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

HealthWatch Northumberland

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Parish News - March 2014

At the time of writing, a date has still not been finalised for the closure of the bridge. There was a huge turnout for the meeting in the Reading Room towards the end of February and I hope it answered many of your concerns. Certainly, the closure will have a big impact on most people in the village and surrounding areas.
The stepping stones by Pack Horse Green are unstable and County Council have been informed and will carry out the necessary work.
Dog fouling continues to be a concern and the Parish Council have asked that a dog warden monitor the problem. Most owners are responsible, scooping up after their pets but unfortunately a few do not bother even though it is an offence punishable by a “fixed penalty” of £75.
The Next Parish Council meeting will be on 17^th April at 7.15pm in the Reading Room.
Margaret Davenport
Clerk to Ovingham Parish Council

Wylam Road Closure

We have just received notification from NCC of plans to close the Wylam Road.
The road will be closed from 3rd to 6th March between 07:30 and 17:00 each day for resurfacing. It will be an inconvenience but the good news is that it will massively improve the poor surface that currently exists along much of this road.

As it will affect the bus routes, NCC have arranged a free shuttle bus to run between Charlie's Corner in Wylam to connect there with the diverted X84 and also the X85 at Holeyn Hall. This shuttle will be operated by Howard Snaith. NCC will place copies of the timetable on the bus stops affected in Wylam and Ovingham.