NEWBIGGIN PARISH COUNCIL
7 pm St Bartholomew’s Church Hall
Wednesday 8th July 2009
At a Public Meeting of the Council on Wednesday 8th July 2009, various topics of local concern were raised.
Police officers were in attendance and took note of complaints and promised to follow them up. Names were also taken of those entering the room who wished to join up to Neighbourhood Watch schemes.
It was reported by a member of the public that the sculpture at the Woodhorn entrance to town had been vandalised. The police to take action on this.
The vexed issue of the lack of public toilets was raised and Chair Will Rogers said that the Council were exploring a number of avenues in an attempt to solve this ongoing problem.
A member so the public asked if there would be a review on the issue of a total ban of dog-walking on the beach. Cllr Rogers said that this issue was already under scrutiny.
Questions were raised concerning Newbiggin children, regarding the safety of vulnerable eleven years of age transferring to a school at Hirst Ashington in September. Several Councillors stated that in their opinion the pathway leading from Spital to the underpass was not safe for young children, it being far too narrow in places.
Mr Frank Jordan, representing children’s services at County Hall, combined with the new Church of England Academy, said that in his opinion there was no cause for concern as he himself had walked the path recently. Cllr Boon stated that there was a difference in walking the route on a sunny June afternoon to an icy winter’s morning. Cllr Thomson said that in his opinion the road needed widening. It was moved that NCC be asked to review this matter with regard to safety with a degree of urgency.
Regarding the new school to be built at Newbiggin, Mr Jordan said that the most likely site was where the Middle School is now situated, but that the road that leads up behind the health centre would be extended to provide better access to the new school. The present road leading from the Avenues to the school would be for pedestrian use only.
With regard to the design of the new school building, Mr Jordan said that the final design would be decided by a competition and that the entrants had already been whittled down to two. When it was queried by councillors that no previous consultation had been forthcoming over the design, Mr Jordan indicated that when the winner was chosen the architect would then consult with Newbiggin residents. Cllr Thompson said that whatever design was chosen the residents of Newbiggin would have to live with it for the rest of this century.
Cllr Mike Kirkup said there was a need for Newbiggin by the Sea to be seen as an-all-year-round resort and to this end the Council was arranging a sporting weekend for the 12-13th September. Saturday 12th will be a Fun Day on the beach with children’s games and races etc. On Sunday 13th, Newbiggin would stage its first ever Triathlon which it was hoped would bring visitors flocking to the town as well as providing a spectacle for residents. Neil Jefferson from Tri-Northumberland explained the three stages of the race which was expected to have up to one hundred competitors.
Cllr Rebecca McCready outlined plans for staging a garden competition in Newbiggin, and Cllr Lorna Anderson revealed that the flower bed opposite the Memorial Park was to be laid to commemorate the 100 years since Newbiggin Colliery opened.
Members of the public said that more notice needed to be given to residents regarding Council meeting dates; Rev Judith Grieve said that notices could be placed in church hall. Other outlets were also discussed.
The meeting closed at 9.15 pm. Date of next public meeting Wednesday 9th September at same time and venue.
Note: this is only a summary of the proceedings and more detailed minutes will be appearing later.