Amble Town Council Report #152
Meetings
Town: 6pm in Council Office 12 June, 10 July
Amenities: at 6pm in Council Office 31 July
Paddlers Park
We are pleased that the water feature at Paddlers Park has been repaired and is now working again. Over the years this has been continually vandalised costing a vast amount of money to repair. We ask all to be vigilant as if this is damaged again, due to the high cost, it is unlikely it will be repaired. We urge those using the park and its facilities to use them as they are intended. This is an area for everyone to enjoy.
Bathing Status
The Town Council has agreed to provide a letter of support to Coquet River Action Group (CRAG) to help support their Bathing Status application for the Little Shore. This would bring Amble in line with Warkworth Beach and Amble Links which are regularly tested due to their SSSI value.
Toilet Refurbishment Programme
Councillors have met with officers of the County Council to discuss a better provision than originally intended for both sets of toilets in Amble. This will most likely come at an extra cost to which Amble Town Council may be expected to contribute. The block next to the harbour is the most in need of improvement, so temporary toilets have been installed there until work is complete. The town centre toilets remain open for use, but will have temporary ones installed when work commences there. It is expected that work will last into late summer.
Street Names
A recent request for street names set us all wondering how our existing ones got their names. Historically it would be good to have a record of these; however after delving into memories, while the reasoning for most is now known, there are still some we are not sure about. So if you know why the following are named as they are, please share with us by emailing ask@amble.gov.uk .
Allison Street; Belvedere Court; Dilston Terrace; Eastgarth Avenue; Gordon Street; Gordon Villas; Hope Terrace; Ivy Street; John Street; Lambs Terrace; Leazes Street; Leslie Drive; Lime Street; Melrose Gardens; Newmoor Close; Runciman Way; Sandyway; Stephenson Road; The Close; The Wynd; Woodbine Street. There’s also the conundrum of why there is a sign saying ‘Stephen Street’ in Newburgh Street?
Anti Social Behaviour
Unfortunately, we continue to see anti-social behaviour within our wider community, including speeding along the road between Amble Links and Hauxley. There are also reports of fly tipping, litter and small animal kill. It is such a pity that a lovely area is being blighted by inconsiderate people and speeding drivers. We are working together with Hauxley Parish Council and Northumbria Police to determine appropriate action.
Seating
The Town Council has received a ‘Chatty Bench’ after a successful bid by Warkworth Harbour Commissioners. The idea of these benches is to help alleviate community isolation and loneliness. Once we have permission from the relevant authority, Warkworth Parish Council has agreed to the installation of our seat on the Braid overlooking the marina. Amble Town Council will retain responsibility for its maintenance. Meanwhile the refurbishment programme continues and ten more seats will be renewed soon. These are made from recycled material which is more durable and does not require regular painting. Any commemoration plaques on seats due for replacement will be renewed too.
New Council
Following the local elections, whilst it is hoped there will be new faces on the Council, we are sad to see that three of our long standing members have decided to stand down. They have all seen many changes whilst serving this community and have always strived to get whatever they could for the town. Thank you for your service and may ex Councillors Lewis, Morrison and Weir enjoy their rest from civil duties even though we fully expect to hear of them pursuing their other voluntary and recreational interests.
Percy Drive Crossing
This in the final planning stage – deciding whether more lighting is required. Hopefully we will soon see progress on this vital project to keep everyone safe as they cross the road coming from Fontburn/Dolphin Court to the other side.
Bus Shelters
It is expected that by the time this reaches you, perching bars will have been installed in those bus shelters where it is possible. We hope to hear soon about the funding application made for work we have planned for the main shelter on Church Street and the small one on Acklington Road. As part of the planning application for Hauxley Grange, the developer is due to install bus shelters at the roundabout end of Percy Drive. We hope it will not be too long before these are in place.
Amble Library
Concerns are being expressed about the apparent depletion of stock here. We all appreciate that finance for new stock is even more limited with prices rising but it is vital that a strong variety of books is always available to keep the enthusiasm of existing readers and to encourage others in this worthwhile pastime. Regular users are aware that requests can be made to obtain books held in other libraries. In this age of looking for cutbacks, we are fortunate to be keeping our library, so if you are able, please use the library so that Amble maintains a regular high footfall.
TOWN COUNCIL OFFICES, FOURWAYS 2, AMBLE. NE65 0DT Tel: 01665 714 695 www.amble.gov.uk
Email ask@amble.gov.uk Twitter: @AmbleTC Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmbleTownCouncil
Office hours: 10.30am-12noon & 1.30-3p.m. Monday to Friday Vicki Smith, Town Clerk Minutes available to view in Office or online
