Councillor Wallace - Further Developments…

[Russ Wallace]

After a reasonably quiet Easter break, things are moving apace.

Firstly, the latest update from ARCH on the Market Place development timescale – we will get there!

• Pre-work onsite is underway
• Board approval expected on 28th April
• Contractor tender returns due on 11 May
• Clarification/evaluation of tenders complete by 30 June
• Building due to start by late August
• Completion late 2019/early 2020

I probably feel the frustration of the time this has taken more than most – it was 2015 when I first sat on the original Bedlington Steering Group.  Since then I have gotten to know the ARCH team involved in the project and I am well aware of the work that has been put into attracting retailers to Bedlington which, fair to say, hasn’t been the easiest of tasks…but at least things are progressing.

Another recent proposed development is at the Golf Club. My opposition to housing developments in Bedlington is well known and, as I have done with previous proposals, I will speak against wherever the projected development is debated.  However national housing policy means it is well possible that the development will receive planning approval – we just need to look at The Acres, Slaley Dene and Broad Oaks which have all gone ahead despite strong local opposition.

As both County Councillor for the Ward which includes the Golf Club and a member of the Golf Club, I am following the proposed development extremely closely.  Fellow Bedlington Councillors Bill Crosby and Malcolm Robinson and I will be doing all we can to ensure that if the development does gain planning approval Bedlington will gain the maximum benefit from the levies imposed on the builder.  I will also do everything that I can minimise the impact on wildlife and the environment – we are all aware of the damage caused during previous developments, especially to hedgerows, which was outrageous.

You may have noticed rubber lines across the road at the 30 mph sign as you come into town from Hartford Bridge and then another set half way up Hartford Bank towards the Red Lion roundabout.  These measure the average speed of vehicles as they enter and leave town and the results will dictate whether the road qualifies for the installation of speed enforcement cameras.  I’ll let you know whenever the results are released.

The initial traffic survey of the congestion at the Red Lion roundabout at peak times which took place after February half term has yet to be concluded but in the meantime, NCC are introducing “Keep Clear ” road markings at key points on the roundabout. Hopefully this will go some way to reducing the congestion.  This work will take place overnight – to avoid disruption!

My surgeries are held at Bedlington Community Centre at 6.30 pm on the first Thursday of the month, with the next surgery on 3 May. You can also contact me on 07779 983775 or at russ.wallace@northumberland.gov.uk. If I can be of any assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for reading.

Russ

 

 

 

[mercuryg]

Thank you Russ

[rosco]

Any idea when we find out which Food Retailer is taking the big unit........If as rumoured and its only rumours and we all know how they spread Aldi  move in we may as well say goodbye to Morrison's,because 3 supermarkets wouldn't work

[Steve Turnbull]

People forecast the demise of Morrison’s when Lidl opened.

[rosco]

1 hour ago, Steve Turnbull said:

People forecast the demise of Morrison’s when Lidl opened.

And the two of them together is ok......3rd one and its bye bye to Morrison's as they they only rent/lease building Lidl spent a fortune building purpose built shop

[moe19]

I think Morrison will survive, we shop at Morrisons as you cant buy branded goods such as Heinz etc at Lidle, I do know that when Aldi opened at Ashington it took lots of trade from Lidle but did no damage to Asda.

I could not agree more that three supermarkets in Bedlington can not survive , Tesco did not survive when it was the only store, the the market place site could have been used for so many great projects but attitude seems to be just hoy something  up its better than nowt.

We had some relatives up who had not seen the place for years (ex Bedlington  people ) who could not believe the state of the front  street and the Town in general , its an absolute eyesore and a tip, and the new buildings dont help as they dont match any of the surroundings.

I see the little wool tree shop had now closed, I doubt if any retailer with an once of business sense would even consider opening a venture in our one horse Town.      

Edited April 25, 2018 by moe19

[mercuryg]

2 hours ago, moe19 said:

I think Morrison will survive, we shop at Morrisons as you cant buy branded goods such as Heinz etc at Lidle, I do know that when Aldi opened at Ashington it took lots of trade from Lidle but did no damage to Asda.

I could not agree more that three supermarkets in Bedlington can not survive , Tesco did not survive when it was the only store, the the market place site could have been used for so many great projects but attitude seems to be just hoy something  up its better than nowt.

We had some relatives up who had not seen the place for years (ex Bedlington  people ) who could not believe the state of the front  street and the Town in general , its an absolute eyesore and a tip, and the new buildings dont help as they dont match any of the surroundings.

I see the little wool tree shop had now closed, I doubt if any retailer with an once of business sense would even consider opening a venture in our one horse Town.      

I think Morrisons will survive too, as many people remain loyal. As for the Wool Shop, that was always a gamble. The only way specialist retailers as such can survive is if there is sufficient footfall due to regular shops. There isn't. Hopefully, the new development will rectify that. At least you have shops. 

[moe19]

13 hours ago, rosco said:

And the two of them together is ok......3rd one and its bye bye to Morrison's as they they only rent/lease building Lidl spent a fortune building purpose built shop

Yes I would be interested in knowing how much Lidle paid the Council for the old day centre site, or was it given to them free along with any other help to build ?