Digital Switchover

The switch from analogue to digital will begin on 12 September in our area when BBC2 analogue transmissions will cease. On 26 September, all other analogue transmissions will cease.

'Digitaluk' is an organisation set up to help with information and advice about what's involved.
A switchover Drop-In Clinic is being held in the new Spetchells Centre in Prudhoe on 24 May between 10am and 5pm for anyone wanting to find out more. Alternatively, you might want to phone the Digital UK Advice Line on 08456 50 50 50 or look up their website at www.digitaluk.co.uk .

Canvassers Needed

Northumberland County Council Elections Office requires canvassers to help with the compilation of the 2013 Electoral Register.
Due to the Police and Crime Commissioners Elections to be held in November, the Electoral Registration Canvass will be earlier than usual this year, commencing in mid August and must be completed by 24 September.
The work is to visit properties to deliver forms and collect responses from those addresses where no reply has yet been received, up to 2 visits per property. Canvassers must also attend a briefing session at County Hall as part of the appointment, on 13 August 2012 at 6pm.
Anyone aged 18 or over may apply for a canvassing position, so if interested, or you have family members, friends or know of retired people who may be interested please let them know.
Payment will be £1-50 per form collected in urban areas, and £2-50 in very rural areas. (There is no mileage payable).
If you are interested or need further information, please contact the Elections Office on 01670 624811 or email: elections@northumberland.gov.uk

Parish Council Notes - May 2012

The April meeting saw an informative talk from Adam Keen, Recycling Officer, Northumberland County Council Local Services. Adam talked about the options available for a bottle bank that the Councillors are considering. This can be made available on a trial basis but further discussions will take place, especially about the locality, before a decision is made.

The new garden bench is now sited in the Churchyard and a commemorative plaque will soon be ordered. This has been a joint donation from Ovingham and Ovington Parish Councils and it is hoped that much use will be made of the bench although the weather needs to improve considerably first!

The Councillors are also awaiting a response from Northumberland County Council to see if planning application is needed for the proposed seat by the Church bus stop.

Further to the written complaint about the route of the 686 Bus service to Prudhoe, a reply has been received confirming that there are no plans to change or review the service.

Margaret Davenport

Parish Council Notes - April 2012

Since a letter of complaint was sent to Northumberland County Council regarding the route of bus service 686 to Prudhoe, a reply has been received by the parish Council. Unfortunately, there are no plans to review the service or make further changes.

Re-surfacing work is due along Castle View starting mid to late April. It is hoped that it won't cause too much of a disruption. [Ed. See the earlier post for more details].

The Councillors have decide that due to other events in the village, such as the Goose Fair and the Roses Festival, and surrounding areas, there will not be a separate celebration for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The “Ovilympics” will be the focus on July 14^th. Again, if anyone can offer help, please contact one of the councillors.

The next meeting of the Parish Council takes place on Thursday, 17^th May at 7.15 pm in the Reading Room and will include the Annual Meeting that will commence at 8.00 pm.

Margaret Davenport

Road Resurfacing

We've just got news that the County Council are to refurbish and resurface Main Road and Castle View - from Horsley Road to beyond the 30mph signs on the Wylam Road.
Work will probably start mid-April and will involve replacing inspection covers, realigning kerbstones and resurfacing the footpaths. Areas of subsidence will be dealt with. Residents will be kept informed directly by NCC but it will inevitably involve some disruption and inconvenience until the end of the month when work is expected to be complete.
This stretch of road has needed attention for some years now so it's good that at last it's going to be dealt with.

Parish Council Notes - March 2012

Following some recent complaints by villagers, a letter has been sent regarding the bus service 686 to Prudhoe, which does not go along Front Street, Prudhoe. We shall wait and see the outcome.

Both Wylam and Ovingham Parish Councils have been told about the recent work that has been undertaken by the Countryside Management Team at Northumberland County Council. A section of the footpath has become more available to the public in the area by the Old Pumping Station Buildings. It means that a path can now be used instead of using the road. The path is clearly marked and it is hoped to be added to the definitive map in the future as a public footpath.

Plans are well under way for a “mini Ovilympics” to be held on 14^th July. As well as this, the Council are keen to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in early June. If anyone can help in anyway, for either event, please contact one of the Councillors for more information.

Two new interactive speeding units are to be put in place in the village soon in addition to the existing unit which is moved from one location to another every six months or so. The poles are already in place and it is hoped that they will be in operation before the end of May. The Council managed to get a discount too!

Margaret Davenport

Ovingham to Wylam Road

Good news for walkers between Ovingham and Wylam.
For years getting past the old pumping station on foot has been hazardous to say the least.
Blind bends, no footpath, overgrown hedges, telegraph poles hard up against the road, fast traffic.
Thanks to work recently completed work by the county council, pedestrians can now safely circumvent this corner by using a newly formed footpath. The path follows a route which takes you south of the pumping station. It's not hard surfaced, it's not got street lights ... but hey ... there are no vehicles whizzing past within millimetres at great speed.

Click on the image to see it full size.