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An ambitious programme of extra verge cutting and weed spraying is getting underway as the county gears up for the main tourist season.
 
The county council is drafting in extra resources over the coming weeks to carry out additional grass cutting along highway verges across the county.
 
The work is vital  to ensure that vegetation does not restrict visibility for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. In addition to the road safety benefits, these works also improve the look of an area and keeps the network in better condition by preventing plants taking hold on the side of roads.
 
As well as bringing in more staff the council is leasing two more tractors with special cutting equipment over the summer.

Weed growth on pavements and kerb edges is an on-going problem across towns and villages in the county, especially during periods of warm wet weather when weeds grow very quickly. In order to improve the appearance of the county extra weed spraying is being done on pavements and kerb edges, so that residents should notice weeds dying back before being cleared away.
 
Councillor Glen Sanderson, Cabinet Member for Environment and Local Services, said: “One of our priorities as a new administration is to improve the condition of the road network and invest in improvements that benefit everyone.
 
“Our county brings in millions in tourism each year and it’s important our streets and highways are well maintained, both for safety and the overall look and feel of the place.
 
“We’re committed to reversing the previous administration’s cost cutting on highway verge maintenance and weed control and have taken immediate steps to improve these key areas of activity to ensure Northumberland is looking its best ahead of the main tourist season.”
 
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Her Grace the Duchess of Northumberland has been hearing about the final plans for the seventh annual LOVE Northumberland awards, which she is due to present to winning groups and individuals on Wednesday 5th July.
 
During a visit to the Alnwick Garden the Duchess heard about some of the great entries that have been received for this annual celebration of initiatives that improve and enhance the environment of Northumberland.  
 
Her Grace also chatted to local historian and broadcaster John Grundy, who will be the presenter who announces the winners this year, and to Jeannie Kielty, representative of main sponsors The Banks Group.
 
Applications have now been judged and individuals and representatives of shortlisted groups are being invited to the awards event, which is set to be held in The Alnwick Garden pavilion.
 
Jeannie Kielty from the Banks Group said:  “We have been very pleased to support these awards since back in 2012, and I am continually impressed by the range and standard of new applications we receive each year.  There is a wealth of groups and individuals out there with some fantastic stories to tell about how they help to improve their local areas.
 
“The spirit of the LOVE Northumberland Awards matches our own commitment to supporting the communities in which we operate, and we’re very pleased to be able to help to recognise the contributions made by local people in enhancing their county’s environment in the last 12 months.” 
 
New cabinet member for environment and local services at Northumberland County Council, Councillor Glen Sanderson, was unable to attend the visit due to other council commitments, but said afterwards:  “I am very much looking forward to being involved in the LOVE Northumberland Awards this year.  It is very good to be able to celebrate all the excellent work done by local people right across the county.  I very much look forward to hearing about all the great applications - and wish the best of luck to all shortlisted entries who are coming along to the ceremony on 5th July.”
 
Nominations for awards were invited from schools, community and voluntary groups and individuals in seven categories for projects that preserve and enhance the environment or that address local environmental issues or problems.
 
The judging panel was made up of representatives of the council and sponsors and supporters of the awards.
 
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A comprehensive scheme to improve one of Northumberland’s most congested roads is now complete.
 
The £740,000 scheme to reduce congestion on Cowpen Road in Blyth was carried out in three stages consecutively, speeding up the work and improving the traffic flow.
 
The project involved the removal and improvement of traffic lights, road widening and the creation of an additional lane on the exit from the Asda roundabout.

New road markings are also in place on the A189 roundabout and approaches, along with improved road signs.
 
Councillor Glen Sanderson, Cabinet Member for Environment and Local Services, said: “This scheme is a great credit to our staff who worked tirelessly to get the various stages of the work done as quickly as possible.
 
“We did everything we could to minimise disruption and it’s important we bear in mind why this work was done in the first place - to improve safety, reduce congestion and improve journey times for the thousands of people who use this road every day.
 
“Feedback has been very positive and the standard of the work is first class.”
 
Local County Councillor Susan Davey, who long campaigned for the changes and helped secure funding from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: “It’s fantastic that this long-awaited and desperately needed scheme is finally complete.
 
“I am delighted that these adjustments have had a marked improvement on the flow of the traffic. The opening of Spencer Road on the industrial Estate has not only taken away the heavy lorries from the main body of the road but have helped the Port of Blyth to consider the relocation of their entrance.
 
“As with all works and an ever increasing  number of vehicle on our streets, monitoring of this road will remain a high priority.”
 
Ray Browning, Programme Manager at the North East LEP, said: “This was an important upgrade to help alleviate pressure at peak times at key junctions  benefiting not only the local community but also importantly helping efforts to attract new investment and jobs into the Blyth Riverside Business Park and the enterprise zones sites around Blyth Harbour where the North East LEP is also supporting infrastructure investment.”  
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Northumberland County Council has offered emergency accommodation to survivors of the Grenfell fire in London.
 
Daljit Lally, the interim Chief Executive of the County Council  made contact with the Chief Executive and Director of Housing from the Royal Borough Kensington and Chelsea Council to make the offer.
 
In preparation the County Council has made arrangements for housing to provide immediate temporary or permanent accommodation in Northumberland for two families from today, Monday 19th June 2017.
 
Peter Jackson, Leader of Northumberland County Council said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire. There is currently a crisis in housing people who have been displaced by this terrible tragedy in Kensington.
 
“Even though we are some distance from London, we were keen to offer support.”
 
In addition to offering accommodation for those affected by the tragedy, a proactive review is underway by county council departments to look at records of premises which operate stay put policies, or have external cladding applied to them, to provide confidence and assurance that safety issues have been properly considered and risk assessed.
 
Paul Hedley, Chief Fire Officer at Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service said: “Our thoughts are with all those involved in the Grenfell Tower fire and our colleagues in the emergency services.
 
"Across the country, this tragedy has touched us all.  Whilst Northumberland does not have any residential tower blocks of the type involved in the Grenfell Tower tragedy, there are residential low rise premises of up to 4 storeys.  There are of course also premises within Northumberland which we know are fitted with external cladding and we are working to establish the type and make of those panels.
 
“I would like to reassure Northumberland residents that we unaware of any concerns about the safety of any multi-storey residential premises within the county.
 
“As part of a wide range of measures, we will also be liaising with external partners and contacting premises across the county to provide an offer of support, advice and guidance on fire safety matters and asking that they take steps themselves to satisfy themselves that there are no safety concerns for the premises for which they are responsible.”  
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Young tenants' guide launched

By Bot, in News,

Northumberland County Council in partnership with Silx Youth Project, a Blyth based organisation has launched a guidebook aimed at helping first time housing tenants.
 
The Young Tenants’ User Guide has been developed directly with Silx Youth Project, based upon their own practical experience of working with young people and aims to provide information on everything a tenant may need.
 
Aimed at 18-25 year olds, the guide tackles issues such as finance and how to keep on top of your bills, budgeting and saving money on utility bills, and how to claim for benefits they are entitled to.
 
It also explains what a tenancy agreement is and the importance of understanding what tenants are responsible for and the council as the landlord, including what can happen if those responsibilities are not met.
 
The idea for the guide came from feedback from young people in the Blyth area who were struggling to manage in social or private rented accommodation.
 
John Riddle, Northumberland County Council’s Cabinet member for Planning, Housing and Resilience, said: “We’re delighted to have been able to work with Silx on this invaluable project.
 
“We’re keen to support young people in being able to take that next step into adulthood, by moving into their new home.
 
“However, we recognise they can find themselves in a vulnerable position and at risk of losing their tenancy, if they don’t have the skills or knowledge of what is involved in running a home. This guide covers everything they need to know to have a positive experience and to fulfill their potential as a home owner in the future.”
 
The guide also includes tips on how to stay safe in your home, as well as issues such as sexual and mental health.
 
Each new young tenant will be given the guide at their tenancy introduction meeting with a council housing officer, copies are also available from the Silx offices on Church Street, Blyth.
 
Chris Antony, trustee of Silx, said: “We were finding that more and more young people in the Blyth area were struggling with all the different aspects that come with managing and surviving in a social or private rented accommodation.
 
“Issues such as getting into debt, or anti-social behaviour in their home, were leading to young people not be able to progress with their tenancy.
 
“We hope that this guide will give young people the information and support they need to understand what is involved in running their own home.”  
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The Undertones will be headlining ​The Northumberland Live Festival at Blyth this weekend June 24th, playing timeless classics including; ‘Here Comes the Summer’, ‘Jimmy Jimmy’, “My Perfect Cousin” and the power pop anthem “Teenage Kicks.”

Review by http://neconnected.co.uk

"In support to The Undertones will be new wave power pop band, Cryssis, who regularly pack out stadiums in their base country of Germany.
Add to this local talent in the form of Ashington singer song writer Peesh, Durham based pop rock band, Twister and up and coming new alternative indie band Pacific who are tipped for the top. Also on the bill will be  he Real Gone Gadgies,  Arieanne Masters, The Exciters,  Endless Sky and Little Moth. There will also be performances from Bad Apples hip hop crew, Blyth Samba and a few surprises too.

As well as the musical attractions, the Festival will have its much looked forward to array of street theatre, superb food from the counties finest food suppliers and a family activity area which will keep all ages entertained. Also dropping in will be the Royal Logistics Corps Parachute Display Team, The Silver Stars who will perform daredevil manoeuvres as they descend onto the beach area.
The fun starts at 10am and will continue until around 9pm. Parking is limited on site and a free park and ride service will be in operation run by Phoenix Taxis from the library in Blyth town centre."

For all the latest information on the event follow the Northumberland Live facebook page at  https://www.facebook.com/NorthumberlandLiveFestival
 
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A special flag raising ceremony was held today at County Hall in Morpeth  to mark national Armed Forces Week.
 
The ceremony was part of a countrywide programme of events to celebrate and recognise HM Armed Forces - past, present and future.
 
Servicemen and women and war veterans  were joined by civic leaders and members of Northumberland County Council staff and the  public to pay tribute to all those service personnel  who put their lives on the line in war zones across the world.
 
The Armed Forces Flag was raised on the flagpole outside County Hall  and will fly all week ahead of Armed Forces Day, which falls on Saturday 24 June  this year.
 
Civic Head of  Northumberland County Council, Councillor Anthony Murray said:
 
“  Behind the flags, parades, and other events up and down the country to mark Armed Forces Day, we should remember that, as we speak, in this country and overseas, these brave people are putting their lives on the line - on the ground, in the air, and on the oceans - to keep us safe and to build a better world for our children.
 
“ We must also remember that each one of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and reservists is also a wife or a husband; a father; a mother; a son or a daughter and recognise that the pressure on their families is considerable. I want to thank all those who support their loved ones in our Forces.

“ Nor should we forget the commitment of our Cadets, or the adult volunteers . Of course, those serving in our Armed Forces will one day move into the larger family of veterans and Armed Forces Day is a celebration of our veterans’ community too, whatever their age.

This is a day when we can show our patriotic support for all of these heroes, and their outstanding contribution to this country. They are a constant reminder to younger generations that preserving our way of life and the things we hold most dear is sometimes hard won, and never guaranteed. ”
 
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Useful items for project

By Bot, in News,

The Matthew Project, based in Bedlington, has received a bundle of products from Asda Blyth that was donated to help those feeling financial strain.
Items handed over included tinned goods, biscuits, crisps and toiletries such as toothpaste and toothbrushes.
The project provides food parcels for individuals, families and homeless people in the Bedlington and Blyth areas following referral by organisations such as social services, Citizens Advice, Barnardo’s and Sure Start.
Leadership group member Maureen Chilton said: “It is thanks to the kind donations of individuals, churches and supermarkets such as Asda Blyth that we are able to continue to provide our vital service and lend a helping hand to those in need.”
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Ian Lavery has urged the Conservative-led administration at County Hall to announce its intentions for some key sites to ‘put mine and my constituents’ minds at rest’.
The areas highlighted in the Wansbeck MP’s letter to Northumberland County Council leader Peter Jackson – sent last night – include the town centre development in Newbiggin and future leisure, library, parking and school provision in Morpeth.
He also raises concerns about Arch, the local authority’s development company, and calls on the Tories to make a pledge not to reduce council jobs or services or pass any of them to the private sector.
But Coun Jackson has hit back today, accusing Mr Lavery of ‘unnecessarily scaremongering residents and council staff’.
He pointed to the example of the Pipers Place development in Bedlington, as he has said the planning permission process for this scheme should not be slowed down – an outline application for the mixed-use project was approved by the council earlier this month.
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A woman who grew up in Bedlington and today lives in Australia recently celebrated her 100th birthday.
Hilda Pearson, born on May 29, 1917, completed her schooling at about the age of 14 and left to do domestic work further south.
This money was sent home to help the family – her parents were John and Abigail Worn and she had two sisters, Emma and Rachael, and two brothers, Stanley and Sidney. Her father was a coal miner.


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