Reports from our County Councillors #154
Councillor Pauline Davidson
COUNCILLOR PAULINE DAVIDSON
We’re delighted to share that our very first surgery was a great success! We had some lovely conversations and made meaningful connections. It was a great opportunity to meet new faces and let people know we’re here to help.
It was held at the Dovecote Centre, a perfect spot. We are planning sessions at Warkworth Memorial Hall and Acklington Village Hall, dates to be confirmed.
• A resident raised an issue about Coquet Medical Group, about the availability of doctors across the two sites. At times Amble residents have to travel to Hadston for appointments, which isn’t always ideal.
Many residents are also facing difficulties just trying to book an appointment. For those who don’t have smartphones or internet access, booking appointments online is not an option, and with the phone lines constantly busy, that isn’t easy!
Arty and I are arranging a meeting with the Practice Manager to discuss these concerns.
• Motorhome, Caravan and Campervan Parking: Illegal parking continues to be a headache.
The police can’t intervene, and with only three parking enforcement officers covering North Northumberland, resources are stretched. However there’s a bid in for additional officers.
• Planning Matters: King Edwin and Barnsdale-by-the-Sea. We’ve been in touch with County Hall regarding the King Edwin School playing field. Unfortunately, the repairs that were meant to start over the school holidays haven’t kicked off.
To make matters worse, the roofs across both schools need attention. This issue has been pushed to next year’s capital projects list, which is not acceptable.
It’s crucial that we address this before the winter. We’ll continue to apply pressure.
• VJ Day Memorial Service. Arty and I were privileged to attend the 80th VJ Memorial Service in the Town Square. It was a deeply moving and heartfelt event.
• Arty and I attended the “Golden Bolt” ceremony at the soon to be new James Calvert Spence College. The final tightening of the golden bolt using a golden spanner, represents the completion of the framework, the first stage of the building.
We had our photograph taken standing in what will become the sports hall. It looks as if it’s going to be huge!
Cllr Pauline Davidson
Pauline.Davidson@northumberland.gov.uk 07889143980
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Councillor Arty Hume
COUNCILKLOR ARTY HUME
Our first surgery at the Dovecote Centre gave residents the chance to raise issues. My thanks go to NTC for allowing us to use their facilities. I hope people will continue to take advantage of these bi-monthly surgeries, see my councillor Facebook page.
I promised to represent the Reform Party in Amble, and to work to make our town a better place. That work is now underway, and people are beginning to see the benefits of their ballot decision.
The state of the town’s public toilets was raised. I will be contacting the British Toilet Association, yes it does exist, to get their help on how to resolve this matter. The situation is unacceptable and has dragged on too long (two years). The harbour block and the town square block could have been demolished and rebuilt in less time; and for less money. We need answers, why will it cost so much and why has taken so long! I will be looking into how this project was budgeted, who submitted applications, and whether the final bill represents value for taxpayers’ money. With £180,000 available, we are right to ask tough questions. It may well be necessary to take this matter to a higher governmental level. I will be speaking on this subject at the next full council meeting at County Hall.
At the meeting there was concern about the medical surgery situation in Amble, Pauline and I will be addressing this matter.
I have been working with ADT and ATC to get the best outcome for James Calvert Spence College. Their correspondence to the County Council has too often been ignored or met with “word salad.” I have challenged the officials responsible for the “new” build, and have arranged meetings between the Trust and County officials. Following a strategic planning meeting, I made clear my objections to the demolition of the old gym. I asked for a practical solution to retain it. Happily, this has resulted in ADT being presented with documents for an asset transfer.
I have contacted Advance Northumberland to enlist their help in bringing an Aldi to Amble. They said they would keep me informed.
Finally, I want to thank the residents who have contacted me personally. It has been a pleasure to listen to your views and to know that you feel your voices are being heard. I do not have a magic wand, however I do have a key to open the right doors! Pauline and I will keep working together to get the best deal for Amble.
I look forward to hearing from you at the next Reform councillor’s clinic on Saturday 11 October at 11am – 1pm. Together we can make the changes necessary to improve our town.
Cllr Arty Hume
Arty.Hume@northumberland.gov.uk 07889143949
Request to our new Councillors.
I’ve mentioned this before and iterate: Can the Amble Surgery, Hadston or group or whatever it is called, publish a detailed Annual Statements of Accounts?
The entire expenditure including call centre salaries, equipment, housekeeping etc. Name of Accountants, etc .
Also separately, how many hours each staff member puts in, any on extra long maternity leave, paternity leave, time spent on training.
This is a very reasonable demand and should be published in public domain. It will give us an insight on how our Surgeries are struggling or not and how money could be better managed. Pauline and Arthur could request this.