webtrekker

That's the only phrase I've ever heard too: 'Pay on the Nail.'

Ah. Loading ok now. Can't see any connection with the Nail though, other than the coincidental 1782 date.

Thanks, but hat link is taking forever to load. I think there are some problems with the page. Anyone else having trouble with it, or is it just me?

I meant the 'Creative Access' charity 3g.

Pure discrimination! This so-called charity should be reported.

I, too, would have no objection to a couple of houses being built here, as long as it didn't become a precedent for many more houses in the same area. It's years since I've been down that road so they could have built them 10 years ago and I wouldn't have known!

That hit a nerve, didn't it!

Yes, we all know what 'get out of my face' means Monsta, but you need to Google the words 'there' and 'their' with particular regard to the huge difference between them. However, don't despair, and keep trolling..... this is fun! Edited to add: fun to some.

Yeah. Whatever .............

For my sins, I wasn't there either, however I did take the time to add my name to the petition. Two thousand and odd signatures must surely have been around 10% or more of the Bedlington population. Maybe if they'd had more time, the organisers could have built up a force to be reckoned with. They did a wonderful job though and deserved more respect from Lidl and the powers that be.

I think it's only right and proper to post here, in its entirety, the last update regarding the petition on change.org ...... PETITION UPDATE Chopped. Nickaila Arnold Bedlington, United Kingdom 30 APR 2016 — It is with great sadness and upmost disappointment that I write to you all today to announce that our beloved tree no longer stands. It was removed early this morning without any notice to the public. A few days ago, Lidl issued a statement in which their reasons for the felling of the tree seemed fair and we were willing to accept the compromise. Though it would mean losing the tree, at least we were assured that its loss would be justified. However, I would like to note that nobody involved in the campaign, including myself, received any personal response to emails and the statement we received was exactly the same as the one put to the public. Any reply received has simply been a link to their public statement. To acknowledge the person behind the letter is not much to ask and is just another example of Lidl's lack of respect. We do respect that fact that Lidl have taken cuttings from the tree which are currently being cultivated and will be replanted. Despite this, we feel that Lidl have let us down in a bad way. To deny us the opportunity to give the tree 'a farewell' as such is downright disrespectful. To continue with the killing of our beloved landmark willow tree shows a tragic lack of understanding and care for the community they wish to be a part of. As it stands, Lidl's decision to press ahead and fail to engage and liase with locals is entirely alienating. I would like to take this opportunity to thank, with all my heart, everyone who has stood by and supported our cause, all TWO THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED AND THIRTY FOUR of you. The fight has come to and end but we have not failed - they have failed us. The campaign may not have saved the tree but what it has done is show what a community can do when they pull together over something they are passionate about. Members of our community who had never met one another are now joined together as friends as a result of the campaign. We have raised awareness for Bedlington and further awareness of the little respect that corporations have for nature. It is a real shame. The arrogance and disrespect shown towards the local community is appalling. A large firm stamping it's mark on a historical and close knit town with absolutely no regard to the sentimental value the tree held. I hope that this campaign will, at the least, encourage other corporations to consider and respect the feelings of the public when pursuing future ventures in the communities that they will be part of. You can read Lidl's statement below. Again, my many, many thanks to all of our supporters, on behalf of the Willow Tree Supporters of Bedlington, Nickaila. "As a responsible retailer, the team here at Lidl have given much consideration to the willow tree that is currently located on the site of the proposed new Lidl store. To remove the tree is not a decision that has been taken lightly, so much so that we have ensured that information on this has been reflected throughout the planning process, including the public consultation day. Subsequently, the council approved plans and chose not to put a tree preservation order on the site. We have been delighted with the positive response received to date from both the council and the local community. We are very much aware of the demand that is in place for a supermarket within the area, which we are looking forward to fulfilling. We have fully explored every other option to bring this development to fruition whilst being highly conscious of its proximity to the neighbouring homes. To leave the tree in situ wouldn’t just compromise a few parking spaces, due to the size of the canopy and the structure of the roots, it would compromise the majority of the car park. Additionally HGVs, which deliver our fresh produce daily, would not be able to turn in the car park. Due to the sentimental value that has now been expressed, we have taken cuttings of the tree so that they can be replanted, and are currently keeping them in incubation in a local nursery. We would like to invite anyone who would like to take a cutting, to get in touch withnewtonaycliffe.property@lidl.co.uk and we can arrange this. We would also like to reassure those who have concerns, that the tree will be removed respectfully by a fully qualified arborist. We also plan to plant 29 new trees in suitable spots around the site. We would like to take this opportunity to extend our thanks and gratitude for all of the support received to date. We pride ourselves on providing customers with the best quality produce - two thirds of which is sourced from Britain –at the best possible prices, and look forward to serving the community in the very near future." - Lidl

Nice. Albert King is playing a left-handed Flying V. All of his V's were named 'Lucy.'

Of course, TTIP is no secret. The process to read the TTIP documents is very simple and straightforward ... A 'must-read' ........... TTIP leak could spell the end of controversial trade deal, say campaigners http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ttip-leak-could-spell-the-end-of-controversial-trade-deal-say-campaigners-a7009896.html

Well said moe. I still can't believe most of the people I speak to have never even heard of TTIP. Frightening!

Ah. I can't confirm that myself as I'm only passing on information from a respected member of the community. Sign or no sign though, there was no need for the gesture she got in lieu of a polite reply. Surely these workmen knew beforehand that the removal of this tree was a sensitive issue? Anyway, here's what the site looked like tonight ...