County Councillors
April began with a meeting at the Amble Development Trust (ADT) to discuss a strategy for Amble’s economic future. Followed by a further meeting with ADT, Amble Town Council (ATC) and councillors from Northumberland County Council (NCC). Discussions are ongoing.
I have also given my monthly update to ATC.
Casework and Resident Support
Many residents have been seeking assistance this month. As your county councillor, I take this responsibility seriously. I aim to respond either the same day or within 24 hours. I also try to obtain a job reference number for each issue so both the County Council and residents can track progress and ensure accountability.
These cases have been varied, and occasionally complex. In such situations, I seek guidance from experienced County Council officers. I remain committed to achieving the best outcomes for Amble and its residents, regardless of political views.
Meetings and Community Engagement
I have taken part in a S.I.M. (simulation) walk around Amble, to highlight the chal
lenges faced by visually impaired residents. Although the simulation glasses were unavailable, we still identified and addressed several issues. Thanks to Luke McTaggart who attended on behalf of ATC. We both submitted reports with suggested improvements.
I have attended an NCC Staff and Appointments meeting and met with Council Leader Glen Sanderson to arrange a meeting to focus on Amble’s economic development. This was followed by a Teams meeting to continue the d
iscussions. Recommendations and guidelines were presented; details will be shared when available.
I took part in a Climate Change Working Group meeting to discuss the council’s approach to the energy crisis. For the record, I have since resigned from this committee, as I do not agree with their agenda.
Community Hub and Development
From the meetings I’ve attended, it’s clear that any proposed community hub must demonstrate clear need. I had suggested repurposing the “Beddy Buys” site on the industrial estate but this was deemed un
suitable. The search continues.
Further meetings are planned, and I will continue working with ADT, the ATC, and NCC to secure the best outcomes.
Members’ Local Improvement Scheme (MLIS)
This is how MLIS funding has been allocated.
•Funding awarded to Amble AFC to support children’s football.
• Contribution towards new Christmas lights.
• Funding to update computers for ADT and The Ambler.
I have invited residents to suggest ideas for future funding, but responses were limited. Please reme
mber this is your money, and your input matters. Unspent funds have rolled over, and about £23,000 can be available this year.
I had hoped to allocate funding towards improved CCTV. hopefully this can still be achieved,
Please contact me on my work email- arty.hume@northumberland.gov.uk, this way you know and NCC know I am doing my best to fulfil my role.
Hopefully Reform U.K. surgeries will resume soon.
Arty.Hume@northumberland.gov.uk 07889143949
I
I don’t have a lot to report this time as I have been recovering from major surgery.
I am pleased to say that I am now gradually returning to my Council duties.
However, I have been able to respond to emails and have successfully dealt with issues raised by residents. I am still fully committed to supporting our residents and communities and I look forward to sharing regular updates soon.
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Cllr Arty Hume for his help, support, and thoughtfulness during my period of recovery.
Application for Development of Land South of the Gut.
A resident recently contacted me concerning the use of North Street for the delivery and collection of large container skips using Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVS) These vehicles have caused significant disruption to other traffic and posed a health and safety risk to pedestrians and other road users.
I visited the site, but there was no sign of any HGVs in the vicinity. The building site fencing was back in position, and all skips had been removed. Hopefully, that part of the job is now complete so that there is no further necessity to use North Street for access.
The planning department in County Hall confirmed that vehicle access has not been approved via North Street.
Simpler Recycling in Northumberland.
The Government has introduced new Simpler Recycling rules across England. These rules mean that all Councils must collect the same set from all households.
NCC is working to introduce these changes as soon as possible. Infrastructure upgrades are now progressing, and phased introduction is expected to commence with food waste collections from the autumn.
Everyone will be kept informed as to when changes will happen, what service will be included, which materials go in each bin, when new bins will be delivered and where to find further information.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any issues. it doesn’t matter how big or how small they are, I will do my best to help.
Cllr Pauline Davison Reform U.K.
Pauline.Davidson@northumberland.gov.uk 07889143980
