they got to that step?

aren't they contracted in by the council? if not well done & thanks!

just an update - the police are meeting with the Highways dept next week to look at resolving all of the issues surrounding the terrace / school area

Cos tesco didn't like them lol

At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remmber them.........

Malcolm I agree the lane into the school is absolutely shocking, on a daily basis I see the buses carry out miracle manouvres to gain entry. Also I know it's a problem in most areas of NCC, but it can so easily be resolved with some small investment of set laid down actions. Most people who drop their kids off are within a short walk of the schools or are able bodied enough to use the ample parking in the town and walk in. Yes there has to be an allowance parents to drop off as close to the school as possible and I agree their should be proper provision for them who need it with a waiting limit. Has there ever been a survey carried out as to who parks and why, then maybe the NCC can look at what the best way forward can be?

Sorry Mercuryg, But I think the other landlords should be worried, Wetherspoons have built up a good reputation of serving good beers and food at reasonable prices, not to mention the 07:00 opening for breakfast as well as the curry clubs etc. All the talk around Bedlington is everyone can't wait for it to open, and its about time some of the other more established places had more competition.

Malcolm, I agree the School has very little chance of being built,as for the resident parking scheme no doubt the council could use some of the impending parking fee cash towards the funding of it. I have just introduced fixed penalty issuing in my place of work due to similar problems, and believe me once a few are handed out it has the desired effect! Also if a driver needs a Police Officer to stand and advise him or her that they shouldn't park on yellow lines or cause an obstruction (as seen this week) then to be honest they deserve a fixed penalty, the authorities have carried out this exercise on several occasions without any success - hit somebody for 30 or 60 quid the idea gets to them a lot quicker! Theres no excuse for parking arrogance especially in Bedlington with the amount of parking spaces within a maximum 5 minute walk!

easy solutions to this: A) Issue fixed penalty notices to any vehicle casuing an obstruction or illegally parking (suprising how fast word gets out and having to part with £60 for the priveledge of dropping kids off changes peoples attitudes) B ) Implement Resident permits same as what Newcastle did C) Build the school on Hazelmere which was originally planned

Hillbilly - Possibly because for the last few years Bedders has rapidly become a Commute Town to Newcastle due to improved housing thats still significantly cheaper also the proposal of opening up the Passenger Train Route once more could see a lot more interest in the place for folks who are always looking for easy commutes

Have been told that the place was totally wrecked inside! needed virtual stripping back to bare brick

was talking to one of the soon to be staff last week and was told it should be the second week in November - can't wait!

Andy, I totally agree that parents trying to cross the road are beyond belief at times! I do sympathise with you and your neighbours who live around the area of West End as iv'e witnessed myself the "i can park anywhere" attitude of some, however on defence of the school they have several times sent out newsletters asking parents not to cause obstructions. I think the answer would be to allow permit parking only during school times double yellow line the other areas and instantly ticket anyone who parks illegally ,i can gurantee you after 3-4 vehicles it would stop as word would spread, after all this pretty much happens in nearly all other towns and cities for exactly the same reasons as Bedlington is suffering and surely the safety of kids attending school should be a priority and the very parents themselves should set an example.

Its not just the parking thats an issue it's like a game of chicken to cross the roads with young kids around the whole school area of Ridge Terrace and the road leading to Meadowdale, during school run times. I agree there needs more done about parking and including looking at sensible crossings around the whole area, after all most families live within a 15 minute walk to the schools around the town. Speak to the Lollipop man and ask his opinion on the roads in the area, he has tried complaining to the Police and Council about it all.

sizsells, aaah a utopian world that would be nice, I do beleive as previously stated that irresponsible owners should be made responsible for actions that affect others regardless! All I want to do is to walk down a street without standing in crap and not to have the risk of putting my hands into overflowing bins filled with bags of faeces, therefore I agree with your comment about appropiate bins, however this seems to be a lot to ask judging by the response on here to answer your question i'm not a dog owner neither am I a dog hater. AS for previous generations the dog ownership of britain has exploded with estimates in excess of 6 million therefore exaspirating the problem. I am also in favour of people being prosecuted for breaching dog fouling laws. As for horses, theres an easy solution see here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/6058888.stm