MenuCounty Council Annual Meeting
The County Council has appointed a new Executive of lead members; there are some changes and a shake up of responsibilities. I have asked that copies of a matrix showing who is responsible for what be sent to each of the Parish Clerks in my Division.
The outgoing Chair of the Council, Cllr. Marcia Bircham presented “long-service” certificates to a number of Councillors who had served for over twenty years – including me – a nice touch and much appreciated.
Carry On (Chief) Constable…
The most contentious issue at the County Council was actually something we all agreed on. The Government are proposing a directly elected “Police Commissioner” to replace the present Police Authority. There was much light-hearted banter about Batman and Commissioner Gordon. But there are real concerns that the proposals could lead to the politicisation of the police service. In the debate I pointed out that the Labour Government had proposed a similar idea and had withdrawn it in the face of overwhelming opposition. Not one member of the County Council spoke in support of the idea. I was encouraged to learn that the House of Lords have rejected the proposal. Maybe there will be another rethink. I certainly hope so.
Local Issues
The Tesco site
At the request of the police and local residents I have taken up the issue reported in last week’s Northumberland Gazette of the anti-social behaviour and vandalism on the disused properties on the Tesco site.
I have been in touch with planners, the Northumberland Estates and will make contact with Tesco. The Estates were very prompt in boarding up and securing the properties, so hopefully this will reduce some of the problems.
I have been asked by the Estates to participate in briefing meetings as the development progresses and have agreed to this. Now the formal planning process is completed it is important to monitor the implementation and to give support to concerned residents.
Tesco will no doubt wish to see the scheme proceed in a positive way. This is probably one of the biggest and most contentious issues in Amble for many years and it is important to get things right.
“Tomb stoning”
Cllr. Watson and I requested that the issue of the behaviour of youngsters at the harbour and any appropriate regulation be investigated when the matter came to the North Area Committee late last year.
In pursuit of a recommendation from the North Area Committee Helen Lancaster a solicitor with the County legal services team has investigated the legal position, whether the Commissioners have powers, and action taken by other port authorities.
It now seems clear that the Commissioners do have suitable powers.
They are now investigating the practicalities, but as a first step, over there will be monitoring of such activity and a log will be kept.
I know that there has been some criticism that any by law would be an over-reaction. The truth is though that the Commissioners are concerned and it may be that restrictions are needed.
What happens next is a matter for the Commissioners but the County legal team will continue to offer support.
Library “hub”
I have asked for an update on the position and re-affirmed my intention to support any suitable project through the Members local projects fund. The current provision with a desk and telephone is not enough. It was pointed out to me that the telephone line currently in the library is not effective because most queries are now directed via a keypad choice system; that phone has no keys!
The Paddlers
I continue to press the continuing problems at the site. I have received an apology over the state of the CCTV provision and a promise that action will follow soon. It is just a pity that matters have dragged on for so long but I will continue to press the case.
A blessing for the lifeboat
It was nice to be part of the official handover and blessing ceremony of the new inshore lifeboat, the Mildred Holcroft. Ironically after weeks of glorious sunshine the heavens opened just as the ceremony was about to begin.
Robert Arckless
Telephone: 01665 711938
Email: Robert.Arckless99@northumberland.gov.uk