Following several strong statements regarding the Coalition Governments wish to Dual the remainder of the A1 in England, Keith Brown MSP Minister for Transport in Scotland set out his stall to also have it dueled from Berwick to Innerwick near Dunbar

Following several strong statements regarding the Coalition Governments wish to Dual the remainder of the A1 in England, Keith Brown MSP Minister for Transport in Scotland set out his stall to also have it dueled from Berwick to Innerwick near Dunbar to ensure Eastern Scotland benefits from the fall back position of DevoMax if the SNP Yes Vote for devolution from the Union fails, this is to ensure that trade with England isn't confined to Western Scotland with its high speed road & rail links between Carlisle and the M6 and the Clydeside conurbation.

The North East of England is the only profitable commercial trading centre in the UK at the moment and is bucking the trend through the strength of its Local Enterprise Partnership and the NE Combined Authority set up working closely together. The Scots don't want to miss out on being part of that and with a West Coast and Birmingham centred prime business route being developed, Edinburgh and its massive Insurance Industry, who will be funding much of this work through George Osbornes infrastructure scheme will feel ever more isolated if they have to travel West before turning South.

The Lothian people are worried that their financial centre may drift away to the cheaper areas of the redeveloping West Midlands, which will only be 49 minutes from London via HS2 if they can't have a fully dueled
A1 or if Devo Max forces up Scottish taxes and East Coast travel to England remains snail like via an arterial route blocked by agricultural vehicles from Morpeth in England to Innerwick in Scotland most days of the year.

Scott Dickinson Labour business chairperson at Northumberland County Council said:"with the release of the Autumn Statement, the news that
HS2 infrastructure investment will concentrate on London to Birmingham to tap into the West Coast main line services and that George Osborne released a major infrastructure plan funded by Insurance Investors, were sure those investors will want a fast, safe road link to be developed between the financial capital of Scotland in Edinburgh and the future home of the North East Regional Bank in Newcastle upon Tyne. Without urgent major road improvements Edinburgh's power as a financial centre will diminish rapidly"

Labour call for government to ‘work closer with Europe’ to tackle ‘excessive red tape in farming’

Labour call for government to ‘work closer with Europe’ to tackle ‘excessive red tape in farming’
‘We need to work harder to cut unnecessary ‘red tape’ and that’s why we need a strong voice in Europe’ – Coun Scott Dickinson, Business Chair Northumberland County Council

Labour councillors in Northumberland have added their weight to a ‘call by a task force set up to cut red tape in the farming industry. The snappily titled ‘Farming Regulation Task Force Implementation Group’ which was set up by the coalition government and includes experts and representatives from the UK farming industry has published its initial recommendations as a way to ‘reduce the regulatory burden on farmers’ and it recommended that the UK’s engagement in the EU should be greater, earlier and more in partnership with the industry, advising that the government should do more to press the European Commission to apply its own principles in its Communication on Smart Regulation.
Labour in Northumberland have welcomed the task force recommendations and have called for coalition MP’s in the county to ‘lobby harder’ to pressure MEP’s to make the case direct to the European Commission. The Labour administration at County Hall are actively looking at the potential to set up a ‘Rural Issues Task and Finish group to tackle issues faced by the county farming industry and rural communities.
The industry accounts for 18% of the enterprise sector in Northumberland and employs 18,000 employees across the county and is three times higher than the UK average (ONS Inter-departmental Business Register).
Councillor Scott Dickinson who represents Druridge Bay said
‘This non-partisan report shows the price of ignoring the EU and it’s time to stop the political posturing and start to tackle the unnecessary red tape which impedes the growth of the farming sector in Northumberland. We need to be working together to make the case for Northumberland farming and the Labour party in Northumberland will make sure the county council uses its role as a strategic body to support this vitally important sector’.

Councillor Scott Dickinson, business chair at Northumberland County Council and ward councillor for Druridge Bay

Northumberland County Council is offering an ‘immediate’ extra 23 apprenticeship places to young people in the County as it continues its tradition of offering employment and skills opportunities to young people. Recruitment will start in the New Year as the authority gears up to create even more opportunities for apprenticeships in the county.

The Council already employs around 134 apprentices and is committed to appointing new apprentices every year over the next 5 years eventually totalling 760 new apprentices.

Not only do apprentices gain valuable workplace experience, the council also offers further education and employment to many of the young people it takes on.

Councillor Scott Dickinson, business chair at Northumberland County Council and ward councillor for Druridge Bay said:

“As a new administration we’re pledging to go even further with the aspiration of doubling the number of apprentices we take on. Our ‘down payment’ will be 23 new apprenticeships starting in the New Year but we’re going much further. Our plan is to create 760 new apprenticeships over 5 years with our ambitious affordable homes pledge creating 400 construction skill based apprenticeships in its own.
“We take our role, as a major employer in the County, very seriously and recognise the importance of offering young people in Northumberland a chance to join a skilled workforce where they can learn from highly skilled and experienced people.”


Ends

Notes for Editors
• 400 apprentices will be employed over the next 5 years on the County Council’s ambitious affordable homes policy which will see at least 2000 affordable homes built across the county.
• The apprenticeships will include ‘stipulations’ within contracts that ensure the ‘contractor creates local jobs.
• This year’s apprentices will work across the various service areas including Highways, Transport, and Fire and Rescue.
• An initial 12 apprentice places were offered this month with a second cohort due to start in the New Year.
• The Council has offered several apprenticeship places for many years and as with this year many go on to work for the authority after having their contracts extended.
• Ten apprentices from last year have had their contracts extended to be supported through level 3 and two will be supported through to HNC level to become full-time highways inspectors.
• The apprenticeships scheme is a result of the close partnership between the council’s employability and skills teams and training providers; Northumberland College, TDR Training and the Adult Learning services.

Berwick’s Lib Dems at loggerheads over ‘Bedroom Tax’

Berwick’s Lib Dems at loggerheads over ‘Bedroom Tax’

New candidate breaks ranks with Sir Alan over ‘spare room subsidy’

Berwick Liberal Democrats are accused of being at ‘loggerheads’ over the controversial imposition of the so called ‘bedroom tax’ with newly selected candidate Julie Porksen setting out her opposition to the ‘tax’ which was backed by ‘retiring’ MP Sir Alan Beith.

Now Labour are calling for Ms Porksen to answer whether she would support Labour’s plan to ‘scrap the tax’ if they form a government in 2015.

Labour are pointing towards the effects of the ‘tax’ which now means that families on low incomes have to find an extra £680 to cover housing benefit. They’re also highlighting that more than 56% of those affected receive ‘in work benefits’ to top up low wages. Northumberland has the second lowest average ‘wage’ and when ‘in work benefits’ are stripped out the county average is just £12,809.

Scott Dickinson, Labour councillor for Druridge Bay said

‘The reality of a Lib Dem MP in Berwick who has slavishly backed a ‘tax’ which isn’t fair or even saving the tax payer money is the Tories can continue to hammer Berwick’s families and enshrine our area as a ‘low wage economy’. I’m calling on Julie Porksen to back Labour’s promise to get rid of the hated and malicious ‘bedroom tax’ and to distance herself from Sir Alan Beith who now seems to be simply nodding through coalition policies without any thought for Berwick’

Chair of Health and Wellbeing Board, Councillor Dickinson, visited the Aln Valley Railway project this week to see first- hand how the community project is helping adults with learning disabilities to shine.

Councillor Dickinson visits Aln Valley Railway community project
17 October 2013

Chair of Health and Wellbeing Board, Councillor Dickinson, visited the Aln Valley Railway project this week to see first- hand how the community project is helping adults with learning disabilities to shine.

Railway themed snacks were dished up at the Aln Valley Railway Café as part of a partnership project with Northumberland County Council learning disability day services. Bright flowers and plants also adorn the flower beds surrounding the café, thanks to the hard work of the Aln Valley Railway volunteers and adults with learning and physical disabilities based at Pottergate Pantry and Pottergate Potting Shed day services run by Northumberland County Council.

The two projects have teamed up to work at The Aln Valley Railway tourist attraction in Alnwick which is being restored by the Aln Valley Railway Group to offer a railway link to Alnmouth to join the East Coast mainline. The original steam engines are being restored at the attraction which was open this summer for visitors to enjoy.

The site received a visit from Councillor Scott Dickinson, Chair of Northumberland’s Health and Wellbeing Board, who was keen to see how this scheme is combining enhancement of the county's tourist attractions with greater inclusion for adults with learning disabilities.

Councillor Scott Dickinson said: “I visited Pottergate earlier in the year and met the people who work at the day service there. Both the Café and gardening projects at the Aln Valley Railway are a great way of giving the clients experience in customer service and working as part of a team on a local project. The project is also helping the Aln Valley Railway to offer a good range of services for visitors.

“This project demonstrates what can be achieved when we work together. It is a good example one of our five key priorities which is ‘supporting people with long term conditions to be more independent’ and is ultimately helping to improve the health of the adults who take part by helping them to have full choice and control over their lives’.”

The Health and Wellbeing Board has been established to improve the health and wellbeing of Northumberland residents and to reduce health inequalities by encouraging better partnership working between organisations involved in buying and providing health services, adult social care and children’s services.

The visits by Councillor Dickinson are part of a rolling programme and will continue throughout the year.

Cllr Dickinson said: “Now that the Health and Wellbeing Board has moved from being in shadow form to fully fledged, I think it is really important that as the chair I come out and visit each service and talk to staff and patients.

Chair of Health and Wellbeing Board visits front line health services
Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board Councillor Scott Dickinson has been out on a series of visits to see first hand how our staff are working to support patients and service users.

The Health and Wellbeing Board is the a statutory body set up to oversee the integration of health and social care services, and wider integration with other public services to support ill and disabled people. It brings together organisations involved in buying and providing health services, adult social care and children’s services

The visits which took place in August have so far been to Wansbeck General Hospital and Blyth Community Hospital.

Cllr Dickinson said: “Now that the Health and Wellbeing Board has moved from being in shadow form to fully fledged, I think it is really important that as the chair I come out and visit each service and talk to staff and patients.
“I’m going to be out and about on more visits in the future because I am determined to make sure that I know how communities feel about their services , what's working and what needs improving. I hope to be able to use these visits to become the ‘voice of the patient’.”
Cllr Dickinson visited Foundry House in Bedlington, Northumberland to meet the contact centre telephone staff for Northumberland Telecare Service, the Single Point of Access, the Out of Hours Nursing Team and the Emergency Duty Team and occupational therapists from the Short Term Support Service. Cllr Dickinson also stopped by to meet the nursing team at the TESA (Treatment, Education, Support and Advice) Unit, Blyth Community Hospital.

Sister Rexie Akwei, team leader at the TESA (Treatment, Education, Support and Advice) Unit, said: “We are a busy unit seeing around 900 patients a month and so it’s great that the chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board has taken the time to come and see how we work and values what we do.”

The rolling programme of visits is ongoing and Cllr Dickinson has also Northumberland County Council day services at Pottergate Centre and Hepscott Park, specialist mental health and learning disability services at Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust and the North East Ambulance Service in August.

Pupils from Grange View First School in Widdrington Station being presented with certificates from Coun Scott Dickinson after completing the Summer Reading Challenge.

Young readers claim their medals

Pupils from Grange View First School in Widdrington Station being presented with certificates from Coun Scott Dickinson after completing the Summer Reading Challenge.

Published on the14 October 2013

Morpeth Herald

YOUNG bookworms have picked up prizes after enjoying a summer of reading.

A record-breaking number of children took part in Northumberland’s Summer Reading Challenge this year to read at least six books during the school holidays.

The scheme, co-ordinated by the Reading Agency, was taken up by 3,657 youngsters aged four to 11, and included games and crafts in libraries.

All of those completing the challenge received a medal and certificate, including several pupils from Grange View First School in Widdrington Station.

County council Policy Board Member for Culture Val Tyler said: “I’d like to congratulate every single child who took part.”

Northumberland County Council’s business chairman Scott Dickinson

Next step for £30m Morpeth road scheme

14 Aug 2013 Journal. A £30 million road scheme to tackle traffic hold-ups in a busy market town have reached the next stage

Northumberland County Council’s business chairman Scott Dickinson

A £30m road scheme hoped to alleviate traffic in a Northumberland market town has reached a significant milestone.

The Planning Inspectorate has announced it is to carry out a detailed examination of the proposal to build a northern bypass for Morpeth, where traffic hold-ups have been a controversial issue.

An 11 month long examination and determination process, will culminate in a decision on the scheme by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles.

The bypass has been welcomed by community leaders in Morpeth, where there has been major controversy over congestion, delays and rat-runs since the introduction of new traffic lights in the town centre last year.

Scott Dickinson, the county council’s business chairman, said: “This is a key milestone in building this much-needed and long-awaited bypass, providing a key link between the A1 and Ashington, reducing through traffic in Morpeth and creating development opportunities to the north of the town.

“The £30m project will also create jobs and training opportunities for local people and provide opportunities for local suppliers during the construction phase.”

Public consultations started more than five years ago, and included a series of exhibitions

The matter was raised at the council’s petition committee last week. Chairman Coun Scott Dickinson said afterwards the working group would report to the policy board on whether changes could be made to the council’s approach.

Journal
20mph limit review after Wylam petition
2 Aug 2013 08:30 Northumberland County Council members will visit other authorities as part of a 20mph speed limit review


Councillors in Northumberland are to visit other local authorities as part of a review into their policy on 20mph speed limits.

Members of Northumberland County Council and an officer will visit other areas to look at their stance on where the limits can be imposed. It comes after councillors agreed to review their policy after officers deemed a request for a 20mph zone through Wylam to be unsuitable, saying reductions are not suitable on village main roads.

That request had come after numerous near misses involving pedestrians and vehicles in Wylam, and following an incident where schoolgirl Evie Moffat, 16, was knocked over as she crossed the road to her school bus stop in December.

The accident encouraged villager Lynn Clarke to start a petition to the council calling for 20mph limits to be introduced at the site of Evie’s accident and two other areas of concern on the main road through the village.

It was signed by more than 600 people and was backed by the county councillor for the area, Paul Kelly, as well as Hexham MP Guy Opperman, who sent a letter of backing to the authority.

However, in a report to the council’s West area committee, officers stated that it was council policy that 20mph limits should not be introduced on major routes, such as the main road through Wylam. The council’s report revealed there had been seven injury accidents in the village in the last five years – one serious – with the majority said to have happened on the main road.

Coun Kelly persuaded the committee to call on the authority’s policy board to review its stance on where reduced limits can be imposed and agree they should be assessed on a case by case basis – potentially allowing them to be introduced at the areas of concern at Wylam.

The policy board/area chairs working group then agreed to recommend to the policy board that the 20mph policy be looked at. The policy board since agreed a small member working group should visit other local authorities, with an officer, to investigate “effective and affordable solutions to this particular issue.”

The matter was raised at the council’s petition committee last week. Chairman Coun Scott Dickinson said afterwards the working group would report to the policy board on whether changes could be made to the council’s approach.

“Ultimately the authority’s priority is 20mph limits outside schools and old people’s homes,” he added.

From The Ambler

Plans submitted for ‘seafood town’ development

Posted by theambler on August 21, 2013 • Categorized as Amble Development Trust,News,Northumberland County Council

Proposed site of new Quayside plans

A new proposal to bring investment into the Friendliest Port has just been announced. A planning application to regenerate part of the Quayside has been submitted to Northumberland County Council, which will include a seafood centre and incubator units for small business startups.

Originating from two strategic reports from last year; Amble Development Trust’s regeneration document ‘Amble 2020′, and ‘Amble: The Seafood Town’ of May 2013 by Team Tourism Consulting, the plans have been developed in consultation with local landowners and leaseholders. The Ambler understands that the main objectives of the plans are to create opportunities for Amble’s fishing industry and startup businesses.

There will be an opportunity for the public to review and discuss the plans with members of the development team on Friday 27 September between 9am – 4.30pm at Amble Development Trust’s offices, Fourways2, Dilston Terrace Amble.

The proposed Quayside project has been developed by Northumberland County Council in close partnership with Amble Development Trust and in consultation with Warkworth Harbour Commission, Amble Boat Company and Coquet Shorebase Trust.

The planning application comprises proposals for several different pieces of work which together represent a cohesive development proposal in response to the report ‘Amble: The Seafood Town’ of May 2013 by Team Tourism Consulting.

That report followed extensive consultation and close partnership working with Amble Development Trust, and addressed opportunities for economic development and associated employment generation through co-ordinated initiatives in the sectors of tourism and hospitality, the fishing industry and aquaculture, as identified within “Amble 2020”, the latest regeneration strategy for the town, written by John Shutt and Julia Aston.

Overhead plan of quayside development

Julia Aston, Director of Amble Development Trust said: “The Development Trust has worked closely with Northumberland County Council and submitted an expression of Interest to the Coastal Communities Fund and the European Fisheries Fund. We are unlikely to hear whether we have been successful until January. We have formed positive working relationships with County Council officers to develop this concept.”

The report identified the potential to create a unique selling point for Amble as ‘The Seafood Town’, the authentic place to go to sample fresh, locally caught sea-food, based on its nature as a working port, taking advantage of the nation-wide and Europe-wide tourism trend in favour of authenticity and local foods. The report’s main recommendations support this single, simple concept, from facilitation of access to the harbourside to training of restaurant staff and support given to start-up businesses.

Councillor Scott Dickinson, Business Chair of Northumberland County Council said: “The Council is working with Amble Development Trust, James Calvert Spence College and other partners to explore how Amble can develop a more sustainable future and stronger economy. Discussions and research have taken place over the last six months to identify how this might happen. On this basis, we have chosen seafood related tourism as the way forward as we believe it offers some real opportunities for the town. We are now working with the wider Amble 2020 partnership to secure the necessary external funding and planning permission to progress this work. Major funding bids are being submitted to try and achieve this and we hope they will be successful, as we want the people and businesses of Amble to benefit as much as possible from the jobs, training and trading opportunities which could arise out of this project.”

http://www.theambler.co.uk/2013/08/21/plans-submitted-for-seafood-town-development/

He has received backing from Northumberland County Council’s business chairman, Coun Scott Dickinson.

Berwick old Kwik Save to be demolished to make way for a coach parking facility.

Berwick Chamber of Trade chairman John Haswell believes it is the ideal town centre site, especially if a toilet block is built too.

“I see it as a win-win situation if we can get rid of a derelict building and replace it with a much-needed coach parking facility,” he said.

He has received backing from Northumberland County Council’s business chairman, Coun Scott Dickinson.

“I know the council has been looking at potential sites for a coach parking facility, including The Parade and Chapel Street but I think it would be much more preferable to tear down Kwik Save and put it there,” said Coun Dickinson.

He now plans to take the idea to Arch, the development company set up by the council, which has made the Kwiksave site one of its top priorities for the months ahead.

Coun Scott Dickinson, Druridge Bay ward member, said the legal agreement eased his concerns and added the development would boost the area.

Welcome for legal block on start of ash pile

Concept image for the UKs first Active Lifestyle Resort near Widdrington.
15 August Northumberland Gazette

A legal requirement which will halt the movement and storage of huge quantities of waste power station ash at a former opencast mining site until a plan for a £50million leisure and tourism resort is submitted has been welcomed.

Last week, Northumberland County Council’s planning and environment and rights of way committee approved a proposal by Active Leisure Resorts to import 420,000 tonnes of pulverised fuel ash over a six-month period to Steadsburn, near Widdrington.
The material would be used to build an artificial ski slope as part of the company’s multi-million-pound, 700-job holiday and leisure development at the site, Blue Sky Forest.

But it was agreed that no stockpiling will start until a full planning application for the resort has been submitted and validated by the county council.

Coun Scott Dickinson, Druridge Bay ward member, said the legal agreement eased his concerns and added the development would boost the area.

Widdrington Station and Stobswood Parish Council chairman Shelly Willoughby said: “Our worry was that this was going to be some developer coming into the area, making big promises, but just leaving a mess and disappearing, but this has given confidence that the wider scheme will happen.

“It is a leap of faith but I think it is something to be excited about.”

Val Seddon, chairman of Widdrington Village Parish Council, said that the legal agreement gave ‘a little bit of an assurance’ but said it didn’t mean that the wider scheme would actually go ahead.

She added that she wanted Active Leisure to work more with the community.

Labour’s Scott Dickinson, the council’s business chairman, said: “I believe that we can manage most committee meetings in three days and the thinking behind it is that the spare two days would allow council officers to prepare detailed reports.

Tories angry with plans to change meeting schedule
Published on the

Published 16/08/2013 Morpeth Hearld

A PROPOSAL to introduce a three-day week for the vast majority of council committee meetings in Northumberland has been criticised.
At a meeting of the all-party Constitution Working Group of the county council, it was announced by officers that they had been instructed by the Labour group to see if most of the authority’s formal business could be carried out on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

But the main opposition group, the Conservatives, is not happy with this suggestion. It has accused the administration of ‘arrogance’ in thinking that it would be a positive move.

Labour’s Scott Dickinson, the council’s business chairman, said: “I believe that we can manage most committee meetings in three days and the thinking behind it is that the spare two days would allow council officers to prepare detailed reports.

“Sometimes, they do not have the time to give councillors all the necessary details to enable us to make informed decisions for the good of the county.

“There are a few committees that need to meet on certain days, such as fostering and area committees, which would remain unchanged.”

Conservative group leader Peter Jackson said: “I know from years of experience that it does take a lot of work, five days a week and often more, for councillors to diligently carry out all of the various roles that they have to perform.

“It is arrogant in the extreme for our friends on the Labour benches to imagine they will manage this on a three day programme.”

Moving the Planning and Environment Committee start time from 6pm to 10am was also discussed, but it is unlikely to go through after the working group agreed that it would not be appropriate for various reasons.

The county council’s business chairman Coun Scott Dickinson said: “After discussions and research, we have chosen seafood-related tourism as the way forward. “We are working with the wider Amble 2020 partnership to secure the necessary external funding and planning permission to progress this work.

A major transformation is being planned for a seaside town, which would create jobs, bolster tourism and capitalise on its fishing heritage.

An ambitious scheme has been drawn up to establish a unique selling point for Amble as the seafood town; the authentic place to go to sample fresh, locally-caught fish, based on its nature as a working port. A Harbour Village comprising a Seafood Centre and training academy form part of the project, along with space for 15 incubator units accommodating small start-up businesses. On top of this, a separate planning application has been approved by Northumberland County Council under delegated powers for major work in and around Amble Marina.

This would include the construction of 10 timber holiday chalets, extension of the marina building and renovation of the Coquet Street car park. Amble mayor Craig Weir said: “These plans are good for the future of Amble, bringing employment and increasing footfall. I am excited by them.” The Harbour Village scheme has been developed by the county council in partnership with Amble Development Trust, in consultation with Warkworth Harbour Commissioners, Amble Boat Company and Coquet Shorebase Trust (CSBT).

It comes in response to the report Amble: The Seafood Town, prepared by Team Tourism Consulting. In the short-term, nearly 40 full-time jobs would be created. It is anticipated that 12 roles would also be safeguarded within local fishing fleets, plus other longer-term employment benefits. Through the development of the Harbour Village, it is estimated an additional 20,000 visitors would come to Amble over the first two years and the local economy would receive a boost of nearly £1.2million during this time. Training workshops would be delivered by the Seafood Training Academy.

The county council’s business chairman Coun Scott Dickinson said: “After discussions and research, we have chosen seafood-related tourism as the way forward. “We are working with the wider Amble 2020 partnership to secure the necessary external funding and planning permission to progress this work.

“Funding bids are being submitted to try to achieve this. We want Amble’s people and businesses to benefit as much as possible from jobs, training and trading opportunities which could arise out of this project.” As part of the application, the existing boat storage area next to Leazes Street, as well as the dock, would be redeveloped to create the Harbour Village. The Seafood Centre would comprise working space for wholesale fish distribution, including cold store, supported by office space, and the start-up businesses in the incubator units could be linked to seafood. A re-organisation of the streetscape at the junction of Lawson Street and Leazes Street is planned to provide an enhanced connection between the Harbour Village, quayside and Town Square.

The scheme includes the relocation of the CSBT to new premises on The Braid, west of Amble Boat Club/Coquet Yacht Club, enabling clearance of the existing CSBT site for future redevelopment. The new building would accommodate storage space for water-sports equipment, classroom, changing facilities and other features.

A new slipway into the River Coquet is proposed for the riverbank opposite and would improve launching for disabled people. The application includes the formation of a new quayside public footpath linking the existing car park adjacent to the Town Square with the Harbour Village, via the cleared CSBT site and Amble Boat Company’s boatyard. The marina is set for a facelift after Amble Marina Limited’s (AML) plans were approved. Managing director Karl Brunton said it would create jobs and bolster tourism. As part of the plans, which include building the holiday chalets and extending the marina building, AML wants to reorientate the marina’s main entrance and make a pedestrian access, creating a link between the marina and the town.

Ann jumps the gun on this one

Cllr Scott Dickinson said "its unfortunate for the Tory Candidates team to have jumped a gun on this one. It's clear from 30yrs worth of Lidem campaigning to vote Beith in to keep the Tories out is invalid and since 2010 has been untrue. Given the Police and Crime Commissioner results in Northumberland during 2012 and this years Local Elections everything would suggest with an experience and respected local Labour candidate this seat is marginal. No longer is it a fight between the Tories and Libdems. Berwick Constituency Labour Party can and will field a good quality candidate who is likely to snatch Libdem voters and see the constituency turn Labour in 2015 and get a better deal for Northumberland. With an extra Northumberland Labour MP it would be a strong hard working team with a stronger voice for local people"

Ann jumps the gun and thinks she a MP already

Northumberland Tory parliamentary candidate orders removal of her "MP" Twitter account 9 Aug 2013 jOURNAL Tory supporters in Twitter blunder after Berwick MP's decision to retire Conservative candidate Anne Marie-Trevelyan's chances of taking the Berwick seat at the next election have been boosted by Sir Alan Beith's decision to retire - but it is not a done deal A Conservative candidate in Northumberland ordered the removal of a Twitter account which referred to her as an MP. Anne Marie-Trevelyan, who will look to take control of the Berwick seat at the next general election, said she had acted as soon as she was informed of the account in her name under the title AnnieTrevMP. Mrs Trevelyan said the page – set up just hours after sitting MP Sir Alan Beith announced he would be retiring at the next election – had been the work of “exuberant” young supporters. The account had sparked debate on Twitter with users – including Gateshead MP Ian Mearns – questioning whether it had been set up by Mrs Trevelyan. The page, which carries the candidate’s name, her photograph and website address, began tweeting on July 18. On August 2, it featured one tweet identical to a posting on Mrs Trevelyan’s account AnnieTrev. Mr Mearns tweeted: “Is it a real account or someone else making it up? If true a tad presumptuous?” Users then reported the removal of the page on Wednesday. When contacted by The Journal yesterday, Mrs Trevelyan said she been unaware of the account until she was alerted to it by email on Wednesday. She then discovered the page had been set up by a band of her “exuberant” young supporters, “messing about on the internet” out of “youthful enthusiasm”. Mrs Trevelyan said she had instructed the creators to remove the account immediately. She added it had not been “helpful”. Mrs Trevelyan said it had been “a little bit premature” to refer to her as an MP but added: “I would like to say that one day I will be able to have a Twitter account like that.” Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats in Berwick are beginning the process of finding a replacement for Sir Alan, who announced on Wednesday that he will not be seeking re-election in 2015. Sir Alan had a majority of 2,690 at the last election, with a number of those likely to have been personal votes built up during his 42 years as the constituency’s MP. Returning officer Doreen Huddart revealed the party hopes to name Sir Alan’s replacement within “a couple of months”. The process will see an advert placed in party publications, followed by consideration of applicants and interviews by a selection panel. A shortlist will then be produced by the panel ahead of a ballot during a meeting where all paid-up party members can vote. Mrs Huddart said the process normally lasts eight to 15 weeks. He said: “Because it will be a seat of significant interest it may take the 15 weeks. There is an incumbent, that always adds interest to it.”

The business chairman of the council, Coun. Scott Dickinson, said: “We’ve got exciting plans for Hexham which will go a long way to providing a stimulus to local businesses and the local community.

Council presses on with Hexham bus station revamp By BRIAN TILLEY Last updated at 08:46, Wednesday, 07 August 2013 A NEW modern bus station, with four bus stands, covered passenger accommodation and public toilets is on the cards for Hexham. Jane Wrigley Despite scepticism that Northumberland County Council would leave Tynedale out in the cold to concentrate on its south-east heartland, the county is pressing ahead with its bold bid to bring the neglected transport hub into the 21th century. And that’s only part of ambitious plans to breathe life back into Hexham, which has suffered badly since the loss of one of the town’s premier employers, Tynedale Council, following the creation of the unitary county council in 2009. The county is actively exploring the possibility of bringing former Tynedale Council premises in the town back into use as offices. The business chairman of the council, Coun. Scott Dickinson, said: “We’ve got exciting plans for Hexham which will go a long way to providing a stimulus to local businesses and the local community. “By bringing the bus station back into use and by providing council services from the heart of Hexham again, we think the local economy will benefit. “We’ll be bringing forward detailed plans to begin a consultation with Hexham Town Council to ensure that local priorities and views can be captured at an early stage. “We’re hoping to start discussions with interested parties in the bus station development very soon and we’re actively assessing the property we own in the town centre as potential locations for dedicated council and partner services.” Masterminding the revitalisation of Hexham is former Newcastle City Council chief executive Barry Rowland, who has just been appointed by the county council as corporate director of local services. While his first priority will be to develop plans to create a new, fully functioning bus station in Hexham, he is also looking at increasing the county council’s presence in the town by utilising existing space the council already owns. The council is understood to be drawing up plans for a combined bus station/one stop shop and but is also actively looking at refurbishing buildings which once housed the former Tynedale Council staff. The county had already sold the Old Grammar School and the former swimming pool in Gilesgate, but still owns other properties, including Prospect House, in Hallgate, and Hexham House and Hadrian House, in Market Street. The bus station development plans will seek not only to refurbish the bus station itself, but also to maximise the opportunities to further develop bus services which currently use Hexham as a destination. The council has also indicated that it will be looking at how rural bus services can be improved and supplemented as part of a wider review of transport issues across the county. The council is planning a ‘rural bus summit’ in October to bring together interested parties. The council is hoping to come forward with detailed plans on which to consult with Hexham Town Council within the next three months, and will be seeking to consult the wider public after the plans have been discussed at the town council. Chairman of Hexham Constituency Labour Party, Jane Wrigley, has welcomed the positive progress on revitalising Hexham. She said: “I am really delighted that the Labour administration is looking at ways of improving the bus station and making it a welcoming gateway into Hexham. “For far too long, various councils have talked about taking action, but nothing has happened. “In addition, I welcome the move to devolve council services back to Hexham by creating a local council hub. “This will bring high quality jobs and vitality back into the town, as well as increasing footfall in the local shops and businesses. “It’ll be good for the planet too, as local people won’t have to travel to work in south-east Northumberland.”

Scott Dickinson, said:“We’ve got to prepare for the forthcoming changes brought about by the Scotland Act 2012.

By BRIAN TILLEY btilley@cngroup.co.uk Published at 07:38, Wednesday, 07 August 2013 AFTER centuries of strife, the descendants of Tynedale’s Border Reivers could soon be wooing their Scottish neighbours. For Northumberland is keen to establish good relations with Scotland in the event of a ‘yes’ vote in the independence referendum north of the Border. Failure to do so could result in the county losing out in the battle for investment and new jobs. The investment could see the creation of a new Borderlands project linking Northumberland and Cumbria county councils with two of their Caledonian counterparts to work together for the common good. A joint research project between think tank IPPR North, the University of Northumbria and St Chads College, Durham, has identified the opportunities and pitfalls Scottish independence would mean to the North-East as a whole. A presentation on the research findings to the Association of North East Councils set out challenges and opportunities in the evolving relationship between England and Scotland. This takes into account the introduction of legislation through the Scotland Act 2012 and the forthcoming Scottish referendum in 2014 which could see an independent Scotland. Proposals for greater collaboration between local authorities in the region are being discussed with Northumberland County Council. These include a new project called Borderlands which would see greater cooperation between Northumberland and Cumbria county councils, and Dumfries and Galloway, and Scottish Borders local authorities, on key strategic issues such as transport, energy, tourism, rural and business development and education and skills. The initial research highlights areas of common interest in specific areas such as forestry, and joint tourism promotion and economic development, with the four councils sharing similar challenges to increase economic competitiveness. In geographical terms, a collaboration between the four authorities would cover an area bigger than Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle in terms of population size. The report has been welcomed by Northumberland’s Labour group as a “recognition of the challenges and opportunities for the county as Scotland adds more powers.” Business chairman of Northumberland County Council, Coun. Scott Dickinson, said:“We’ve got to prepare for the forthcoming changes brought about by the Scotland Act 2012. “Whatever happens in the referendum in 2014, Northumberland needs to be prepared. “There will undoubtedly be challenges, but we can’t stand still, and the proposals for greater collaboration between ourselves and Cumbria and the Scottish Border authorities is a welcome move to extend influence over changes. “For example, 65 per cent of all trade in Berwick is provided by visitors from Scotland and we need to protect and extend those types of opportunities. “There’s clearly much we have in common and we’re particularly interested in developing a more robust and sustainable rural bus service and partnerships.” The research highlighted four main areas of cooperation: l Promoting economic development – using the existing Local Economic Partnerships to encourage ‘cross border’ partnerships in areas such as tourism, transport, renewables, oil and gas, skills, universities and port facilities, potentially chaired by business leaders from either side of the border. It would also include the agenda developed by the Rural Growth Networks. l ‘Voice’ and influence – working through the existing LEPs, local authorities and business community, opening up effective channels of communication to lobby both Holyrood and Westminster on issues such as air passenger duty, differential rates of taxation either side of the border and transport and tourism. l Collaboration, partnerships and networks – the potential creation of Borderlands collaboration between Northumberland, Cumbria, Dumfries and Galloway and Borders local authorities, which could lead to a ‘Borderlands deal’ mirroring the UK Government’s ‘city deal’ which gives greater autonomy and power over spending to geographical areas. l Evidence and analysis – greater sharing of information on areas such as travel to work, shop and leisure areas, labour markets, inward investment and supply chain links which could assist Northumberland in attracting new investment and developing economic partnerships which build on existing cross border ties. The presentation also stressed the need for the region as a whole to develop a joint voice when talking to Westminster and it should now be thinking of Edinburgh as well as London when lobbying to extend the region’s interests. Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk

Mr Dickinson said: “By incorporating a new bus station with the ‘one-stop services’ venture, it is hoped that potential footfall for the town businesses would triple.”

Hexham: Council hub will bring cash and jobs to town

By BRIAN TILLEY

Hexham Courant

Published at 07:41, Wednesday, 24 July 2013

DESPITE scepticism from local Tories, the Labour administration at County Hall insists it is on course to breathe new life into Hexham town centre.

And the neglected Hexham bus station remains the preferred site for a service hub designed to bring up to 70 local authority jobs back to the town.

Officials believe that re-locating council services back in the town centre in a one-stop shop could lead to a £50m cash injection into the local economy through more localised procurement of some contracts and through the spending power of hundreds of potential new customers.

A detailed feasibility study will take place over the summer into how best the council can re-establish a presence in Hexham.

A key figure in the scheme will be the authority’s soon-to-be-appointed director for neighbourhood services, with re-focusing operations in the town one of the top priorities.

Already on the case is the council’s new business manager Scott Dickinson, who said this week: “We want to get on with our plans to breathe new life into our town centres and it’s clear that Hexham will benefit from this very simple economic stimulus.

“That’s why one of the first jobs of the new director will be to ‘model’ how we can best use council resources efficiently and effectively, taking into account the considerable spending power the council can wield.

“Town centres have struggled under the double whammy of decamped council services and a significant and prolonged recession and we’re determined to help where we can.”

It’s no secret that the council has been looking closely at the old bus station site as a potential location for an array of council services – as well as giving the rundown site a much-needed facelift.

A number of schemes have been advanced over the years to redevelop the bus station site, but all have foundered because of failure to reach agreement with the multiple owners of properties in the bus station area.

But the council is now hinting, for the first time, that if agreement cannot be reached with owners, it may invoke compulsory purchase powers.

Mr Dickinson said: “The bus station is in a strategic location, but it’s also somewhat problematic given some of the key surrounding sites are not owned by the authority and will require negotiation.

“That said, the authority does have an array of potential powers that can assist in driving economic development.

“We would want to include the town council as a key player in the area.”

The incoming Labour administration has acknowledged that “centralising” services at County Hall has contributed towards the decline of the town centre.

Preliminary studies looking at the impact of this development on the town centre have indicated increased footfall and higher potential revenue yields for existing and new businesses.

Mr Dickinson said: “By incorporating a new bus station with the ‘one-stop services’ venture, it is hoped that potential footfall for the town businesses would triple.”

Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk

“It would be used to compliment existing facilities and utilise the former school site.”

Talks continue over ambitious plan for former school site

 Northumberland Gazette

Scott Dickinson at the site of the former Druridge Bay Middle School in Hadston.

Published on 11/07/2013 09:07

A major scheme to transform a former school plot into a new multi-purpose indoor facility for the community is gaining momentum.

On Monday, Coun Scott Dickinson had the first onsite meeting with Northumberland County Council officers to discuss the future of vacant land in Hadston.

The area in question was home to the old Druridge Bay Middle School, which shut in July 2011 and was demolished shortly after.

Its closure was described as a blow for the community but there are now plans to bring the site back into use.

The proposal is to build the multi-purpose centre, which could be used by local sports teams and clubs, providing changing rooms and training facilities for practical learning.

It follows a pledge from the Northumberland Labour group to include the scheme in its capital works programme – if successful in May’s election.

Coun Dickinson said: “I was excited to have the first onsite meeting at the site about the plans. It is exciting.

“We discussed the plan and how we can incorporate the views of parish councils, sports clubs and other groups and organisations so we can develop the plan ready to take to the community for feedback. If they don’t want it, they won’t get it. If they do, then they will.

“This would not be in competition with anything that the community already has.

“It would be used to compliment existing facilities and utilise the former school site.”

Coun Dickinson said the library, currently in Hadston House, could possibly be moved into the centre, because it would be a ‘more suitable place’.

Druridge Bay county councillor Scott Dickinson said: “The performance was great. The students were amazing and we are all very proud of them.”

BILLY Elliot has nothing on these Northumberland boys.

The Year 8 pupils, including several from Widdrington, were selected for a dance project at James Calvert Spence College with professional dancer Martin Hylton.

The pupils took part in a series of workshops, aimed at promoting interest in contemporary dance among boys, and came up with a routine based around a boxing ring.

It was then performed in school, before an evening show at Alnwick Playhouse, and recently the boys travelled to Gateshead Civic Centre to perform for a full audience in a celebration of work from Gateway Studio Project Dancin’ The Civic.

Druridge Bay county councillor Scott Dickinson said: “The performance was great. The students were amazing and we are all very proud of them.”

County council business chairman, Scott Dickinson, said: “We're pleased to be able to work with the Blyth town team to create new opportunities for the town, its businesses and residents.

Flurry of ideas for town centre revival

Former store could play central role

Journal 

A REDUNDANT department store could be turned into a community- owned shopping centre as part of ambitious plans to regenerate the retail heart of Northumberland’s biggest town.

A new lease of life for the former North Eastern Co-op store in Blyth  which closed last month with the loss of 34 jobs – is one of a number of ideas being discussed to give the town a brighter future.

Initial discussions have been held between the Blyth Town Team and the county council on the possibility of redeveloping the boarded-up Westgate House store, in Waterloo Road, as shops, offices or even an indoor market.

The large building, which overlooks the market square, was closed by its owner, Anglian Co-operative, in June after attempts to sell it as a going concern failed.

Now its future is being examined as part of a package of schemes which the town team is working on, after a decision to continue funding the post of town manager, Malcolm Hutchinson, for another 18 months.

Other projects being discussed to revive local fortunes include:

● A membership and loyalty scheme to encourage people to invest and spend in Blyth;

● The possibility of covering the town’s market place so that markets can be held in all weathers;

● Re-opening empty shops to provide greater retail variety and bring in customers, and running themed events all year to attract more visitors;

● Starting a Town Train to take visitors around Blyth attractions such as the beach, Ridley Park, the quayside, the markets and the town centre.

It has also been agreed to launch a free minibus shuttle service, which will run from 10am to 5pm every Friday and Saturday in August, starting on August 2. It will take people around four areas – the town centre,

Ridley Park and its water fountains, the beach and the quayside. Mr Hutchinson, who was appointed a year ago, has set up the town team, a limited company whose directors are local business people. Yesterday he said the free minibus service was one of the team’s first efforts to widen the town’s visitor appeal.

Townteam chairman, Steven Bradley, said the continued funding for Mr Hutchinson’s post was great news.

“We will now be in a position to move forward, as we need a town manager in place to drive forward and deliver the projects, in addition to promoting the town and its benefits at every opportunity.”

County council business chairman, Scott Dickinson, said: “We're pleased to be able to work with the Blyth town team to create new opportunities for the town, its businesses and residents.

“One of the ideas we discussed in our recent meeting was future use for the old Co-op store at Westgate House, and it’s clear there is support for the idea of a community-owned shopping centre there.

“We're looking forward to working with the town team, developing a business case for this idea