Bot

Residents and visitors to Northumberland will be given a rare opportunity to see some of the county’s hidden architectural treasures when the doors to many of its most historic buildings are opened to the public, free of charge. The Heritage Open Days event is taking place between Thursday 7 and Sunday 10 of September. The open days are free and fun and provide an excellent opportunity for people of all ages to explore the fantastic cultural heritage of Northumberland. A wide range of tours, events and activities are on offer. Dozens of attractions are taking part including the ever popular Cragside House in Rothbury. There will be the the opportunity to look around local churches, Morpeth Clock Tower and the Rothbury Trenches. There will also be the chance to look behind the scenes of Northumberland Archives at Woodhorn Museum and get a rare glimpse into the work that goes into preserving diverse collections which cover over 800 years of Northumberland’s fascinating history. Northumberland county Councillor, cabinet member with responsibility for culture , arts and leisure, Cllr Cath Homer said: “ This hugely popular annual event provides free public access to historic buildings and local landmarks, many of which are not usually open to the public. "It's an unmissable opportunity for residents and visitors to get a glimpse behind the scenes, and perhaps get a better understanding and appreciation of our county's rich cultural heritage.” Heritage Open Days is England's largest festival of history and culture, bringing together over 2,500 organisations, 5,000 events and 40,000 volunteers. To view a full list of this year’s attractions visit https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/

Northumberland County Council has welcomed the Government’s announcement today of the preferred routes for the A1 Morpeth to Felton and Alnwick to Ellingham dualling upgrade. Following further development of their proposals Highways England have now identified the Green route option for Morpeth to Felton, and the Orange route option between Alnwick and Ellingham. Following a six-week consultation last year, three options were presented to residents and regional stakeholders for plans to widen the A1 between Morpeth and Felton, and one option to widen the A1 between Alnwick and Ellingham. The council has long campaigned for dualling of the A1 north of Morpeth - recognising the significant economic and other benefits for the county and wider border and north east regions. The improvements will mean the creation of a dual carriageway on the entire stretch of the route between Newcastle and Ellingham - providing additional capacity and improving journey times and safety. Cllr Peter Jackson, leader of Northumberland County Council said: “This is fantastic news for Northumberland and will provide very significant strategic and economic benefits. “Dualling will promote sustainable growth along the A1 corridor as well as improved connectivity with Edinburgh and the Lothians and with Tyne and Wear and other regions to the south. “Existing businesses will have better access to markets for their goods and services, and to sources of labour, and the dualling will also encourage new businesses to become established - creating new jobs and economic growth. “This announcement is a further confirmation of the Government delivering on its promises in Northumberland.” Councillor Glen Sanderson, cabinet member for environment and local services said: “We have been campaigning for dualling of this key strategic route for over two decades, and this announcement of preferred routes is the next important step to securing major improvements. “The ‘green’ route for Morpeth to Felton was strongly favoured by the council and so I am very pleased that this will be going forward. It addresses our concerns that the other routes would have had more impact on the A697 during construction. “The dualling is set to make significant improvements to road safety on the route, something I am also a very strong campaigner for, with the Green route between Morpeth and Felton offering the best alignment for improving safety. “We welcome the support of our MP who has worked so hard for this and look forward to working with Highways England as they progress this through the next steps.” Highways England project manager Nanette Hoyle said today: “We recognise the importance of this route and are delighted to announce the two options we are taking forward are the ones which the majority of people wanted in last year’s consultation. “Over the last few months we have worked hard to identify the best possible options by working through the feedback from the events, along with safety, economic and environmental analysis and we are excited to share our plans with local stakeholders, businesses and the community. “Work now continues, adding detail to the design for each of the dualling options and on planning how we will deliver them in a way that keeps traffic moving. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for taking part. There will be further opportunities to have your say as the schemes develop.” The green option between Morpeth and Felton includes building a new carriageway to the west of the existing road between Priest’s Bridge and Burgham Park. This option will improve safety along the route and will also have benefits during construction in terms worker safety and efficiency. The existing A1 will act as a local road once the scheme has been completed. The orange route between Alnwick and Ellingham involves upgrading the existing road to dual carriageway, widening either the east or west of the current road depending on the local features that need to be considered. This option also includes improvements at the South Charlton junction. Highways England will be holding further public consultation events in the area during 2018 - offering communities the opportunity to discuss in more detail the design of the preferred routes, discuss the planning application and the next steps with the project team. Further information will be released nearer the time. You can find out more about the A1 in Northumberland scheme at www.highways.gov.uk/A1inNorthumberland

A carnival atmosphere was created in Northumberland as tens of thousands of people turned out for the second stage of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain . From Kielder to Blyth, the spectators lined the streets creating a wall of noise as the cyclists powered their way around the 211km course. And the county’s beautiful countryside provided an impressive backdrop for one of the most exciting events on the racing calendar. Despite the huge climbs and tricky corners, the riders weren’t short of passionate support from the pavements. People transformed their streets and gardens into a sea of red and yellow - the colours of the Northumberland flag - by hanging metres of bunting and flags to welcome them. For the start of the race, hundreds of people descended on Kielder Dam as more than 100 riders were introduced to the crowd.

The county took centre stage in the international spotlight today ( Monday 4th) as the Tour of Britain, the UK’s premier cycle race, rolled through the county giving residents the opportunity to see some of the world's top teams and riders competing on their doorstep. A carnival atmosphere swept across Northumberland as elite cyclists set off from Kielder for the second stage of Britain’s most prestigious cycle race. The riders passed through 28 communities, covering over 200kms, culminating in an exciting finish in Blyth. Kielder Water & Forest Park was filled with an electric atmosphere from early morning, with cycling fans coming along to get up close to the riders before the start of Stage 2 of the race which is being televised live in 120 countries. Northumberland County Council Civic Head, Cllr Anthony Murray and young future star of cycling Roisin Lally from Hexham waved the Northumberland flag to set the riders underway. Communities joined in the spirit of the occasion by decorating the route the distinctive red and yellow colours of the Northumberland flag while thousands of people turned out to welcome and cheer on the cyclists and give them a fantastic Northumberland welcome. A series of community events were held in towns along the route focussing on all things pedal powered to provide Northumberland residents, of all ages the perfect opportunity to have a go at cycling. Northumberland County Council has worked closely with race organisers Sweetspot, start sponsors Northumbrian Water and finish sponsors Blyth Town Council to bring the race back to Northumberland. It was last here in 2015. Leader of Northumberland County Council, Councillor Peter Jackson said : “It has been a fantastic day for the county. We are blessed in Northumberland with amazing natural scenery and wonderful people and it is great that we got to show this off to the competitors and all those who watched the race unfold on television. “In 2015 the Tour of Britain gave a real boost to the local economy - to the tune of £2.2m - and we’re confident this year’s stage which was entirely in the county, will be great news for businesses in Northumberland and our ever increasing tourism industry.” “ It was great to see so many spectators lining the route cheering the riders on and so many communities getting behind the event and decorating their towns and villages . I’d like to thank the organisers of the Tour of Britain, the emergency services and our council staff who all worked very hard behind the scenes to ensure the event ran smoothly and safely.” Jackie Sewell, owner of Tomlinson’s cafe and bunkhouse in Rothbury helped to co-ordinate efforts to decorate the town. She said: “ The Tour of Britain coming through Rothbury created an amazing atmosphere. It is such an iconic event and fantastic sporting spectacle and we are so proud to have been a part of it.”

Northumberland County Council, along with Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) are once again supporting the annual Chimney Fire Safety Week running from 4th to 10th September. Chimney Fire Safety Week raises awareness of safe chimney fire use and information about how to prevent a fire occurring, highlighting the importance of having chimneys swept regularly and only burning suitable fuel. Chimney Fire Safety Week is held during September each year as the mornings get darker, the nights draw in and temperature begins to fall. It is this time of year that people with open fires and log burners start to fire up hearths and grates that may not have been used for several months. This is a time when it is vitally important to have the chimney swept to ensure it is clean and free from soot, leaves, birds’ nests and other debris. Carrying out the sweeping process will reduce the risk of a fire occurring or the build up of the poisonous gas, carbon monoxide, within the property. In the past twelve months, NFRS have responded to 60 chimney fires county wide, this involved the response of a total of 120 fire engines to safely deal with the fires. The aim of Northumberland Council and NFRS is to make Northumberland a safer place to live and create a safer working environment for firefighters. NFRS Chief Fire Officer Paul Hedley said: "NFRS and NCC have a long term aim of improving the wellbeing of residents in Northumberland and central to this is the prevention of fires and other emergencies, with the result of reducing death, injury and damage to property. “NFRS offer free home safety advice and, where necessary, the fitting of free smoke alarms. It is also recommended that anyone with an open fire, woodburner or gas central heating system install a working carbon monoxide detector to their property to create a safer living environment. For any further advice contact your local fire station." Councillor John Riddle, Chair of Northumberland Fire Authority, added: “Fire safety is of utmost importance and it is imperative to continually raise awareness about how to safely maintain and use fires within the home. “Northumberland Council and NFRS are committed to relaying the safety messages of Chimney Fire Safety Week to all residents in the region to help prevent chimney fires from happening and ensuring maximum enjoyment from your open fire or log burner in the home.” Key tips to help prevent chimney fires include: Ensure a fireguard is in front of the fire at all times. Spark guards can prevent serious property fires. If you have had a fire ensure you extinguish the flame before bed or leaving the house. Never use petrol or paraffin to light your fire. If you have a wood burner, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on fuel loading and air flow. If you plan to reopen an old fireplace, seek professional advice from a certified chimney sweep. If you suspect that you have a fire in your chimney breast follow the three safety rules below: 1. Get yourself and others out of the property 2. Call the fire service out on 999 immediately 3. Stay out of the property until after the arrival of the fire service. For further information, please visit: http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Fire/Home.aspx#chimneyfires http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Fire/Home.aspx#firefacts-didyouknow http://www.hetas.co.uk/ http://www.chimneyfiresafetyweek.co.uk/ https://woodsure.co.uk/

Residents and shopkeepers are being asked to look out for cheap illicit vodka after it was found on sale in pubs in the Berwick area. The illicit vodka has been passed off as Smirnoff Vodka and Glens Vodka. Generally the alcohol content of these products is below the legal and declared strength of the products. Tests have found industrial alcohol in a sample and also that the product is not vodka and as such it was mis-described. Now Northumberland County Council’s Business Compliance and Public Safety Unit, is warning people to be on their guard. Councillor John Riddle, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Resilience said: “We need retailers to protect their customers by refusing to buy in products like this. They don’t know what’s in it and are trusting that it is safe to drink. Our message is that you just can’t be sure and shouldn’t buy it. “Only buy from reputable suppliers who will provide the necessary paperwork that allows our officers to trace the supply back down the chain. We have made some shops put conditions on their licences controlling how they buy in spirits and the records they have to keep but can consider prosecuting others. We will look at taking licences away from the worst offenders.” David Sayer, Business Compliance and Public Safety Unit Manager, added: “We currently do not know the scale of this problem. “Trading Standards Officers have found illicit and counterfeit vodka in a number of pubs. The sellers have bought the bottles from itinerant sellers and have no paperwork to show who they bought it from. The fact that we are finding industrial chemicals in the samples tested shows that it is not even vodka. We suspect that industrial alcohol is being diluted and then sold as vodka.” Any shopkeeper or publican who has bought such vodka and still has it in stock can surrender it to Trading Standards, who also want to hear from retailers who have been approached by anyone selling the product and from residents who have concerns about product they have bought. Trading Standards can be contacted on 01670 623870 and ask for the Duty Officer. If a member of the public thinks they may have bought fake vodka from a shop or a pub or club, they should contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506

Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) and the Council’s Public Protection Teams will be offering businesses safety messages as part of the National Fire Chiefs Council UK Business Safety Week 2017. The week runs from 11th - 17th September and aims to make sure businesses and their staff have the information they need to prevent, protect and respond to fire incidents in the workplace. Organisations can also access information on how to comply with the legislation that controls how their business is run. The week has been scheduled to run at a time when many businesses will be recruiting extra members of seasonal staff in the run up to the Christmas period. Head of Fire Safety with NFRS Craig Ducat said: “New recruits may not have the same level of fire safety awareness as permanent members of staff, and may not be aware of the steps needed to protect themselves, their customers and colleagues. “We’ll also be offering businesses input from our Public Protection Teams and traders will be able to discuss current issues and find out where to go for advice if they need it in future. “The week is also a good opportunity to remind employers of the need to review fire risk assessments and training and make sure existing staff know the importance of fire safety.” Across the country fire services will be asking businesses to ensure they have taken action to prevent fires in the workplace, take action to protect themselves from arson and make sure all staff know how to respond appropriately in the event of an incident. Northumberland County Council wish to promote the advice available to businesses regarding regulations, through a series of ‘drop in’ sessions. Business representatives will be able to speak to regulatory inspecting officers from Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, Northumberland County Council’s Trading Standards, Licensing and Environmental Health Services which will be held at: West Hartford Fire Station on September 11th from 9am-1pm Hexham Fire Station on September 12th from 9am-1pm Pegswood Fire Station on September 13th from 9am-1pm Alnwick Fire Station on September 14th from 9am-1pm Councillor John Riddle, Chair of Northumberland Fire Authority, added: "I’m delighted that we’re again working with small and medium size businesses to help them ensure that they are able to operate in a way that is safe from the terrible effects of fire. “These businesses make a huge contribution to our economy and local communities and we want to help them to do this in a sustainable and safe way." Business representatives can find advice on fire safety in their business on the NFRS website by searching for “fire safety” via www.northumberland.gov.uk or by phone to Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service on 01670 621140 or via firesafety1@northumberland.gov.uk

Today ( Monday 4th September) is the day that Northumberland will come alive with the sights and sounds of the Ovo Energy Tour of Britain - the UK’s premier cycling race - and there is plenty of opportunity to catch a piece of the action. Thousands of spectators are expected to line the route to cheer on the world class cyclists, including UK favourite Mark Cavendish as they speed through 28 communities and cover over 200 kms in Stage 2 of the race. The race is due in the following communities at the times below. Please note these are approximate race arrival times. Fixed and rolling road closures will be in place so please arrive in plenty of time to your chosen viewing point. START Kielder Water & Forest Park at 10.15am Bellingham 10:40 Otterburn 11:00 Elsdon 11:05 Rothbury 11:45 Alnwick 12:10 Eglingham 12:30 Chatton 12:45 Belford 1:00 Bamburgh 1:10 Seahouses 1:20 Beadnell 1:30 Embleton 1:35 Longhoughton 1:45 Lesbury 1:50 Hipsburn 1:55 Warkworth 2:00 Amble 2:05 Widdrington 2:15 Widdrington Station 2:20 Ulgham 2:25 Longhirst 2:30 Morpeth 2:40 Guide Post 2:45 Choppington 2:50 Bedlington 2:50 Blyth 3:00 Seaton Sluice 3:10 Seaton Delaval 3:15 FINISH Blyth around 3.30 pm. For full route details, race timings, community activities and information on road closures and parking restrictions log on to www.nlandtob.com

Millions of pounds could be generated for Northumberland’s economy on Monday as the next stage of Britain’s top cycling race gets under way. The county is hosting the second stage of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain, starting in the heart of Kielder before a dramatic finish on the coast of Blyth. And tens of thousands of spectators are expected to line the streets as the 211km route is decorated in red and yellow bunting and displays - the colours of the Northumberland flag. The cycling extravaganza is being shown live on ITV4 and will be broadcast in more than 120 countries. Coun Richard Wearmouth, Northumberland County Council’s cabinet member for economic development, predicts the race could be another big hit after it generated £2.2m for county two years ago. He said: “In 2015 the Tour of Britain gave a real boost to the local economy and we’re confident this year’s stage which is entirely in the county, will be great news for businesses in Northumberland. “In 2015 only the final three hours were broadcast live on TV - this year we have the complete stage broadcast throughout the day worldwide from Kielder to Blyth.

The eyes of the world will be on Northumberland on Monday as the eagerly anticipated OVO Energy Tour of Britain returns to the county. The streets are expected to be decked in red and yellow, the colour of the Northumberland flag, as thousands of spectators gather to catch a glimpse of the cyclists. Northumberland will host an entire stage of the race, starting in the heart of Kielder before a dramatic finish on the coast of Blyth. And the excitement is building as the world’s elite riders get ready to whizz through 28 towns and villages, covering a total of 211kms. Northumberland County Council leader Peter Jackson said: “The race will travel through some fantastic scenery and pass iconic landmarks including Bamburgh Castle and Alnwick Castle. “The tour is to be broadcast in over 120 countries and we look forward to providing a warm welcome to the competitors and supporters and showcasing our beautiful county and communities to a huge global audience.”

Two heroes who saved the life of a man suffering a cardiac arrest have been nominated for an award. Robbie Beckwith and off duty Police Community Support Officer Mark Rodgers were playing table tennis at Ouston Community Centre when they heard a call for help. Mike Jones, 63, had just finished a match at the Chester-le-Street centre when he suddenly collapsed. The pair quickly realised the father-of-three’s heart had stopped beating and started performing CPR until paramedics and an emergency care assistant from the North East Ambulance Service arrived on the scene. Mike, of Nedderton, near Bedlington, was then shocked with a defibrillator before transporting him to Newcastle’s Freeman hospital. Robbie and Mark’s quick thinking saved Mike’s life and they have now both been nominated for a Chronicle Champions award in the category of Outstanding Act of Bravery.

CLUB STATEMENT Bedlington FC were formed this summer following the recent merger of Bedlington Town FC, Bedlington United and Hazelmere Juniors. The Club has been working closely with Bedlington Juniors since then to move towards creating a super club. At a meeting on 31st August 2017 both parties agreed to join forces and continue together as Bedlington FC. David Langhorne, Chairman of Bedlington FC said: “These are hugely exciting times for the club as we move in to the season together as Bedlington FC. With a massive 36 teams playing for us we are rapidly becoming one of the biggest clubs in the region. Over the years Bedlington has had a growing number of clubs all competing but doing their very best for the community and grassroots football - but together we will do much more. All of the founding clubs have a proud history that we will never forget but that said we now look firmly forward to a very exciting future together and improving the offer to our future and existing footballers. We have brand new indoor and outdoor 3G facilities to boast of and great partnerships around Bedlington giving us fantastic grass venues. This is only just the beginning.” Michael Quigley, Chairman of Bedlington Juniors said: “Like David says these are truly exciting times. The merger of clubs brings about a wealth of experience at both a coaching and committee level ensuring grassroots football in Bedlington will only get the best. Not only will the club boast 36 teams of boys and girls at virtually every age group they will also have one of the best, if not the best tots programme in the area. Then not forgetting the senior teams at the top end. Bedlington FC is most certainly the place to be.” Good luck to all Bedlington FC players for the 2017/18 season. Let’s have some fun!

Join us in Blyth to watch the exciting finish of the Tour of Britain Stage 2, Arrival times, road closures and more info at: https://www.nlandtob.com/start Follow our events page for all things Tour of Britain: https://www.facebook.com/northumberlandevents/ Follow the race live on twitter: https://twitter.com/EventsNE Use #NlandToB to share your photos

Join us in Seaton Delaval to watch the Tour of Britain race past. Arrival times, road closures and more info at: https://www.nlandtob.com/start Follow our events page for all things Tour of Britain: https://www.facebook.com/northumberlandevents/ Follow the race live on twitter: https://twitter.com/EventsNE Use #NlandToB to share your photos

Join us in Choppington to watch the Tour of Britain race past. Arrival times, road closures and more info at: https://www.nlandtob.com/start Follow our events page for all things Tour of Britain: https://www.facebook.com/northumberlandevents/ Follow the race live on twitter: https://twitter.com/EventsNE Use #NlandToB to share your photos

Join us in Bedlington to watch the Tour of Britain race past. Arrival times, road closures and more info at: https://www.nlandtob.com/start Follow our events page for all things Tour of Britain: https://www.facebook.com/northumberlandevents/ Follow the race live on twitter: https://twitter.com/EventsNE Use #NlandToB to share your photos

Join us in Seaton Sluice to watch the Tour of Britain race past. Arrival times, road closures and more info at: https://www.nlandtob.com/start Follow our events page for all things Tour of Britain: https://www.facebook.com/northumberlandevents/ Follow the race live on twitter: https://twitter.com/EventsNE Use #NlandToB to share your photos

Councillors are set to give the go-ahead for the construction of almost 2,000 homes in Northumberland. Developments in Amble, Blyth, Ashington, Bedlington and Choppington have all been earmarked for approval by Northumberland County Council’s strategic planning committee. Developers are expected to be granted permission to build 500 homes on a site near James Calvert Spence College in Amble at a meeting on Tuesday. Plans for 500 properties off Glebe Farm in Bedlington could also get the nod, as well as another 200 homes on land off Summerhouse Lane in Ashington. In Blyth, two developments for 300 and 142 homes respectively are expected to go-ahead, while another 327 properties could be built on land at Willow Burn in Choppington. Below we take a look at each application in more depth.

Join us in Morpeth to watch the Tour of Britain race past. Arrival times, road closures and more info at: https://www.nlandtob.com/start Follow our events page for all things Tour of Britain: https://www.facebook.com/northumberlandevents/ Follow the race live on twitter: https://twitter.com/EventsNE Use #NlandToB to share your photos

Join us in Guide Post to watch the Tour of Britain race past. Arrival times, road closures and more info at: https://www.nlandtob.com/start Follow our events page for all things Tour of Britain: https://www.facebook.com/northumberlandevents/ Follow the race live on twitter: https://twitter.com/EventsNE Use #NlandToB to share your photos

Join us as we get into the Christmas Spirit for our first ever Christmas Fayre. Downstairs in The Bayard we will be hosting local organisations providing information about staying safe, healthy and happy this winter. Upstairs in Platform 1 there will be a range of stalls selling all sorts - whether you're looking for a hand-made wreath, a unique gift idea, or just want to get into the spirit! *We are still looking for stall holders to take part in this event - stalls are £10 each which includes a table.* If you'd like to take part, either message us directly, or email admin@ebcc.org.uk

Cycling legend Mark Cavendish has confirmed that he will ride in next week’s Ovo Energy Tour of Britain, which has a stage in Northumberland on Monday 4 September. Cavendish will lead Team Dimension Data in the Tour as the ten-time stage winner in the race makes his comeback from injury after fracturing his scapula on Stage Four of the Tour de France. The OVO Energy Tour of Britain is British Cycling’s premier road cycling event, giving cycling fans the opportunity to see the world’s best teams and riders competing on their door step. On Monday 4th, Northumberland is hosting an entire stage of the prestigious cycle race including an exciting start in the heart of Kielder and a dramatic finish on the coast at Blyth. It will pass through 28 communities covering 211 kms along its route through the county. Dimension Data will be heading to the race as two-time defending champions and hoping to make it a hat trick of wins in 2017, having won the 2015 and 2016 editions of Britain’s biggest professional cycle race with Edvald Boasson Hagen and Steve Cummings respectively. Boasson Hagen is the current Norwegian Time Trial Champion, and with the Stage Five test at Clacton in Essex over a short 16-kilometre distance that is likely to play to his strengths, the 30-year-old is among the favourites to add to his overall wins in the Tour of Britain in 2009 and 2015. The line-up includes a strong mix of strength and experience with Mark Renshaw (a double Tour of Britain stage winner), Bernhard Eisel and Jay Thomson, while Scott Thwaites will make his third appearance in his national Tour, having last ridden in 2014. Commenting on the line-up, Sport Director Roger Hammond – himself a double-stage winner in the event – said: “It is great to be heading back to the OVO Energy Tour of Britain this week. As this event has grown in stature year on year, so has our team and the last two years in particular were fantastic for us. “We always receive a huge amount of support in the UK for the team and for Qhubeka. With our partners, Dimension Data, Deloitte and Nederburg having such a large in presence over here too, the Tour of Britain is a very special and key event for our team. We will no doubt be looking to put on a good show once again, we always start a race with the goal to win, this year's Tour of Britain will be no different.” Founded in 2007, Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka became the first ever African cycling team to gain a WorldTour license, in 2016. In the team’s palmares you can find a Milan-Sanremo victory, numerous stage wins at the Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana, two Tour of Britain GC victories, and 36 National Championships. It’s also known as Africa’s Team due to its focus on helping African talents to the world stage of cycling. The team races to raise funds for the Qhubeka Charity to change lives with bicycles in Africa. For route details and timings in Northumberland log on to www.nlandtob.com

A fantastic range of free events and activities will be taking place in communities along the route of the Ovo Energy Tour of Britain cycle race to celebrate its day in the county. On Monday 4th September there will be a carnival atmosphere across Northumberland as elite cyclists from the world’s top teams set off from Kielder for the second stage of Britain’s most prestigious cycle race, passing through 28 communities and covering over 200kms of the county. The community events will focus on all things pedal powered and provide Northumberland residents, of all ages the perfect opportunity to have a go at cycling. These include: Kielder In Kielder where the race starts, a two day cycle themed festival will take place on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd September at Kielder Waterside to help get people of all ages and abilities in the mood for the big day on Monday 4th. KielderFest is free and includes a pop up velodrome, stunt performances, live music, outdoor cinema screenings, street food and a whole host of cycling related activities. Morpeth From 11 am on Monday there will be a family fun day in Carlisle Park and the Market Place. 3 Sixty bicycle stunt team will put on a BMX display at the skate park in Carlisle Park and will help anyone wanting to have a go using their own bike. Other activities include archery, a cycle slalom, games and puzzles with prizes and bowling and tennis taster sessions. There will also be music and a climbing wall in the Market Place. Staff at Morpeth Riverside Leisure Centre will be holding free bike riding lessons to help children get off their stabilisers. Children must wear a helmet and bring their own bike, preferably with the stabilisers removed. Sessions last approximately 75 minutes and will run from 10 am - 12 noon. Call in at Riverside to find out more, and to book your child onto one of the sessions. There are also 14 golden bikes placed around Morpeth for you to try spot ! Alnwick From 10 am on Monday there will be a series of attractions in Bondgate Within including The 3 Sixty bicycle stunt riding team. Bring your children along to try out balance bikes with Active Northumberland or watch a cycle-powered juice maker in action. Spinning cycling sessions will be taking place at Willowburn Sports Centre. It is hoped that members will clock up the total 815 mile distance of the Tour of Britain over the course of the day. Rothbury On Monday from 10.30am on Church Street there will be music, crafts, street performers, a Vintage 3 wheeler morgan and a bookstall. Childrens sports will start at 1.30 pm ( meet outside the parish hall) and Free Balance Bike sessions will be open for 3-5 year olds at Rothbury Kindergarten between 2-3pm. To book a place contact Rothbury Visitor Centre on 01669 621462. Blyth Activities will be taking place in Blyth Market Square on Monday from 10am when the Street Velodrome and stalls will open. There will be live music on stage from 11. Local school children will be competing in Italian time trials on the finishing straight between 11.45-12.45. Sports Development Officers from Active Northumberland will be present in the town centre from 10am. They will run balance bike sessions for young children, a static cycle challenge for those a little older and you can learn more about the adult cycle hire scheme. Spinning cycling sessions will be taking place at Blyth Sports Centre. It is hoped that members will clock up the total 815 mile distance of the Tour of Britain over the course of the day. At around 3pm the pro cyclists will pass through and start their finishing lap of the Seaton Valley. The riders are set to cross the finishing line around 3.30pm by Blyth Market Place. The presentations to the pro-riders will take place in the Market square after the race. ​ Deputy Leader of Northumberland County Council, Cllr Wayne Daley said: ”This promises to be a really memorable day for Northumberland and I hope residents enter the spirit of the occasion by coming along, cheering on the riders and taking part in the fun family events taking place in their local community.” For further information log on to wwww.nlandtob.com

With just days to go until Northumberland is alive with the sights and sounds of the Ovo Energy Tour of Britain, spectators are being urged to arrive in plenty of time to catch the action. The Ovo Energy Tour of Britain, the UK’s premier road cycling event, is coming to the county on Monday 4 September, with world class riders cycling over 200 kms between Kielder and Blyth, passing through 28 communities along the route. To minimise disruption across the county, all roads on the route will be closed using a rolling roadblock system for around 40 minutes - both 20 minutes before and after the cyclists are expected to pass through each community. The closures are required to ensure the safety of spectators and competitors and will be managed by police motorcycle escorts. While the closures are in place, pedestrian access will be maintained as will vehicle access for emergency services. In some key parts of the race, including Rothbury to Alnwick, Belford to Seahouses, Lesbury to Warkworth, the centre of Morpeth and in Blyth town centre there will be full road closures which will have a greater impact on travel. Although the road closures will be kept in place for as short a time as possible, they will inevitably cause some disruption to both car and bus journeys. Spectators are advised to arrive in plenty of time to watch the race and residents who are going about their daily business on race day are being asked to plan their journeys around the race, take a different route, or allow extra travel time. Some key points and estimated timings along the route: 10.15am Start on Kielder Dam 11am First King of the Mountains climb starts outside Elsdon, climbing to the Winter’s Gibbet 11:45am Riders approach Rothbury followed by King of the Mountains hill climbs up Debdon Bank and Corby Crag 12:10pm Riders approach Alnwick 1pm Riders approach Belford and head to Bamburgh 1.20 pm Sprint through Seahouses 2pm Sprint through Warkworth 2.40pm Arrive in Morpeth via Amble, Widdrington and Ulgham 2:50pm Arrive in Bedlington via Guide Post and Choppington 3pm Riders pass through Blyth for the first time 3:10pm Sprint through Seaton Sluice 3:30pm Riders race back through Blyth for the finish Deputy Leader of Northumberland County Council, Councillor Wayne Daley said: “The preparation is almost complete and we’re ready to welcome the Tour of Britain, which will attract many visitors to the county, boost the local economy and showcase Northumberland’s magnificent landscape to a worldwide television audience. “ The council has worked hard to minimise disruption for its residents while the race takes place but this is a major international event so there will be a number of road closures in place to ensure the race can take place safely. “We will be working hard to ensure any disruption is kept to a minimum and would ask residents to familiarise themselves with some of the details and timings of the route so they can plan ahead. ” Access to Morpeth Bus Station, Morpeth Railway Station and public car parks in the centre of Morpeth will all be affected by the road closure between 2pm - 3.30pm so visitors should plan their journeys around these times as routes around Morpeth are likely to be busy during this period. There will be disruption to other bus journeys on 4 September, particularly with afternoon services. Details of all affected services are available via www.nlandtob.com All health services will remain open and fully functioning during the Tour and access to hospitals and GP practices along the route will be maintained, although in some cases diversions may be in place. Patients and visitors are advised to allow extra time for their journey. Professor Chris Gray, medical director at NHS England Cumbria and the North East, said: “The Tour of Britain is sure to be an exciting event, but with the added influx of people in the area, this may put additional pressure on health services. “If you are unfortunate enough to have a minor injury or illness, such as a sprain, strain, cut or fall, there are lots of options – ranging from pharmacist advice and basic first aid treatment to GP surgeries and NHS 111. Please keep A&E for life-threatening injuries and severe symptoms which come on suddenly.” For more details about Stage Two of the Tour of Britain, including maps detailing the route, road closures and estimated arrival times of the race, plus information about events going on in your local area, visit www.nlandtob.com

Excitement is building for the eagerly-anticipated return of the Tour of Britain to Northumberland. Covering 117 miles and passing through 26 communities, the world’s elite riders will descend on the county next week. The race - one of the most prestigious dates on the cycling calendar - sees riders compete over eight days across the UK. The Northumberland stage starts in Kielder Water and Forest Park and finishes in Blyth. Here is everything you need to know about the event. It is British Cycling’s premier road race and the country’s largest free-to-watch live annual sporting event.