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  1. Exactly a year after local elections saw a change in administration in Northumberland, the leader of the County Council says he is proud of what’s been achieved over the past 12 months, with ambitious plans for the future.
  2. The deadline is looming for community groups, charities and young people in the county to apply for funding from a much valued community grant scheme.
  3. Plans to reinvigorate Bedlington town centre are moving to the next stage following funds being released by the board of Northumberland County Council's regeneration company for a multi-million pound redevelopment.
  4. Bot

    Easter bin collections

    Northumberland residents are reminded that all bin collections across the county will be one day late during the week of the Easter Monday bank holiday. Monday collections will take place on the Tuesday, Tuesday on the Wednesday, Wednesday on the Thursday and Thursday on Friday.All collections this week, beginning 26 March, are as normal.The day changes affect all collections, including recycling, general rubbish and garden waste.For more information about waste and recycling in Northumberland, including checking your collection days, visit www.northumberland.gov.uk/waste
  5. The County Council has welcomed an extra £1.85m in government support to repair the county’s roads damaged by the winter weather.
  6. Ellington Juniors Football Club has secured council funding towards the cost of a new pavilion.
  7. Updated at 11:50am on Tuesday 6 March 2018 Scheduled bin collections continue today - as teams aim to carry out normal collections wherever it is safe and possible to do so. Please put your bin out as normal, unless your situation is described specifically below. Many normal collections were made yesterday - although there were some areas, including rural locations, where this is not possible. Some collections were also missed due to unfortunate vehicle breakdown. If your bin is not collected on the normal day this week please leave it out, in a safe place, and, weather permitting, we will attempt to collect it by the end of this week. These will be kept under review and further guidance provided at the end of the week. We will be prioritising general rubbish bins before recycling bins - due to the nature of the waste they contain. Regarding bins missed last week: If your general waste bin was missed last Wednesday, 28th February, please put it out for collection this Wednesday, 7th March, and again on Wednesday 14th March. Your recycling bin will not be emptied and should be put it out for collection on its next scheduled collection day of Wednesday 21st March If your general waste bin was missed on Thursday 1st March please put this bin out next Thursday 8th March and again on Thursday 15th March. Your recycling bin will not be emptied and should be put it out for collection on its next scheduled collection day on Thursday 22nd March. On general waste, we will accept up to two additional black bin bags (or something of a similar size) alongside regular general waste bins. All missed recycling bins, including those which will not be collected this Wednesday and Thursday, should be put out on their next collection day. Any additional recycling items can be put in cardboard boxes, paper bags, or clear plastic bags. We are supplying clear recycling bags at our customer information centres and other venues at: Alnwick Greenwell Lane, Alnwick, NE66 1HB (Closes at 4:30pm) View map location Ashington Wansbeck Square, Ashington, NE63 9XL View map location Bedlington Bedlington Library, Glebe Road, Bedlington, NE22 6JX View map location Berwick Walkergate Building, Walkergate TD15 1DJ View map location Blyth Blyth Library, Bridge Street, Blyth, NE24 1DJ View new location Cramlington Concordia, Cramlington, NE23 6YB View map location Hexham Queens Hall, Beaumont Street, Hexham, NE46 3LS View map location Morpeth Royal Sovereign House, Manchester Street, Morpeth, NE61 1AF View map location Seaton Delaval Library, Astley High School, Elsdon Avenue, NE25 0BW View map location Ponteland Town council office, Unit 1, Meadowfield Court, Meadowfield Industrial Estate, Ponteland, Northumberland, NE20 9SD View map location Prudhoe Library, Spetchells Centre, 58 Front Street, Prudhoe, NE42 5AA View map location Customers who are expecting their first garden waste collection of the season this week should put their their bins out for collection on the scheduled day. Like general waste and recycling bins, we aim to undertake garden waste collections in all planned areas, where it is safe to do so. The council apologises for any inconvenience that these arrangements may cause. Many thanks for your patience during this time. Keep up to date through the council’s ‘Alerts’ channels which are available via the website www.northumberland.gov.uk; Twitter: @northumberlands; and Facebook: www.facebook.com/nccalerts
  8. Updated at 12:45pm on Monday 5 March 2018 This week teams are aiming to carry out scheduled bin collections as normal - where it is possible and safe to to do. Please put your bin out as normal, unless your situation is described specifically below. If your bin is not collected on the normal day this week please leave it out, in a safe place, and, weather permitting, we will attempt to collect it by the end of this week. There will be some areas, including rural locations, where this is not possible. These will be kept under review and further guidance provided at the end of the week. We will be prioritising general rubbish bins before recycling bins - due to the nature of the waste they contain. Regarding bins missed last week: If your general waste bin was missed last Wednesday, 28th February, please put it out for collection this Wednesday, 7th March, and again on Wednesday 14th March. Your recycling bin will not be emptied and should be put it out for collection on its next scheduled collection day of Wednesday 21st March. If your general waste bin was missed on Thursday 1st March please put this bin out next Thursday 8th March and again on Thursday 15th March. Your recycling bin will not be emptied and should be put it out for collection on its next scheduled collection day on Thursday 22nd March. On general waste, we will accept up to two additional black bin bags (or something of a similar size) alongside regular general waste bins. All missed recycling bins, including those which will not be collected this Wednesday and Thursday, should be put out on their next collection day. Any additional recycling items can be put in cardboard boxes, paper bags, or clear plastic bags. We will be supplying clear recycling bags at our customer information centres at: Alnwick Greenwell Lane, Alnwick, NE66 1HB (Closes at 4:30pm) View map location Ashington Wansbeck Square, Ashington, NE63 9XL View map location Bedlington Bedlington Library, Glebe Road, Bedlington, NE22 6JX View map location Berwick Walkergate Building, Walkergate TD15 1DJ View map location Blyth Blyth Library, Bridge Street, Blyth, NE24 1DJ View new location Cramlington Concordia, Cramlington, NE23 6YB View map location Hexham Queens Hall, Beaumont Street, Hexham, NE46 3LS View map location Morpeth Royal Sovereign House, Manchester Street, Morpeth, NE61 1AF View map location Seaton Delaval Prudhoe Library, Astley High School, Elsdon Avenue, NE25 0BW Library, Spetchells Centre, 58 Front Street, Prudhoe, NE42 5AA View map location View map location Customer information centres are receiving supplies of bags today (Monday 5th March), however please allow until Tuesday 6th March so that supplies have been distributed. Customers who are expecting their first garden waste collection of the season this week should put their their bins out for collection on the scheduled day. Like general waste and recycling bins, we aim to undertake garden waste collections in all planned areas, where it is safe to do so. The council apologises for any inconvenience that these arrangements may cause. Many thanks for your patience during this time. Keep up to date through the council’s ‘Alerts’ channels which are available via the website www.northumberland.gov.uk; Twitter: @northumberlands; and Facebook: www.facebook.com/nccalerts
  9. Bin collections have been severely disrupted by snow and icy conditions across Northumberland and the current weather forecast means that we will be unable to collect any further bins this week. The county council has provided the following guidance to residents whose bin collections have been affected by the extreme winter weather. Many collections were completed on Monday and Tuesday. If you are one of the small number of properties not collected on either of those days, please put your bin out for collection on your next scheduled collection day. Unfortunately we were unable to collect on Wednesday or Thursday, and no further collections will be made this week. If your general rubbish collection was missed on Wednesday 28th February please put this bin out next Wednesday, 7th March, and again on Wednesday 14th March. Your recycling bin will not be emptied and should be put it out for collection on its next scheduled collection day of Wednesday 21st March If your general rubbish collection was missed on Thursday 1st March please put this bin out next Thursday 8th March and again on Thursday 15th March. Your recycling bin will not be emptied and should be put it out for collection on its next scheduled collection day on Thursday 22nd March. The county council apologises for any inconvenience that these arrangements may cause, but it has to prioritise the collection of general rubbish so that residents do not have to wait four weeks for a collection of waste that can become unpleasant. Recycling bins that have been missed this week they should be taken back in, and put out again on your next recycling bin collection day in a fortnight’s time. If you are unable to fit all of your recycling into the bin at that time, crews will take additional items. These must be contained safely in paper carrier bags, cardboard boxes or clear sacks and the waste team is issuing clear plastic sacks to council information points for affected areas. Unfortunately items in black sacks won’t be taken. Unfortunately all Household Waste Recovery Centres across Northumberland have had to close today (2nd March) due to adverse weather conditions. Efforts are being made to open sites tomorrow but please check alerts before making that journey. Check the council website for alerts and opening days and times for each centre - www.northumberland.gov.uk Teams will make every effort to return for any commercial waste collections that have been missed during the adverse weather conditions as soon as possible. For commercial customers who have wheeled bins, the normal policy of collecting only waste that is contained within the wheeled bin will be temporarily relaxed and excess bagged commercial waste left alongside the container will also be removed when the next collection takes place. Refuse collection staff that are unable to safely carry out collections have been redeployed to work alongside staff on snow clearance and gritting duties on main footpath and car parks in town centres, busy urban shopping areas and other important pedestrian links. Further information will be issued through the Council’s ‘Alerts’ channels which are available via the website www.northumberland.gov.uk or: Twitter: @northumberlands Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nccalerts
  10. Progress has continued to be made on the town centre scheme that is designed to regenerate Bedlington in the last few months. Northumberland County Council’s regeneration company Arch is going through a tendering process for contractors to build the scheme having had significant interest from potential retailers. The tendering works are due to conclude soon with the scheme due to come to a board meeting in the near future to get final sign off. Speaking about the scheme Cllr Richard Wearmouth, cabinet member for economic development, said: “Right from the start of the new administration we said that regenerating Bedlington Town Centre would be a significant priority and work has continued through the last few months to realise this. “We have been in regular contact with the local county councillors who have been pushing hard to make sure that we get a scheme that works well for the town. “I look forward in the very near future to giving full details of the scheme that is to be put before the board including the timeline for the works to be undertaken.” Bedlington Central Cllr Russ Wallace added: “The regeneration of our town centre is absolutely crucial to the future of Bedlington. I am therefore absolutely delighted that the development is moving rapidly into the construction phase.” To find out more about the latest progress go HERE
  11. Progress has continued to be made on the Bedlington town centre scheme.
  12. Northumberland County Council has agreed a budget to save £65m over the next four years while making ambitious plans for the future. Councillors approved efficiencies of £8.2m for the coming year, £21.1m in 2019-20, and rising to £65.1m over the term of the Medium Term Financial Plan 2018-2022. Council Leader Peter Jackson said: “We’re pleased to have agreed our budget which allows us to balance our books, and do the right thing for the people we serve. But the hard work starts now. “The next three years will be more challenging than ever, and may have a impact on the way we deliver services. “However, we’re bold and ambitious for the future, and by approving this budget we’ll be much better placed to help support a thriving local economy and deliver value for money for the communities we serve. To protect vital services and significant demand in services, the council has reluctantly decided to a Council Tax rise of 2.99%. While this rise in line with inflation, it equates to 85 pence per household per week for a Band D property. Coun Jackson added: ”We’re still very much ambitious for our future, and for the future for the people of Northumberland, and our capital programme of £588m is the biggest ever delivered in the county. “Over the coming years we pledge to continue investing in Northumberland’s future and making sure we get a fair deal for the whole county - one that works for everyone.”
  13. Northumberland County Council is backing a flagship campaign to get up to half a million people out and about cleaning up their local communities this March. The Great British Spring Clean is a campaign with a simple aim: to bring people across the country together to clear up the litter that blights our towns, villages, countryside and beaches. Litter remains a huge problem across the country, causing harm to the environment and wildlife, with councils in England having to spend over £700 million on street cleaning services every year. Running from 2 to 4 March, and promoted by Keep Britain Tidy, the Great British Spring Clean wants to inspire hundreds of thousands of people to get outdoors, get active and help clear up the rubbish that lies around us. Northumberland County Council will be encouraging and supporting groups and individuals who want to ‘do their bit’ to help clear up the litter from streets, parks and beaches. Officers will be on hand to give advice, and essential equipment can be loaned to groups who want to collect litter. Council teams can also arrange to pick up the bagged waste afterwards. An ‘environmental prize’ that supports community clean up activity will be offered by the council to the group which collects the most litter during the Great British Spring Clean weekend, with their prize presented at the annual Love Northumberland awards. Last year’s winners received a Superbin, a large steel litter bin with a storage compartment for volunteers litter picking equipment. Councillor Glen Sanderson, cabinet member for the environment and local services, said: ‘We are justifiably proud of our beautiful county and are determined to keep it that way. “We are delighted to be supporting the Great British Spring Clean and encourage as many groups, individuals and organisations as possible to take part. “We can offer equipment, waste collection and all the advice and guidance that groups might need. Together we can make a real difference and clean up the environment on our doorsteps.” If you would like to loan equipment such as litter pickers, hi-visibility vests, gloves and rubbish bags you should email nicola.wardle@northumberland.gov.uk or phone 01670 622997 by Friday 23rd February. To find out more about campaign, and register your event visit www.greatbritishspringclean.org.uk
  14. Two Northumberland firefighters found themselves saving a life outside the county as they made their way to a training course. This morning (February 16), NFRS Firefighters Paul Cameron and Tom Oliver were on their way to an Initial Boat Operators Course on the River Tyne at Newcastle Quayside. En route they came across a crashed car. They then performed CPR on the driver, who it's believed may have suffered a cardiac arrest, until paramedics arrived. Deputy Chief Fire Officer Mark McCarty said: "Paul and Tom acted in the best tradition of the emergency services when they came across this incident and their quick thinking and professionalism helped save the driver's life." Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service firefighters from Colby Court also attended and made the scene safe for the general public and all other road users.
  15. An online campaign which helped to share Northumberland residents’ love for their local parks has won a national award. Northumberland County Council ran the campaign last July, and it has now been recognised as the best in the UK by national environmental campaign charity Keep Britain Tidy. The Love Parks Award recognises an outstanding event or campaign that ran during Love Parks Week 2017, and Northumberland was awarded the top prize at Keep Britain Tidy’s annual Network Awards last Thursday. The Love Parks initiative aims to ensure that residents and visitors use local parks and protect these important green spaces, and the award was open to entries from all local authorities in England and Wales. Northumberland County Council ran a social media campaign to promote how great Northumberland’s parks are and to highlight why residents and visitors ‘Love’ their local parks. Cllr Glen Sanderson cabinet member for environment and local services said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this national award. “People tell us on a daily basis how much they enjoy parks and green spaces across the county - and it was extremely good to be able to highlight so many of those reasons through this campaign. “I would like to sincerely thank all the residents and visitors who took the time to take part. It is a great credit to our parks and local services staff who maintain our beautiful ‘Green Flag’ parks to such a high standard and who have worked closely with our communications team to run a hugely successful campaign that was so highly commended by the judges.” At the award ceremony, Keep Britain Tidy’s chief executive, Allison Ogden-Newton said: “Each year, our award winners show just what is possible when people have the passion and commitment to make a difference to the environment on our doorstep. “This year is no exception and I would like to congratulate them and thank them all for their incredible work.” During the Northumberland campaign photos and videos were posted on social media each day, building a colourful campaign which demonstrated the fantastic features of the 12 parks across the county that are managed by the county council. Thirty three posts gained a huge 42,059 impressions on Twitter and on Facebook seven posts and videos reached 146,855 people and were viewed 67,300 times. Things that Northumberland residents and visitors said that they love about local parks included meeting friends and family; dog walking; enjoying flowers, plants and green spaces; watching wildlife; enjoying water features such as lakes, streams and paddling pools; and taking part in sports and leisure activities like bowls, football, cycling and play. You can view a video about Northumberland’s Love Parks campaign here.
  16. Are there any areas of land near you that you think could be developed to improve your community? Northumberland County Council is calling for people across the county to put forward sites that they think could be suitable for future development. As part of producing a new ‘Northumberland Local Plan’ for the whole of the county the council is giving people an opportunity to suggest sites for potential use. This ‘call for sites’ will help the council to understand where land could exist for a range of possible future purposes and will add to information already held by the planning team. Sites which could be used for housing, economic development such as business units, or for mineral extraction, will be particularly welcomed. Those which might be used for retail, leisure or other types of development will also be considered. They could include vacant or derelict land and buildings, surplus public sector land, agricultural land, and areas which might present additional opportunities for development within existing settlements. The county council is preparing a new county-wide local plan. The new full plan will set out both the strategic and detailed policies that will guide future growth and development across Northumberland over the next 15 to 20 years. Councillor John Riddle, cabinet member responsible for planning at Northumberland County Council, said: “We are preparing a new local plan for Northumberland which will not only set over-arching planning policies for the future but include detailed land allocations for future development. “We are therefore calling on communities across the county to come forward with any sites that they think might be suitable for development that will enhance the future of their area and the county as a whole. “The council already has a lot of information about sites, but we are extremely keen that this plan meets the aspirations of all residents and communities and so we are inviting everyone to put forward their ideas. “Once we have gathered all this information and assessed it we will then consult on them widely as part of the local plan.” Landowners, developers, agents, local residents and other interested parties are asked to put sites forward for consideration by 5pm on Monday 12 March 2018. The best way to submit information about sites is an online form which can be found at www.northumberland.gov.uk/localplan. An accessible form can also be downloaded, completed and returned to the Council and printed copies are being made available in each of the council’s customer information centres across the county. After this period of consultation, the council will consider and review all of the information received and use it to inform the process of selecting sites that will be proposed for future development in the plan. A draft version of the new local plan will be published for public consultation later this year.
  17. Northumberland County Council is holding a State of the Area Debate on Tuesday 20 February from 3pm in the Council Chamber at County Hall in Morpeth. Cllr Peter Jackson, Leader of the Council, will set the scene before introducing Cabinet colleagues who will briefly speak about the current challenges and opportunities for the county, to stimulate discussion. A public debate will take a ‘Question Time’ style format, facilitated by the Business Chair Cllr Richard Dodd. The meeting will be open to all, and questions from members of the public or councillors can be submitted in advance or will be taken from the floor on the day. The event is expected to run until around 4.30pm. Anyone wishing to submit questions in advance should send them to democraticservices@northumberland.gov.uk by 5pm on Friday 16 February 2018.
  18. Northumberland County Council is consulting community and voluntary, or ‘third’ sector, organisations in the county about how it will provide support to them in the future. The council currently provides funding to Northumberland Community and Voluntary Action (NCVA) to provide support services to the sector. Northumberland CVA helps to build capacity within the sector, to support volunteering initiatives and also to get messages out about the work that the sector does. The current contract is due to end in March 2019. The council has reviewed the current contract and arrangements, looked at future priorities for support, and considered what options could be pursued in taking this work forward. Future options include: Retaining the status quo of a single countywide Commission; Commissioning on the basis of an agreed geographical split; Commissioning on the basis of three individual support packages; Delivering the commission within the council with the support of a facilitating fund; and Withdrawing from the commission. Voluntary and community sector organisations and representatives are being asked to look at a consultation document and give their views on the priorities and options identified. They can also raise any concerns or questions they have. Councillor Cath Homer, cabinet member responsible for voluntary and community sector support at Northumberland County Council said: “The ‘third’ sector play a vital role within our communities across Northumberland - and we want to make sure that we are providing the right levels and types of support. “We welcome all feedback on the consultation document and on support from the council, and will gather all of this information together to help us to shape the type and level of support provided in the future. “Similarly to all services supported by the council it is important that we review this, ensuring that it meets identified aims, and that we can balance providing for it alongside other vital frontline council services.” The council is using a range of methods to consult those with an interest in this issue, including voluntary and community sector and social enterprise organisations, councillors, residents and other stakeholders within the community. The consultation will run until Monday 5th March 2018, after which time responses will be analysed and a report on proposals for the future produced. You can find the consultation document and response form in the Voluntary and Community Sector section of the website www.northumberland.gov.uk
  19. Northumberland Archives is looking for volunteers with a passion for history to digitally log records as part of a new initiative, Reading Room. The project, in partnership with FamilySearch.org, aims to make browsing parish registers easier and more accessible for the public. Currently 60% of indexes have been processed for the County and Northumberland Archives are looking for volunteers, to complete the remaining 40%. Volunteers with a keen interest in family ancestry and historic records are being asked to select information from marriage, death and baptism registers online and input them into the digital system to enable the archives to be indexed. People can choose to undertake this work from the comfort of their own home. The role is extremely flexible meaning people can volunteer as little or as often as they want, ranging from ten minutes to a whole afternoon logging records. Councillor Cath Homer, Cabinet Member for culture, arts, leisure and tourism at Northumberland County Council, said: “Reading Room is a valuable and fascinating resource for many people to explore their family history. “Northumberland Archives is offering a great opportunity for people with an interest in local history to get involved. I would encourage anyone thinking about volunteering to take part.” The process to apply is quick and easy and anyone interested should visit www.familysearch.org to register. For more information about Northumberland Archives visit www.experiencewoodhorn.com/collections/ or contact archives@northumberland.gov.uk View the video to find out more - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktd3_lB0aUE
  20. An online campaign which helped to share Northumberland residents’ love for their local parks has been shortlisted for a national award. Northumberland County Council ran the campaign last July, and it has now been highlighted as one of the best in the UK by national environmental campaign charity Keep Britain Tidy. The Love Parks Award recognises an outstanding event or campaign that ran during Love Parks Week 2017. The Love Parks initiative aims to ensure that residents and visitors use local parks and protect these important green spaces, and the award was open to entries from all local authorities in England and Wales. Northumberland County Council ran a social media campaign to highlight why residents and visitors ‘Love’ their local parks. Cllr Glen Sanderson cabinet member for environment and local services said: “We wanted to promote the parks and the activities and things that people can enjoy there to a wide audience across Northumberland and the wider region. “We also wanted to support pride in the parks for those who work there and who visit and enjoy them. “Local services staff and parks team members encouraged residents and visitors of all ages to show why they love their local park - having their photo taken with the Love Parks heart, or making a video clip. “It is a great credit to our parks staff and communications team that the campaign has been commended by the judges as worthy of shortlisting for a national award.” Photos and videos were posted on social media throughout the week, building a colourful campaign which demonstrated the fantastic features of the 12 parks across the county that are managed by Northumberland County Council. The council’s communications team also put together videos for a ‘quick tour…’ of each park - and promoted these through social media, encouraging people to visit and enjoy the parks. You can view the videos here. The campaign was primarily run through Twitter and facebook, and the target audience was Northumberland residents and those who visit from the wider region. Thirty three posts gained a huge 42,059 impressions on Twitter, the equivalent of 13% of the population of Northumberland, and 845 people engaged with the campaign through ‘loves’, retweets, comments or other sharing or feedback. On Facebook seven posts and videos reacher 146,855 people and were viewed 67,300 times. They were shared 316 times and 746 people reacted to them. During the week the council also announced £2.3m National Lottery funding which will enable comprehensive improvement to one of its urban parks, in Ashington, and a video about the announcement was viewed 219 times. Things that Northumberland residents and visitors said that they love about local parks include: Meeting friends and family; Dog walking; Enjoying flowers, plants and green spaces; Watching wildlife; Enjoying water features such as lakes, streams and paddling pools; and Taking part in sports and leisure activities like bowls, football, cycling and play. You can view a video about the Love Parks campaign here. The winner of the Love Parks Award will be announced at the annual national Keep Britain Tidy network conference in Brighton on 8th February.
  21. Northumberland County Council hopes a new growth deal for the Borders will breathe new life into previously ‘neglected’ areas of the county. David Mundell MP, Secretary of State for Scotland and Jake Berry MP, Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth Minister, joined cross-border local authority partners (Carlisle City Council, Cumbria County Council, Dumfries & Galloway Council, Northumberland County Council and Scottish Borders Council) for the first Borderlands Growth Deal meeting of 2018. This was the first meeting with UK Government Ministers since the UK Chancellor committed to opening negotiations on a Growth Deal for the area in the 2017 Budget. Northumberland County Council Leader Peter Jackson said: “This deal is all about bringing new life to some of the previously neglected areas of north and west Northumberland. “Whether it be in terms of improving business investment, digital connectivity, tourism or making sure that people have the skills necessary for the modern world, we will use this deal to provide better prospects for our communities.” A Borderlands spokesperson said: “Our shared ambition is to play our full part in the regional and wider UK economy and unlock the potential of the south of Scotland and north of England. We welcomed the opportunity to discuss the Borderlands Growth Deal direct with Ministers. Discussions were positive and although they remain at a relatively early stage we look forward to more collaboration and discussion with both the UK and Scottish governments.” Scottish Secretary David Mundell added: “We are continuing to make good progress towards a Borderlands Growth Deal, which has the potential to transform the economy of the whole region, creating jobs and increasing prosperity. We had a productive meeting with the five Borderlands local authority partners. I was impressed with their enthusiasm for, and the energy behind, creating a transformative deal. We will continue to work closely with the Borderlands partners to work up the detail of their proposals. Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth Minister Jake Berry said: “I'm delighted that we've fired the starting gun on this hugely exciting coast to coast Borderlands Growth Deal-something that will be unique in the UK. I am looking forward to us continuing this progress working with the Borderlands councils and the Scottish Government in the coming months on developing an ambitious sector led deal that will encourage growth and productivity to create thriving local economies both sides of the border." The Borderlands partnership brought together the five cross-border local authorities of Carlisle City Council, Cumbria County Council, Dumfries & Galloway Council, Northumberland County Council and Scottish Borders Council to promote the economic growth and competitiveness of an area that straddles the Scotland-England border. Last year a formal proposition was submitted to the UK and Scottish governments for consideration, focusing on the factors which make the area attractive to investors, visitors and those who wish to relocate. It also aimed to tackle the need for population growth and improved productivity. The proposition focused on several key themes, including: digital technology; innovation; low carbon; and energy. The approach is based on existing physical and infrastructure connections, and transport and connectivity are at the heart of the partners’ proposals, linking the opportunities that can be created and informing future projects. Picture shows Cllr Peter Jackson (left) with Jake Berry MP
  22. Northumberland County Council are hosting a Holocaust memorial event as part of National Holocaust Memorial Day to remember all those lost in the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. The event to mark Holocaust Memorial Day is open to all and will take place on 25th January at 1pm in the Council Chamber at County Hall, Morpeth. The theme for this years Holocaust Memorial Day is ‘the power of words’ and the impact and difference words can make, both for good and evil, which will be explored through music, film, readings and testimonies. The event will begin with the lighting of the Holocaust memorial candle and will conclude with the rising of the Holocaust flag and a blessing from Rabbi Lipsey. The ceremony will be hosted by the Northumberland Youth Cabinet and Parliament and will feature a film from Sele First School and a talk from the Young Equality Stars from Prudhoe Highfield Middle School. Veronica Jones, Northumberland County Council cabinet member for Adult Well Being and Health, said: “It is important that we continue to remember these shocking moments in history and all those that have lost their lives through unjust hatred and persecution. “It is through remembering these events that we can learn from them and they serve as a continuous reminder that more needs to be done to recognise prejudice and raise awareness about how to stop it.”
  23. A new timetable of weekly health walks has been launched by Active Northumberland offering plenty of opportunities to explore Northumberland’s beautiful countryside through the seasons. The group walks are free, vary in length - from short, intermediate and long - and are open to everyone They are led by friendly, trained volunteers who are on hand to provide encouragement and support and help people enjoy the many physical and mental health benefits that regular walking brings. Walking is a low impact exercise that has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia, stroke and some cancers. While getting out in the fresh air with friends can help combat loneliness and depression. David Gregory, health walk co-ordinator for Active Northumberland said: “ Going for regular walks is one of the best and easiest things you can do for your health. Most of us know that we should be trying to walk 10,000 steps a day but getting active can be difficult especially if you’ve had problems with your health. Yet walking could make all the difference - even if you are not feeling your best. Some of our walks are very gentle and last just 30 minutes to encourage new walkers and those with long term health conditions to feel more confident in getting started. “ It’s really easy to get involved. Just turn up a few minutes before the start of a walk. You'll have great company, trained walk leaders and safe walking routes to get you on your way to healthier lifestyle.” The new programme of walks runs from January - June 2018 and covers routes in the north, west and south eastern corners of the county throughout winter, spring and early summer. Bill Godfrey from Blyth is 78 years old and regularly walks with both the Blyth and Ashington Health Walk groups. Bill suffered a heart attack last September and as a result had two stents fitted to improve his blood flow. He was back walking with both groups within weeks of his operation. Bill said: “'The walks are a great way to make sure you get out and about, get some exercise and meet new people as well as old friends. I believe that because I have walked regularly, it has helped me recover quickly and return to the quality of life I had before my illness.” Northumberland County Councillor Cath Homer, cabinet member with responsibility for leisure said: “ In many ways walking is the perfect prescription. It’s good for our health, it’s a great mood-booster and a great way for people to get more exercise into their busy lives. Our group walks also offer people a great opportunity to explore their local area, meet new people and make more friends. I would encourage anyone who may be interested to give Health Walks a try!” If you fancy giving it a go - all you need is a pair of comfortable shoes with good grip and support for your feet. If it's a hot day make sure you take a bottle of water and a waterproof or umbrella will come in very handy if rain is forecast. To view a timetable of walks in your area log on to ww.activenorthumberland.org.uk/Activities.aspx and search health walks under the A-Z activity section. Many libraries, GP surgeries and council contact centres hold a supply of printed programmes. If you would like more information about health walks in Northumberland please contact David on DGregory@activenorthumberland.org.uk or 07860504763
  24. Residents, businesses and organisations can have their say on the North of Tyne devolution proposals at a special event in Alnwick. The proposals, which were announced last November, offer a once in a lifetime devolution deal for Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland that includes unprecedented new powers and a £600 million investment fund. The new investment and powers are expected to generate £1.1 billion for the local economy, create 10,000 new jobs and leverage £2.1 billion in private sector investment for the North of Tyne. Residents and businesses have been able to give their views on the proposal via an online consultation since December after the three councils agreed to start the process of implementing the devolution deal for the North of Tyne. The Alnwick event will give local people the chance to hear from the council on their hopes for devolution and the opportunities it provides to the area and its people. They can also give their feedback on the proposed scheme. Councillor leader Peter Jackson said: “This deal gives us a once in a lifetime chance to take local decisions about our future to provide more and better opportunities for everyone. “Consultation is a key stage in this process and we hope as many people as possible will take the opportunity to get involved. “This is an essential first step to further devolution of both funding and local decision making powers for the benefit of local people." The event is being held on Tuesday 23 January, 2pm to 4pm, at Northumberland Hall, Market Place, Alnwick. People interested in attending should book a place by contacting engagement@northtyneside.gov.uk. The online consultation will remain open until Monday 5 February at www.northoftynedevolution.com/consultation. Hard copies of the consultation document and questionnaire are also available in over 140 libraries and customer service centres in the region. Go to www.northoftynedevolution.com/consultation/get-a-copy for details.
  25. A pedestrian subway adjacent to the Red Lion roundabout in Bedlington is to be temporarily closed following local concerns about its condition and the anti - social behaviour that is taking place within it. Pedestrians will continue to be able to cross the road safely using an alternative route via the footpath and zebra crossings on Choppington Lane. The subway from Glebe Road provides access under the A1068, Choppington Lane, but suffers from flooding and the collection of debris. Access is poor - either via steps or a steep ramp - and concerns have been raised about anti-social behaviour and public safety as it is an area where youths congregate. The subway closure has been requested by County Councillor Russ Wallace and West Bedlington Town Council are also supporting the proposal. A Temporary Traffic Regulation Order relating to its closure will come into effect on 5th February 2018, and will be in place for a period of 18 months. During the period of the closure the impact will be monitored. Northumberland County Councillor Glen Sanderson, cabinet member for the environment and local services, said: “Concerns about the subway have been raised with us by Councillor Wallace and West Bedlington Town Council. We have listened to what they have told us and will be working closely with them to investigate possible improvements and solutions for both pedestrians and vehicles within the area.”
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