SPRING 2016

PICTURE PERFECT The results of the Photo Competition are in!

IN THIS ISSUE:

57A BUS UPDATE

STREET LIGHTING

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

BUS SHELTERS Welcome to the Spring edition of Futures. Firstly I would like to congratulate the winners of our photography competition. We had some fantastic entries, and as you can see from our front cover and feature inside, the winning photographs are excellent. Well done to everyone that entered and I hope the competition grows year on year.

It is very pleasing that between ourselves, County Council and Arriva, we have managed to reinstate number 57A bus evening services for at least a year. It’s a good example of what can be achieved through resident participation and partnership working.

Another example of what can be achieved by pulling together was residents’ successful efforts at lobbying against the proposed new housing development. The Council supported the residents in objecting to the scheme that would have seen the village grow in size by a third and put great strain on facilities and infrastructure. The County Council’s decision to reject the scheme is a great relief.

Finally, I would like to draw attention to the Active Northumberland article that features Kate Smith, showing how young people can volunteer to get involved with sporting activities in the Valley. She is a BRIGHTENING UP OUR great example to us all and I encourage more people to follow her lead. And let’s hope we soon get some nice BUS SHELTERS spring weather.

Residents will have noticed vinyls appearing on a number of bus shelters in our villages. Some stunning Darren Mullen, Chair images, including the one shown here, from around Seaton Valley Council Seaton Valley have been produced to brighten up the shelters and show off the Valley to one and all.

SEGHILL PLAY AREA CONSULTATION

The previous issue of this newsletter highlighted the survey of residents in . Adults and children were Council’s plans and committed long term investment asked questions regarding the type and location of for improving and establishing play parks in the Valley, equipment to be installed in the Village. At the time of with play areas in Seghill as an initial priority. printing over 200 views have been gathered. The results of the survey will be posted on the Council’s To inform this investment the Council commissioned a website when available. 57A EVENING SERVICES TO BE REINSTATED

expressed by residents at the recent public meeting and felt that it had to try to do something to keep the service going. Urgent discussions were held with the organisations concerned and I would like to thank both Arriva and Northumberland County Council for their cooperation and support in the matter. It’s over to residents now because we may not be able to keep evening services going for more than 12 months unless passenger numbers begin to show an upward trend.

The Blake Landlady Stacey Warnaby That being said, what has been achieved in a short and SVC Chair Darren Mullen timescale is commendable and an excellent example of partnership working’. Following a well-attended public meeting in Seghill and subsequent discussions between Seaton Valley Council, Local publican Stacey Warnaby was delighted to hear Northumberland County Council, and Arriva North that evening services on the 57A are going to be East, a way forward has been found to reinstate the reinstated. She said evening bus services between and . ‘My business would have suffered badly if this service had been removed. The evening Following concerns expressed by residents and local businesses about Seaton Valley being cut off from service provides my patrons with the Cramlington and North Tyneside after 8.30pm, all three opportunity get to and from my pub without organisations have agreed to contribute to provide the having to think about drinking and driving. necessary funding to keep the service going for another A number of my regulars come from outside 12 months. of Seghill and hence losing the service

Arriva North East’s Commercial Manager Chris Curtis would significantly affect my trade’. said ‘Arriva is pleased to have been able to work with both Councils to keep this local evening service going Northumberland County Council and Arriva North East for at least another year’. have worked together to minimise the necessary VOSA route registration and timetabling requirements and as Chair of Seaton Valley Council Darren Mullen said ‘The a result Arriva will be in a position to reinstate evening Council was very impressed with the strength of feeling services from Sunday 22nd May 2016.

WATCH THE TALL SHIPS FROM

Tall Ships weekend is August 26-29 STREET LIGHT JACKIE’S PARK MODERNISATION OPENS

The County Council’s street lighting modernisation programme is scheduled to be completed in Seaton Valley between mid-April and the end of July 2016.

There are approximately 2,400 street lighting columns in the Seaton Valley area and just over 50% of these will be replaced with new columns. All of the street lighting columns will be fitted with new LED lanterns which typically use around half the amount Cllr Bernard Pidcock, Nicola McMillan – Forrest and of energy used by existing street lights. Tim and Joe, Jackie’s partner and son respectively.

The official opening of the Jackie Young Play Park at Residents should be aware that there are a number Hallington Drive, which took place on of different workstreams supporting the programme Saturday 12th March, attracted a large crowd to of work which involves different gangs carrying out celebrate both the opening and naming of the park. different elements of work such as excavation, column erection, cable jointing and lantern The park was named in memory of Jackie Young, who replacement, each of which can progress at different was an active member of the Seaton Delaval rates. This does mean that streets cannot always be community and campaigned to have the facilities in completed in one stage, with the potential for the the park upgraded, but who sadly died at a young age. lantern and column replacement being carried out at different visits. The funding for the new facilities was provided by Northumberland County Council via the S106 When lighting with white lights, the lighting Housing Developers Grant and from its Members levels need to be slightly reduced to prevent Contribution budget. glare or dazzle. The LED lights are also manufactured and fitted to help reduce light pollution, ensuring footpaths and roads are well lit but avoiding an intrusion of light into VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE people’s homes and gardens.

Visit our re-designed website for information on The onsite works are being carried out by Council services, news and find out what’s on: Galliford Try who have been appointed by NCC, and any queries in relation to their > Council Meeting Dates and works should be directed to their Works Information Helpline - 01670 840 475. A list of Frequently Asked Questions can be found at > Activities www.northumberland.gov.uk/Highways/Roa ds/Lights.aspx and this will also carry updated > Latest Plans programme information as the project progresses.

www.seatonvalleycommunitycouncil.gov.uk CRAMLINGTON AND SEATON VALLEY NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING TEAM

Email us at: Call us on: [email protected] 101 ext 69191

Your dedicated local officers for Seaton Valley are:

PC Graeme Turnbull, PC Steve Charlton, PCSO Beverley Branigan & PCSO Andrew Hayton

The following meetings will take place in 2016 if you wish to discuss anything:

Seaton Valley Bates Welfare Holywell Astley Pavilion Council Offices Community Ground Community Centre Community Centre

All meetings at 10.00 All meetings at 12.00 All meetings at 10.00 All meetings at 18.00

21 Jun 30 Aug 15 Jun 24 Aug 11 May 20 Jul 18 May 27 Jul

8 Nov 2 Nov 28 Sep 7 Dec 5 Oct 14 Dec

Seaton Sluice New Hartley Seghill Community Centre Community Centre Community Centre

All meetings at 18.00 All meetings at 18.00 All meetings at 19.30

24 May 28 Jun 2 Aug 23 May 27 Jun 1 Aug 24 May 2 Aug 21 Dec

6 Sep 11 Oct 15 Nov 5 Sep 10 Oct 14 Nov

20 Nov 1 Dec

Your Neighbourhood Policing Team is based at: Cramlington Police Station, Forum Way, Cramlington, Northumberland , NE23 6SB. Open: Monday – Friday 9.00 – 5.00 PUBLIC SEATING AND HIGHWAY BOLLARDS GET PAINT JOB

Hopefully residents will have noticed that the public seating and highway bollards throughout The Valley were repainted in March as part of the winter maintenance programme.

Two employees from the Neighbourhood Partnership Team, apprentice Michaela Scott and operative/driver Tim Burbidge are pictured left with Councillors Susan Dungworth and Barbara Swinhoe as the work progressed in Seaton Sluice.

Other tasks completed within the winter maintenance programme included, edging, hedge trimming, pruning and general maintenance activities.

ALLOTMENT SECURITY CONFERENCE

only been one break-in since the culprits were apprehended and that this incident was not related to those taking place earlier in the year.

The police officers also gave the audience some general advice on allotment security which included keeping eyes and ears open, not storing expensive tools and equipment on allotments, keeping gates locked, the use of anti-climbing paint on internal and Councillor Stephen Stanners with police offices Graeme Turnbull and external fences, the use of inexpensive mobile Steve Charlton, Lorraine Fox and allotment holders cameras and contacting the police when any suspicious activity is observed. The Council held a well-attended public meeting for allotment holders on Saturday 19th March to discuss The meeting ended with the audience discussing the the break-ins and acts of vandalism that took place at a idea of setting up an Allotment Watch to highlight, number of allotment sites earlier in the year. discuss and disseminate allotment security issues and intelligence on a regular basis. The meeting was hosted by our local neighbourhood police officers Graeme Turnbull and Steve Charlton who gave the background to the break-ins and confirmed Any allotment holders who may be interested in that the police had apprehended the culprits acting on joining an Allotment Watch are asked to contact information supplied by allotment holders. the Council’s Lorraine Fox at svcservices@ seatonvalleycommunitycouncil.gov.uk or on Graeme and Steve were happy to confirm that there has 0191 2379870 to register their interest. GATEWAYS

Residents have told us that the Valley does not have a and the distinctiveness of each of its five villages. strong identity or brand, and that some gateways into Proctor and Gamble have kindly provided some the Valley are old gateways. financial support towards producing and installing the signs. With this in mind, work has been underway to create distinct, well defined roadside gateways at the key entry We hope to have the gateway signs installed in the points into the Valley. The contemporary design shown summer. Please let us know what you think of the above aims to both promote Seaton Valley as a whole design.

A drop in session is held at Seaton Valley Council Offices, 20-22 Astley Road, Seaton Delaval, NE25 0DG, on the first Tuesday of the month from 2pm–3pm. No appointment necessary.

In the meantime if you require new batteries, they can be provided by Seaton Valley staff at any time of the month. We are open 8.30am-4.30pm Monday – Thursday, and 8.30am-4.00pm Friday. BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

In 2015 Seaton Valley Cooperative which has stores in Seaton Delaval and Wheatridge merged with Scotmid Cooperative, Scotland’s largest independent Cooperative. Scotmid businesses include Scotmid Food, Lakes & Dales Cooperative, semi-chem, funeral directors, post offices and a large property division. Scotmid employ around 5000 people in Scotland, N.Ireland and the North of across nearly 350 outlets.

Following the merger the Seaton Valley stores have undergone Regional Committees North, East and West with the future aim to form refurbishments and rebranding to a Lakes & Dales Committee, to be made up of local members who would become part of the Lakes & Dales like to be democratically involved in the Society. family which includes six further stores across Cumbria & Weardale. As a cooperative, we are true to our values and principals and are committed to supporting our local communities through investment in As a Cooperative, Scotmid is owned both community and cooperative initiatives. As part of Lakes & Dales the by its members who have equal say in community of Seaton Delaval are eligible to apply for our unique how the business is run. Following community grant scheme which each year supports hundreds of local the merger, members of Seaton groups and charities with much needed funding for local projects and Valley Cooperative joined Scotmid. events with a community benefit, already following the merger 5 local They now benefit from bi-annual groups in Seaton Delaval have benefited from a Scotmid Community vouchers and our magazine ‘Jigsaw’ Grant, groups can apply online on the website or pick up an application which keeps members up to date on form in store. society news, membership updates, community updates and chances to As well as Community support, Scotmid is committed to supporting win fantastic prizes by taking part in worthwhile causes. Each year Scotmid embark upon a year-long charity competitions. Members have access partnership in which staff, members and customers throughout the to our exclusive online Membership business fundraise and raise awareness for worthwhile causes. Last year Hub. To become a Scotmid member, Scotmid raised a whopping £370,000 for Anthony Nolan the UK’s pick up a form in store. leading blood cancer charity and this year are working in partnership with Alzheimer’s Scotland and Alzheimer’s Society raising much needed Members also have the opportunity funds and helping make Dementia friendly communities. Throughout to take their membership further by the year you will see our store teams take part in many fundraising joining our Regional Committees challenges. The passion and enthusiasm is apparent throughout the made up of elected members business and we would not be able to make such a difference without the throughout the areas served by fantastic efforts of our staff, members and customers. Scotmid. Scotmid is made up of 3

Find out more about us by visiting our website: www.lakesanddales.coop Helping businesses grow.

Graphic Design. Website Design. Ecommerce.

Cooking Like The Old Days Print Design. Enjoy Artisan Ice-Cream 2 Avenue Road Marketing. at Seaton Delaval The Crescent Café NE25 0DU 0191 364 3030 Indulge in a homemade canny-creative.com 0191 237 5145 “Speciality A�ternoon Tea” (Must book, first sittings from 15.00)

Treat the family to Sunday Lunch (reserve your table) Or a Takeaway Meal

Also available-speciality cakes, all made to order EST 1969 Why not try a Scrumptious ice-cream cake? W Rodgersons & Sons

3 Avenue Crescent, Seaton Delaval, Northumberland, NE25 0DN Wall & Floor Tiling Contractors 0191 237 1461 | www.arrighis.co.uk • Ceramic Wall & Floor Tilers • Specialist Fixers • • TTA Award Winers • • Kitchens & Bathrooms • Floors & Walls • • Natural Slate, Limestone, Travertine • Neil Cairns Gardening Services • Plastic Ceiling Panels • Under-Floor Heating • • Suppliers to Trade & Public • Free Estimates •

General garden www.wrstilers.co.uk [email protected] maintenance, fencing and tidy ups undertaken. Showroom open 8.30am - 5.30pm Mon-Fri

Free estimates given Adams Wallace House, 1A Clarence Street, Seaton Sluice, Whitley Bay, Tyne & Wear NE26 4DN Telephone 07596 689 328 Telephone - 0191 237 5763

www.seatonvalleycommunitycouncil.gov.uk SEATON VALLEY PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION RESULTS

We had a great response to our photography competition. Some stunning images were entered into all of the categories and the winners were chosen by a panel including photographers from The Image Farm. The winners and runners up attended a presentation ceremony on the 11th of April at the Council Offices and were given their prizes by Councillor Les Bowman and Council Clerk Simon Potts. Here are all the winning images and the talented photographers.

Under 12’s - Winner Under 12’s - Winner Under 18’s - Winner

Big Flower Harbour (U12s)

Rhys Friend Alfie Bradley Jack Orton

Landscape - Winner Landscape - Runner Up Landscape - Runner Up

Rock Hippy Hall Sheep

Graeme Hogg Brian Morgan Christine Bowman

Wildlife - Winner Village Life - Winner Village Life - Runner Up

Kingfisher Allotment Horse

Tony Quinn Brian Morgan John Graeme Morris Under 12 Winners (left to right) Under 18’s - Winner Alfie Bradley and Rhys Friend Jack Orton

Landscape - Winner Landscape - Runner Up

Graeme Hogg Brian Morgan (prize accepted by Maggie McQuillan) TRIPOD 2000 TRIPOD

Landscape - Runner Up Wildlife - Winner Christine Bowman Tony Quinn

Village Life - Winner Village Life - Runner Up

Brian Morgan (prize accepted by Maggie McQuillan) John Graeme Morris SVC / NCC PARTNERSHIP UPDATE

Performance Report 01/01/2016 - 31/03/2016

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE STREET CLEANING PUBLIC REALM CUSTOMER FEEDBACK

Edging Street Cleaning Public Toilets Service Requests Path edging has now ceased for Street cleaning activity is still on West Terrace and Fountain No Service Requests were the winter period and the grass target. Head toilets were open and received during this period. cutting has commenced in the cleaned during this period. area. All planned edging has Litter Picks Toilets reverted to summer Compliments been completed. Litter picking schedules remain opening and closing times at 1 compliment was recieved, this on target. All litter bins have Easter. was relating to grounds Grass Cutting been emptied. maintenance. Grass cutting commenced mid Bus Shelter Cleaning March 2016. The Bins Survey was carried out The cleaning of the bus shelters Complaints during February and March remained on target during 2 complaints were received, one Weed Control 2016. January, February and March relating to tree and shrub All obstacles have been sprayed 2016. maintenance and the other within the Seaton Delaval area. Dog Fouling relating to a contaminated bin. 1 Fixed Penalty Notice was Play Area Inspections Pruning issued during the three month Play Area Inspections were Suggestions Pruning has now ceased due to period. completed each month. No suggestions were received the bird nesting season and will from residents of Seaton Valley commence again the Autumn. Fly Tipping Graffiti during the period. 9 incidents of fly-tipping were 3 incidents of graffiti were Tree Inspections investigated by our Enforcement reported and removed during Tree Inspections 119 individual trees have been Officers during the three month January, February and March 20 individual trees have been attended to in the area and 21 period. 2016. attended to in the area during trees have been planted in the last 3 months. suitable public open spaces Enforced Yard Clearance Abandoned Vehicles within the area. 7 enforced yard clearances due 7 Abandoned vehicles were to accumulation were reported reported and dealt with during and investigated by this period and 4 Advice Letters Enforcement Officers during were issued. this period. 5 Warning Letters and 2 Advice Letters were Refuse Collection issued to residents. 55 missed bins were reported during the three month period. General Enforcement All missed bins were collected 2 Statutory Notices and 3 within 24 hours. Community Protection Warnings were issued during this period.

Quote of the Month

It's nice to see the teams out keeping paths tidy and pruning bushes. VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES AT ACTIVE NORTHUMBERLAND

“Active Northumberland is an amazing opportunity to get into sports and further your career.”

Active Northumberland is an exceptional provider of volunteer opportunities for young adults who want to kick-start a career in sports and leisure; whether for a full time job, part time work or even a course through University.

Kate Smith, a volunteer since 2014 and living in Seghill, said: “volunteering with the Get Active South East team has helped me obtain my Level 2 Sports Leader qualification and First Aid; it has also helped me to get a place on a ‘Sports Development Northumberland is an amazing opportunity to get with Coaching’ degree at Northumbria University”. into sports and further your career. It has opened many doors for my future in Sports Development, Kate has been able to gain experience in our and I have also gained communication skills regular community activity through our Valley alongside building my charisma”. Moves programme, supported by Seaton Valley Parish Council, as well as work alongside our other If you’re an active individual who wants to work coaches during school holiday activities to deliver with children and the community, Active Dance Camps and Cycling. Northumberland is the go-to place to boost your experience and get your career in sports on track. When asked what she would say to anyone With no compulsary hours, your experience is in interested in volunteering with Active your hands! Northumberland, Kate replied: “Active

If anyone is interested or would like to enquire about possible volunteer opportunities, contact Sam Moore on 01670 622223 or email [email protected]. Please get in touch if you would like more information on our community and holiday activities we deliver across Seaton Valley for children, young people and adults.

GET

SOUTH EAST COUNCILLORS AND COUNCIL INFORMATION

Darren Mullen Barbara Swinhoe Bobby Nixon Chair Vice Chair

Seghill with Seaton Delaval Hartley with Seaton Sluice Ward Holywell Ward T 0191 237 0805 T 0191 237 2712 T 0191 237 0976 E [email protected] E [email protected] E [email protected]

Margaret Richards Susan Dungworth Ann Stanners

Seghill with Seaton Delaval Hartley with Seaton Sluice Ward Holywell Ward T 0191 237 0596 T 0191 237 5531 T 0191 237 0248 E [email protected] E susan.dungworth@ E ann.stanners@seatonvalley northumberland.gov.uk communitycouncil.gov.uk

Stephen Stanners Karen Collier Les Bowman

Seghill with Seaton Delaval Hartley with Seaton Sluice Ward Holywell Ward T 07892 696 394 T 0191 237 0954 T 0191 237 7032 E [email protected] E [email protected] E [email protected] COUNCILLOR SURGERIES

Darren Mullen 1st Saturday of the Month 11.00am -12.00pm SVC Offices - Seaton Delaval Wed, Jan 20th Alternating between New Every 1st Saturday of the Month Barbara Swinhoe 10.30am - 12.00pm Hartley and Seaton Sluice excluding January and August Community Centres Wed, Jan 20th Bobby Nixon Every 2nd Saturday of the month 10.00am - 11.00pm SVC offices – Seaton Delaval

Alternating between New 1st Saturday of the month Susan Dungworth 10.30am - 12.00pm Hartley and Seaton Sluice excluding August and January Community Centres

Thur,Ann StannersMar 17th Every 1st Saturday of the month 10.00am - 11.00pm SVC Offices - Seaton Delaval

StephenWed, Mar Stanners 23rd Every 1st Saturday of the month 11.00am -12.00pm SVC Offices – Seaton Delaval

Alternating between New 1st Saturday of the month Thur,Karen Apr Collier 14th 10.30am - 12.00pm Hartley and Seaton Sluice excluding August and January Community Centres

Les Bowman Every 1st Saturday of the month 10.00am - 11.00pm SVC Offices – Seaton Delaval

COUNCILLOR MEETING DATES

Thurs 12 May Planning Meeting 6pm SVC Offices - Seaton Deleval

Wed 25 May Annual Meeting & Annual Parish Meeting 6.30pm New Hartley Memorial Hall

Thurs 9 June Planning Meeting 6pm SVC offices – Seaton Delaval

Wed 22 June F&GP & Staffing 6pm SVC offices – Seaton Delaval

Thurs 7 July Planning Meeting 6pm SVC offices – Seaton Delaval

Wed 27 July Full Council 7pm Seghill Institute

Further information is available online: Opening Times: Address: www.seatonvalleycommunitycouncil.gov.uk Monday - Thursday 20-22 Astley Road 8.30am – 4.30pm Seaton Delaval Telephone: 0191 237 9870 Friday Northumberland Email: [email protected] 8.30am – 4.00pm NE25 0DG