Northumberland County Council’s Trading Standards service is warning residents of a new recall on tumble dryers, this time of those sold under the trade names Beko and Blomberg.
The company’s safety alert relates to their 8kg and 9kg condenser tumble dryers, that were manufactured between May and November 2012.
This has come about following concerns raised during their monitoring of their products, which found it could lead to overheating and the risk of fire. The affected models are: DCU9330W, DCU9330R, DCU8230, DSC85W, TKF8439A.
Beko is requesting that owners contact them so that a free modification, if required, can be carried out. The check is free of charge and carried out in the home, and affected products will be modified to remove any potential risk.
Paul Hedley, Chief Fire Officer, said: “The safety of Northumberland’s residents is our priority and action should be taken swiftly to check these goods to ensure lives are not put at risk.
“We would always advise the public to check their electrical appliances if safety concerns arise. It is vital that users regularly check and clean their tumble dryers and carefully follow safety guidelines to reduce the risk of a fire.”
Councillor John Riddle, Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing, Public Protection and Fire, added: “Residents need to make sure that they check to see if their tumble dryer is one of the affected ones and take the necessary steps to keep themselves, their families and their homes safe.”
Owners can check whether their product is one of those affected at http://www.beko.co.uk/safety and https://www.beko.co.uk/dryerrepair#!/check/precheck
Alternatively, owners can call 0800 917 2018 to speak to a member of Beko’s customer service team.
Private letting agents are being invited to a forum next week to share best practice and get an update on any industry changes.
The North of Tyne Managing Agent Event is a joint event between Northumberland County Council, North Tyneside Council and Newcastle City Council, together with the National Landlords Association.
Following the success of the first such event last year, when more than 100 agents attended, this year’s forum will be held at the Holiday Inn, Seaton Burn, on Wed June 7th.
It is an opportunity for letting agents to hear what services are on offer from their local council, as well as hearing from industry leaders.
Guest speakers from organisations such as the Association of Residential Letting Agents, My Deposits and Northumbrian Water will be giving updates on everything from tax changes to dealing with disputes and adjudicators.
Philip Soderquest, Head of Housing at Northumberland County Council, said: “We have decided to once again run this event, following the success of last year.
“It is a key date for letting agents from across the county and will give them essential industry information, as well as allowing them the opportunity to meet up with other agents.”
The event is free, but booking is essential and can be done through Eventbrite at www.eventbrite.co.uk putting North of Tyne Managing Agent Event into the search box. Or email privatesectorhousing@northumberland.gov.uk with your name and address, or calling the team on (01670) 623073.
Widened shared paths along the A192 to the south of the town and to adjacent housing estates;
Crossing improvements on Stobhill roundabout; and
An upgraded ‘toucan’ crossing point opposite Sainsbury’s that allows use by people on bikes and detects people waiting to cross.
It is being implemented by the council and has been wholly funded by a £600,000 award through the North East LEP from the Local Growth Fund, part of the North East Growth Deal.
Cath McEvoy, Children’s Service Director at Northumberland County Council: “This was a great event which allowed the participating groups to get really creative about generating products that would sell, developing creative and entrepreneurial skills. The results of the sales were fantastic and each participating group should be very proud of their effort and contribution.”
Northumberland County Council Chief Executive Steven Mason is leaving the organisation to pursue fresh challenges.
Steven has been with the council for nearly 15 years, working in a number of financial roles, and has been chief executive for the past three years.
Speaking about his departure, Steven said: “It is with sadness that I have decided to leave the Council after nearly fifteen years service to the residents of Northumberland.
“During my time the Council has faced many challenges, most notably local government reorganisation and the impact of cuts in local government funding over an extended period of time.
“The Council’s approach and direction will change significantly following the recent County Council election and it is an appropriate time for new managerial leadership at a time when the political leadership has changed with a radically different agenda.”
The Council Leader, County Councillor Peter Jackson, thanked Steven for leaving a strong and stable organisation which would give the new administration time to agree new priorities.
The current Deputy Chief Executive Daljit Lally will be the interim Chief Executive.
Following the formation of a new administration at full council yesterday it has been agreed Steven can leave immediately to allow a smooth transition to a new Chief Executive.
Northumberland County Council has opened a book of condolence following the terrorist attack in Manchester.
The book is available to sign at the reception area in County Hall, Morpeth, from today (May 24th).
Daljit Lally, Deputy Chief Executive of Northumberland County Council said: “The events in Manchester were truly shocking and I am sure I speak on behalf of everyone in Northumberland in sending our condolences to all those affected by these terrible events.
“We stand together with Manchester, the victims and their families. Terrorism will not win”.