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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  
 
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Neighbourhood police officers in Bedlington are out on patrol and you can see where they have been.
Throughout January, officers in Bedlington are using the tracking Strava to show the public where they have been on patrol that day.
Strava is a website and app most commonly used to track athletic activity using GPS.
A different officer each day will be using the account to track their movements on patrol, posting their route once finished, as well as take photos engaging with the public.
This comes after a survey claimed more than 50% of the public hadn’t seen a uniformed officer in the last 12 months.
The Strava account can be accessed by anyone through searching for Bedlington Police on the website or alternatively you can follow their progress on their Twitter @Bedlingtonpol.
Neighbourhood Sergeant Rebecca Felton said: “This is a great way of not only engaging with the public, but also showing the community we are on patrol and have a visible presence.
“We encourage members of the public to log on and see the route and distance covered that day. You can always try to beat our step count and see if you can see us out and about.”
 
 
 
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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.
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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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Adults across Northumberland are being offered the chance to improve their job prospects or train in a new discipline, thanks to Northumberland County Council’s Learning and Skills Service.

A series of new courses have been announced in the recently published Learning and Skills Prospectus, covering skills based classes, job-related training, apprenticeships and employability improvement.

The prospectus will be delivered to households across Northumberland over the coming weeks and includes details of over 320 courses which will be held in Northumberland County Council's Adult Learning Centres across the county.

Northumberland County Councillor Wayne Daley, cabinet member with responsibility for adult learning said:

“Learning is a never ending journey, everyone is unique so no matter where you are starting from we can help.   If the New Year means a  new start, getting trained for your dream job or learning a skill then please have a look through our prospectus. Our programme offers a wide range of high quality adult learning courses that can lead to recognised qualifications and improve people's confidence and skills while also providing a great way to meet new people.”

From beginners to seasoned students, young mums to jobseekers or retirees the  programme of courses is wide and varied. This year new courses have been introduced in digital skills, beauty, creative writing, step into construction (site and labourer based training programme) and FREE taster workshops in science related subjects such as muscles, bones & fitness and DNA & genetics.


The specialist teams at Learning and Skills offer help and support to all learners but particularly welcome the chance to support those people with special needs, learning difficulties, or those who just need an extra boost to help them through.

To download a copy of the prospectus  visit www.northumberland.gov.uk/adultlearning

 
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Despicable thief Michael Daley left a pensioner feeling “violated” after sneaking into her home and stealing from her in a disgraceful abuse of trust.
Daley took advantage of the fact he had family members living at the same assisted living complex as the victim.
A court heard he let himself into the flat in Bedlington, Northumberland, and stole £200 from her handbag to pay off drug debts.
The victim, who lives with her husband, was left feeling vulnerable and insecure and has since installed a security camera for peace of mind.
Now Daley, 22, who admitted burglary, has been given a suspended prison sentence at Newcastle Crown Court.
Recorder Jonathan Sandiford told him: “This was a sneak-in burglary at a home that, as you well knew, was assisted living for older people, designed to allow them to live independently as far as possible and to give them a degree of security.
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The Tour of Britain cycle race which blazed through Northumberland in September has boosted the county’s economy by almost £4 million, an independent report has revealed.

The world class cycling event saw an estimated 100,000 people lining the county’s roadsides with many flocking in from around the region to cheer on the top sporting stars, including UK favourite Mark Cavendish.

Leader of  Northumberland County Council, Peter Jackson said: “The financial boost to local businesses from the Tour was quite remarkable.  For every pound invested, we saw over 10 times the return in the local economy and it was great to see the event so well supported within the county.”

“ Not only did our County Council provide the main financial support to hold this stage of the race in Northumberland but our staff throughout the county did a brilliant job to make sure that the arrangements went so well.”

The race featured  20 teams, with 120 riders from 24 different countries taking part.

The event provided a huge opportunity to shine the international spotlight on the beauty of the county.  International broadcasts of the race reached more than 150  countries including  North America,  Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa and reached 12 million viewers across Europe  including the cycling powerhouse countries of France, Italy and Belgium.

Councillor Cath Homer cabinet member with responsibility for culture, arts, leisure and tourism said: “The  route  showcased some of the most iconic and stunning scenery and landmarks in the county to an  international audience. It put the county well and truly in the spotlight  and  I am sure this will inspire more people to visit the county in the  future.”

Stage two of the Tour, set off from  Kielder and finished in Blyth passing through 28 communities and covering over 200 kms. Many shops, cafes, bars, hotels and restaurants along the route  reported brisk business on the day.

Jackie Sewell from Tomlinsons Cafe and Bunkhouse in Rothbury said: “The Tour of Britain was an outstanding success for local businesses, local people and visitors.

“Rothbury was a shining example of bringing the community together, and the streets were packed with excited crowds. A day of events from best dressed bike painting; shop window dressing, face painting and local entertainers and local market stalls provided a real festival feel.”


Economic Impact Highlights The Tour boosted the Northumberland  economy by £3.891 million. Of the visitors who came to Northumberland 31 per cent stayed overnight with an average spend in the county of nearly £135 per group. Day visitors spent  an average of  £52 per group. An impressive 62 per cent said the day inspired them to take up cycling, or cycle more often in the future.


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