Parish News - September 2014

The Parish Council deal with all kinds of enquiries. These range from blocked drains, dog fouling, potholes and (lack of) grass cutting, to speeding and planning applications. A typical meeting will usually cover all of these issues and the Parish Council do try to keep on top of them as best they can. Many queries are ultimately passed on, usually to the County Council, but generally speaking, the Parish Council is the initial line of contact. Any concerns can be expressed to any of the 8 Councillors or the Clerk either personally, in writing or by attending a meeting. Notices of the meetings are displayed on both village notice boards at least 4 days before a meeting – they can also be downloaded from the website (ovinghamparishcouncil.org.uk). Meetings start at 7.15 with an opportunity for residents to raise any concerns.
Concerns can also be logged directly with the County Council by ringing (01661) 520005.
Although there are usually only 9 meetings in a year, much is done in between – the number of emails is unbelievable! Many of these are just for information – others are trying to sell the latest in playground equipment at a starting price of £20,000 (Councillor Phil Holden would endorse these but budget constraints…). You will also see many councillors walking round the village on a regular basis checking weeds, rubbish and the like.  
Meetings are also held with the County Council and other local parish and town councils on a regular basis. The Councillors are also involved in many committees some specifically linked to Ovingham, such as the Reading Room Committee, or others such as the East Tynedale Forum.
Finally, our next meetings are 16^th October and then 20^th November.


Margaret Davenport
Clerk to Ovingham Parish Council

Parish News - August 2014

The Parish Council have received numerous complaints about motorcyclists and horses using the pedestrian bridge. Signs have now been installed at both ends of the bridge banning this but if you do see anyone, please take a note of their registration number (for motorcyclists) and as much detail as you can, and inform the Police (call 101). Cyclists have also continued to use the Pedestrian Bridge (this is a long standing problem) and County Council will contact the Hadrian Cycle group asking them to warn members/users that cycling is not permitted on the pedestrian bridge at any time. Unfortunately, unless the Police see anyone cycling across, little can be done.

Discussions are continuing amongst the Councillors for suggestions to include in the County Council Local Transport Plan 2015-2016. Each year, Parish and Town Councils are invited to submit their top 3 priorities for possible inclusion in the plan. In the past, Ovingham have put forward, amongst others, a new bridge, extra parking by the school and a footpath between Ovington and Ovingham. Proposals will be submitted after the September meeting and the Councillors are looking at speeding concerns and what could be done to alleviate this.

Quotes have been received and approved for some tidying up in the Churchyard – pruning trees, branches and shrubs as well as holly trees on the bank of the Pant, branches on Pack Horse Green and small tree on The Hill. Some landscaping work around the village cross was also approved.

September’s meeting will be held on Thursday, the 18^th at 7.15pm.

Margaret Davenport
Clerk to Ovingham Parish Council

Parish News - July 2014

The council's next meeting is scheduled for 24th July at 7:15pm as usual in the Reading Room.
There is no meeting of the Parish Council in August, but that doesn’t mean the Councillors are idle!
A very successful village tidy up was completed recently. Thanks to all those who helped. The closure of the Bridge seems to have resulted in less traffic through the village and the school holidays should also reduce traffic further.
Cllr Jordon and myself recently attended a meeting with Northumberland County Council which was primarily aimed at improving communication with Parish Councils. On the whole, Ovingham has a good relationship with the County Council and work closely with their contacts.

It has been decided not to proceed with a bus shelter by Piper Road entrance. This has been on the agenda for a few months but concerns about vandalism and ultimately cost, has meant the Councillors agreed not to pursue it. Discussions are still ongoing about Horsley Road parking.  
In order to enable a large crane to access the work site for the Bridge, Northumberland County Council have had to apply for planning permission to demolish part of the Pack Horse Bridge. As this is a listed building, the Parish Council expressed their concerns and assurances have been received that the bridge will be restored to its original state. The Councillors will keep an eye on it as the bridge is of historic value to the village.
Keep Saturday 19th July free for Ovi-Fun's annual Field Day. 1pm to 5pm. Yet another afternoon on the playing field with entertainment and sports for the whole family!
September’s meeting will be held on Thursday, the 18^th at 7.15pm.
Margaret Davenport
Clerk to Ovingham Parish Council

Parish News - June 2014

Two new Councillors are to be co-opted to the Parish Council at the June meeting. They are Neville Gray and Christine Hewitt. Neville has lived in the village for many years and is currently the Chair of The Reading Room and will be known to many. Christine only moved to Ovingham last summer, from Prudhoe, and is keen to become more involved in the Village. I am sure they will both be an asset to the Parish Council. Once again, the Parish Council has its full complement of Councillors (8).
At the Annual meeting of the Parish Council, in May, Doreen Jordon was re-elected Chair, and Ian Heslop, vice chair.
Whilst the bridge is closed, Northumberland County Council will also attend to the weeds by the entrance to the bridge by the Reading Room. Pot holes have been repaired by the White Swan Car Park. The gate at the closed cemetery is to be repaired, Trees in Whittle Dene have been inspected and those requiring removal or attention, marked accordingly. Poppies have been scattered in the Churchyard by the choristers and poppies also planted in the pant area and by the memorial cross.


The next meeting is Thursday, 19^th June at 7.15pm in the Reading Room.
Margaret Davenport
Clerk to Ovingham Parish Council

Litter Thrown From Cars

Local authorities nationally spend millions of pounds every year clearing up litter. A significant amount is thrown out of cars. The cost of clearing it up could be spent on something more beneficial. NCC are trying to do something about this and we have received the following message from them.

Enforcement Officers from Neighbourhood Services have been looking at the issue of litter thrown from vehicles (including cigarette ends) which can be a persistent problem in certain locations but can also occur literally anywhere where there are roads. They have designed a reporting form which contains all of the details that they need to take an incident further. This may ultimately result in Fixed Penalty Notices being issued. I attach a copy of the form for your information and use should you need to report an incident. Please do forward the form to any interested parties in your community.
Yours sincerely ,
Iain Hedley
Locality Development Officer

Enforcement Officers obviously can't be everywhere always so they are encouraging all of us to help them. The form below (click to enlarge) can be printed off or you can get a paper copy by contacting the clerk or one of the councillors.

Parish News - May 2014

The Councillors are considering the possibility of a further lay-by on Horsley Road to ease parking and preserve the grass verges. This is very much in the early stages and the residents in that area have been asked for their views. County Councillor Kelly has been asked to look at options.
Trees to the entrance of Whittle Dene, in the wooded area, have been reported to County Council as concerns have been expressed as to how safe they are and the Parish Council has asked for them to be removed. The County Council will follow this up with the land owner.
A village tidy up is to take place in June, and it is hoped as many residents as possible will help. Details will be circulated. Green Ovingham recently conducted a successful litter pick for which the Councillors are very grateful.
A recent article in the Hexham Courant regarding “amenity” land in Wylam has prompted the Councillors to look at similar plots in Ovingham and seek reassurances from Northumberland County Council that such areas will remain in County Council’s ownership.  
ISOS have been asked to investigate the possibility of the road being widened in Windsor Crescent to allow cars to drive through without damaging parked cars and the grassed areas.
Some playing field equipment has been repaired including the Willow Maze. The Mower has at long last also been repaired and Cllr Holden can often be seen whizzing around the playing field.
The next meeting is Thursday, 19^th June at 7.15pm in the Reading Room.


Margaret Davenport
Clerk to Ovingham Parish Council

Parish News - April 2014

The proposed date for Ovingham Bridge closure is 28^th May – further information will be made available on notice boards and the website once available. A large sign is by the Bridge and no doubt this will be updated as the date draws nearer. You may have noticed that stone bollards have been removed to allow easier access to the Bridge End Car Park, a hard-core track has been laid across the village green and a small car parking area for 6 cars has been constructed.
Dog fouling has also been reported to Ovingham Burial Committee who are looking at the issue. Posters have been displayed around the village to remind owners to pick up after their pets.
The Village inspection in February highlighted many issues which needed attention and these are gradually being completed. Potholes are being filled in, blocked drains cleared, overhanging hedges and branches cut back. Parking on Horsley Road, on the grassed areas, continues to be monitored – a possible solution being a further parking bay similar to that outside the Old Police House.
The Parish Council decided to donate £50 each to Tynedale Hospice at Home, Great North Air Ambulance, West Northumberland CAB, TOMA Fund (local children’s cancer charity) and Carers Northumberland as part of their agreed budget.


And lastly, but by no means least, Val Mennear has decided to stand down as a Parish Councillor. After 31 years she will be sorely missed. During this time she has been involved in many committees, latterly being the Chair of the Burial Board Committee. The Councillors thank her for her invaluable input over the years and wish her a long and happy “retirement”!


Margaret Davenport
Clerk to Ovingham Parish Council