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Up to 2,000 homes and businesses could benefit from funding to provide superfast broadband to more Northumberland communities.   Through the iNorthumberland programme, Northumberland County Council and BT have agreed a fund of £2.2 million to bring the high-speed technology to some of the most expensive and technically difficult to reach communities in the county.   The new iNorthumberland Community Broadband Fund works with a Community Fibre Partnership programme in which communities not currently in any fibre broadband plans can partner with Openreach, the local network business which is part of BT Group, to get superfast broadband in their area. These communities can now apply to use the new iNorthumberland fund, which can be matched by up to 50 per cent of additional private funding, on top of Openreach’s investment. If fully matched, the value of new broadband schemes could be more than £4 million.    The fund will offer up to £2,000 matched funding per premise for a superfast broadband connection or up to £2,500 for ultrafast - with a maximum contribution available to a single community capped at £100,000.   Each community will need to have a nominated person or organisation to apply for inclusion in the scheme.  They will be responsible for getting a community fibre broadband quote from Openreach and also required to arrange payment of the community’s contribution to the scheme when the contract is agreed.   Cllr Nick Oliver, cabinet member for corporate services at Northumberland County Council, said:  “I am really pleased that we have been able to agree the funding for this scheme, and to get the ball rolling for a number of communities who are geared up to sign contracts, and get work underway.   “We know that there is a high demand amongst households in these more hard to reach areas, and also that a number of businesses are struggling to sustain their current business models due to connectivity issues.   “Securing schemes through this funding will help to increase access to services and allow greater adoption of digital services for rural residents.  It will also help to grow the economy by both supporting existing businesses and encouraging new ones to become established in Northumberland.”   By the end of this year the iNorthumberland programme will have delivered superfast broadband to 93 per cent of homes and business in the county - and it is envisaged that through this new community fund it could reach close to 98 per cent.     These final premises are in some of the most rural and dispersed communities in Northumberland and providing connectivity to these areas has been both technologically challenging and costly.   The iNorthumberland team has been working with BT, Openreach and local communities and groups across the county with a view to progressing with this scheme, and some communities are already gearing up to sign contracts.   Some of the first communities set to benefit include Nunnykirk, Stanton near Netherwitton, Bolam, Pauperhaugh and Styford.   Steve Haines, managing director of next generation access for Openreach, said: “It is great to be able to work with Northumberland County Council and communities from across the County to find a fibre broadband solution.    “Openreach is committed to making fibre broadband as widely available as possible for households and businesses. The technology really does have the ability to transform the way people interact online.”   Simon Roberson, BT’s regional partnership director for the North East, added: “This additional fund is quite literally going to help superfast broadband go that extra mile, reaching communities that would otherwise be unlikely to benefit from faster broadband speeds. This is fantastic news for Northumberland.”   The iNorthumberland team will liaise with communities who have previously been in touch with the council or BT to support them through the process.     Those who are interested will need to register with the iNorthumberland team, who will be able to provide support in completing documentation and starting the process.   As well as the 50:50 funding option, there could be further opportunities for areas to become connected.  In instances where Openreach cannot provide a quote under the criteria of the fund, there will be secondary funding within the scheme which could be used to seek alternative network solutions, such as fibre via a different network provider, fixed wireless or mobile 4G.   The funding for the iNorthumberland Community Broadband Scheme has been made available due to efficiencies in the first phase of the iNorthumberland programme.   iNorthumberland, a partnership between Northumberland County Council and BT, has already made fibre broadband available to more than 55,000 premises across the county.   More than 40 per cent of Northumberland households and businesses able to upgrade to the new technology have already chosen to do so - a figure which is among the highest levels of take-up in the UK.   BT was awarded the iNorthumberland contract in April 2013, whilst the second phase contract was signed in June last year.    More than £29 million is being invested in the programme area by Northumberland County Council, the Government’s Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) fund, BT and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).    For further information and details of how to contact iNorthumberland visit www.inorthumberland.org.uk
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Car tyres have been slashed in ‘revenge attacks’ following the death of a teenager in Bedlington .
Police have urged the community not to take the law into their own hands as they revealed the 10 vehicles targeted were not involved in the fatal crash on Sunday.
Bethany Fisher, 19, died in a crash on Victoria Terrace in the Northumberland town early on Saturday, reportedly after a night out celebrating her birthday.
Despite the efforts of neighbours and paramedics, she died of her injuries before she could reach hospital.
Jordan O’Donnell appeared at South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court on Monday in connection with the collision.
Now Northumbria Police have asked the community to “come together at this difficult time and not take the law into their own hands” on their Twitter account.
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Getting excited about the Tour of Britain coming to the county?

Feeling inspired to go cycling - but don’t have a bike ?

We’ve got the answer !

If you are over 18,  live or work in Northumberland and would like to cycle more but don't have a bike -  you can borrow one for just £25 a month.

The Active Northumberland adult cycle loan scheme  is a the perfect way to get  back in the saddle  without having the expense of  buying a new bicycle.

And with the school holidays underway, it’s a perfect way to enjoy Northumberland with the family.

If after the month is up you would like to purchase the bike, you will be eligible to a discount which you can pay back over spread payments. Alternatively, you can purchase a refurbished bike through our cycling partner Watbike.

Northumberland County Councillor, Cath Homer cabinet member with responsibility for leisure said:

“ With  less than a month to go until  the Tour of Britain, the UK’s  biggest cycle race passes through the county,  excitement around the event and the sport is starting to build.

“ Cycling  is an activity that can be adapted for all ages and fitness levels.  It is also
growing in popularity. Many people are getting on a bike for the first time, and those who already cycle are cycling more often.   We hope the arrival of the Tour and our bike loan scheme will inspire more people in Northumberland to cycle more often. ”

Cycles can be loaned from Prudhoe Waterworld, Blyth Sports Centre or Concordia in Cramlington.  To find out more log on to www.activenorthumberland.org.uk or call 01670  542222 . You will need proof of your address and photo ID to hire a bike.

Watbike in Ashington also hire out bicycles for £25 for 10 days. Tel 01670 522111
 
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A new, FREE online VIP  club has been launched for people who want to get the inside track on the Tour of Britain cycle race which  will be speeding  through Northumberland  in just two weeks time.

Members of the Tour of Britain VIP Club will be the first to find out the latest race news, entertainment and view interviews  while also being  in with a chance of  winning  some great  prizes.

Those joining the group will have the opportunity to enter into a prize draw  to win a 3 night break for 4 in one of Kielder Water & Forest Park’s beautiful lodges and VIP passes for the start and finish of the Northumberland stage of the Tour will also be up for grabs.

On Monday September 4, the Ovo Energy Tour of Britain, the UKs biggest and most prestigious cycle race will arrive in Northumberland

The county is hosting an entire stage of the 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.

Northumberland County Council has worked closely with race organisers Sweetspot, start sponsors Northumbrian Water and finish sponsors Blyth Town Council to bring the race back to Northumberland. It was last here in 2015.

Northumberland County Councillor, Cath Homer, cabinet member with responsibility for leisure said: “There is a great amount of local interest in the Tour of Britain.  Our VIP group aims to bring residents together to share stories, highlight community events and activities and enable us to provide all the latest information about the race and the route.”

To claim free membership to the Tour of Britain VIP Club, visit nlandvip.club and join this free facebook group.  
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A man accused of causing the death of a teenager by dangerous driving has been remanded in custody.
Jordan O’Donnell appeared in the dock at South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
The 20-year-old is alleged to have been driving a silver Ford Mondeo car when it crashed into other vehicles on Victoria Terrace, in Bedlington, killing 19-year-old passenger Bethany Fisher.
O’Donnell, of Waverley Court, Bedlington, made his first appearance in court after being charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of an accident and failing to report an accident.
Wearing a grey tracksuit, he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during the hearing on Monday.
Because of the seriousness of the death by dangerous driving offence, no pleas were taken to any of the four charges.
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A 20-year-old man has been charged with causing the death of Bedlington teenager Bethany Fisher by dangerous driving in an early-morning crash.
Jordan O’Donnell of Waverley Court, Bedlington, is accused of causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision and failing to report a collision.
Bethany, 19, was killed in the early hours of Saturday morning, reportedly after a night out celebrating her birthday.
Despite the efforts of neighbours and paramedics, she died of her injuries before she could reach hospital.
A second woman, who was also hurt in the crash, remains in hospital in a stable condition with what police say are “serious but not life threatening injuries”.
Two other men, who were arrested on Saturday, have been released and will face no further charges.


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