mercuryg

The question is whether there is a call for a market, and whether there are stallholders willing to participate. The traditional market is dying, Chris; most you will find these days are glorified car boot sales. Having said that, I'd love to see it back to how it was.

All very fair points TomTom; I couldn't agree more about the Thursday market, it is a disgrace. The banks and building societies problem is, however, far from unique to the town. It's happening everywhere, and just about any small town of this size will be bereft of banks either right now or very soon. There is nothing that can be done about this: if the amount of people using the facility is not considered economical, then commerce dictates the business will not continue. The days of banks providing a service are long gone - they are purely for business now, and the individual is not a priority. You're quite right about the proliferation of estate agents, too, but consider why that is: they are clearly viable businesses. I respect that I am probably in a different situation to you: I only use my TSB account for direct debits now, and bank primarily a merchant account at PayPal. It's easy,convenient, and I don't have to wait for payments to go in - it's pretty much instant. I live by myself, so grocery shopping is a once a week - if that - concern, and Morrisons will do for me. For other goods, I shop online. I do have to disagree with you about it not being an attractive place; the Front Street may be blighted, as you rightly say, by empty shops and unfinished construction, but it's a far more pleasant vista than many I could name. I was, I reiterate, disagreeing in the main that the end of Tesco's is the end of the town. That's a pessimistic view at best. The optimistic one would be to consider how the soon to be empty space might be best used.

"What happens to Bedlington now? - ghost town looming - perhaps it's time to sell up and move.." TomTom, with due respect, I get the impression you're not enamoured with the town! if it was only Tesco keeping you here - as you seem to be implying - then you are being a little short sighted. Whille this is a major blow for the people who work in the store and rely on that work to earn a living and keep their families - and I know a fair number of them - when all is said and done the bare fact, in the first instance, is this: we're losing a supermarket, and not a particularly good one. That's it: it's a shop, it's closing. The loss of Tesco isn't the end of the town, it's the end of that particular shop. I choose to live around here for several reasons: it's a friendly place, easy to get to Newcastle, easy to reach the coast, easy to reach some of the most stunning countryside in the country, reasonably well served by public transport, great places to eat and drink, quiet, surprisingly dry, and family. I agree there is little in the way of shopping here, but that's not what I look for when choosing a town to live in. Judging by the many people who choose to live in the new housing - and with potentially more to come - it's not high on the criteria of many others, either. Perhaps they are attracted by the easy commute to places of work, and by teh respectable schools. I also have to comment on: "The site is much too big to develop" No it's not; it's short sighted to believe that, were it to be developed, it would have to be in its present format. Why not divide it into smaller units, for a start? "one look at the litter strewn alleys leading down to the car park and the fag end strewn pavements around the Market Tavern" And how much, how long, would that take to clear? A day? And then regular litter picking afterwards? It's hardly a deciding factor! As I said, the tragedy lies in the loss of jobs, not in the loss of a second rate shop.

I will never understand why people actually pay extortionate amounts for these things. I appreciate the technology and innovation involved, but how many of those who buy this actually need such a hefty specification? How many of its features will most people actually use? What will it cost on a monthly contract? £40 or something? I realise I'm a little biased as I speak from the point of view of someone who rarely uses a phone, but surely these things are just for showing off? The one function I would appreciate is usable NFC (I've yet to find one on a smartphone that was anything other than clumsy and time consuming, and therefore pointless, to use) as it is surely the future for payments of all kinds. I'll stick with my tablet, upon which I use about 10% of the available features.....

Not great for the people who work there

Interesting comment Tony; as blokes I dare say we all appreciate a pretty girl.If I see one walking down the street, in the pub, on the bus, I'll certainly cast her a glance.Isn't that, after all, why they are designed that way? Your comment seems to imply - and I don't mean this personally - that men looking at page three girls have ulterior motives in mind, are somehow doing something wrong; why is that so? I'd like to answer the question you put to Malcolm: if my wife or daughter wanted to get her top off for money, and looked as good as those girls do, why not? It's easy money.

"Immigrants go to where the jobs are" Good point ggg, and why do you think that is? In other words, why are the masses of unemployed UK persons not already filling those jobs? I have sister in Lincolnshire, a few miles from Boston. There are a lot of manual jobs in the agricultural sector around there. Pretty much all of them are taken by Eastern European immigrants. Ask any of the employers why and you get the same answer: the jobs are laborious, the pay isn't great, the hours long; the Brits don't want to do it. They are, according to those in the industry, inherently lazy. Now,of course, I'm generalising to a degree, but it's the way it is around there and, I suspect, in many other areas. So, what happens should we tighten the immigration laws and open up those jobs for natives; are they suddenly going to want jobs they didn't want before? If so, why? This is one reason I'm wary of UKIP; far too much emphasis is put upon immigration, when the inherent problems - I believe - actually begin at home, with those who are born and bred here.

Pete and Pilgrim, continued thanks. I'm interested in this, from the link Pete posted: "difficult to find so many places with names of their own all coming under one general name, and all situated within about a straight mile as are seen at Choppington. First of all there is Guide Post, which according to the post office directory, is Choppington proper: Then Whinney Hill, Scotland Gate, Choppington Station, Pace or Peas Bush, Willow Bridge, and Choppington Station. " OK, now I see they have their journey a little convoluted as they appear to have gone to Choppington Station twice; however, I'm trying to picture the different parts of the 'mile'. What confuses me is that my postal address is officially Scotland Gate; However, I believed previously that Scotland Gate was actually further up the road, near to the Traveller's Rest. I know the location of all the other places except the curious 'Pace or Peas Bush';can anyone shed light on this?

Is that right about Bothal? The things I'm learning from you Pilgrim are quite fascinating. Surely Morpeth's rise to 'fame' came with it being a major coaching stop on the Great North Road?

Pilgrim, Please don't think I'mpicking holes in your comments, I'm extremely interested in what you have to say as I'm interested in finding out more about where I live. There is, however, one thing I'd like to pick up on, and it's this: "A city to be recognised as such must have a cathedral..." I note you mention later on that this is the 'old' definition, and it certainly is. For pretty much all of the 20th century it has not been necessary for a city to have a cathedral, it is up to the Monarch to apply the title (as it was before Henry VIII) introduced the rule about cities and cathedrals. I'm still not sure why the city centre having a cathedral would necessarily mean it was considered part of Northumberland; as I said, I was of the belief there are no cities in the county. The information about Station Terrace and the Church is interesting; I'm in the middle of the terrace on the same side further up the hill.

Some interesting stuff there Pilgrim! I'm interested in a couple of points: "Bedlington is a SHIRE under Durham...." This subject intrigued me greatly when I first learned about it; however, my research and reading confirmed that Bedlingtonshire ceased to be an exclave of Durham in the 1840's, when it became part of Northumberland. However, this does not mean that land and buildings in the area leased from the church were not still owned by them. I'm yet to confirm it fully, but believe that until relatively recently the house I live in was church property, and indeed the terrace around me. It's not anymore! "Newcastle city centre is part of Northumberland but the city per se isn't..." Really? That's very interesting and the first time I've heard it. Officially, there are no cities in Northumberland, so how does that work? "the leasehold reform act of 1967 and Station Terrace at Choppington station was used in an example in the parliamentary debate leading to the act" Fascinating! Can you clarify - was Station Terrace leased from the Church, or from the Railway company? Keep it coming Pilgrim, especially with relation to Choppington!

Interesting points Maggie, if I may respond to a couple: "Older generations will maybe live longer." I don't see a maybe; they are doing, and will continue to do so. "Zero hour contracts and lack of job prospects mean lots of the younger generation are moving back into the parental home. Basically our children and grandchildren cannot aspire to a house purchase." I'm not sure about this; most of those I know in the 25-25 age range, for example, either have a mortgage or are renting, rather than living at home. As for zero hours contracts, a contentious issue I agree, but one that is somewhat exaggerated. Figures are disputed, but the number of people on such contracts is somewhere between 600,000 and 1.4million. They tend mostly to be young people in part time jobs, and it doesn't actually mean they get zero hours. It's not new - as many think it to be - and can be beneficial for the likes of young mothers who, say, can only work a shift here and there. It isn't going to have a massive effect on the working trends of the future (see my comments on telecommuting, which will have a far greater effect). "Blyth from Bebside was traffic saturation , no one was moving. The traffic jam was unbelievable." That's a different situation to Bedlington, though: Cowpen Road is the only main thoroughfare into and out of Blyth from the Spine Road (I always go the long way via South Beach); Blyth has a population of approaching 40,000. The road is also home to a very big and much used industrial estate and a couple of busy shopping centres. Statistically it is the busiest road in the county at rush hours. Contrast that with Bedlington, which has a population of less than half - it will never approach that of Blyth - and four different routes in and out of the town in different directions. I'm aware of the potential effect and problems of the infrastructure of a lovely town, but I'm not sure we cam expect Cowpen Road type situations. As for the green land, remember there's a lot of it around here; some will be gobbled up by housing, it's the inevitable march of time.

I no longer use a phone, just a tablet. There are so many ways of communicating with people without making a phone call (which of course is handy for me) that I find a phone redundant.

Some 'official' looking chappies there, Foxy! Interesting stuff! I have a small collection of local postcards that you are welcome to if you want them, they just sit around doing nothing here.

I moved on from 25 some time ago when it became the domain of the Morning Club (nowt against them, lovely lads) and there is no nearby plug to power the laptop. I now frequent table 36, otherwise known as 'Stevie's Office'. It also has a radiator next to it, and a window view of the Front Street plus an overall panoramic view of the pub.

Behind my mums garden fence there lies a couple of yards more of overgrown land. Many years ago she and the neighbours enquired as to the ownership of said land. The council said it's not theirs. So it's nobody's. I'm going to erect a tent, and live there.

"The answer is we will have an older population therefore school places not needed." Was this the answer given by 'them', Maggie? If so they miss the point completely. An older population does not mean less youngsters, but more!

Mine too; this is what I'd like to see. The problem is that niche goods are readily available at competitive prices without the need to leave your home. My entire Christmas shopping list for the nieces and nephews was completed online. It's quick, convenient and cheap. I'm not sure what can be done in a town such as Bedlington to encourage people to open shops that would be welcomed and used regularly.

"I don't see why we can't have a thriving shop sector and I don't see why we can't have some recreational facilities for adults and our youngsters!" I'm with you on the recreational facilities, and hope that things change on that front, but I remain unconvinced by Bedlington's ability to have a thriving shop sector. Grocery shopping is now in the domain of the major 'out of town' superstores; to be frank, most of those I know go to Asda at Bebside for their weekly home shop, as the choice is better. I can't see that changing any time in the future, especially as home deliveries will become more prevalent. I would love to see smaller, independent shops doing trade on what is a very attractive Front Street; I know you championed French Grey Tales - now sadly decamped to Morpeth - and that is the sort of thing I'm getting at. Bedlington has little through traffic other than those that live here; a Tesco/ASDA/enter name here superstore in the town would never garner the footfall required to justify it. I have to say that, when the original Tesco plans came to light, I was one of those who said it would never progress beyond what it is now, a very ordinary supermarket. I note the new Handicrafts shop at the West End has received a lot of praise; I know of many people who used it for christmas presents. Will it last?I hope so, I'd rather see it than another hairdressers/beauty salon, of which we have enough. As I wrote earlier one area the town should be promoting is the restaurants/bistros: go to Trip Advisor and you'll see nothing but absolute praise for Bistro 62, which one seasoned reviewer, not from the town, rated as 'simply the best restaurant in Northumberland' and beyond anything he'd experienced in Newcastle. I can concur: only visited once, but it was an absolute delight. Ashianna's also gets a lot of hits, the Italian at the old Dun Cow also. It's an area in which the town seems to be winning, hands down.

We used to get Shackletons flying over the school all the time. When they were retired there was a flypast by a formation of them over Woodford. Lovely sight. NB - on this note, great news, despite rumours to the contrary, XH558 is flying again this year, with a handful of shows already confirmed. Hope Sunderland bother to book her again.....

Fabulous information Pilgrim, thanks! And Foxy, you're in this one too, on your bike!

Malcolm wrote: "The objection I have is that there isn't any infrastructure to support the community 25 years ago never mind now. Lack of recreational avenues and no investment into the commercial offer have left us hopelessly mismatched as a viable Town." Couldn't agree more! I'm all behind your ongoing push for leisure facilities, for example. As I said, though, this is a commuter town, somewhere nice to live, within easy reach of the main employment areas, good schools, and with a few nice places to eat and a handful of decent pubs. I'm afraid that, with fear of being shot down, shops as we knew them are no longer a prime consideration for home buyers. The number of Asda vans I used to see making deliveries on Dunstanburgh Close was an eye opener. Toffo wrote: "We were informed the spare land on Hazelmere ten years ago was allocated for a first school, I think the majority of residents on Hazelmere would have welcomed the afore mentioned shops / pub / school if asked, last year?" That's right, but Adam is correct in that it was originally earmarked for the pub/shop/centre. I don't agree the majority of residents would have welcomed a pub (pubs don't belong in housing estates); the school was unnecessary; a shop would have been nice but is hardly missed, and the community centre, as I've said, would not have been used to a viable extent. "Wonder where the supporters will stand then if having to run the gauntlet of leaving arriving during peak times?" But isn't this always going to be a problem in a town with just a few single file in and out roads? There will always be traffic at peak times, it's just how it is; however, see my comments about the rise in telecommuting. In twenty years time the idea of driving fifteen miles to an admin job in Newcastle will be long forgotten; more and more people will work from home. It's cheaper, more convenient, and just as efficient. For the record, I'm neither for nor against the new housing - I won't be upset if they don't get built - but I simply see that there will be a need for new housing on an ongoing basis. I champion the town, it's a lovely place to live and has everything I need (says a Choppington resident!) but as Malcolm says, there are certain aspects missing. Let's hope these can be resolved. **Before I go, regards the peak time traffic in Bedlington: it's nothing. A few minutes wait on the run from Hazelmere to the roundabout may be a little annoying, but compared to some places I've lived, with similar populations, it's nothing.

"3 properties empty/up for sale in Hazelmere" is that empty, or up for sale? Again, I'm not being deliberately obtuse; there will always be houses for sale as people need bigger properties, or downsize. "They may want to live in the area but will they work in the area, socialise in the area?" Why not? Work in the area perhaps not - this is a commuter town already, has been for many years - but socialise in the area, of course, they already do. For example: why would anyone from bedlington choose to eat out anywhere other than here?The town has several highly regarded restaurants, after all. The social scene is not as it was 20 years ago, trends change, but everything is still here. I don't see the demographic of persons working locales changing much in the next few decades, bar the fact that many more people will start telecommuting, which will of course mean they can live where they want. Local shops may be poor, but I'd much rather have independent, boutique shops in the town than major supermarkets, of which there are several within easy driving distance. Your idea that things will become more expensive is of course right, but in relative terms the availability of online shopping (which is very much the future) will allow for prices to be driven down. It's already happening in the online services industry, within which I work. I admire your attitude very much, but - and this is with respect once more, as I have plenty for you - I do think you're beliefs are very much those of someone who has yet to amass the life experience that will allow you to look at the bigger picture. Quite simply, the digital age is upon us; we don't actually need shops when all is said and done, and that will become more evident much more quickly than you realise.

"Second point Merc, the land was not "Spare" it was the community gain which was earmarked for a pub, community centre and shop, but I wonder why the powers that be never enforced it" I am aware of that; my mother bought her house off-plan, we watched it being built, and she moved in when those around her were still just frames. At that point the land on the plans was indeed for those schemes you mention; the residents didn't want a pub, a shop might have been nice, and a community centre I don't believe would have been used to any reasonable extent. I'm not being contrary here: I lived their for many years, know many families (including a sister) who also live there, and it was clear there was no demand for the original proposed schemes, not were there any takers to build a pub on the site, anyhow. "Also if there is demand for them type of houses why are ones standing empty in Hazelmere, slaley court, Hartford hall all for which are "new" estates." Hartford Hall is ludicrously expensive for what it is; it's also rife with problems, from what I've heard. I am not aware of any empty properties on Hazelmere, although you may be able to correct me on that, and don't know Slaley Court. With respect, while I understand your commitment to the locale and the community - it is indeed admirable - it's a little rash to throw one's hands up on horror at the prospect of investing in housing for future inhabitants. You may believe you have the concerns of locals at heart - and in many cases you have, and that's very loyal of you - but what of those who live in their parents homes now and, in a few years, will have jobs, families and such - and parents still living - an want their own home in their home town? It's a necessary consideration, and there's a lot more to it than 'we don't want more houses in our lovely green fields'. For the record, I've yet to find anyone on Hazelmere who objects to the scheme. After all, it will barely register on their radar. Personally, I'm not bothered one way or the other, but you have to remember that, in business, nobody produces anything unless someone wants it. The same applies to housing.

Thanks for the info Pilgrim, I have lived in Choppington - just up the hill from the Willow Bridge - now for a couple of years and love the place. It's quiet, I have great neighbours, two pubs and shops within a short walk and a lovely nature reserve outside my back gate. I'm interested in a few details: where was Station Terrace? I note "at the top of the bank and over the railway line on the right side (west) was station terrace"; I'm no good with directions, is/was this terrace on the Swan/Lord Clyde side of the road, or the other? Also, where exactly was the station? I was in The Swan last night; the current owner's father is looking after the place while Chris and Kirsty are away; he apparently took the place on when it still was the Lord Clyde. It's a very friendly place to sit and have a couple of beers while reading the paper, and the food is good too. One thing I discovered last night that may have just changed my life is that they do take-out meals!