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Widened shared paths along the A192 to the south of the town and to adjacent housing estates; Crossing improvements on Stobhill roundabout; and An upgraded ‘toucan’ crossing point opposite Sainsbury’s that allows use by people on bikes and detects people waiting to cross. It is being implemented by the council and has been wholly funded by a £600,000 award through the North East LEP from the Local Growth Fund, part of the North East Growth Deal.

Cath McEvoy, Children’s Service Director at Northumberland County Council: “This was a great event which allowed the participating groups to get really creative about generating products that would sell, developing creative and entrepreneurial skills. The results of the sales were fantastic and each participating group should be very proud of their effort and contribution.”

Northumberland County Council Chief Executive Steven Mason is leaving the organisation to pursue fresh challenges. Steven has been with the council for nearly 15 years, working in a number of financial roles, and has been chief executive for the past three years. Speaking about his departure, Steven said: “It is with sadness that I have decided to leave the Council after nearly fifteen years service to the residents of Northumberland. “During my time the Council has faced many challenges, most notably local government reorganisation and the impact of cuts in local government funding over an extended period of time. “The Council’s approach and direction will change significantly following the recent County Council election and it is an appropriate time for new managerial leadership at a time when the political leadership has changed with a radically different agenda.” The Council Leader, County Councillor Peter Jackson, thanked Steven for leaving a strong and stable organisation which would give the new administration time to agree new priorities. The current Deputy Chief Executive Daljit Lally will be the interim Chief Executive. Following the formation of a new administration at full council yesterday it has been agreed Steven can leave immediately to allow a smooth transition to a new Chief Executive.

Historian and broadcaster John Grundy has been announced as the presenter at this year’s LOVE Northumberland Awards. The annual celebration of projects and initiatives that improve the county’s environment culminate in an event at The Alnwick Garden and, this July, John will be announcing the winning entries on the night. All shortlisted entries in seven categories are invited to the celebration event, and the winners are presented with their awards by Her Grace the Duchess of Northumberland. John Grundy has written and presented a variety of architectural and history programmes for both radio and television, and in the late 1990s co-wrote and edited the new edition of Niklaus Pevsner's ‘Northumberland’. He has introduced thousands of people to the unique and often breath-taking architecture of the North and has become one of the most popular presenters on local television. He is chair of the Friends of Beamish Museum. John says: “I have a huge love of the North of England, and Northumberland is a special favourite of mine. These awards are a fantastic way of helping to celebrate the work and commitment of community members in improving their local areas - for the benefit of all. I very much look forward to hearing about all the shortlisted projects - and announcing the winners on the night.” Paul Jones, director of local services and housing delivery at Northumberland County Council, said: “We are delighted that John is able to come along as presenter of the LOVE Northumberland awards this year. His detailed knowledge of Northumberland makes him ideally placed to help us to celebrate environmental and community projects across the county.” There is still time to get a last minute entry in for this year’s awards, before the closing date of Wednesday 31st May. Entries are invited in the categories of best new project; best urban project; best coast or countryside project; best young people’s project; best children’s project; best school recycling project; and outstanding individual. You can find further information about the categories and an application form at www.northumberland.gov.uk/LOVE, or by phoning 01670 622992.

Northumberland County Council has opened a book of condolence following the terrorist attack in Manchester. The book is available to sign at the reception area in County Hall, Morpeth, from today (May 24th). Daljit Lally, Deputy Chief Executive of Northumberland County Council said: “The events in Manchester were truly shocking and I am sure I speak on behalf of everyone in Northumberland in sending our condolences to all those affected by these terrible events. “We stand together with Manchester, the victims and their families. Terrorism will not win”. #westandtogether

Two people have been charged following a disturbance in Walker yesterday. At around 12 noon yesterday (Mon) police received a report that a group of people had been fighting with one another on Dunstanbrugh Road in Walker. Emergency services attended and found one man had suffered serious but non-life threatening injuries during the incident. He was taken to hospital by paramedics for treatment and is currently described as being in a stable condition. Three people were arrested by police following their attendance at the incident and officers have now charged two of those individuals. They are a 27-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman, both from Walker, who have been charged with wounding with intent to commit GBH, a common assault and possession of a bladed article. They will appear before Bedlington Magistrates Court this morning.

Police are appealing for witnesses following a burglary at a building site in Bedlington on Friday, May 5. It happened on Netherton Lane offenders forced their way onto the site and into the locked container and stole a quantity of tools. Police are appealing for witnesses, anyone who was in the area and who may have seen or heard anything suspicious, is asked to contact them. Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting reference number 052592G/17 or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A man has been charged following a fire at a block of flats in Newcastle over the weekend. At around 8.30am on Sunday (7/5) police received a report of a fire at a block of flats on Haydon Close in Gosforth. Emergency services attended and the fire service were able to quickly bring the fire under control and contain it to one address. Nobody was injured and none of those evacuated required any medical treatment. There is also no link between this incident and the fire at a church in Whitley Bay on Saturday evening. An investigation into the incident was launched and a 28-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident. The man, who lives on Haydon Close, Gosforth, has now been charged with arson with intent to be reckless whether life endangered, criminal damage and threatening behaviour. He will appear before Bedlington Magistrates Court this morning. If you have any information about the incident you can still contact police on 101 quoting log 308 07/05/17.

Three teenagers will appear in court today charged with a string of offences following a rooftop stand-off over the weekend. At around 8am on Sunday we first received a call that some teenage boys had climbed onto the roof of a property in Westerhope, Newcastle. The teens then threw objects at members of the public and police officers who had gathered below. It caused a significant amount of disruption and damage to the local community as well as redirecting a large number of our resources. Two of the males - both aged 16 - were arrested following the incident. A 17-year-old male was taken to hospital for treatment to minor injuries sustained in a fall but was later arrested. Now all three have been charged with a string of offences including affray, criminal damage, theft from motor vehicle, resisting arrest and an assault of a police officer. The males - who cannot be named for legal reasons - will appear before Bedlington Magistrates Court this morning.

Police are appealing for witnesses following a one vehicle collision in Bedlington. Officers received a call at 4.42am on Thursday, April 20, that a car travelling on the A193 had left the road on Attlee Bank in Northumberland. Emergency services attended and found the vehicle a Renault Megane, had for reasons yet to be established, gone through a barrier and down an embankment and entered the river approximately 50 feet below. The car contained an 18-year-old male driver, the sole occupant of the vehicle, who was rescued from the vehicle by emergency services. He was taken to NSEC Hospital at Cramlington with injuries, his condition is described as stable. The A193 road was closed to enable the casualty to be dealt with and the vehicle removed, and was re-opened by 9.30am. It is believed that the collision occurred sometime before the incident was reported to police and officers want to hear from anyone who was on that stretch of road from midnight onwards who may have witnessed the incident. Police are appealing for witnesses anyone with information is asked to contact Motor Patrols on 101 quoting reference 111 of 20/04/17.

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses after a serious assault in Newcastle over the bank holiday weekend. At around 7.20pm on Saturday, April 15, a 29-year-old man is believed to have been seriously assaulted on Wilfred Street near to the Byker Bridge. He made his way to the underpass under the Swan House roundabout where he was found injured at around 8.50pm. Emergency services attended and the man was taken to hospital where his condition is still described as critical. Officers continue to investigate the incident and police have now appealed for any witnesses to the assault to get in touch. A 38-year-old man has been charged with a section 18 assault and criminal damage and appeared before South east Magistrates Court in Bedlington on Tuesday morning. He will next appear before Newcastle Crown Court on May 16. Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any information that may help the investigation, should contact police on 101 quoting log 1190 15/04/17 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Northumbria Police is set to take on its youngest ever recruits as the force launches Northumbria Mini Police. The scheme will see Year 5 primary school children given the opportunity to work with their local police officers and volunteer police cadets to learn more about policing. School children have been selected from participating schools to join the scheme where they will learn more about a host of topics such as crime prevention, water safety, healthy relationships and online safety. The Mini Police will work with their mini police team to carry out work in the community, for example carrying out surveys with residents, as well as attending some of the events police get involved in throughout the region. And, to say thank you for their hard work they will be given the opportunity to visit the many different departments within the organisation. They will get the chance to meet Northumbria Police horses and police dogs, as well as see behind the scenes at a police station, visit custody cells and visit the communications centre - which for many is their first point of contact with police. Today, to launch the scheme three spectacular events will take place across the force where the Mini Police will receive their uniforms - all delivered in a unique way. In South Tyneside, the base for Northumbria Police's Marine Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) - Viking Park in Jarrow - will play host to Laygate Community School in South Shields and St Mary's Primary School in Jarrow where police divers from the Marine NPT will travel along the River Tyne on their police rib to make the special delivery. The event will be attended by Chief Constable Steve Ashman and Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Dame Vera Baird. The children will be given the opportunity to see the dive centre and try on some of the equipment the team uses. In Newcastle, Etal Lane Police Station will host Westgate Hill Primary, Thomas Walling Primary and St Bede's RC Primary schools where they will be met by Police Dogs delivering their uniforms. And, in Bedlington, St Columbus Primary in Wallsend and Riverside Primary in North Shields schools will receive their uniform on horseback from Northumbria Police's mounted section. The Mini Police scheme was first launched by Durham Constabulary in 2011, following its success it was adopted by Merseyside Police last year, now Northumbria is excited to be launching its own scheme. Chief Constable Steve Ashman said: "This is an absolutely fantastic scheme. We've had a Volunteer Police Cadet scheme in Northumbria for some years now and I'm immensely proud of all of our cadets and the work they do, I know they will play a crucial role in delivering the scheme and Mini Police will build on the success of the cadets. "In fact, the cadets presented the Mini Police scheme to me a few months ago and I was hugely impressed at their conduct and professionalism. They gave a compelling presentation on how the scheme could be utilised in hard-to-reach communities, and for a group of 14-year-olds to stand up and present to a room full of police officers and staff was very impressive. "I'm absolutely thrilled we're now going to have a scheme that takes in a younger age group and am looking forward to meeting our Mini Police and hearing about their progress." Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird DBE QC, said: "This is a brilliant opportunity for children to engage with their local communities and learn more about the role our police officers have in tackling crime and helping people who need it. They’re already showing great enthusiasm and I’m sure they will have lots of fun along the way. I hope for some of them, this is only the start and that this project will inspire a future career with Northumbria Police." Superintendent Sarah Pitt is a driving force behind Northumbria Police's Citizens in Policing agenda and has been integral in the Mini Police scheme from the start. She said: "We're very excited to be launching our Mini Police today, the scheme provides a great opportunity for young children to learn about their own safety, their role within their community and how the police work with the community. It will give youngsters a voice to say what matters to them and help them to influence people around them in a positive way, not only that it will give them an insight into policing and the work we do and help give them a sense of citizenship. It will highlight the contribution they can make in our communities to make it a better place and hopefully will help them choose the right path in the future. "Of course, there will be time for fun too and they will be able to get involved with some of the fantastic events that are held throughout the region and visit some of the different departments across the force." Mini Police will be recognisable by their uniform consisting of a cap, waterproof jacket and hi-viz vest. Newborough School in Hexham will also be joining the pilot and hosted an event at the school on Wednesday (April 5). The scheme is currently being piloted in eight schools across the region. Any schools interested in participating once the pilot is complete should contact Northumbria Police's Sergeant Nicola MacGregor on 101 or email: nicola.macgregor.17@northumbria.pnn.police.uk View the full news release

Police investigating incidents of indecent exposure in Northumberland have released an image of a man they want to trace. The incidents took place last week in Seghill, Seaton Delaval, Seaton Sluice and Bedlington Station areas. Officers have an image following an incident on Tuesday, March 28, at 3.30pm at Elsdon Avenue, Seaton Delaval. The man pictured was in the area at the time and may have information that could help with the enquiry. Officers are carrying out enquiries into these incidents and are appealing for the man pictured to get in contact. The man or anyone who recognises him is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference 767 280317 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police are appealing for information following four incidents of indecent exposure in the Seghill, Seaton Delaval, Seaton Sluice and Bedlington Station areas of Northumberland. The first incident happened at 3.51pm on Tuesday, March 28, on Elsdon Avenue, Seaton Delaval, where a man exposed himself to two girls aged 14 on their way home from school. The second incident occured the same day in the park at Deneside, Seghill at around 3.30pm. A man is alleged to have exposed himself to another 14 year old girl walking home from school. The third incident occurred on Wednesday, March 29, at 5.30pm near to the bowling green between Collywell Bay Road and Beresford Road in Seaton Sluice. A male matching the description from the previous day again exposed himself to a 15 year old girl. The fourth incident occurred in a park on Bank Top in Bedlington Station at 7.15pm on Wednesday, March 29 . The same male is again alleged to have exposed himself to young girls in the park. The man is described as wearing a red or maroon jumper or jacket and aged around 60. None of the victims were harmed but have been left shaken by the offence. Officers are carrying out enquiries and believe that the same person could be responsible for all incidents. Anyone who has information that may help is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference 767 280317 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Neighbourhood officers in Bedlington are lending their support to the NSPCC's Big Board game charity fundraiser on Friday March 31. They are urging others to get on board and shake a dice all in aid of a great cause. PC Mark Adamson and his team are visiting care homes in the area this week and asking older residents to get their favourite board games out of the cupboard and spend a few hours playing and raising funds. The NSPCC is the leading children's charity fighting to end child abuse. The charity helps children who have been abused to rebuild their lives, protects those at risk and works to prevent abuse. PC Adamson said: "We've got some great contacts with people of all ages and we regularly pop in to visit older people in the community with crime prevention and other advice. It's good to call in have a chat and encourage people to take part in a worthwhile event which helps others. "It's also a good way to get to know people and engage with them in a positive way too." PC Adamson is also encouraging his colleagues to get involved in joining in during their meal breaks to support the cause. NSPCC Director of Fundraising, Nigel Spencer, said: “Big Board Game Day has become an annual highlight for us with thousands of people across the UK temporarily downing tools to play their favourite games with friends, family, work colleagues and classmates. “We are delighted that so many ‘gamers’ will be involved again this year and urge anyone who is interested in participating on Friday (March 31) to download our free fundraising pack ASAP. “We are exceptionally grateful for all the donations that will be made, no matter how big or small. Every penny raised will be put towards protecting children and young people from abuse and helping those who have fallen victim to get their life back on track.” Anyone who want to support the charity and make a donation can go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/NorthumberlandNPT Follow Bedlington Neighbourhood team on Twitter https://twitter.com/bedlingtonpol

A man has been charged after a spate of robberies in Newcastle Between Thursday evening and Sunday morning police received a number of reports that taxi drivers had been robbed in the Walker area of the city. An investigation was launched to identify those responsible and patrols were put in place to safeguard drivers in the city. On Sunday evening (12/3) police arrested a man in connection with the incidents. And now officers have charged a 21-year-old Newcastle man with ten different offences including four counts of robbery and an attempted robbery. He will appear before South East Northumberland Magistrates Court in Bedlington this morning (Tuesday). Anyone who witnessed a robbery in the Walker area over the weekend, or has any information that may help police, should contact officers on 101 quoting log 486 13/03/17 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Children from local schools enjoyed half term fun at Bedlington Police Station recently. Some 20 youngsters from the Church of England Academy including Josephine Butler, James Knott and Thomas Bewick schools came along for a tour of the station, cell complex and to learn more about policing. The visit was hosted by Wansbeck Neighbourhood Policing Team who created a special crime scene especially for the young would-be detectives. The children got involved by investigating a burglary and learned how real detectives investigate crime. They visited a burglary scene which was laid on for them, spoke to a witness and followed clues to identify forensic evidence which led to them arresting the offender! They continued through the custody process and locked the burglar in a cell before learning some interview techniques from the officers before charging him with the crime. Neighbourhood officers were joined at the event by specialist support officers, firearms officers who are trained to engage with members of the public and make them feel safe, and by friendly police dog Monty. Wansbeck Neighbourhood Inspector Sue Fryer said: "We're keen to build on the strong links we have built up between schools and the neighbourhood team in Wansbeck. Bringing the children into the police station is not only great fun for them, but gives them a real insight into the policing world and teaches them how the police work. "It's important to us that children get to know local officers and by doing so we can continue to build trust between local youngsters and our policing teams. "We will continue to give more children the opportunity to take part in these visits throughout school holiday period in Wansbeck and Morpeth arranged via local schools." Pictured children from the Church of England Academy schools of Wansbeck during their recent police station visit.

Youngsters paid a visit to Bedlington police station recently to find out more about the work of officers. The youngsters aged 9 to 11 years were pupils from several Ashington schools. The children were invited along by Ashington Neighbourhood Policing Team to take a look behind the scenes of a busy working police station. As well as the tour and a visit to custody they took part in crime scene investigation to find out who had committed a crime staged for them. They also got to meet a firearms officer and members from the force dog section as well. Police Community Support Officer Alan Bunker, who showed the group around during their visit, said: "The children had a great time looking around the station and meeting officers. They were very interested in our work and asked lots of questions about what we do. "They particularly enjoyed dressing up in police uniforms and having a look in the police van. "After this visit I think we may have a few budding recruits in the years to come." He added: "It's important to us that people of all ages feel they can come and talk to us about what we do and how we help the public." Children pictured during their visit to Bedlington Police Station with left to right, PC Kath Smith, PC Chris Turnbull and PCSO Alan Bunker

Four men have been charged in relation to an incident at the Fosse Hotel Pub in Newcastle last year. Around 4.20pm on Thursday, December 8, a group of 12 masked men in a white van attacked a man who was standing outside of the Fosse Hotel pub on the Fossway. They were armed with bats, metal bars, hatchets, knives and ammonia and left the victim hospitalised with a fractured skull and stab wounds. A female bystander was also injured by being squirted with ammonia and needed hospital treatment. Enquiries into the incident have been ongoing since the incident and two men were charged in connection with it at the end of last year. Now police charged a further four people - aged 26, 29, 31 and 33 - in connection with the incident. The 26-year-old appeared before Bedlington Magistrates Court on Wednesday, March 1, and was remanded in custody to appear before crown court on March 30. The other three men have been released on abil to appear before Newcastle Magistrates Court on April 7.

Police are appealing for witnesses following a burglary in Bedlington.. It happened at Northumberland County Council premises, East View in Choppington overnight between 6pm on Wednesday, March 1 and 6.30am on Thursday, March 2. Offenders forced entry to the secure council compound via a rear fence. They damaged the window of a Ford Transit vehicle and stole a hydraulic breaker and leaf blower/strimmer and stihl saw before leaving unseen. Police are appealing for witnesses, anyone who was in the area and who may have seen or heard anything suspicious, is asked to contact police. Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting reference number 156 of 02/03/17 or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police are appealing for witnesses after a burglary in Bedlington. It happened at an address in Barnard Close on Friday, February 24 at 5.45pm. A rear door of the address was opened by an unknown person, the householder called out and found they had left empty handed. Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting reference number 020360K/17 or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Two men have been convicted of fraud offences after targeting vulnerable victims. The men both from Northumberland, Jimmy Nicholson, 25, from Lynemouth, and Andrew Kane, 22, of North View in Cambois were sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on Monday, February 20. Nicholson was jailed for 16 months and Kane handed a 18 month community order with 180 hours of unpaid work, for his part in the fraud which targeted elderly and vulnerable householders. The pair were convicted after pleading guilty, Nicholson admitted two counts of making false representation, two counts of theft and one of fraud. Kane pleaded guilty to two counts of making a false representation. The offences related to four victims via Nicholson’s businesses Oakland Tree Services and Woodland Tree Services and Driveway Cleaning. In one case which happened in Bedlington between July 11 - 23, in 2014, Nicholson carried out extra block paving work at the home of a vulnerable 78-year-old woman in Bedlington assisted by Kane. He charged the woman in excess of £13,800 for work later reviewed by an expert witness who found it to be inadequate, and would only have been worth £2,800 (not including VAT) if carried out correctly. On four occasions Nicholson drove this elderly resident in his van to the bank so she could withdraw cash for him totalling £13,800. He was helped in this business by Kane who on one occasion walked the victim to the bank doors in Ashington and waited to walk her back to the van. The fraud was uncovered when the elderly resident was ill in hospital and her daughter found large and unaccounted for cash withdrawals and reported the matter to the police. The other offences occurred in Blyth, Hazelrigg and Winlaton. DC Peter Kennedy said: "Nicholson preyed on the elderly and vulnerable who were trusting and acted in a calculated way overcharging people for inadequate work, fleecing them of their hard earned savings. "These men clearly targeted vulnerable people and there may be other victims out there who haven't realised they have been a victim. I would urge anyone who recognises these men and believe may have also have fallen victim to them to contact police. "We want to remind people to make sure you make the necessary checks of anyone who comes to your door asking for money, offering to carry out work or finding any reason to gain access to your house. Any genuine caller or salesperson will be happy to show you ID and return at a later date once you have been able to check their authenticity. "I would also ask people with elderly or vulnerable family, friends and neighbours to make sure they are aware there are people calling door to door who may not be who they claim to be and if they are in any doubt they should ring police straightaway." Pictured; Jimmy Nicholson and Andrew Kane

Police are appealing for witnesses following an incident in Bedlington. It happened on Saturday February 4, between 9.45pm and 10pm, outside Breakers Bar on Front Street West in Bedlington. A 55-year-old man was found with facial injuries after it is believed he was assaulted and taken to Northumbria Hospital where he was released following treatment. Police are appealing for witnesses, anyone who was in the area and who may have seen or heard anything suspicious, is asked to contact police. Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting reference number 1207 of 04/02/17 or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police investigating a traffic incident are appealing for help from the public. It happened on the Spine Road in Bedlington at Furnace Bank slip at 11.56pm on Tuesday, January 10. Two detectives and two members of the public were in an unmarked Corsa police car and officers were driving along the road when there was an incident in the vehicle, and the car skidded towards a pedestrian. The car narrowly missed the man who was walking along the grass verge who then continued walking on his way. The police vehicle stopped and two passengers, two male members of the public who were in the police vehicle, got out of the car and ran off. A short time later both men were found by officers. No one was injured during the incident. Police want to trace the male pedestrian who was walking along the grass verge at the time, he would have been startled by the incident and officers want to check on his well-being. Police also want to speak to him as he may have witnessed the incident. A 37-year-old man has been arrested and charged with causing a danger to road users by interfering with a motor vehicle and appeared before Northumberland Magistrates' Court on January 11. Enquiries are ongoing. This pedestrian, and any other witnesses, are asked to call police on 101, quoting reference number 1202 of 10/01/17.