Trust Life #151
Hello everyone, welcome back to Trust Life. Well it looks as though some of those positive thoughts from the last Ambler have come to fruition!
Playzone work begins
As I write this article, our chair is signing the contract for work to commence on the Playzone and MUGA (Multi User Games Area).
After years of waiting, meetings, funding issues and contractual concerns not to mention grumbles that Amble is being left out, the contractors want to be onsite within a few days!
Work has begun on the new Welfare Playzone
There were times when we wondered if it was going anywhere. We have to express a special thanks to NCC for a) their officer time – believe me the Sports Development officer has put some time and effort into making this happen and b) NCC themselves for the funding needed to match the Football Foundation grant.
Throughout the playzone negotiations we were also working with NCC on required access for the new JCSC build, and trying to limit the construction traffic on Acklington Road. However the developer has now agreed to take their access from the car park of the middle school.
While this has allowed the Playzone to commence, it does mean we have no control over JCSC traffic – apologies to Acklington Road residents.
The Playzone contract is projected to take 12 weeks so all going well we will have two new playing surfaces ready for the summer holidays.
One thing we need to ensure everyone is aware of is that bookings for the marked Playzone have to be charged for – there is nothing we can do about it as it is a condition of the funding, with the charges going towards the access gate costs and Playzone maintenance. The existing MUGA will be free to access, but not marked out for specific games.
If you know of any groups or organisations who would like to book, please pass on contact details and we will get in touch as soon as the booking system is in place.
Perhaps you would like to volunteer to sit on the steering group? This would offer the opportunity to feed in ideas for other uses.
Puffin Festival
Preparations are underway, once again. The steering group will do their best to provide a wide range of activities on a very tight budget. All suggestions, donations or ideas gratefully received.
Neighbourhood Plan
The steering group has been awarded additional funding to bring in consultants to carry out a housing needs assessment.
They will look at all planning developments, local labour and income brackets, housing markets and evidence of housing requirements, to determine what housing is required over the term the NDP covers. For future updates, log on to the website www.ambleplan.org
New businesses
Last edition we welcomed Coquet Confectioners to Queen Street, this edition we welcome Seaside Travel.
Note to self:
With a view to the long and frustrating process that has been the Playzone my note to self this edition is: normalise emails by starting replies with ‘please stop annoying me’! I’m sure there will be many who can empathise with the sentiment!
Contact Us
Call: 01665 712929, email: info@ambledevelopmenttrust.org.uk Job search facilities are open 9am – 5pm Mon – Fri.
Julia, all Trust staff and Trustees
julia@ambledevelopmenttrust.org.uk
