Parish News - September 2013

Notification has been received that there will be an “improved” bus service through Ovingham - the new “Tynedale Express” X84 and X85. One bus an hour (X85) will call at Horsley, and one an hour (X84) will call at Ovington, Ovingham and Wylam replacing the existing 684 service. The buses will be modern, larger and more accessible including room for wheelchairs and buggies. Introductory special fares will be on offer for a period. Cllr Holden will display timetables at the bus stops.
Grass cutting continues to be monitored. The Councillors are keeping an eye on the service and following up concerns.  
As previously mentioned, repairs have been carried out in front of the shop and this has been much appreciated. However, there are still concerns about parking on double yellow lines and/or the pavement and the Civilian Traffic Enforcement Officers have been asked to visit.
Permission has been granted to fell 3 trees by the allotments. Photos had to be submitted to the Planning department of the trees concerned, which the Clerk and Chair achieved with difficulty!
Due to unforeseen circumstances, PC Cross, Community officer, will not be able to attend a Parish Council meeting until November.  
Cllr Richardson is to be our representative on a working Transport Group which includes other local Parish and Town Councils.
Our next meeting is on Thursday, 17^th October, and the November meeting is scheduled for 21^st November – both at 7.15pm in the Blackett Room.
Margaret Davenport
Clerk to Ovingham Parish Council

New Timetable for 684 Bus

Starting on 9th September the 684 bus which runs between Hexham and Newcastle is being re-vamped. It will now be called the X84 and GO North East which operate the service promise significant improvements. Residents should have received a flier which details the changes but just in case you don't have it, here is a condensed version. Click on the image below to enlarge it and perhaps save it to your computer.

Parish News - August 2013

Since the last magazine, the Parish Council have received reassurances, from Northumberland County Council, that the pedestrian bridge will remain open whilst work is carried out on the bridge next year.
Hopefully, extra notices will be displayed warning cyclists to dismount.
Repairs to the uneven paving outside the Shop will have been carried out by now. This will tidy the area up and hopefully, prevent tumbles etc.
Planning application has been submitted to fell 3 trees which overshadow part of the allotments. The application is required as the trees are in a conservation area.
Overhanging branches by River View were preventing grass contractors from Northumberland County Council from cutting part of the grass. Northumberland Estates are responsible for cutting back part of them, as was a local resident who has already attended to it.
Branches were also obstructing the interactive sign along Castle View so a request has been made to trim back.
A Village newsletter is still being considered but the Councillors are keen to involve as many groups/people as possible as they do not see it as a “Parish Council” newsletter.
Community Officer PC Cross has been invited to attend the September meeting as Councillor Piper is keen to look at crime prevention. This meeting will be on September 19^th at 7.15pm in the Reading Room (Blackett Room).
The Village Plan is being updated. Concerns about speeding and parking continue to be monitored. Parts of the Village lack signs and requests will be lodged to the County Council as appropriate.
Work should have commenced at the Cemetery Lodge in August to rectify problems with damp and drains. The Cemetery is managed by the Parish Councils of Ovingham, Ovington, Wylam and Horsley who have all pledged extra financial aid for this essential work.


Margaret Davenport
Clerk to Ovingham Parish Council

SureStart Play Van

The SureStart Play Van is visiting Ovingham Playing Field on 31st July and 14th August from 1pm to 3pm.
When it came last week, it was brim full of exciting things for toddlers to do.

The weather looks good so get on down there with your toddlers for a fun couple of hours!

Ovi-Fun Field Day 2013

Parish News - July 2013

In line with the majority of other Parish Councils, Ovingham have introduced a new format to their meetings. Each meeting will commence with an “open surgery” where issues can be raised by residents before the meeting starts. Such issues can of course, be brought to the attention of any of the Councillors or Clerk before then.

Councillors are looking at the possibility of introducing a village newsletter – it’s at the early stage but they are keen to do so.

Whilst the Councillors recognise that the majority of dog owners are responsible, in an attempt to encourage others to clean up after their pets, free doggie bags will be available at various points in the village, including by the Playing Fields and entrances to the Dene as well as the Village Shop.

Assurances are being sought that the pedestrian bridge will remain open whilst repair work is done next year and that it will be “off limits” to cycling, (they must dismount to cross which they should do anyway).

The stepping-stones near the Pack Horse Bridge will be reset next year. In the meantime, please be aware of the dangers in using them especially when with children.

There will be no meeting in August but the September meeting will be Thursday 19^th September at 7.15pm.

Margaret Davenport
Clerk to Ovingham Parish Council

Parish News - June 2013

At the May Parish Council Meeting, Doreen Jordon was elected Chair, and Ian Heslop Vice-Chair.
The Councillors have been allocated to various committees in addition to their Councillor duties and these are:-

Ovingham Joint Burial Committee – Val Mennear and Doreen Jordon
Ovingham Playing Field Users group – Phil Holden and Lesley Richardson
Reading Room Committee – Kevin Piper
East Tynedale Town & Parish Forum – Lou Moore and Doreen Jordon
Prudhoe Partnership – Hazel Chalmers.

Unfortunately, it is now extremely unlikely that planning permission would be granted for the proposed seat by the bus stop at the Church so the Councillors decided not to pursue this any further. It was originally suggested by Mr and Mrs Frank Atkinson, who had very kindly offered to fund it, so the Councillors will contact them to see if they want the seat in an alternative spot in the village.

Funding has been confirmed to “refurbish” Ovingham Bridge. At the time of writing, no date has been agreed but hopefully may start soon.
Margaret Davenport
Clerk to Ovingham Parish Council