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Don’t let dodgy spirits haunt you

By Bot, in News,

Residents and shopkeepers are being asked to look out for cheap illicit vodka after it was found on sale in pubs in the Berwick area.   

The illicit vodka has been passed off as Smirnoff Vodka and Glens Vodka. Generally the alcohol content of these products is below the legal and declared strength of the products.

Tests have found industrial alcohol in a sample and also that the product is not vodka and as such it was mis-described.

Now Northumberland County Council’s Business Compliance and Public Safety Unit, is warning people to be on their guard.

Councillor John Riddle, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Resilience said: “We need retailers to protect their customers by refusing to buy in products like this. They don’t know what’s in it and are trusting that it is safe to drink. Our message is that you just can’t be sure and shouldn’t buy it.

“Only buy from reputable suppliers who will provide the necessary paperwork that allows our officers to trace the supply back down the chain. We have made some shops put conditions on their licences controlling how they buy in spirits and the records they have to keep but can consider prosecuting others. We will look at taking licences away from the worst offenders.”

David Sayer, Business Compliance and Public Safety Unit Manager, added: “We currently do not know the scale of this problem.

“Trading Standards Officers have found illicit and counterfeit vodka in a number of pubs. The sellers have bought the bottles from itinerant sellers and have no paperwork to show who they bought it from. The fact that we are finding industrial chemicals in the samples tested shows that it is not even vodka. We suspect that industrial alcohol is being diluted and then sold as vodka.”

Any shopkeeper or publican who has bought such vodka and still has it in stock can surrender it to Trading Standards, who also want to hear from retailers who have been approached by anyone selling the product and from residents who have concerns about product they have bought.

Trading Standards can be contacted on 01670 623870 and ask for the Duty Officer.

If a member of the public thinks they may have bought fake vodka from a shop or a pub or club, they should contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506
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Today ( Monday 4th September)  is the day that  Northumberland will come  alive with the sights and sounds of the Ovo Energy Tour of Britain - the UK’s premier cycling race -  and there is plenty of opportunity  to catch a piece of the action.

Thousands of spectators are expected to line the route to cheer on the world class cyclists, including UK favourite  Mark Cavendish  as they speed through 28 communities and cover over 200 kms  in Stage 2 of the race.

The race is due in the following communities at the times below. Please note these are approximate race  arrival times. Fixed and rolling road closures will be in place so please arrive in plenty of time to your chosen viewing point.


START Kielder  Water & Forest Park at 10.15am
Bellingham                 10:40
Otterburn                    11:00
Elsdon                        11:05
Rothbury                    11:45    
Alnwick                      12:10  
Eglingham                 12:30
Chatton                      12:45
Belford                        1:00
Bamburgh                   1:10
Seahouses                  1:20
Beadnell                      1:30
Embleton                     1:35
Longhoughton             1:45
Lesbury                       1:50
Hipsburn                      1:55
Warkworth                    2:00
Amble                           2:05
Widdrington                  2:15
Widdrington Station      2:20
Ulgham                         2:25
Longhirst                       2:30
Morpeth                         2:40
Guide Post                    2:45
Choppington                 2:50
Bedlington                    2:50
Blyth                             3:00
Seaton  Sluice              3:10
Seaton Delaval             3:15
FINISH Blyth  around  3.30 pm.

For full route details, race timings, community activities and information on road closures and parking restrictions log on to  www.nlandtob.com
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Free fire safety advice to businesses

By Bot, in News,

Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) and the Council’s Public Protection Teams will be offering businesses safety messages as part of the National Fire Chiefs Council UK Business Safety Week 2017.

The week runs from 11th - 17th September and aims to make sure businesses and their staff have the information they need to prevent, protect and respond to fire incidents in the workplace. Organisations can also access information on how to comply with the legislation  that controls how their business is run.

The week has been scheduled to run at a time when many businesses will be recruiting extra members of seasonal staff in the run up to the Christmas period.

Head of Fire Safety with NFRS Craig Ducat said: “New recruits may not have the same level of fire safety awareness as permanent members of staff, and may not be aware of the steps needed to protect themselves, their customers and colleagues.

“We’ll also be offering businesses input from our Public Protection Teams and traders will be able to discuss current issues and find out where to go for advice if they need it in future.

“The week is also a good opportunity to remind employers of the need to review fire risk assessments and training and make sure existing staff know the importance of fire safety.”

Across the country fire services will be asking businesses to ensure they have taken action to prevent fires in the workplace, take action to protect themselves from arson and make sure all staff know how to respond appropriately in the event of an incident.

Northumberland County Council wish to promote the advice available to businesses regarding regulations, through a series of ‘drop in’ sessions. Business representatives will be able to speak to regulatory inspecting officers from Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, Northumberland County Council’s Trading Standards, Licensing and Environmental Health Services which will be held at:
  West Hartford Fire Station on September 11th  from 9am-1pm Hexham Fire Station on September 12th from 9am-1pm Pegswood Fire Station on September 13th from 9am-1pm Alnwick Fire Station on September 14th from 9am-1pm
Councillor John Riddle, Chair of Northumberland Fire Authority, added: "I’m delighted that we’re again working with small and medium size businesses to help them ensure that they are able to operate in a way that is safe from the terrible effects of fire.

“These businesses make a huge contribution to our economy and local communities and we want to help them to do this in a sustainable and safe way."

Business representatives can find advice on fire safety in their business on the NFRS website  by searching for “fire safety” via www.northumberland.gov.uk or by phone to Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service  on 01670 621140 or via firesafety1@northumberland.gov.uk
 
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Millions of pounds could be generated for Northumberland’s economy on Monday as the next stage of Britain’s top cycling race gets under way. The county is hosting the second stage of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain, starting in the heart of Kielder before a dramatic finish on the coast of Blyth.
And tens of thousands of spectators are expected to line the streets as the 211km route is decorated in red and yellow bunting and displays - the colours of the Northumberland flag.
The cycling extravaganza is being shown live on ITV4 and will be broadcast in more than 120 countries.
Coun Richard Wearmouth, Northumberland County Council’s cabinet member for economic development, predicts the race could be another big hit after it generated £2.2m for county two years ago.
He said: “In 2015 the Tour of Britain gave a real boost to the local economy and we’re confident this year’s stage which is entirely in the county, will be great news for businesses in Northumberland.
“In 2015 only the final three hours were broadcast live on TV - this year we have the complete stage broadcast throughout the day worldwide from Kielder to Blyth.
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The eyes of the world will be on Northumberland on Monday as the eagerly anticipated OVO Energy Tour of Britain returns to the county.
The streets are expected to be decked in red and yellow, the colour of the Northumberland flag, as thousands of spectators gather to catch a glimpse of the cyclists.
Northumberland will host an entire stage of the race, starting in the heart of Kielder before a dramatic finish on the coast of Blyth.
And the excitement is building as the world’s elite riders get ready to whizz through 28 towns and villages, covering a total of 211kms.
Northumberland County Council leader Peter Jackson said: “The race will travel through some fantastic scenery and pass iconic landmarks including Bamburgh Castle and Alnwick Castle.
“The tour is to be broadcast in over 120 countries and we look forward to providing a warm welcome to the competitors and supporters and showcasing our beautiful county and communities to a huge global audience.”
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Two heroes who saved the life of a man suffering a cardiac arrest have been nominated for an award.
Robbie Beckwith and off duty Police Community Support Officer Mark Rodgers were playing table tennis at Ouston Community Centre when they heard a call for help.
Mike Jones, 63, had just finished a match at the Chester-le-Street centre when he suddenly collapsed.
The pair quickly realised the father-of-three’s heart had stopped beating and started performing CPR until paramedics and an emergency care assistant from the North East Ambulance Service arrived on the scene.
Mike, of Nedderton, near Bedlington, was then shocked with a defibrillator before transporting him to Newcastle’s Freeman hospital.
Robbie and Mark’s quick thinking saved Mike’s life and they have now both been nominated for a Chronicle Champions award in the category of Outstanding Act of Bravery.
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CLUB STATEMENT 
Bedlington FC were formed this summer following the recent merger of Bedlington Town FC, Bedlington United and Hazelmere Juniors. The Club has been working closely with Bedlington Juniors since then to move towards creating a super club. At a meeting on 31st August 2017 both parties agreed to join forces and continue together as Bedlington FC.
David Langhorne, Chairman of Bedlington FC said: “These are hugely exciting times for the club as we move in to the season together as Bedlington FC. With a massive 36 teams playing for us we are rapidly becoming one of the biggest clubs in the region. Over the years Bedlington has had a growing number of clubs all competing but doing their very best for the community and grassroots football - but together we will do much more. All of the founding clubs have a proud history that we will never forget but that said we now look firmly forward to a very exciting future together and improving the offer to our future and existing footballers. We have brand new indoor and outdoor 3G facilities to boast of and great partnerships around Bedlington giving us fantastic grass venues. This is only just the beginning.” 
Michael Quigley, Chairman of Bedlington Juniors said: “Like David says these are truly exciting times. The merger of clubs brings about a wealth of experience at both a coaching and committee level ensuring grassroots football in Bedlington will only get the best. Not only will the club boast 36 teams of boys and girls at virtually every age group they will also have one of the best, if not the best tots programme in the area. Then not forgetting the senior teams at the top end. Bedlington FC is most certainly the place to be.”
Good luck to all Bedlington FC players for the 2017/18 season. Let’s have some fun!
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Councillors are set to give the go-ahead for the construction of almost 2,000 homes in Northumberland.
Developments in Amble, Blyth, Ashington, Bedlington and Choppington have all been earmarked for approval by Northumberland County Council’s strategic planning committee.
Developers are expected to be granted permission to build 500 homes on a site near James Calvert Spence College in Amble at a meeting on Tuesday.
Plans for 500 properties off Glebe Farm in Bedlington could also get the nod, as well as another 200 homes on land off Summerhouse Lane in Ashington.
In Blyth, two developments for 300 and 142 homes respectively are expected to go-ahead, while another 327 properties could be built on land at Willow Burn in Choppington.
Below we take a look at each application in more depth.
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Cycling legend Mark Cavendish has confirmed that he will ride in next week’s Ovo Energy Tour of Britain, which has a stage in Northumberland on Monday 4 September.

Cavendish will lead Team Dimension Data in the Tour  as the ten-time stage winner in the race makes his comeback from injury after fracturing his scapula on Stage Four of the Tour de France.

The OVO Energy Tour of Britain is British Cycling’s premier road cycling event, giving cycling fans the opportunity to see the world’s best teams and riders competing on their door step.  

On Monday 4th, Northumberland  is hosting an entire stage of the prestigious  cycle race including an exciting start in the heart of Kielder and a dramatic finish on the coast at Blyth. It will pass through 28 communities covering 211 kms along its route through the county.

Dimension Data will be heading to the race as two-time defending champions and hoping to make it a hat trick of wins in 2017, having won the 2015 and 2016 editions of Britain’s biggest professional cycle race with Edvald Boasson Hagen and Steve Cummings respectively.

Boasson Hagen is the current Norwegian Time Trial Champion, and with the Stage Five test at Clacton in Essex over a short 16-kilometre distance that is likely to play to his strengths, the 30-year-old is among the favourites to add to his overall wins in the Tour of Britain in 2009 and 2015.

The line-up includes a strong mix of strength and experience with Mark Renshaw (a double Tour of Britain stage winner), Bernhard Eisel and Jay Thomson, while Scott Thwaites will make his third appearance in his national Tour, having last ridden in 2014.

Commenting on the line-up, Sport Director Roger Hammond – himself a double-stage winner in the event – said:

“It is great to be heading back to the OVO Energy Tour of Britain this week. As this event has grown in stature year on year, so has our team and the last two years in particular were fantastic for us.

“We always receive a huge amount of support in the UK for the team and for Qhubeka. With our partners, Dimension Data, Deloitte and Nederburg having such a large in presence over here too, the Tour of Britain is a very special and key event for our team. We will no doubt be looking to put on a good show once again, we always start a race with the goal to win, this year's Tour of Britain will be no different.”

Founded in 2007, Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka became the first ever African cycling team to gain a WorldTour license, in 2016. In the team’s palmares you can find a Milan-Sanremo victory, numerous stage wins at the Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana, two Tour of Britain GC victories, and 36 National Championships.

It’s also known as Africa’s Team due to its focus on helping African talents to the world stage of cycling. The team races to raise funds for the Qhubeka Charity to change lives with bicycles in Africa.

For route details and timings in Northumberland log on to www.nlandtob.com  
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A fantastic range of  free events and activities will be taking place  in communities along the route of the Ovo Energy Tour of Britain cycle race to celebrate its day in the county.

On Monday 4th September there will be a carnival atmosphere across Northumberland as elite cyclists from the world’s top teams set off from Kielder for the second stage of Britain’s most prestigious cycle race, passing through 28 communities and covering over 200kms  of the county.

The community events will focus on all things pedal powered and provide Northumberland residents, of all ages the perfect opportunity to have a go at cycling.

These include:

Kielder

In Kielder where the race starts,  a two day cycle themed festival will take place on  Saturday 2nd and  Sunday 3rd September at Kielder Waterside to help get people of all ages and abilities in the mood for the big day on Monday 4th.   KielderFest is free and includes a pop up velodrome, stunt performances, live music, outdoor cinema screenings, street food and a whole host of cycling related activities.


Morpeth

From 11 am  on Monday there will be a family fun day in Carlisle Park and the Market Place. 3 Sixty bicycle stunt team will put on a BMX display at the skate park in Carlisle Park and will help anyone wanting to have a go using their own bike. Other activities include archery, a cycle slalom, games and puzzles with prizes and bowling and tennis taster sessions. There will also be music and a climbing wall in the Market Place.

Staff at Morpeth Riverside Leisure Centre will be holding free bike riding lessons to help children get off their stabilisers.  Children must wear a helmet and bring their own bike, preferably with the stabilisers removed. Sessions last approximately 75 minutes and will run from 10 am - 12 noon.  Call in at Riverside to find out more, and to book your child onto one of the sessions.

There are also 14 golden bikes placed around Morpeth for you to try spot !



Alnwick

From 10 am on Monday there will be a series of attractions in Bondgate Within including The 3 Sixty bicycle stunt riding team. Bring your children  along to try out balance bikes with Active Northumberland or watch a cycle-powered juice maker in action. Spinning cycling sessions will be taking place at Willowburn Sports Centre. It is hoped that members will  clock up the total 815 mile distance of the Tour of Britain over the course of the day.

Rothbury

On Monday from 10.30am on Church Street there will be music, crafts, street performers, a Vintage 3 wheeler morgan and a bookstall.  Childrens sports will start  at 1.30 pm ( meet outside the parish hall)   and Free Balance Bike sessions will be open for 3-5 year olds at Rothbury Kindergarten between 2-3pm.  To book a place contact Rothbury Visitor Centre on 01669 621462.


Blyth

Activities will be taking place in Blyth Market Square on Monday from 10am when the Street Velodrome and stalls will open. There will be live music on stage from 11. Local school children will be competing in Italian time trials on the finishing straight between 11.45-12.45.

Sports Development Officers from Active Northumberland will be present in the town centre from 10am. They will run balance bike sessions for young children, a  static cycle challenge for those a little older and you can learn more about the adult cycle hire scheme.

Spinning cycling sessions will be taking place at Blyth Sports Centre. It is hoped that members will  clock up the total 815 mile distance of the Tour of Britain over the course of the day.

At around 3pm the pro cyclists  will pass through and start their finishing lap of the Seaton Valley. The riders are set to cross the finishing line around 3.30pm by Blyth Market Place.
The presentations to the pro-riders will take place in the Market square after the race.
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Deputy Leader of Northumberland County Council,  Cllr Wayne Daley said: ”This promises to be a really memorable day for Northumberland  and I hope residents enter the spirit of the occasion by coming along,  cheering on the riders and taking part  in the fun family events taking place in their local community.”

For further information log on to  wwww.nlandtob.com    


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