FUTURES AUTUMN 2015

A BLOOMING SUCCESS! Seaton Valley Garden Competition and Northumbria In Bloom results inside. IN THIS ISSUE:

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

PARTNERSHIP UPDATE

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

SEATON DELAVAL ARTS CENTRE Welcome to the autumn edition of the Seaton Valley Council newsletter.

Summer may have come to a close but it has been filled with many highlights and no more so than seeing Sir Bradley Wiggins leading the Tour of Britain riders as they passed through our community, with huge crowds and the carnival atmosphere that came with it.

I was honoured and humbled to be part of the recent pit disaster memorial garden dedication ceremony and would recommend all our residents to pay it a visit and remind ourselves of some of the rich The Yellow Jersey at history that we share. Fountainhead Roundabout

We have had fantastic results in the in Bloom competition and big thanks should go out to all involved. It is pleasing to see the improvements to THE TOUR our villages that have been achieved through our partnership with the County Council and our much improved floral planting programme delivered by OF BRITAIN Hawthorn Nurseries.

The Tour Passes Through Seaton Valley We have some great things to look forward to as the nights grow longer and I am particularly excited about the second year of our drive to have Christmas The Tour of Britain Cycle Race passed through Seaton celebrations in each village with more seasonal Valley on 9th September. Over 1,500 people lined the lighting to be designed by our local school children. streets in and and were Each village will again have their own tree lighting treated to a flash of colour and the sound of gears ceremony with music, chestnuts and Santa may even whirring as the riders and team cars sped towards the make an appearance. We would love as many people end of Stage 4 of the Race. as possible to come along and enjoy what was a great night last year. Spectators in Seaton Delaval were also entertained by Finally I would like to welcome Stephen Stanners to music from the North Tyneside Steel Band. the council after he was elected in the with Seaton Delaval ward by-election and wish everyone Earlier in the day school children took part in a fun ride a great Christmas and peaceful and prosperous new from to the stage finish in Blyth. year.

Darren Mullen Chair

Seaton Valley Council The first revamped Seaton Valley Garden Competition took place over the summer. Lots of great entries were received and the winners were presented with their awards at the ceremony on the 29th of September. The winners are below:

Residents from Hartley Court pick up their 1st Prize award in “Best Display Community” category from councillor Barbara Swinhoe.

Garden

NORTHUMBRIA IN BLOOM SUCCESS FOR SEATON VALLEY

Seaton Valley villages picked up a range of awards at the Northumbria In Bloom ceremony at Berwick Upon Tweed.

Large Village Category Small Town Category Silver - New Hartley Silver Gilt - Bronze - Seghill Seaton Sluice

Gold - Old Hartley Gold – Miners’ Cottages, Gold – The Steadings, Silver Gilt – Hester Pit Disaster Caravan Park , Seaton New Hartley in the Seaton Sluice in the Memorial Garden, New Hartley in Sluice in Commercial Residential Communities Residential Communities the Tourist and Visitors Attractions Premises category category category and Country Estates category.

Holywell and Seaton Delaval did not enter this year’s competition. We are looking for volunteers for these villages to be able to enter next year. Please contact Seaton Valley Council for further details. VALLEY MOVES - COMMUNITY ACTIVITY

For More Info Contact Sam on 01670 622223

GET Seaton Valley Council works in partnership with Active Northumberland to provide a range of activites for young people and adults throughout the valley. Here is a selection of current activites:

SOUTH EAST

Street Funk Dance - £2 per person

Tuesday 5.15pm - 6.00pm

Seaton Sluice Community Centre

A blend of street dance, hip-hop and pop music. Classes encourage creativity by using props.

Just Jhoom - £3 per person

Monday 6.30pm - 7.30pm Multi-Sport- £1 per person Seaton Delaval Arts Centre Tuesday 5.00pm - 6.00pm Astley High School It’s energetic and a great way to keep fit! Inspired by the glitz and glamour of Bollywood. Young people can take part in a range of sports in a fun and welcoming environment.

Zumba Gold - £2 per person Play Roadshow - £1 per person Seaton Sluice Community Centre Wednesday 4.00pm - 5.00p m Tuesday 12.30pm - 1.15pm Seaton Sluice Community Centre

Dance fitness class that is friendly and fun. Children come together to meet others, be creative and take part in games and acitivities.

Young at Heart - £2 per person Archery - £1 per person Wednesday 5.00pm - 6.00pm Seaton Sluice Community Centre Thursday 10.30am - 11.30am Seaton Sluice Community Centre

Try your hand at the art of Archery. Our coaches

A gentle exercise class for the over 50’s. will teach you all of the necessary skills!

VILLAGE PLANS

Seaton Valley Council will now commence the delivery of these actions, working with resident and community associations and partners.

Council Chair Darren Mullen said “It has been a really worthwhile exercise gathering views and issues from people across the Valley, and helps the Council determine where priority actions are needed. While some actions are achievable fairly quickly, others may take some time and are, in some instances reliant on powers outside of the Council’s control. We will work Following a residents survey, consultation with schools, hard to try and influence other organisations to move community groups and businesses, the 5 village plans forward where appropriate.” have now been published. In addition, a Valley wide plan addressing issues common throughout all villages The documents have been sent to almost 300 residents has been produced. who expressed an interest in the plans, and you can download copies at: The plans contain recommended actions to be taken www.seatonvalleycommunitycouncil.gov.uk or request forward. These actions seek to improve the lives of a hard copy from the Council Offices. residents in Seaton Valley.

For further information please contact Graham Bone on 0191 237 9870 or e-mail [email protected]

HOLYWELL RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

Holywell – a great village to live in . . .but could be looking at improving the environment in the village improved! and working with the Council and others to lobby for better public transport. This was one of the findings from the Council’s survey earlier this year. Following completion of the Holywell If you would like to get involved in activities to Village Plan, a group of local residents have now improve Holywell village, why not consider joining the established the Holywell Residents Association to try committee? to improve the village for the benefit of everyone who lives there. Please contact Alaine Brown on 07469 622 689 The Association will be seeking to organise events at or email [email protected] Christmas and during the summer and will also be Cllr. Susan Dungworth, SVC Chair Darren Mullen, Ronnie Campbell MP, Cllr. Karen Collier, Rev. David Ormesher, Artists Russ Coleman & Rob Walton, Clive Raper of New Hartley Community Association & pupils from New Hartley First & Seaton Sluice Middle Schools at the unveiling.

NEW ARTWORK FOR NEW HARTLEY MEMORIAL GARDEN

A new interpretation plinth and reflection bench were bringing this new plinth to the Garden.” unveiled in New Hartley’s memorial garden. Almost 100 villagers and visitors crowded into the garden on A 13-strong choir from New Hartley First School sang September 19th to mark the occasion. a specially adapted version of the song, ‘One More Step Along the Way’ and 2 students from Seaton The plinth outlines the story of over 200 men and boys Sluice Middle School read a dedication poem. who lost their lives in the 1862 Hester Pit disaster, and the creation of the Garden. Artists Russ Coleman Seaton Valley Council Chair Darren Mullen said “This and Rob Walton, who also created the pathway is a wonderful example of the Council working in through the park which records the names and ages of partnership with local community groups to make all those who died, produced the new piece. things happen.”

Councillor Susan Dungworth said “I’m delighted by the The interpretation plinth and bench were funded by efforts of New Hartley Community Association in Seaton Valley Council, together with a grant from raising the profile of this momentous event and Northumberland County Council.

REMEMBERANCE SUNDAY

Rememberance Day Events will take place across Seaton Valley on Sunday November the 8th 2015 Seaton Delaval Arts Centre is a volunteer run community theatre bringing the arts to Seaton Valley. The venue has an ever growing theatre programme with a range of professional and amateur shows taking place including live music, comedy, pantomime, musicals, tributes, cinema and drama, this allows members of the community to see a real mix of shows and performances on their door step and offers great value for money.

During the week evening activities take place such as Jhoom, Taekwondo and Dance classes plus the centre holds monthly coffee mornings on the first Saturday of each month.

The venue is available to hire for a range of occasions, including birthday parties, meetings, performances, sports clubs and much more.

Highlights this season include Spitfire Solo, a play describing the story of The Battle of Britain, 50’s and 60’s rock and roll band The Del Shannons, the return of our Christmas Meal & Festive Entertainment and a Robbie Williams vs Michael Bublé Christmas Party Night!

For more information about the Arts Centre and to book tickets: 0191 237 5460 | www.seatondelavalartscentre.com BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

W RODGERSON & SONS TILERS

W Rodgerson & Sons is a family business based in Seaton Sluice. The business was established in 1969 and is the longest established tiling contractor in Northumberland.

They offer a full range of Ceramic, Porcelain, Natural Stone and Slate tiles to cover all customer needs. Their tiling team are all CSCS accredited fixers and the business are members of TTA, FMB and Constructionline. The company won a national award from The Tile Association.

William Rodgerson Snr. set the business up in 1969 and it has grown and developed with family members playing key roles.

Neil Rodgerson said “Seaton Sluice is a great place to run our business from. Through word of mouth we have a lot of clients from Seaton Valley, and we look forward to celebrating our 50th anniversary here in a few years time.”

The business takes pride in becoming Work carried out by W Rodgerson & Sons involved in the local community and has supported local charities on numerous occasions, including helping to raise £132,000 for the Tel: 0191 237 5763 www.wrstilers.co.uk Royal National Lifeboat Institute. This is the first Business Spotlight in the Seaton Valley Futures magazine, where we highlight local businesses. Future editions will contain features on other businesses based in Seaton Valley.

P&G SEATON DELAVAL CELEBRATING 50 FRAGRANT YEARS

In May 1965, the first bottle of ‘Old Spice’ rolled organisations in the area. The Plant Manager was off the production line at Shulton’s new factory on delighted to welcome many former Shulton and Avenue Road, Seaton Delaval. Twenty-five years P&G employees to the site to share their later, a new chapter in the plant’s history began memories and stories over a champagne when Procter & Gamble acquired the site, afternoon tea and a tour of the current facility. introducing new fragrance brands such as Boss, Lacoste and Dolce & Gabbana as well as Nice ‘n’ The ’50 Fest’ also marked the opening of a new Easy hair colour. building on the site which will house state-of-the-art robotic production lines and with Throughout 2015, the 430-strong workforce has that, the plant is looking forward to the next been celebrating 50 years of the plant’s success chapter of fragrance production in Seaton Delaval. with a varied programme of events that culminated in an on-site festival in September, the P&G have supported this newsletter and support ‘50 Fest’. Seaton Valley Council and the community through an annual donation towards the Christmas Trees Over its 50 year history, the site has been a major and are supporting future gateway signs into the employer of local residents as well a strong Valley. supporter of charities and community

(1) P&G Employees & Local Residents, (2) 1964 Ground Breaking (3) 2015 Site including recent Amanda Hakin (38 years service), Ceremony (Prime Minister Edward extension Julie Wright (27 years service) ‘Miss Heath) Shulton & Miss P&G’

(1) (2) (3)

www.pg.com/en_uk/ A NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN FOR SEATON VALLEY

Neighbourhood planning was introduced through the Localism Act in 2011 and gives local communities the opportunity to shape and define how their area should grow and change in the future.

Neighbourhood planning powers can be used by parish councils to guide and shape development in a defined ‘neighbourhood area. These powers include:

> Neighbourhood development plans – setting out planning policies on a local scale > Neighbourhood development orders – granting planning permissions for a particular type of development in a local area > Community right to build orders – similar to neighbourhood development orders but can be created by a local community organisation

Within a neighbourhood area parish councils can use these powers to amongst other things:

> Shape where new homes, shops and offices should KEY be built Seaton Valley Neighbourhood Area > Say what those new buildings should look like Northumberland County Boundary > Grant permission for new buildings that fit with local

planning policies for the area The next stage involves gathering evidence and > Influence transport infrastructure consulting on which policies and plans should be > Protect local heritage and the character of villages included. The Council will be working with communities > Protect local green spaces/open spaces or sports and in all 5 villages to determine what should be included in recreation facilities. the plan for each settlement.

Following recommendations within the Village Plans, Seaton Valley Council has applied to Northumberland If you would like to become involved and help County Council for the Seaton Valley Area shape the plan for your area, please contact to be designated as a Neighbourhood Area. The initial Graham Bone on 0191 2379870 or e-mail consultation on the area application closed on 6th [email protected] October. Cllr Susan Dungworth cuts the ribbon to officially open the restored water supply at Dene Top Allotments. Tenants; Rowland Patterson, Brian Watts and the Parish Clerk also attended the official opening.

DENE TOP ALLOTMENTS FULL WATER SUPPLY RESTORED

Towards the end of last year the Council and the taps installed by the Council’s contractor, Bankhouse tenants identified a problem with a leaky water supply Construction Ltd, making the water supply easily at Dene Top allotments and as a consequence part of accessible for all tenants. the supply had to be disconnected. Tenant Rowland Patterson said ‘It’s fantastic to have The tenants have shown a lot of patience since then by the water supply full restored and to have additional putting up with having to walk considerable distances taps which will greatly assist plot holders to maintain to connect to a working tap; but their patience has now and work their allotments – particularly the more been rewarded. elderly of our group’.

The site has recently had new piping and additional

Trying to sort out a problem? The Citizens Advice service provides free, confidential information and advice on a wide range of subjects including debt, benefits, housing, and employment problems.

You can get help in a number of ways: By calling Northumberland Adviceline on 03444 111 444 open Mon-Fri 10am to 4pm or by calling into our drop in session at: Community Council Offices, 20-22 Astley Road, Seaton Delaval, NE25 0DG

Thursdays: 9am to 11am

We have specialist debt and welfare benefits advisers to help you. You can also get help at www.citizensadvice.org.uk SVC/NCC PARTNERSHIP UPDATE 1

Performance Report 20/07/2015 - 31/08/2015

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE STREET CLEANSING

Grass Cutting Street Cleaning Grass cutting is progressing as per schedule with Sweeping is on target for monthly completion. 14 cuts well under way to date. Litter Picks Weed Control Litter picking schedules on target. All bins Weed spraying across Seaton Valley continues. We emptied on schedule. 2 Fixed Penalty Notices use different methods including small and large issued during this period. sweepers with herbicide spray attachments, hand weeding and spot spraying. Dog Fouling No Fixed Penalty Notices issued for dog fouling during this period.

Fly Tipping No incidents of fly tipping were investigated by the Enforcement Team during this period.

Enforced Yard Cleaning 1 Enforced Yard Clearance was carried out during this period. Tree Inspections The team have carried out work in the New Duty of Care Hartley area involving the removal of several 1 incident involving waste or trade waste was self-set trees near to garage sites and also investigated by Enforcement Officers. selectively thinning problematic trees in various estates. This work should be completed by the end Horses of our winter maintenance programme 15/16. The Enforcement Team investigated 3 incidents relating to illegally tethered horses during the We have received confirmation from Network Rail period. that we can proceed with the removal of two large trees adjacent to the railway line at Kentmere General Enforcement Close, Seghill. This work will be completed by the 1 Advice Letter and 3 Statutory Notices have end of Ocotober 2015. been issued during this period.

In total 117 trees have been attended to in the Seaton Valley Area during this time period. SVC/NCC PARTNERSHIP UPDATE 22

Performance Report 20/07/2015 - 31/08/2015

PUBLIC REALM CUSTOMER FEEDBACK

Public Toilets Service Requests All public toilets in Seaton Valley are Service requests are dealt with as and when inspected and cleaned on a daily basis. they are received.

Bus Shelter Cleaning Compliments The cleaning of the bus shelters continues 2 compliments were received during this to be on target. period.

Complaints No complaints were received during the period.

Suggestions There have been no suggestions put forward from residents of Seaton Valley.

Play Area Inspections Play area inspections are on target and repairs are carried out when identified.

Graffiti 1 issue of graffiti has been reported this period and has since been removed.

Abandoned Vehicles 3 abandoned vehicles were reported and removed during this period.

Refuse Collection Customer Quote of the Month 9 missed bins were reported during the ““Thanks to everyone involved with getting period, 6 were due to council error. All the skip removed. It has made my day.” missed bins were collected within 24 hours. NEW PLAY AREA IN HARTLEY SQUARE

would like in the Square and chose the design for the play equipment following a display of options in the Library.

Local resident Linda O’Brien said “It’s wonderful that the children have got this new play equipment. The design fits in well with the Square.”

The play equipment was funded by Seaton Valley Council, Northumberland County Council Members Fund and Homes for Northumberland.

Councillor Susan Dungworth said “I am pleased to be opening this new play area. We asked the residents and children what they wanted and I’m delighted we have been able to provide it.”

Councillor Susan Dungworth and Clerk Simon Potts at the opening of the Hartley Square Play Area. The Council is hoping to establish a play parks replacement and renewal fund to help it to A new play area has opened in Hartley Square in replace/renew the equipment in all of the Valley’s play Seaton Sluice. Residents were consulted on what they parks over a long term rolling programme.

MEET STEPHEN STANNERS

Stephen was elected as Councillor for the Seghill with Seaton Delaval ward in the July 2015 by-election and at only 25 years old is the youngest ever elected member to Seaton Valley Council.

But despite his age Stephen has had many years of being active in the Seaton Delaval community and has sat on a number of resident panels, associations and committees.

Stephen is an active Labour Party member and works for two of the regions MEP's.

He holds a drop-in advice surgery for residents on the first Saturday of each month in the Stephen Stanners Seaton Valley Council office on Astley Road, Seaton Delaval. 11am - 12 noon. No appointment needed. T: 07892 696 394 E: stephenstanners “I am really proud to be serving as a parish councillor for the Seghill with Seaton Delaval Ward and I @hotmail.co.uk am looking forward to helping residents resolve their issues.” - Stephen Stanners COUNCILLORS

Seghill with Seaton Delaval Ward Hartley with Seaton Sluice Ward Holywell Ward

Darren Mullen (Chair) Susan Dungworth Bobby Nixon T: 0191 237 0805 T: 0191 237 5531 T: 0191 237 0976 E: [email protected] E: susan.dungworth@ E: [email protected] northumberland.gov.uk Margaret Richards Les Bowman T: 0191 237 0596 Barbara Swinhoe (Vice Chair) T: 0191 237 7032 E: [email protected] T: 0191 237 2712 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Stephen Stanners Ann Stanners T: 0789 269 6394 Karen Collier T: 0191 237 0248 E: stephenstanners@ T: 0191 237 0954 E: ann.stanners@seatonvalley hotmail.co.uk E: [email protected] communitycouncil.gov.uk

COUNCIL MEETING DATES

Type Time Venue

Wed, Oct 28th Finance & General Purposes Sub Committee 6pm SVC Offices - Seaton Delaval

Thur, Nov 12th Planning Sub Committee 6pm SVC Offices - Seaton Delaval

Wed, Nov 25th Full Council 7pm Seaton Sluice Community Centre

Thur, Dec 10th Planning Sub Committee 6pm SVC Offices - Seaton Deleval

Wed, Dec 16th Finance & General Purposes Sub Committee 6pm SVC Office - Seaton Delaval

Wed, Jan 20th Planning Sub Committee 6.30pm New Hartley Memorial Hall

Wed, Jan 20th Full Council 7pm New Hartley Memorial Hall

NEW WEBSITE

COMING IN OCTOBER

seatonvalleycommunitycouncil.gov.uk Christmas in

Come along and watch the Christmas Tree and Light switch ons at:

Seghill Community Centre Seaton Delaval Avenue Head Thurs 26th Nov from 4.30pm / Switch on 5.00pm Sun 29th Nov from 4.30pm / Switch on 5.00pm

Holywell Milbourne Arms Seaton Sluice St Paul's Church Fri 27th Nov from 4.30pm / Switch on 5.00pm Sat 5th Dec from 4.00pm / Switch on 4.30pm Christmas Fayre 12.00pm - 4.00pm at the Community Centre

New Hartley Memorial Hall Saturday 28th Nov from 4.00pm / Switch on 4.30pm Christmas Fayre 1.00pm until 4.00pm