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Thousands turned out for the fourth Northumberland Live festival at Blyth at the weekend and quite a few left their litter behind them - much to the dismay of one little boy. Five-year-old Oliver Jackson, of Blyth , immediately set to work collecting the abandoned cans, chip trays and sweet and crisp packets you can see in his grandma’s photographs. Proud gran Alyson Young said: “On Saturday evening after the Blyth festival was finished and people were leaving, my grandson, Oliver Jackson, aged five, was watched and admired by many people as he started to clear up the filth and debris that other people had left. “He was so upset by the amount of litter and mess that adults had left lying in ‘his park’ that he took himself off and found a carrier bag and started to clean up. He said ‘It’s not acceptable to have all this rubbish - why have they done this to my park?’ “People looked on in awe of this little boy and started to give him money for his efforts. As if that wasn’t good enough - he then went on to say, ‘I think I’ll give this money to the poor children’ because they don’t have what he has. “He went and asked for a bag from an organiser and was picking up everything, including a four-pack of lager which had been left behind, and was dragging it along behind him.

Northumberland County Council has made a £1.75 million commitment to providing great opportunities for young people, with a recruitment drive for 160 apprentices. The ‘We’re Making it work’ recruitment campaign has started for the county council’s Apprenticeship Programme, which offers apprenticeships from entry level to Degree level. Over the last five years the council has taken on more than 1000 apprentices, with schools in the county taking on over 200. Apprenticeship Coordinators will be supporting new apprentices, providing mentoring and advice to assist them through the learning process, along with a dedicated lecturing team. Daljit Lally, Interim Chief Executive of Northumberland County Council, said: “We support hundreds of apprentices each year and they are incredibly valuable to the council and to businesses across Northumberland. “Our current recruitment drive will see us take on 160 new apprentices this year, with the commitment that by 2020 we will be supporting up to 400.” Wayne Daley, Northumberland County Council’s Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “Apprenticeships are an excellent option for all ages. They provide people with the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge while working towards achieving nationally recognised qualifications. “They aren’t just for young people either - they also suit adults who may be out of work or looking for a career change. “There are some great opportunities across the county for people to gain the skills, and experience necessary to enter the world of employment.” Over the last two weeks an apprentice recruitment roadshow has taken place across the county, giving people the chance to go along for a chat, to ask questions and register interest in becoming an apprentice - 230 people have signed up so far. There is still time to go along - the Roadshow will be at Sanderson Arcade in Morpeth on the 27, and 28 June, and at the entrance of Willowburn sports centre in Alnwick on the 29 and 30 June. For information about apprenticeships with Northumberland County Council go to http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Education/Learning/Apprentice.aspx or email: apprenticeships@northumberland.gov.uk

Northumberland County Council’s Trading Standards service is urging owners of Hotpoint fridge-freezers to check their model numbers for safety reasons after one was identified as the initial cause of the tragic Grenfell Tower fire in London. Residents who believe they may own a Hotpoint fridge freezer model FF175BP (white) or FF175BG (graphite), should call Whirlpool Corporation’s freephone hotline on 0800 316 3826 or visit www.hotpointservice.co.uk/fridgefreezer to register their details for further updates. The council’s trading standards service is encouraging residents to follow this guidance as soon as possible, to help keep themselves, their family and property safe from harm. Hotpoint manufactured these units between 2006 and 2009. It has not been subject to a product recall but current testing by technical experts to establish the cause of the fault, will establish whether any further action is required. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has ordered an immediate examination of the unit but has added there is “ no specific reason” for people with one of these fridge-freezers to switch them off until a full investigation is carried out. Hotpoint is expected to give customers further updates about what action it will take, and customers are advised to follow standard safety advice by not overloading plugs, ensuring sockets are not damaged, and checking cables and leads are in good condition. Paul Hedley, Chief Fire Officer with Northumberland Fire And rescue Service said: “ The safety of Northumberland’s residents is our priority. The device is currently being subject to immediate and rigorous testing to establish the cause of the fire. We urge residents with this model of fridge freezer to log their details promptly so if there is a product recall, this can be done swiftly.” Northumberland County Councillor John Riddle, Cabinet Member with responsibility for public protection added: “Sadly fires in the home can and do happen and smoke, the silent killer, is responsible for over half of all deaths in house fires. “ One of the easiest way to protect your home and family is by installing smoke alarms on every level of your home and making regular checks to ensure they are all in working order. “ With a simple push of the test button and you can check both the power supply and the detection mechanism; it should be carried out as a vital part of any household routine. A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and call 999.” People with concerns about product safety can also call the Citizens Advice consumer service line on 03454 04 05 06 or the Government helpline on 0300 123 1016. The Government website on product recalls, which will be updated should further action on the product be necessary, can be found at www.gov.uk/productrecall.

Plans have been submitted for change of use to a Micro Pub at 40c Front Street West Bedlington. The applicant has existing businesses at The Office in Morpeth and The Foxes Den in Felton, which have proven extremely popular with local residents. The Office was recently awarded Northumberland Pub of the Year by The Campaign for Real Ale. They now intend to open a similar venue in Bedlington. The proposal comes after other licensed premises in Bedlington have received criticism due to recent incidents of vandalism in the town centre during the early hours of the morning. Within the application the proposal is to; The micro pub which is set to be named The Boxwood Tap joins proposals for a boutique hotel at Laird’s House at the top of the main street. Bedlington.co.uk contacted The Boxwood Tap for comment and they say this news story accurately represents the position to date. View the planning application documents on the Northumberland County Council website. Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Glastonbury acts are set to appear at the Lindisfarne Festival in Northumberland this summer. Building on the success of the last two years, Lindisfarne Festival 2017 is gearing up to be an even bigger and better showcase of music, comedy, culture and creative arts. With Glastonbury 2017 now underway and festival fever in full swing, Lindisfarne Festival organisers are delighted to be showcasing a number of same name acts at their Northumberland event including DJ Norman Jay MBE, Huey Morgan, The Showhawk Duo, Beans on Toast, The Pale White, Backyard Rhythm Orchestra and Little Mammoths. With tickets sales already ahead by 55% compared to the same time last year, the team are equally delighted to welcome comedian and Punch Drunk founder Kai Humphries to the festival, who along with hosting the main comedy tent at Glastonbury will also be curating this year’s Lindisfarne Festival comedy line-up. With a stellar list of stand-up talent soon to be announced, full details of the line-up will be revealed at their sold-out Punch Drunk event in Blyth on July 3 featuring Britain’s Got Talent finalist Daliso Chaponda. Comedian Kai Humphries said: “Punch-Drunk Comedy has had an outrageous start to 2017, welcoming the likes of Zoe Lyons (LIVE AT The Apollo), Dave Johns (I, Daniel Blake), and Paul Sinha (The Chase) to our stages in Blyth, Bedlington , Ashington , and Cramlington .

Northumberland County Council is providing reassurance to residents that it is fully prepared to respond should a major incident occur within the county. The council regularly carries out reviews of the emergency procedures that are put into action for major events such as serious flooding, severe winter weather and other incidents. Cllr Peter Jackson, leader of Northumberland County Council said: “Following the tragic Grenfell Tower fire, and aftermath, the council is acutely aware of the importance of a swift and robust response to such an incident from the local authority. “We would like to reassure residents and communities that Northumberland County Council has detailed plans in place to respond to major incidents, which are regularly tested. “Over the last week we have been looking at a number of issues with the aim of providing reassurance that suitable procedures are in place and that we have confidence in our processes.” The council regularly reviews and updates its plans, including how it works with partner agencies to resolve emergency issues and restore normality as soon as is possible. To test arrangements, the council undertakes exercises and trains for these scenarios - including planning how people would be rehoused if their homes were lost or damaged. This planning ensures the council is ready to act when such a situation arises, as was the case early in December 2015 when Storm Desmond hit the region with devastating effect. The county council’s emergency severe weather response plans were activated and a multi-agency control room was established at Northumbria Fire & Rescue Service’s HQ at West Hartford, where Police, Fire and Rescue, Environment Agency and County Council staff converged to put in place a co-ordinated response to the incident. Departments across the council have been working proactively following the Grenfell Tower fire, to provide reassurance that safety procedures are in place and that there is every confidence in processes. Whilst Northumberland does not have any residential tower blocks of the type involved in the Grenfell Tower tragedy, there are residential low rise premises of up to four storeys. There are also premises within Northumberland which are fitted with external cladding and the council is working to establish the type and make of those panels. As part of a wide range of measures, the county council will also be liaising with external partners and contacting premises across the county to provide an offer of support, advice and guidance on fire safety matters and asking that they take steps to satisfy themselves that there are no safety concerns for the premises for which they are responsible.

The route for the eagerly-anticipated return of the Tour of Britain to Northumberland has been revealed. Covering 117 miles and passing through 26 communities, one of the most gruelling and prestigious dates on the cycling calendar will make its comeback in the North East on September 4. Cyclists will begin in Kielder Water & Forest Park at 10.15am and then pass through Bellingham and Otterburn, before heading towards the coast via Elsdon, Rothbury, Alnwick, Eglingham, Chatton, Belford and Bamburgh. The course then travels down the stunning coastline, passing through the communities of Seahouses , Beadnell, Embleton, Longhoughton, Lesbury, Hipsburn Warkworth and Amble along the way. Riders will then pedal through Widdrington, Widdrington Station , Longhirst, Ulgham, Morpeth, Guide Post Choppington and Bedlington. Spectators in Blyth have the chance to see the cyclists twice as they pass through on their way to Seaton Sluice and Seaton Delaval, before looping back to the finish line for the race’s conclusion which is expected at about 3.30pm.

Detailed route information for the Ovo Energy Tour of Britain has been announced today – and the course will give scores of Northumberland residents a grandstand view of some of the world’s top cyclists. The UK’s biggest and most prestigious cycle race will go through the heart of the county on Monday, September 4, passing through 26 communities and covering 117 miles. Northumberland is hosting stage two of the race, which will start in Kielder Water and Forest Park at 10.15am. The cyclists will then head out through Bellingham and Otterburn before heading towards the coast via Elsdon, Rothbury, Alnwick, Eglingham, Chatton, Belford and Bamburgh. The competitors will then head down the stunning Northumberland coastline, passing through the communities of Seahouses, Beadnell, Embleton, Longhoughton, Lesbury, Hipsburn, Warkworth and Amble. The race will then travel through Widdrington, Widdrington Station, Longhirst, Ulgham, Morpeth, Guide Post, Choppington and Bedlington, before passing through the finish line at Blyth to take in Seaton Sluice and Seaton Delaval before culminating in an exciting finish back in Blyth, scheduled for around 3.30pm. This will give spectators at the finish line in Blyth the chance to see the riders pass twice.

Scores of the county’s communities are to get a grandstand view of some of the world’s top cyclists after route details of the UK’s largest and most prestigious cycle race were revealed. The Ovo Energy Tour of Britain will travel through the heart of Northumberland on Monday 4 September, passing through 26 communities and covering 117 miles. The race will start in Kielder Water & Forest Park at 10.15am and head out through Bellingham and Otterburn before heading towards the coast via Elsdon, Rothbury, Alnwick, Eglingham, Chatton, Belford and Bamburgh. It will then head down the stunning Northumberland coastline passing through the communities of Seahouses, Beadnell, Embleton, Longhoughton, Lesbury, Hipsburn Warkworth and Amble. The race will then travel through Widdrington, Widdrington Station, Longhirst, Ulgham, Morpeth, Guide Post Choppington and Bedlington before passing through the finish line in Blyth to take in Seaton Sluice and Seaton Delaval before culminating in an exciting finish in Blyth, scheduled for around 3.30pm. This will give spectators at the finish line in Blyth the chance to see the riders pass twice. The Northumberland stage of the race will also incorporate three intermediate Eisberg Sprint sections and three SKODA King of the Mountain hill climbs which are expected to prove particularly popular with spectators. The Eisberg Sprints will take place at Seahouses, Warkworth and Seaton Delaval and offer fans the chance to see riders sprinting for points and bonus seconds. Riders will also tackle three categorised SKODA King of the Mountains climbs at Elsdon, Rothbury and Alnwick, gathering points for the best climber’s jersey. Northumberland County Council has worked with race organisers Sweetspot, finish sponsors Blyth Town Council and start sponsors Northumbrian Water to bring the Tour back to the county. It was last here in 2015. Councillor Peter Jackson, Leader of Northumberland County Council said: “It’s going to be a really exciting day for spectators as the cyclists race through the county’s towns, villages and hamlets and we will be keeping local residents fully informed of the race details as plans progress. “ The race will travel through some fantastic scenery and pass iconic landmarks including Bamburgh Castle and Alnwick Castle along its route. 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 an huge global audience.” In 2015, The Tour of Britain swept through the county creating a wave of excitement as some of the world’s top cyclists including Sir Bradley Wiggins cycled through our communities. Residents and businesses dressed the route in the distinctive red and gold colours of the Northumberland flag and thousands of spectators lined the route to cheer on the cyclists and give them a fantastic welcome. This year, the eight stage race will begin in Edinburgh on Sunday 3 September and finish in Cardiff in Wales on Sunday 10 September. Northumberland is hosting stage two on Monday September 4, after which the pro-cyclists will re-start in North Lincolnshire on Tuesday 5 September. Subsequent stages will take the race to the Cotswolds, the Malvern Hills and The Wye Valley. The route through the county was announced at the Northumberland School Games Festivals at Cramlington Learning Village where over 1,000 young people were competing to become county champions in a range of sports. Northumberland County Councillor, Cath Homer, Cabinet Member for Culture, Arts and Leisure said: “It is fantastic that we were able to announce the detailed route of the Tour of Britain at the Northumberland School Games. It would be great if the race inspires more people to get on their bikes and explore our beautiful county.” “ Cycling is a sport that is relatively cheap and accessible and we have some excellent cycling routes here in the county, including Sustrans Route 68 and the Coast and Castles.” Mayor of Blyth Town Council, John Potts said: “In 2015 when the cycle race came to Blyth the town was buzzing with excitement. The Town Council supported the event and the velodrome in the market place was very popular with children and adults alike. We will be supporting the event again this year and hope the whole Town gets involved in decorating the streets to show Blyth at its best. This international event generates a huge amount of publicity which can only be of benefit to all of us.” David Hall, Head of Leisure, Strategy and Transformation at Northumbrian Water said: “Northumbrian Water works hard to support events that benefit the economy of the North East and as the Tour of Britain passes through what we consider one of the best cycling counties in the UK, it will help to boost regional tourism and showcase Northumberland to the rest of the world. “As a business, we have a long association with cycling, both in terms of supporting races and providing opportunities for leisure cycling at our sites and we’re delighted to be able to help bring this elite sporting event right here to our region.” Mick Bennett, Race Director of the Ovo Energy Tour of Britain said: “We are delighted to be returning to Northumberland this September. Two years ago the reception that the county gave the race was outstanding, so we are looking forward to more of the same this September. To see the routes decorated in the county’s colours of red and yellow was fantastic, and with this year’s Stage Two route reaching new parts of northumberland, we are sure to see even more of this fantastic support.” Full Northumberland route details can be found at www.nlandtob.com, or for further information about the National Tour, please visit: www.tourofbritain.co.uk/home.php

Detailed investigation work is getting underway ahead of proposed improvements to a world famous bridge spanning the River Tweed between England and Scotland. Northumberland County Council, Scottish Borders Council and the ‘Friends of Union Chain Bridge’ are working together on an ambitious £8m project to safeguard the future of the Union Chain Bridge near Berwick - the world’s oldest single span suspension bridge still open to traffic. The internationally significant bridge, constructed in 1820 and spanning the River Tweed on the Anglo-Scottish border requires urgent conservation and engineering repairs to secure its future. It has been on Historic England’s ‘Heritage at Risk’ Register since 2013. A funding bid for the restoration is now being prepared for the Heritage Lottery Fund, with a maximum of £5m available towards the bulk of the work. The County Council’s Cabinet will next month consider recommendations to contribute funding over three years towards the scheme, with both Northumberland and Scottish Borders Council ultimately contributing towards the project. Other stakeholders will also be making significant contributions. Ahead of this, site investigation work is getting underway on the bridge from June 26 for up to four weeks, which will mean the road will be closed to vehicles from July 3 on weekdays for a fortnight. The investigation work is important in providing a greater understanding of the status and condition of the bridge - and allowing a more robust bid to be submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund. There will be local diversions in place for traffic during the week, the bridge will be open to pedestrians and cyclists at all times and to vehicles at weekends. Engineers have already spoken with local parish councils, nearby businesses and other key stakeholders and are speaking to the Hutton and Paxton community council this week. Councillor Glen Sanderson, Cabinet member for environment and local services, said: “The Union Chain Bridge is of international significance but its condition has been of growing concern for a number of years. “Along with our colleagues in Scotland we are committed to safeguarding its future and status, both as a key transport link and as a contributor to the local tourism economy. “The site investigation work is vital ahead of any major project starting and engineers will be working to keep disruption to a minimum throughout.” The bridge itself is a single suspension span of 137m of timber construction supported from wrought iron chains by wrought iron hanger bars. If these vital repairs are not undertaken, the bridge would ultimately close to vehicles, losing its World status as the oldest surviving suspension bridge carrying traffic, causing serious loss to the local community. Councillor Gordon Edgar, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Roads and Infrastructure, said: “I am pleased we are seeing progress in the bid to retain the Union Chain Bridge as the world’s oldest single span suspension bridge still used by traffic. “The iconic crossing has provided a vital link between Scotland and England for almost 200 years, and we want that to remain the case. “The short-term closure of the bridge to vehicles will cause some inconvenience but will provide important information for its long-term future.” Robbie Hunter, Chairman of the Friends of the Union Chain Bridge said: “The Friends of the Union Chain Bridge are delighted to hear of the continued significant financial support from both Northumberland County Council and Scottish Borders Council towards the restoration of the bridge, which is a unique part of the UK's engineering history. “However, the success of the project is reliant on receiving HLF funding and the Friends with their large community support, on both sides of the Border and internationally, will continue to lobby hard to ensure the success of the project, with the aim of restoration underway in time for its Bicentenary in 2020. It would be an unforgivable tragedy if we failed to save this engineering icon.” Northumberland County Council’s Cabinet will discuss the report on the bridge on July 11.

A new parking area has been established to help alleviate issues for motorists in Hexham. Land at the former Fire Station at Tyne Mills has been opened up and spaces marked out to provide all-day parking for people who work in the town. Northumberland County Council and local county councillors are working with the town council to find long term solutions to car parking issues in Hexham, and have reaffirmed their commitment to long-term improvements. Alongside work on permanent long-term car parking solutions, the council has been looking at sites that could be readily available - and further sites in addition to the fire station are also being considered. The temporary car park at the fire station is available now and provides up to 50 spaces. Parking will be free and there will be no restrictions or controls in place, although it is aimed primarily at all day parking for those who work in the town. Cllr Cath Homer, county councillor for Hexham East said: “I am very pleased that these interim arrangements are now up and running, and hope that they have a positive impact in alleviating some of the parking issues. “I am also pleased to say that the council is actively looking at both short and longer term solutions to the car parking issues we experience here in Hexham.” In relation to longer term solutions the council is assessing the suitability of a number of sites in the town - including the potential for a multi-storey car park or more extensive surface parking. Due to the historic and compact nature of the town centre, options to significantly increase overall parking capacity in the town are limited, however a small number of potential options are being explored. Sites that could have potential are being considered in relation to access and traffic impact, and where not owned by the county council discussions are taking place with landowners to allow options to be appraised. Cllr Glen Sanderson, cabinet member for environment and local services at Northumberland County Council said: “We are committed to making progress on improving the car parking situation in Hexham. We have identified some potential options and will be assessing these as soon as possible and consulting the local community.”

Northumberland County Council has offered emergency accommodation to survivors of the Grenfell fire in London. Daljit Lally, the interim Chief Executive of the County Council made contact with the Chief Executive and Director of Housing from the Royal Borough Kensington and Chelsea Council to make the offer. In preparation the County Council has made arrangements for housing to provide immediate temporary or permanent accommodation in Northumberland for two families from today, Monday 19th June 2017. Peter Jackson, Leader of Northumberland County Council said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire. There is currently a crisis in housing people who have been displaced by this terrible tragedy in Kensington. “Even though we are some distance from London, we were keen to offer support.” In addition to offering accommodation for those affected by the tragedy, a proactive review is underway by county council departments to look at records of premises which operate stay put policies, or have external cladding applied to them, to provide confidence and assurance that safety issues have been properly considered and risk assessed. Paul Hedley, Chief Fire Officer at Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service said: “Our thoughts are with all those involved in the Grenfell Tower fire and our colleagues in the emergency services. "Across the country, this tragedy has touched us all. Whilst Northumberland does not have any residential tower blocks of the type involved in the Grenfell Tower tragedy, there are residential low rise premises of up to 4 storeys. There are of course also premises within Northumberland which we know are fitted with external cladding and we are working to establish the type and make of those panels. “I would like to reassure Northumberland residents that we unaware of any concerns about the safety of any multi-storey residential premises within the county. “As part of a wide range of measures, we will also be liaising with external partners and contacting premises across the county to provide an offer of support, advice and guidance on fire safety matters and asking that they take steps themselves to satisfy themselves that there are no safety concerns for the premises for which they are responsible.”

A comprehensive scheme to improve one of Northumberland’s most congested roads is now complete. The £740,000 scheme to reduce congestion on Cowpen Road in Blyth was carried out in three stages consecutively, speeding up the work and improving the traffic flow. The project involved the removal and improvement of traffic lights, road widening and the creation of an additional lane on the exit from the Asda roundabout. New road markings are also in place on the A189 roundabout and approaches, along with improved road signs. Councillor Glen Sanderson, Cabinet Member for Environment and Local Services, said: “This scheme is a great credit to our staff who worked tirelessly to get the various stages of the work done as quickly as possible. “We did everything we could to minimise disruption and it’s important we bear in mind why this work was done in the first place - to improve safety, reduce congestion and improve journey times for the thousands of people who use this road every day. “Feedback has been very positive and the standard of the work is first class.” Local County Councillor Susan Davey, who long campaigned for the changes and helped secure funding from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: “It’s fantastic that this long-awaited and desperately needed scheme is finally complete. “I am delighted that these adjustments have had a marked improvement on the flow of the traffic. The opening of Spencer Road on the industrial Estate has not only taken away the heavy lorries from the main body of the road but have helped the Port of Blyth to consider the relocation of their entrance. “As with all works and an ever increasing number of vehicle on our streets, monitoring of this road will remain a high priority.” Ray Browning, Programme Manager at the North East LEP, said: “This was an important upgrade to help alleviate pressure at peak times at key junctions benefiting not only the local community but also importantly helping efforts to attract new investment and jobs into the Blyth Riverside Business Park and the enterprise zones sites around Blyth Harbour where the North East LEP is also supporting infrastructure investment.”

Her Grace the Duchess of Northumberland has been hearing about the final plans for the seventh annual LOVE Northumberland awards, which she is due to present to winning groups and individuals on Wednesday 5th July. During a visit to the Alnwick Garden the Duchess heard about some of the great entries that have been received for this annual celebration of initiatives that improve and enhance the environment of Northumberland. Her Grace also chatted to local historian and broadcaster John Grundy, who will be the presenter who announces the winners this year, and to Jeannie Kielty, representative of main sponsors The Banks Group. Applications have now been judged and individuals and representatives of shortlisted groups are being invited to the awards event, which is set to be held in The Alnwick Garden pavilion. Jeannie Kielty from the Banks Group said: “We have been very pleased to support these awards since back in 2012, and I am continually impressed by the range and standard of new applications we receive each year. There is a wealth of groups and individuals out there with some fantastic stories to tell about how they help to improve their local areas. “The spirit of the LOVE Northumberland Awards matches our own commitment to supporting the communities in which we operate, and we’re very pleased to be able to help to recognise the contributions made by local people in enhancing their county’s environment in the last 12 months.” New cabinet member for environment and local services at Northumberland County Council, Councillor Glen Sanderson, was unable to attend the visit due to other council commitments, but said afterwards: “I am very much looking forward to being involved in the LOVE Northumberland Awards this year. It is very good to be able to celebrate all the excellent work done by local people right across the county. I very much look forward to hearing about all the great applications - and wish the best of luck to all shortlisted entries who are coming along to the ceremony on 5th July.” Nominations for awards were invited from schools, community and voluntary groups and individuals in seven categories for projects that preserve and enhance the environment or that address local environmental issues or problems. The judging panel was made up of representatives of the council and sponsors and supporters of the awards.

The Undertones will be headlining ​The Northumberland Live Festival at Blyth this weekend June 24th, playing timeless classics including; ‘Here Comes the Summer’, ‘Jimmy Jimmy’, “My Perfect Cousin” and the power pop anthem “Teenage Kicks.” Review by http://neconnected.co.uk "In support to The Undertones will be new wave power pop band, Cryssis, who regularly pack out stadiums in their base country of Germany. Add to this local talent in the form of Ashington singer song writer Peesh, Durham based pop rock band, Twister and up and coming new alternative indie band Pacific who are tipped for the top. Also on the bill will be he Real Gone Gadgies, Arieanne Masters, The Exciters, Endless Sky and Little Moth. There will also be performances from Bad Apples hip hop crew, Blyth Samba and a few surprises too. As well as the musical attractions, the Festival will have its much looked forward to array of street theatre, superb food from the counties finest food suppliers and a family activity area which will keep all ages entertained. Also dropping in will be the Royal Logistics Corps Parachute Display Team, The Silver Stars who will perform daredevil manoeuvres as they descend onto the beach area. The fun starts at 10am and will continue until around 9pm. Parking is limited on site and a free park and ride service will be in operation run by Phoenix Taxis from the library in Blyth town centre." For all the latest information on the event follow the Northumberland Live facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NorthumberlandLiveFestival

Northumberland County Council in partnership with Silx Youth Project, a Blyth based organisation has launched a guidebook aimed at helping first time housing tenants. The Young Tenants’ User Guide has been developed directly with Silx Youth Project, based upon their own practical experience of working with young people and aims to provide information on everything a tenant may need. Aimed at 18-25 year olds, the guide tackles issues such as finance and how to keep on top of your bills, budgeting and saving money on utility bills, and how to claim for benefits they are entitled to. It also explains what a tenancy agreement is and the importance of understanding what tenants are responsible for and the council as the landlord, including what can happen if those responsibilities are not met. The idea for the guide came from feedback from young people in the Blyth area who were struggling to manage in social or private rented accommodation. John Riddle, Northumberland County Council’s Cabinet member for Planning, Housing and Resilience, said: “We’re delighted to have been able to work with Silx on this invaluable project. “We’re keen to support young people in being able to take that next step into adulthood, by moving into their new home. “However, we recognise they can find themselves in a vulnerable position and at risk of losing their tenancy, if they don’t have the skills or knowledge of what is involved in running a home. This guide covers everything they need to know to have a positive experience and to fulfill their potential as a home owner in the future.” The guide also includes tips on how to stay safe in your home, as well as issues such as sexual and mental health. Each new young tenant will be given the guide at their tenancy introduction meeting with a council housing officer, copies are also available from the Silx offices on Church Street, Blyth. Chris Antony, trustee of Silx, said: “We were finding that more and more young people in the Blyth area were struggling with all the different aspects that come with managing and surviving in a social or private rented accommodation. “Issues such as getting into debt, or anti-social behaviour in their home, were leading to young people not be able to progress with their tenancy. “We hope that this guide will give young people the information and support they need to understand what is involved in running their own home.”

An ambitious programme of extra verge cutting and weed spraying is getting underway as the county gears up for the main tourist season. The county council is drafting in extra resources over the coming weeks to carry out additional grass cutting along highway verges across the county. The work is vital to ensure that vegetation does not restrict visibility for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. In addition to the road safety benefits, these works also improve the look of an area and keeps the network in better condition by preventing plants taking hold on the side of roads. As well as bringing in more staff the council is leasing two more tractors with special cutting equipment over the summer. Weed growth on pavements and kerb edges is an on-going problem across towns and villages in the county, especially during periods of warm wet weather when weeds grow very quickly. In order to improve the appearance of the county extra weed spraying is being done on pavements and kerb edges, so that residents should notice weeds dying back before being cleared away. Councillor Glen Sanderson, Cabinet Member for Environment and Local Services, said: “One of our priorities as a new administration is to improve the condition of the road network and invest in improvements that benefit everyone. “Our county brings in millions in tourism each year and it’s important our streets and highways are well maintained, both for safety and the overall look and feel of the place. “We’re committed to reversing the previous administration’s cost cutting on highway verge maintenance and weed control and have taken immediate steps to improve these key areas of activity to ensure Northumberland is looking its best ahead of the main tourist season.”

A special flag raising ceremony was held today at County Hall in Morpeth to mark national Armed Forces Week. The ceremony was part of a countrywide programme of events to celebrate and recognise HM Armed Forces - past, present and future. Servicemen and women and war veterans were joined by civic leaders and members of Northumberland County Council staff and the public to pay tribute to all those service personnel who put their lives on the line in war zones across the world. The Armed Forces Flag was raised on the flagpole outside County Hall and will fly all week ahead of Armed Forces Day, which falls on Saturday 24 June this year. Civic Head of Northumberland County Council, Councillor Anthony Murray said: “ Behind the flags, parades, and other events up and down the country to mark Armed Forces Day, we should remember that, as we speak, in this country and overseas, these brave people are putting their lives on the line - on the ground, in the air, and on the oceans - to keep us safe and to build a better world for our children. “ We must also remember that each one of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and reservists is also a wife or a husband; a father; a mother; a son or a daughter and recognise that the pressure on their families is considerable. I want to thank all those who support their loved ones in our Forces. “ Nor should we forget the commitment of our Cadets, or the adult volunteers . Of course, those serving in our Armed Forces will one day move into the larger family of veterans and Armed Forces Day is a celebration of our veterans’ community too, whatever their age. This is a day when we can show our patriotic support for all of these heroes, and their outstanding contribution to this country. They are a constant reminder to younger generations that preserving our way of life and the things we hold most dear is sometimes hard won, and never guaranteed. ”

The Matthew Project, based in Bedlington, has received a bundle of products from Asda Blyth that was donated to help those feeling financial strain. Items handed over included tinned goods, biscuits, crisps and toiletries such as toothpaste and toothbrushes. The project provides food parcels for individuals, families and homeless people in the Bedlington and Blyth areas following referral by organisations such as social services, Citizens Advice, Barnardo’s and Sure Start. Leadership group member Maureen Chilton said: “It is thanks to the kind donations of individuals, churches and supermarkets such as Asda Blyth that we are able to continue to provide our vital service and lend a helping hand to those in need.”

Ian Lavery has urged the Conservative-led administration at County Hall to announce its intentions for some key sites to ‘put mine and my constituents’ minds at rest’. The areas highlighted in the Wansbeck MP’s letter to Northumberland County Council leader Peter Jackson – sent last night – include the town centre development in Newbiggin and future leisure, library, parking and school provision in Morpeth. He also raises concerns about Arch, the local authority’s development company, and calls on the Tories to make a pledge not to reduce council jobs or services or pass any of them to the private sector. But Coun Jackson has hit back today, accusing Mr Lavery of ‘unnecessarily scaremongering residents and council staff’. He pointed to the example of the Pipers Place development in Bedlington, as he has said the planning permission process for this scheme should not be slowed down – an outline application for the mixed-use project was approved by the council earlier this month.

A woman who grew up in Bedlington and today lives in Australia recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Hilda Pearson, born on May 29, 1917, completed her schooling at about the age of 14 and left to do domestic work further south. This money was sent home to help the family – her parents were John and Abigail Worn and she had two sisters, Emma and Rachael, and two brothers, Stanley and Sidney. Her father was a coal miner.

Wildlife is blooming in a corner of Prudhoe thanks to a group being supported by Northumberland County Council and Northumberland Wildlife Trust. The Spetchells Conservation Interest Group (SCIG) have been working hard over the past year to ensure a rosier future for the rare wildlife on the chalk hills at Tyne Riverside Country Park in Prudhoe, known as The Spetchells. The group has raised over £5,000 and put in countless volunteer hours to remove invasive cotoneaster shrubs from the top of the hill, making the land once more ideal for solitary mining bees and the dingy skipper butterfly, as well as a range of specialist chalkland plants such as wall rocket and dyer’s greenweed. Funding has come from a range of supporters, including Northumberland County Council’s Community Trust, Greggs, SCA, Thompson’s of Prudhoe, Jewson’s, Waitrose and Northumberland Wildlife Trust. This has enabled the group to buy information boards, training and tools to enable work to take place. The County Council’s Green Spaces team and Northumberland Wildlife Trust enabled the project to go ahead and also ensured the volunteer work was supported with logistics and tool storage. The Spetchells are an artificial landscape of chalk, created as a by product of the old ICI factory that was on the site SCA now occupies. The area is unique in the north east of England and now hosts the biggest chalk grassland habitat in the region. Many unusual species of plants and animals are found there, and SCIG formed last year to tackle some of the issues on site that now threaten them. Councillor Glen Sanderson, Northumberland County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Local Services, said: "We’re delighted at the finished work on the signs and the ongoing support of the very knowledgeable volunteers of SCIG, which have enabled huge progress on site through their efforts. “The site is a real asset to the local community and is already attracting a variety of endangered species.” Dr Keith Shaw, who has spearheaded the group, said: "The area is a popular beauty spot, but there were real concerns for the botany and insect life which needed huge effort to overcome. "We are so pleased to now offer signage to help people understand the site better, and with all the support we have had in returning this site to favourable condition, although there are further challenges ahead." Naomi Waite, Magnificent Meadows officer for Northumberland Wildlife Trust, said: "This site had been designated a special Local Wildlife Site many years ago for its populations of Dingy Skipper butterflies, but the whole site is important. It’s great so many people have helped reclaim our wildlife on site, it’s already making a big difference in 2017." The group will continue to meet to improve the grassland, offer talks to the public and monitor the wildlife. For more information contact countryside@northumberland.gov.uk

Parents need to apply for 30 hours ASAP and well before the 31st August 2017 deadline if they wish to access a place next term (September 2017). A delay in applying may mean parents will not be able to access a place until January 2018 You can apply for free childcare here All 3 and 4 years old are entitled to 15 hours a week (570 hours a year) of free childcare and the government will begin to offer an additional 15 hours of free childcare per week to all eligible working families starting September 2017. For further information and to check whether your child is eligible to receive the additional 15 hours childcare, click here Northumberland County Council has been part of the pilot scheme offering 30 hours of free childcare, if you have taken part in the pilot scheme and your child will remain eligible for 30 hours free childcare in September 2017 then you will need to apply under the national scheme to continue to receive your additional entitlement.

Work on a £1.5 m scheme to restore Hexham House and create a new wedding venue for the town is now in its final stages with the venue on track to be opened to the public in September. Northumberland County Council will be holding a series of open evenings later in the summer so couples planning to get married can view the venue and meet and chat with members of the Northumberland Wedding co-ordination team. Hexham House is a Grade II* listed building located within an award winning park with views of the Abbey from almost every room and will undoubtedly be a beautiful and popular place for couples to get married. The house is undergoing a major face-lift to convert it into a wedding complex, with the creation of a new register office, two wedding ceremony rooms and seven luxury self-catering holiday apartments complete with bridal suite. The interior of the building in Gilesgate is having a full upgrade and refurbishment and every effort is being made to ensure that any work is in-keeping with the heritage of the 18th Century house. Northumberland County Councillor Nick Oliver, cabinet member for corporate services said: “ The redevelopment of Hexham House is a really exciting opportunity, both for people planning to get married and the town itself. It is set to be one of the finest register offices in the North of England and will provide a great opportunity for those couples who are looking for an elegant setting that is also great value for money” Hexham House will not provide reception facilities and couples will be encouraged to contact local providers for this aspect of their wedding. The first couple to be married at the venue in September have chosen nearby Hexham Abbey for their reception and evening function. Prices for a wedding ceremony in the House range from £345-£395 Monday - Saturday and £500 on a Sunday or a Bank Holiday. Bookings for weddings can be made through the council’s ceremony coordination team Tel: 01670 602870 email: alnwickreg@northumberland.gov.uk.

An ambitious bid to overhaul the centre of Bedlington was given the go-ahead last week, alongside less popular plans for hundreds of new homes. An outline application for a mixed-use development on a site to the north of Front Street, which includes land formerly occupied by the Tesco store, was unanimously approved at last Tuesday’s meeting of Northumberland County Council’s strategic planning committee. On the same night, another outline proposal – for up to 500 new homes on land south-west of Glebe Farm, Choppington Road, was also approved – by 11 votes to one.