Hauxley Parish Council Report #155
Next meetings: 19 Jan & 23 March 2026 at 6.30pm in Hauxley Village Hall
This year has been a busy year in the Parish and the community has worked hard to make improvements across the villages. We are proud of what has been achieved and thank everyone involved particularly our volunteers who generously give their own time to the community.
We would like to thank the whole community for their support this year and wish everyone in the Parish a Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year.
THE BIRDS AND THE BEES
Hauxley has a rich, natural environment and volunteers have worked together this year to enhance biodiversity in the villages supported by the Parish Council (PC), Northumberland County Council (NCC), Northumberland Wildlife Trust (NWT) and local landowners. We instigated a programme of installing bird boxes, planting bulbs and trees, sowing wildflower seed and reviewing grounds maintenance.
The PC initially worked with NCC to review maintenance in the village, identifying and prioritising where grass cutting is required and where it can be reduced. In combination with reductions in weed spraying, we aim to increase habitat for insects, birds and mammals.
After review, we took the decision to suspend the village ground maintenance contract and pursue a more cost-effective approach. Village volunteers have now begun to plant and maintain areas with the aim of eventually forming a local garden group. This approach has allowed villagers more control over planter displays, including using plants and cuttings from residents’ gardens.
The PC have also applied for 120 trees as part of the NCC Net Zero scheme. The intention is to plant these across the village linking existing green habitats.
HIGHWAYS AND FOOTWAYS
Maintenance of the majority of roads and footways in the village are the responsibility of NCC. The PC lobbied NCC to replace worn out signage, lighting and bollards across the villages through the NCC ‘Fix my Street’ system. This liaison also resulted in the resurfacing of the High Hauxley footway.
By reporting potholes we have found that they are generally repaired, however, we are still lobbying for resurfacing of roads such as Hauxley Lane. We encourage all residents to report any issues using the NCC ‘Fix my street’ system- FixMyStreet
VILLAGE IMPROVEMENTS
Through efficiencies and support from local groups, the PC have installed new bins and will be able to replace the tired village benches. We have also been in consultation considering different uses for the bus shelters. Although we would all prefer a bus service, this is unlikely in the short term. Volunteers have already attached bird boxes to the Kirkwell Cottages bus shelter and the PC are looking at funding for a small village library. We have also developed a wildlife and information signage scheme in partnership with NWT, which will be rolled out in the next couple of months. NWT have kindly agreed to fund the signage which will jointly benefit the village, visitors and NWT. We are also looking at other options such as bike racks at Low Hauxley and litter stations for beach users. Any other suggestions would be gratefully received, please email hauxleypc@gmail.com
BULB PLANTING DAY
One idea for enhancing our beautiful villages was to form a strategy for planting bulbs over the next couple of years. This initially involved liaising with NCC to plant bulbs and sow wildflower seed in locations where they would not interfere with grass cutting requirements. The PC then approached Hauxley Nature Reserve, and NWT enthusiastically agreed to fund the majority of bulbs through their community projects.
On Saturday 1 November, NWT supported volunteers in planting approximately 5000 bulbs across the villages and an additional 1000 daffodil bulbs were planted by residents. We would like to thank all the volunteers for their hard work, including the tea and cake suppliers!
ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Antisocial behaviour, primarily in the form of ‘off-road’ motorcycles and quadbikes, continues to be an issue in and around both villages and on the shore. This subject was discussed at a recent meeting with Northumbria Police, and they have some advice. The Police are very aware of the problem and would encourage residents to report all incidents of this behaviour in order that patterns might be identified, and to gauge levels of disturbance. Information, where possible, might include where and when the bike is being used and a description of the bike (colour, make, model). They do stress not to put yourself in a position of danger. Incidents can be reported by calling 101, or by email to amble.npt@northumbria.pnn.police.uk. Hauxley PC will continue to liaise with Northumbria Police going forwards.
Of particular concern is illegal motorbike activity across the fields through Kirkwell Cottages. Technically the public footpath is the responsibility of the landowner and NCC Rights of Way however, we are looking at solutions and allocating funding to improve access control at this location.
Clerk to Hauxley Parish Council: Julie Hall. Contact the Parish Council via email.
Email: hauxleypc@gmail.com Web: https://northumberlandparishes.uk/hauxley/node/3 Facebook: www.facebook.com/HauxleyVillage
