Cympil

The inquiry over the future of the old Bedlington Infants School buildings at the junction of the Market Place with Church Lane has been adjourned almost as soon as it commenced. Held on Tuesday 12th May and originally expected to last for three days. it has now been determined that new inquiry dates will be scheduled in September. Details will be published here on www.bedlington.co.uk The former Bedlington Infants School was used as a church hall for some years before an unsafe floor caused its complete abandonment. Since then it has fallen prey to vandals, and is generally regarded as an eyesore in desperate need of suitable redevelopment.

A helpless greyhound needed life saving treatment on Monday after it was discovered bound in electrical tape covered in blood with it's ears cut off. The dog, a black male greyhound, was found by a member of the public at the Bank Top in Bedlington and taken to a local veterinary centre in Morpeth where he is now making a good recovery. "Lugless Douglas" as he has been nicknamed by veterinary centre staff is believed to be a former racing greyhound due to the horrific nature of the abuse. Racing dogs are often tattooed in the ears so they can be identified and it is thought that the perpetrators carried out this sickening act in order to remove this method of tracing. RSPCA representatives have gone on record as saying: "This is an horrific and sickening act of cruelty." "It is clear this dog's ears have been removed by a sharp implement, which must have caused him unimaginable pain and distress." "Thankfully he was rescued early and taken to safety, else he easily could have died." "We just hope someone will now come forward with vital information to help us discover what happened." The RSPCA also requests that anybody with any information to contact their National Cruelty and Advice Line on 0300 123 4999

In a bid to raise fire safety awareness Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service are offering free household safety checks in the Northumberland area. Crews are scheduled to visit homes in Bedlington, Cramlington, Blyth and Ashington as well as other locations on request. As well as offering general fire safety advice 10 year smoke alarms will be fitted in households that do not currently have one, free of charge. Even if you already have a smoke alarm statistics show that in one in every eight house fires attended by fire and rescues services, the smoke alarm failed to work, largely due to flat or missing batteries. Follow Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service's six essential smoke alarm tips to make sure you push the button, not your luck: Fit smoke alarms on every level of your home. Check the battery once a week. Replace the battery every twelve months. Battery smoke alarm units should be replaced every ten years. Consider installing ten-year battery smoke alarms or mains-powered alarms. Do not put smoke alarms in the kitchen or bathroom. To arrange a visit or for more information, call 0800 731 1351

Nomination packs are now available for people wishing to stand as candidates for the three new parish councils which are being created in Bedlington. The town will be represented by a total of 29 members split between West, North and East Bedlington. Nomination forms are available from Jackie Brodie, Elections Officer on (01670) 532290 or jackie.brodie@northumberland.gov.uk Elections will be held on June 4, anybody wishing to stand must have nomination forms returned by 4pm on Thursday May 7. For more information contact the deputy returning officer at Northumberland County Council on (01670) 533210.