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An online campaign which helped to share Northumberland residents’ love for their local parks has won a national award. Northumberland County Council ran the campaign last July, and it has now been recognised as the best in the UK by national environmental campaign charity Keep Britain Tidy. The Love Parks Award recognises an outstanding event or campaign that ran during Love Parks Week 2017, and Northumberland was awarded the top prize at Keep Britain Tidy’s annual Network Awards last Thursday. The Love Parks initiative aims to ensure that residents and visitors use local parks and protect these important green spaces, and the award was open to entries from all local authorities in England and Wales. Northumberland County Council ran a social media campaign to promote how great Northumberland’s parks are and to highlight why residents and visitors ‘Love’ their local parks. Cllr Glen Sanderson cabinet member for environment and local services said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this national award. “People tell us on a daily basis how much they enjoy parks and green spaces across the county - and it was extremely good to be able to highlight so many of those reasons through this campaign. “I would like to sincerely thank all the residents and visitors who took the time to take part. It is a great credit to our parks and local services staff who maintain our beautiful ‘Green Flag’ parks to such a high standard and who have worked closely with our communications team to run a hugely successful campaign that was so highly commended by the judges.” At the award ceremony, Keep Britain Tidy’s chief executive, Allison Ogden-Newton said: “Each year, our award winners show just what is possible when people have the passion and commitment to make a difference to the environment on our doorstep. “This year is no exception and I would like to congratulate them and thank them all for their incredible work.” During the Northumberland campaign photos and videos were posted on social media each day, building a colourful campaign which demonstrated the fantastic features of the 12 parks across the county that are managed by the county council. Thirty three posts gained a huge 42,059 impressions on Twitter and on Facebook seven posts and videos reached 146,855 people and were viewed 67,300 times. Things that Northumberland residents and visitors said that they love about local parks included meeting friends and family; dog walking; enjoying flowers, plants and green spaces; watching wildlife; enjoying water features such as lakes, streams and paddling pools; and taking part in sports and leisure activities like bowls, football, cycling and play. You can view a video about Northumberland’s Love Parks campaign here.

Are there any areas of land near you that you think could be developed to improve your community? Northumberland County Council is calling for people across the county to put forward sites that they think could be suitable for future development. As part of producing a new ‘Northumberland Local Plan’ for the whole of the county the council is giving people an opportunity to suggest sites for potential use. This ‘call for sites’ will help the council to understand where land could exist for a range of possible future purposes and will add to information already held by the planning team. Sites which could be used for housing, economic development such as business units, or for mineral extraction, will be particularly welcomed. Those which might be used for retail, leisure or other types of development will also be considered. They could include vacant or derelict land and buildings, surplus public sector land, agricultural land, and areas which might present additional opportunities for development within existing settlements. The county council is preparing a new county-wide local plan. The new full plan will set out both the strategic and detailed policies that will guide future growth and development across Northumberland over the next 15 to 20 years. Councillor John Riddle, cabinet member responsible for planning at Northumberland County Council, said: “We are preparing a new local plan for Northumberland which will not only set over-arching planning policies for the future but include detailed land allocations for future development. “We are therefore calling on communities across the county to come forward with any sites that they think might be suitable for development that will enhance the future of their area and the county as a whole. “The council already has a lot of information about sites, but we are extremely keen that this plan meets the aspirations of all residents and communities and so we are inviting everyone to put forward their ideas. “Once we have gathered all this information and assessed it we will then consult on them widely as part of the local plan.” Landowners, developers, agents, local residents and other interested parties are asked to put sites forward for consideration by 5pm on Monday 12 March 2018. The best way to submit information about sites is an online form which can be found at www.northumberland.gov.uk/localplan. An accessible form can also be downloaded, completed and returned to the Council and printed copies are being made available in each of the council’s customer information centres across the county. After this period of consultation, the council will consider and review all of the information received and use it to inform the process of selecting sites that will be proposed for future development in the plan. A draft version of the new local plan will be published for public consultation later this year.

Northumberland County Council is holding a State of the Area Debate on Tuesday 20 February from 3pm in the Council Chamber at County Hall in Morpeth. Cllr Peter Jackson, Leader of the Council, will set the scene before introducing Cabinet colleagues who will briefly speak about the current challenges and opportunities for the county, to stimulate discussion. A public debate will take a ‘Question Time’ style format, facilitated by the Business Chair Cllr Richard Dodd. The meeting will be open to all, and questions from members of the public or councillors can be submitted in advance or will be taken from the floor on the day. The event is expected to run until around 4.30pm. Anyone wishing to submit questions in advance should send them to democraticservices@northumberland.gov.uk by 5pm on Friday 16 February 2018.

Campaigners have spoken of their delight after it was announced that an option to remove a key structure at Humford Country Park in Bedlington is now off the table.

Teenager Bethany Fisher died after Jordan O'Donnell crashed his car on a residential street in Bedlington

Northumberland County Council is consulting community and voluntary, or ‘third’ sector, organisations in the county about how it will provide support to them in the future. The council currently provides funding to Northumberland Community and Voluntary Action (NCVA) to provide support services to the sector. Northumberland CVA helps to build capacity within the sector, to support volunteering initiatives and also to get messages out about the work that the sector does. The current contract is due to end in March 2019. The council has reviewed the current contract and arrangements, looked at future priorities for support, and considered what options could be pursued in taking this work forward. Future options include: Retaining the status quo of a single countywide Commission; Commissioning on the basis of an agreed geographical split; Commissioning on the basis of three individual support packages; Delivering the commission within the council with the support of a facilitating fund; and Withdrawing from the commission. Voluntary and community sector organisations and representatives are being asked to look at a consultation document and give their views on the priorities and options identified. They can also raise any concerns or questions they have. Councillor Cath Homer, cabinet member responsible for voluntary and community sector support at Northumberland County Council said: “The ‘third’ sector play a vital role within our communities across Northumberland - and we want to make sure that we are providing the right levels and types of support. “We welcome all feedback on the consultation document and on support from the council, and will gather all of this information together to help us to shape the type and level of support provided in the future. “Similarly to all services supported by the council it is important that we review this, ensuring that it meets identified aims, and that we can balance providing for it alongside other vital frontline council services.” The council is using a range of methods to consult those with an interest in this issue, including voluntary and community sector and social enterprise organisations, councillors, residents and other stakeholders within the community. The consultation will run until Monday 5th March 2018, after which time responses will be analysed and a report on proposals for the future produced. You can find the consultation document and response form in the Voluntary and Community Sector section of the website www.northumberland.gov.uk

Two North East roads have been ranked among the most dangerous in Britain, a new interactive map reveals. Research conducted by Regtransfers.co.uk shows the routes across the country where you are most likely to be involved in an accident. It found the A193, which runs between Newcastle and Bedlington, had an accident rate of 2.53 per 1 million vehicle-miles driven. And the A68, which links Northumberland and Edinburgh, made the country’s top 50 accident blackspots with a rate of 2.7. These contrast with the average accident rate of 1.48 for the UK. The data, compiled by the private number plate company, also found 13 of the most dangerous roads in Britain all run through London.

Northumberland Archives is looking for volunteers with a passion for history to digitally log records as part of a new initiative, Reading Room. The project, in partnership with FamilySearch.org, aims to make browsing parish registers easier and more accessible for the public. Currently 60% of indexes have been processed for the County and Northumberland Archives are looking for volunteers, to complete the remaining 40%. Volunteers with a keen interest in family ancestry and historic records are being asked to select information from marriage, death and baptism registers online and input them into the digital system to enable the archives to be indexed. People can choose to undertake this work from the comfort of their own home. The role is extremely flexible meaning people can volunteer as little or as often as they want, ranging from ten minutes to a whole afternoon logging records. Councillor Cath Homer, Cabinet Member for culture, arts, leisure and tourism at Northumberland County Council, said: “Reading Room is a valuable and fascinating resource for many people to explore their family history. “Northumberland Archives is offering a great opportunity for people with an interest in local history to get involved. I would encourage anyone thinking about volunteering to take part.” The process to apply is quick and easy and anyone interested should visit www.familysearch.org to register. For more information about Northumberland Archives visit www.experiencewoodhorn.com/collections/ or contact archives@northumberland.gov.uk View the video to find out more - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktd3_lB0aUE

A drink driver was caught out when police pulled him over for having a frozen windscreen. Dean Williamson was travelling along Front Street, in Bedlington, on Boxing Day when a passing officer noticed his front window was iced over. The 28-year-old was initially stopped and told to scrape the windscreen clear but he went on to ignore the warning and carried on driving his Ford Focus, a court heard. The same officer then pulled Williamson over again but noticed he was “swaying and stumbling” when he was ordered to get out of the vehicle. He then failed a roadside breath test and was arrested. Williamson, of Lily Avenue, Bedlington, has now been banned from the roads for three years after he pleaded guilty to drink driving at South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court.

A bungling thief was snared when he left behind his DNA in the McDonald’s restaurant he burgled for just £3-worth of food. Kane Bircahll smashed a window of the Cowpen Road branch of the fast food giant, in Blyth, and sneaked in during the middle of the night while the premises was closed. The 28-year-old then made-off with £3-worth of food items, South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court was told. But, not only was hapless Birchall caught in the act on CCTV, he also left behind his own blood and was further identified from his DNA. Now, Birchall, of Burdon Terrace, Bedlington, has been warned he is facing the possibility of time behind bars after pleading guilty to one count of burglary. Adjourning the case for the preparation of a Pre-Sentence Report, District Judge Bernard Begley told him: “This is simply an adjournment so the court can be aware fully of everything about you.

People power has put Bedlington-based blogger James Common through to the finals of a national competition.

An online campaign which helped to share Northumberland residents’ love for their local parks has been shortlisted for a national award. Northumberland County Council ran the campaign last July, and it has now been highlighted as one of the best in the UK by national environmental campaign charity Keep Britain Tidy. The Love Parks Award recognises an outstanding event or campaign that ran during Love Parks Week 2017. The Love Parks initiative aims to ensure that residents and visitors use local parks and protect these important green spaces, and the award was open to entries from all local authorities in England and Wales. Northumberland County Council ran a social media campaign to highlight why residents and visitors ‘Love’ their local parks. Cllr Glen Sanderson cabinet member for environment and local services said: “We wanted to promote the parks and the activities and things that people can enjoy there to a wide audience across Northumberland and the wider region. “We also wanted to support pride in the parks for those who work there and who visit and enjoy them. “Local services staff and parks team members encouraged residents and visitors of all ages to show why they love their local park - having their photo taken with the Love Parks heart, or making a video clip. “It is a great credit to our parks staff and communications team that the campaign has been commended by the judges as worthy of shortlisting for a national award.” Photos and videos were posted on social media throughout the week, building a colourful campaign which demonstrated the fantastic features of the 12 parks across the county that are managed by Northumberland County Council. The council’s communications team also put together videos for a ‘quick tour…’ of each park - and promoted these through social media, encouraging people to visit and enjoy the parks. You can view the videos here. The campaign was primarily run through Twitter and facebook, and the target audience was Northumberland residents and those who visit from the wider region. Thirty three posts gained a huge 42,059 impressions on Twitter, the equivalent of 13% of the population of Northumberland, and 845 people engaged with the campaign through ‘loves’, retweets, comments or other sharing or feedback. On Facebook seven posts and videos reacher 146,855 people and were viewed 67,300 times. They were shared 316 times and 746 people reacted to them. During the week the council also announced £2.3m National Lottery funding which will enable comprehensive improvement to one of its urban parks, in Ashington, and a video about the announcement was viewed 219 times. Things that Northumberland residents and visitors said that they love about local parks include: Meeting friends and family; Dog walking; Enjoying flowers, plants and green spaces; Watching wildlife; Enjoying water features such as lakes, streams and paddling pools; and Taking part in sports and leisure activities like bowls, football, cycling and play. You can view a video about the Love Parks campaign here. The winner of the Love Parks Award will be announced at the annual national Keep Britain Tidy network conference in Brighton on 8th February.

A woman in a Bedlington care home recently celebrated her 100th birthday.

Northumberland County Council hopes a new growth deal for the Borders will breathe new life into previously ‘neglected’ areas of the county. David Mundell MP, Secretary of State for Scotland and Jake Berry MP, Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth Minister, joined cross-border local authority partners (Carlisle City Council, Cumbria County Council, Dumfries & Galloway Council, Northumberland County Council and Scottish Borders Council) for the first Borderlands Growth Deal meeting of 2018. This was the first meeting with UK Government Ministers since the UK Chancellor committed to opening negotiations on a Growth Deal for the area in the 2017 Budget. Northumberland County Council Leader Peter Jackson said: “This deal is all about bringing new life to some of the previously neglected areas of north and west Northumberland. “Whether it be in terms of improving business investment, digital connectivity, tourism or making sure that people have the skills necessary for the modern world, we will use this deal to provide better prospects for our communities.” A Borderlands spokesperson said: “Our shared ambition is to play our full part in the regional and wider UK economy and unlock the potential of the south of Scotland and north of England. We welcomed the opportunity to discuss the Borderlands Growth Deal direct with Ministers. Discussions were positive and although they remain at a relatively early stage we look forward to more collaboration and discussion with both the UK and Scottish governments.” Scottish Secretary David Mundell added: “We are continuing to make good progress towards a Borderlands Growth Deal, which has the potential to transform the economy of the whole region, creating jobs and increasing prosperity. We had a productive meeting with the five Borderlands local authority partners. I was impressed with their enthusiasm for, and the energy behind, creating a transformative deal. We will continue to work closely with the Borderlands partners to work up the detail of their proposals. Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth Minister Jake Berry said: “I'm delighted that we've fired the starting gun on this hugely exciting coast to coast Borderlands Growth Deal-something that will be unique in the UK. I am looking forward to us continuing this progress working with the Borderlands councils and the Scottish Government in the coming months on developing an ambitious sector led deal that will encourage growth and productivity to create thriving local economies both sides of the border." The Borderlands partnership brought together the five cross-border local authorities of Carlisle City Council, Cumbria County Council, Dumfries & Galloway Council, Northumberland County Council and Scottish Borders Council to promote the economic growth and competitiveness of an area that straddles the Scotland-England border. Last year a formal proposition was submitted to the UK and Scottish governments for consideration, focusing on the factors which make the area attractive to investors, visitors and those who wish to relocate. It also aimed to tackle the need for population growth and improved productivity. The proposition focused on several key themes, including: digital technology; innovation; low carbon; and energy. The approach is based on existing physical and infrastructure connections, and transport and connectivity are at the heart of the partners’ proposals, linking the opportunities that can be created and informing future projects. Picture shows Cllr Peter Jackson (left) with Jake Berry MP

Fancy a burger with haggis and whisky sauce? Wetherspoons is launching a special menu to mark Burns Night and it includes a quirky take on the traditional fare. While haggis is always the star of the show when it comes to celebrations of Scotland’s national poet, the pub company has decided to go one better. Burgers tend to be a universal favourite so it has come up with one which will have a uniquely Scottish flavour. Soon North East customers will be able to tuck into a Highland Burger, which contains haggis and comes with a sauce made with that favourite Scottish tipple, whisky. The 6oz burger will be served with chips and six beer-battered onion rings too - and, as an added treat, diners can try a special Robert Burns ale, from Scotland’s oldest working brewery, to go with it. These will be on the menu in Newcastle from Saturday at The Quayside bar and The Mile Castle - as well as in other Wetherspoons pubs around the region - as part of week-long celebrations to mark the life and poetry of the Scottish poet.

Northumberland County Council are hosting a Holocaust memorial event as part of National Holocaust Memorial Day to remember all those lost in the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. The event to mark Holocaust Memorial Day is open to all and will take place on 25th January at 1pm in the Council Chamber at County Hall, Morpeth. The theme for this years Holocaust Memorial Day is ‘the power of words’ and the impact and difference words can make, both for good and evil, which will be explored through music, film, readings and testimonies. The event will begin with the lighting of the Holocaust memorial candle and will conclude with the rising of the Holocaust flag and a blessing from Rabbi Lipsey. The ceremony will be hosted by the Northumberland Youth Cabinet and Parliament and will feature a film from Sele First School and a talk from the Young Equality Stars from Prudhoe Highfield Middle School. Veronica Jones, Northumberland County Council cabinet member for Adult Well Being and Health, said: “It is important that we continue to remember these shocking moments in history and all those that have lost their lives through unjust hatred and persecution. “It is through remembering these events that we can learn from them and they serve as a continuous reminder that more needs to be done to recognise prejudice and raise awareness about how to stop it.”

A new timetable of weekly health walks has been launched by Active Northumberland offering plenty of opportunities to explore Northumberland’s beautiful countryside through the seasons. The group walks are free, vary in length - from short, intermediate and long - and are open to everyone They are led by friendly, trained volunteers who are on hand to provide encouragement and support and help people enjoy the many physical and mental health benefits that regular walking brings. Walking is a low impact exercise that has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia, stroke and some cancers. While getting out in the fresh air with friends can help combat loneliness and depression. David Gregory, health walk co-ordinator for Active Northumberland said: “ Going for regular walks is one of the best and easiest things you can do for your health. Most of us know that we should be trying to walk 10,000 steps a day but getting active can be difficult especially if you’ve had problems with your health. Yet walking could make all the difference - even if you are not feeling your best. Some of our walks are very gentle and last just 30 minutes to encourage new walkers and those with long term health conditions to feel more confident in getting started. “ It’s really easy to get involved. Just turn up a few minutes before the start of a walk. You'll have great company, trained walk leaders and safe walking routes to get you on your way to healthier lifestyle.” The new programme of walks runs from January - June 2018 and covers routes in the north, west and south eastern corners of the county throughout winter, spring and early summer. Bill Godfrey from Blyth is 78 years old and regularly walks with both the Blyth and Ashington Health Walk groups. Bill suffered a heart attack last September and as a result had two stents fitted to improve his blood flow. He was back walking with both groups within weeks of his operation. Bill said: “'The walks are a great way to make sure you get out and about, get some exercise and meet new people as well as old friends. I believe that because I have walked regularly, it has helped me recover quickly and return to the quality of life I had before my illness.” Northumberland County Councillor Cath Homer, cabinet member with responsibility for leisure said: “ In many ways walking is the perfect prescription. It’s good for our health, it’s a great mood-booster and a great way for people to get more exercise into their busy lives. Our group walks also offer people a great opportunity to explore their local area, meet new people and make more friends. I would encourage anyone who may be interested to give Health Walks a try!” If you fancy giving it a go - all you need is a pair of comfortable shoes with good grip and support for your feet. If it's a hot day make sure you take a bottle of water and a waterproof or umbrella will come in very handy if rain is forecast. To view a timetable of walks in your area log on to ww.activenorthumberland.org.uk/Activities.aspx and search health walks under the A-Z activity section. Many libraries, GP surgeries and council contact centres hold a supply of printed programmes. If you would like more information about health walks in Northumberland please contact David on DGregory@activenorthumberland.org.uk or 07860504763

Neighbourhood police officers in Bedlington are out on patrol and you can see where they have been. Throughout January, officers in Bedlington are using the tracking Strava to show the public where they have been on patrol that day. Strava is a website and app most commonly used to track athletic activity using GPS. A different officer each day will be using the account to track their movements on patrol, posting their route once finished, as well as take photos engaging with the public. This comes after a survey claimed more than 50% of the public hadn’t seen a uniformed officer in the last 12 months. The Strava account can be accessed by anyone through searching for Bedlington Police on the website or alternatively you can follow their progress on their Twitter @Bedlingtonpol. Neighbourhood Sergeant Rebecca Felton said: “This is a great way of not only engaging with the public, but also showing the community we are on patrol and have a visible presence. “We encourage members of the public to log on and see the route and distance covered that day. You can always try to beat our step count and see if you can see us out and about.”

A Bedlington resident recently received an accolade at a national ceremony in recognition of her many years of volunteering.

Adults across Northumberland are being offered the chance to improve their job prospects or train in a new discipline, thanks to Northumberland County Council’s Learning and Skills Service. A series of new courses have been announced in the recently published Learning and Skills Prospectus, covering skills based classes, job-related training, apprenticeships and employability improvement. The prospectus will be delivered to households across Northumberland over the coming weeks and includes details of over 320 courses which will be held in Northumberland County Council's Adult Learning Centres across the county. Northumberland County Councillor Wayne Daley, cabinet member with responsibility for adult learning said: “Learning is a never ending journey, everyone is unique so no matter where you are starting from we can help. If the New Year means a new start, getting trained for your dream job or learning a skill then please have a look through our prospectus. Our programme offers a wide range of high quality adult learning courses that can lead to recognised qualifications and improve people's confidence and skills while also providing a great way to meet new people.” From beginners to seasoned students, young mums to jobseekers or retirees the programme of courses is wide and varied. This year new courses have been introduced in digital skills, beauty, creative writing, step into construction (site and labourer based training programme) and FREE taster workshops in science related subjects such as muscles, bones & fitness and DNA & genetics. The specialist teams at Learning and Skills offer help and support to all learners but particularly welcome the chance to support those people with special needs, learning difficulties, or those who just need an extra boost to help them through. To download a copy of the prospectus visit www.northumberland.gov.uk/adultlearning

Despicable thief Michael Daley left a pensioner feeling “violated” after sneaking into her home and stealing from her in a disgraceful abuse of trust. Daley took advantage of the fact he had family members living at the same assisted living complex as the victim. A court heard he let himself into the flat in Bedlington, Northumberland, and stole £200 from her handbag to pay off drug debts. The victim, who lives with her husband, was left feeling vulnerable and insecure and has since installed a security camera for peace of mind. Now Daley, 22, who admitted burglary, has been given a suspended prison sentence at Newcastle Crown Court. Recorder Jonathan Sandiford told him: “This was a sneak-in burglary at a home that, as you well knew, was assisted living for older people, designed to allow them to live independently as far as possible and to give them a degree of security.

Bedlington FC Wolves, pictured, have been lucky enough to have their home kit sponsored by Evolution Gym from Under 8s through to Under 11s.

The Tour of Britain cycle race which blazed through Northumberland in September has boosted the county’s economy by almost £4 million, an independent report has revealed. The world class cycling event saw an estimated 100,000 people lining the county’s roadsides with many flocking in from around the region to cheer on the top sporting stars, including UK favourite Mark Cavendish. Leader of Northumberland County Council, Peter Jackson said: “The financial boost to local businesses from the Tour was quite remarkable. For every pound invested, we saw over 10 times the return in the local economy and it was great to see the event so well supported within the county.” “ Not only did our County Council provide the main financial support to hold this stage of the race in Northumberland but our staff throughout the county did a brilliant job to make sure that the arrangements went so well.” The race featured 20 teams, with 120 riders from 24 different countries taking part. The event provided a huge opportunity to shine the international spotlight on the beauty of the county. International broadcasts of the race reached more than 150 countries including North America, Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa and reached 12 million viewers across Europe including the cycling powerhouse countries of France, Italy and Belgium. Councillor Cath Homer cabinet member with responsibility for culture, arts, leisure and tourism said: “The route showcased some of the most iconic and stunning scenery and landmarks in the county to an international audience. It put the county well and truly in the spotlight and I am sure this will inspire more people to visit the county in the future.” Stage two of the Tour, set off from Kielder and finished in Blyth passing through 28 communities and covering over 200 kms. Many shops, cafes, bars, hotels and restaurants along the route reported brisk business on the day. Jackie Sewell from Tomlinsons Cafe and Bunkhouse in Rothbury said: “The Tour of Britain was an outstanding success for local businesses, local people and visitors. “Rothbury was a shining example of bringing the community together, and the streets were packed with excited crowds. A day of events from best dressed bike painting; shop window dressing, face painting and local entertainers and local market stalls provided a real festival feel.” Economic Impact Highlights The Tour boosted the Northumberland economy by £3.891 million. Of the visitors who came to Northumberland 31 per cent stayed overnight with an average spend in the county of nearly £135 per group. Day visitors spent an average of £52 per group. An impressive 62 per cent said the day inspired them to take up cycling, or cycle more often in the future.