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Man jailed following fatal collision in Bedlington. Today, Jordan O’Donnell, 20-years-old of Waverley Court in Bedlington, has been sentenced to 6 years in prison following a fatal collision earlier this year. The incident took place at around 1.45am on 19th August 2017, on Victoria Terrace, Bedlington and involved a car colliding with a number of parked vehicles. The driver of the car, Jordan O’Donnell, left the scene without reporting it to police and later tried to claim his vehicle had been stolen to try and avoid prosecution. A passenger in Jordan’s car, 19-year-old Bethany Fisher, sadly died at the scene and another woman sustained serious injuries as a result of the collision. Jordan appeared at Newcastle Crown Court on 18th September 2017, where he pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, causing death whilst uninsured, attempting to pervert the course of justice and failing to stop after a road traffic collision. Sergeant Steve Armstrong, Northumbria Police Motor Patrols said: “Jordan O’Donnell’s actions that evening were extremely dangerous. He drove his Ford Mondeo motor car in a dangerous manner at speeds well in excess of the speed limit through a built up residential area and showed no regard to the safety of members of the public or his passengers. At the time of the fatal collision Jordan was under the influence of alcohol and his vehicle was not insured. “I would like to thank the local community in Bedlington for their help and support during this investigation and my thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved at this difficult time. “Northumbria Police are committed to dealing with those who think that it is acceptable to drive motor vehicles on the road in a dangerous manner, under the influence of alcohol or uninsured and anyone who is identified as doing this will face prosecution.”

People are dying because passers by are too scared to carry out CPR – a heart charity has claimed. The British Heart Foundation said 85% of people would not give CPR if someone suffered a cardiac arrest due to a lack of knowledge. Every minute without CPR increases a person’s risk of death by around 10%. The BHF survey found that just 41% of people in the North East would feel confident giving CPR to a stranger, citing concerns about causing more harm than good. However, more than a third of North East residents feel they lack the skills and knowledge to perform CPR at all. Mike Jones, 63, from Nedderton near Bedlington, had his life saved by CPR when he suffered a cardiac arrest on June 19 after a game of table tennis.

They are the scenes of some of the North East’s most notorious crimes - but how many people realise it? Most are mundane sites you wouldn’t look twice at. But due to events they have the notoriety of being a part of the region’s criminal history. While some have changed beyond recognition due to re-development, others look familiar to those who remember the original crimes. Here we list the scenes of the most infamous of crimes as they were when the event took place and how they look now. Location: Pesspool Bridge, South Hetton, County Durham. January 5, 1967. Arguably the North East’s most famous crime, the so-called ‘one-armed bandit murder’ which reputedly helped inspire the Get Carter film starring Michael Caine.

A coach at a Newcastle trampoline club has appeared in court charged with child sex offences. Louis Murray, 22, from Blakelaw, has been charged with engaging in sexual activity with a child and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. He appeared before Bedlington Magistrates Court on Monday morning where he was remanded in custody to appear at Newcastle Crown Court at a later date. Specialist officers are supporting the male victim in this case who attended the club ran by Louis Murray. Police will continue to work with the local authority as their investigation continues but officers are encouraging anyone who thinks they have information that would be useful to police to get in touch by calling 101 quoting log 821 07/10/17.

A new 20 mph speed limit has been introduced outside Stannington First School following the safety concerns of parents, teachers and local councillors. New 20mph signage has been erected outside the school advising motorists they are entering a reduced speed zone, while plans are in place to introduce double yellow lines and keep clear signs outside and around the school. Young pupils have also been involved in a competition to design a symbol and slogan to promote slow and safe driving past their school. The winning slogans have been included on a banner which is now proudly displayed outside of the school. Stannington First School is situated on Church Road and has over 100 pupils between the ages of 3 and 9 years on its register. The school has worked closely with local County Councillor, Eileen Armstrong, the parish council, Northumbria Police and Northumberland County Council to secure the 20 mph speed limit. Local county councillor, Cllr Eileen Armstrong said: “ Stannington First School is very close to the road. Parents and teachers were becoming increasingly concerned, about the speed of the traffic in the vicinity of the school and justifiably so. The introduction of the new speed restriction by the council makes Church Road a safer place for everyone. ” “ I would like to congratulate the winners on their designs for the new banner which will go a long way to help enforce this important message.” Research has found clear evidence that decreased traffic speeds reduce collisions and casualties. Collisions happen less often and when they do happen there is less risk of fatal injury.” Northumberland County Councillor Glen Sanderson, cabinet member for environment and local services said: “ Cllr Armstrong has worked hard with local people to get this scheme off the ground - it is a great idea and I’m sure it will be successful.”

A fun evening event featuring a quiz and curry! Tickets are £5 and are availble from Helen Browell (helen@browell.info), from the Community Help Hub or just send us a message on Facebook. Ticket includes curry and quiz entry. There will be cash bar at the event.

Former Journal and Chronicle reporter Dave Black has died suddenly aged 61. The father-of-two died at home in the early hours on Sunday morning. Dave was a well-respected journalist who worked for the Northumberland Gazette before moving to work for the Journal in 1986. His family have been left devastated by his sudden unexpected death. He leaves behind his wife of 34 years, Linda, daughter Cassie, 29, son, Robbie, 32 and step-daughter Donna Anderson. He lived in Alnwick for over 30 years and covered south east Northumberland for both the Chronicle and the Journal before he left four years ago.

The 1st November sees the launch of our Christmas Holistic Special Offers Magazine! It's the perfect way to drop hints as to what you would like for Christmas.

A Partner-Free Shopping Evening so that you can drop hints over the next few weeks of what you would like for Christmas and they can buy in confidence that you won't see what they've bought you for Christmas! Our Christmas offers magazine will be available through Facebook and via The Old Police Station from Wednesday 1st November.

Details to follow...

A popular Choppington pub is set to blossom after the completion of a major refurbishment.

In October there is World Mental Health Day on the 10th and OCD Awareness Week from the 8th - 14th. I am delighted to be able to honour these two events as part of the #ListeningPost programe and host a #ListeningPost on Wednesday 11th October between 9am - 12. Listening Posts are a concept that has been set up in the UK for individuals to host Listening Posts so that people can come and visit and have the opportunity to talk and be listened to. The idea is to support people so that they feel heard and supported by individuals who have spent time understanding the importance of good mental health either through their own journeys or through professional coaching training. My interest comes from my own journey with mental health and inparticular OCD and anxiety. I offer a welcoming space as part of the Listening Post event for you to be able to have a space where you can talk and be heard. I'm not taking bookings for the event, if you would like to join in all you need to do is turn up to my treatment rooms on Wednesday 11th October between 9am - 12. The Listening Post spaces will run on a first come first served basis and can last as long as you feel you need. If you have any questions please feel free to message me, you can find out more about The Listening Post project here: https://listenforwellbeing.com/about/

A mobile phone app which makes it easier for residents to report issues affecting their local community is being rolled out across the region. The mobile app, ‘MyStreet Northumberland’, was designed by the Safer Northumberland Partnership and Improving Croft and Cowpen Quay (ICCQ) following a pilot in the “12 Streets” campaign which focused on identifying issues affecting twelve streets in Cowpen Quay and putting in long-term solutions. Residents can download the new app and use it to access information on a number of problems such as anti-social behaviour, noise, litter, street lighting and roads all in one place. From here, app users can access advice or report specific incidents to the council or if they have information or concerns about crime and disorder where they live they can access advice via the app or they can contact their local neighbourhood policing team direct. Councillor John Riddle, chair of Safer Northumberland, said: “While Northumberland has low crime levels, we know there are issues that affect people’s quality of life and it’s important communities can easily access advice and report anything they’re worried about. “The app has already been successful, being downloaded thousands of times in its first year, and we’re delighted it’s being rolled out by Northumbria Police to other local authorities in the area.” The app is free to download onto iPhone, Android, and Windows devices by searching ‘MyStreet’ in the app store. People should always call 999 when it’s an emergency.

Control freak Carl Tennant subjected his partner to a terrifying attack after complaining that his breakfast was not ready - then set about giving her a “broken nose for Christmas”. The brute had already sought to snuff out any independence the woman had, even discouraging her from travelling to visit friends and family. A court heard he viewed his then-girlfriend’s primary duty as being to serve and look after him. In October last year he launched an attack after complaining about their relationship and about his breakfast not being ready, Newcastle Crown Court heard. He grabbed her and pushed her, threw a piece of metal artwork at her and lifted her up by her ankles. When Tennant noticed she was bleeding he dragged her upstairs to run a bath and threw the hysterical woman in, fully clothed.

The devastated family of tragic Bethany Fisher have opened up their hearts for the first time since the teenager’s death. The 19-year-old was on a night out celebrating her birthday with friends when she was fatally injured in a car crash on Victoria Terrace, Bedlington, on August 19. Jordan O’Donnell was behind the wheel of a Ford Mondeo when he lost control of the vehicle. Passenger Bethany died from her injuries while her best pal Meg McBurnie, who was also in the car, was seriously hurt in the crash. Bethany’s auntie Suzanne Scott, from Blyth, revealed the family is still struggling to come to terms with losing their “beautiful girl”. Holding back the tears, the mum-of-three said: “I’m absolutely heartbroken and can’t believe I won’t see or hear her voice again.

New beginners Jillates Pilates with Jill class. Book your place to strengthen your core, improve your posture and joint mobility.

Reiki Share- Everyone Welcome :) Informal and friendly session for anyone interested in or practicing Reiki- bring your friends so they can experience the relaxing, calming benefits of Reiki. Due to the continuing success and expansion of the group and several enquiries recently for disabled or limited mobility access IReiki Share Bedlington has moved to East Bedlington Community Centre, 16 & 17 Station Rd, Bedlington NE22 7JW. It is a large, light and airy room with a beautiful feel. There is also a small room we can use if anyone wishes to have a more private treatment as well as a mezzanine area for watching/ chatting!. There is loads of parking and I am still able to offer tea/ coffee. The time is slightly different as the room is already booked in the morning so the new time is 1pm-4.30pm (drop in). The session will be £5 per person or £4 concessions, please note it will no longer be donations based, however once the expenses have been covered I will be donating the remaining of the funds to Water Aid. Many thanks Lindsey x

Ian Lavery has welcomed the news that the future of Bedlington’s Humford Dam looks like it is becoming increasingly secure.

Volunteers collected more than 20 bags of rubbish during a litter-pick at Gallagher Park in Bedlington.

All lined up in their new uniforms with their new classmates and teachers, these photographs are a historic document for every child pictured - and their families - and they are very cute too! The half-days and half-classes are over and the children are settling in to their new routine with new friends. We are delighted to feature roughly 1000 of them - and wish every one very many happy and successful school days to come. Some of the photographers were sent in by schools and others were taken by our staff. They will all feature in our First Class supplement printed in the Chronicle on Friday, September 29, a lasting memento to treasure. So put that date in your diary! You can buy a copy of the photographs we took for your family archive at www.chroniclelive.co.uk/buyaphoto You can also telephone 0191 201 6001 or call in to our reception in the Groat Market, Newcastle, NE1 1ED. Or just enjoy them here! The schools who took part are Appletree Gardens, Monkseaton; Backworth Park Primary School; Balliol Primary School, Longbenton; Beaconhill Community Primary School, Cramlington; Bearpark Primary School, Durham; Blackfell Primary School Washington ; Bridgewater, Newcastle; Browney Academy in Durham; Byker Primary School ; Caedmon Primary School, Gateshead; Canning Street Primary School, Benwell; Colliery Primary School, Dipton; Delves Lane Primary School, Consett; Denbigh Community Primary School, Wallsend; Dunston Hill Community School, Gateshead; Forest Hall Primary School. Also Kelvin Grove Community Primary School, Gateshead; Larkspur Community Primary School, Beacon Lough East; Malvin’s Close Primary Academy, Blyth; Moorside Community Primary School, Arthurs Hill; Mortimer Primary School, South Shields; Mountfield Primary School, Kenton; New York Primary School; Prudhoe Castle First School, Prudhoe, Northumberland; Seaton Sluice First School; Seghill First School, Cramlington; Sherburn Primary School Hill Site, County Durham; St Aidan’s RC Primary School, Ashington.

Northumberland County Council has secured funding to further expand childcare provision for three and four year olds, increasing the overall number of places available for 30 hours of free childcare per week from September 2017. The national roll out to offer an additional 15 hours of free childcare to three and four year olds from all eligible families begins this month and supports the government’s commitment to give working parents of three and four years olds 30 hours of free childcare a week. Northumberland County Council has already successfully piloted the scheme from September 16 in rural areas, with over 600 families benefitting. The council has secured £2m extra funding allowing it to increase the amount of free places across four early year providers within the county. The additional funding will allow for a total growth in places which will see nearly 9,000 hours of additional free childcare available for families. The areas set to benefit from the investment include; Ashington, Bedlington, Blyth, and Seahouses. Bedlington Central Councillor Russ Wallace, who sits on the Cramlington, Bedlington and Seaton Valley Local Area Council, said: “I am delighted that Northumberland County Council has secured this additional funding to provide extra places for free childcare. “Not only will this help families throughout the county, but it means that there will be additional places in the West Bedlington Early Years Partnership and this will directly impact families within our local area and will form part of helping parents of young children return to or continue working.” Councillor Wayne Daley, cabinet member for children’s services at Northumberland County Council said: “The offer of additional hours of free childcare is very important to families with young children and I am delighted that Northumberland County Council has secured funding to increase the number of places of free childcare we can offer throughout the county. “This funding is very important in allowing the council to support even more working families with young children with their childcare costs.”

Heartbroken friends have paid tribute to a teenager who was tragically killed in a car crash while out celebrating her birthday. Bethany Fisher was fatally injured when the Ford Mondeo she was in hit several parked vehicles on Victoria Terrace, Bedlington, on August 19. Childhood friend Sophia Chisholm described the 19-year-old as having a bubbly personality who always kept a smile on everyone’s faces. Sophia, 16, said: “We were like a married couple at work. We would bicker about little stupid things and wind each other up but we were the closest. She was like my best friend. “She text me and my friend Cheryl the day before she died telling us how much she loved us and she said we made her feel like we were all a little family. “Unfortunately a member of our little family has been taken away from us but she has left a big mark on my life.”

You're invited to come along and join a lovely group of friendly, like minded people to share Reiki. Everyone is welcome including children. You are welcome if you have never had a Reiki treatment before and would like to experience it. If you are a student currently practicing or want to refresh your skills you can come along practice. Its 5 pounds per person and includes tea and coffee Any questions please call/ text Lindsey on 07884451877 Looking forward to seeing you there!

A devastated teenager who survived the crash which killed her best friend on a birthday night out has spoken of her heartbreak. Bethany Fisher was fatally injured when the Ford Mondeo she was in hit several parked vehicles on Victoria Terrace, Bedlington, on August 19. Despite the efforts of neighbours and paramedics, the 19-year-old died of her injuries before she could reach hospital. Meg McBurnie, 19, was also in the vehicle and has been left with serious injuries after the collision. Paying tribute to her best friend, Meg said: “Everyone loved her and her funeral was the hardest day of my life. “From the moment I wake up to the moment I go to sleep, I’m always thinking about her. It still doesn’t feel real.

Playing the East Bedlington Music Festival support slot for Tony Bengstton