Trust Life #158
I’m going to begin Trust life with an apology – an apology for not securing the existing Sports Hall! I can honestly say we tried and believed we were going to be successful. Sadly the powers that be said no.
📷 Old JCSC school sports hall
We are still trying to understand why, as all the reasons we were given had been addressed within the business case. However after attending several meetings with NCC it does appear to come down to timing; JCSC’s new build being too far advanced to change planning.
This is particularly frustrating as NCC decided on the timeline for submitting the business case (and we stuck to that timing) so someone must have known at the time that it was too late to be changed.
The whole process has been so disappointing as we know there were many supporters of the asset transfer within the community – and even within NCC, including the Leader who had asked if the decision could overturned.
However we will keep on trying and have several meetings lined up with NCC officers and Councillors to see what can be salvaged and then delivered.
The Trust and Town Council will keep you informed of progress and dates for community consultation. We urge you to come along to ensure your voice is heard.
Get yourselves in a pickle
More positive news is that Matthew is setting up Pickleball courts at the welfare on the unmarked court. If you are interested in playing please get in touch with him here at the office: 01665 712929.
📷 Pickleball court at the Welfare
Housing numbers
Work on the Neighbourhood Plan is nearing fruition following meetings with several land owners. In addition, some members of the group met with the head of planning at NCC to hear more about the new government housing strategy and increased housing numbers Northumberland has to deliver. It is an ambitious target and probably not one that will be welcomed by many communities.
Town of Culture bid
Town of Culture competition: no date has been given for when we will find out whether we have been long listed only that a decision will be made in spring. So we are keeping our fingers well and truly crossed that we get some positive news soon.
The winning town will receive £3m to host a series of events, exhibitions, activities and hopefully capital money for sustainable elements such as creative and culture hub, with two runner up towns receiving £250k to deliver elements of their bid.
