Some of the Projects that have been thwarted by mindless party politics since the Town Council was set up in 2009.
Stage for the Performing Arts
The acoustics in Newbiggin by the Sea is exceptional and should be exploited as they were when we had Leo Sayer, Show Waddy Waddy and Slade here over a decade ago. So, we suggested that we have a on the promenade next to the Quay Wall. The objectors stopped the project and instead we got the bandstand painted. The Bandstand is not elevated. Spectators have difficulty seeing the performers when there is a large audience.
Public Toilets
After a comprehensive survey with the residents was completed, the Number 1 priority was for public toilets not just one toilet? Many people pointed out that there used to be Five public Toilets accessible from the promenade. After a long search for a suitable site the County Council offered the flower bed sit next to the Chinese takeaway. The site was classified as Highways verge because it was not registered with the Land Registry. Local County Councillors were consulted over the plan that was drawn up offering three cubicles on Front Street with a storage area behind. All agreed. When the plan was put to the Planning Committee the Councillor who agreed to the plan moved a motion to oppose the application. The Town Council appealed, and the appeal was upheld, because the inspector said there were no planning grounds for refusal. A builder was appointed and work began by digging a trench next to an adjacent wall to strengthen the foundation. Overnight objectors refilled the trench. The project was subsequently abandoned after threats and intimidation towards Council Staff and Councillors?
Bus Shelters
When the Town Council was set up many of the bus shelters were severely damaged and an eyesore. Some bus stops had no shelters. The Town Council were given quotes by the County Council to replace some existing bus shelters and install new ones. After some enquiries it was found that we could get the shelters that met County Council requirements from Ashington at less cost. This meant we were helping the local economy. So, the shelters were ordered and installed. This prompted a campaign by objectors who spread fabricated allegations. Ruinous Party politics!
Dog Muck
In 2017 newly elected Councillors made great play about dog muck around the Town. The same people voted against supporting a plan to employ a dog warden one day a week in Partnership with other Town Councils?
The Park Run
The newly elected Councillors voted against supporting the Parkrun. The Parkrun project was saved by Newbiggin by the Sea Partnership who found the necessary finance. The Parkrun brings hundreds, if not thousands of visitors each year and enhances the reputation of our community. It has been a huge success.
Fruit Trees
About six years ago we had the opportunity to plant 16 fruit trees near the Medical Centre opposite Buteland Terrace with the agreement of the residents. The usual suspects got a petition to stop the planting of these trees??? WHY? The trees are now planted on each side of the path parallel to the steel fence along the side of the former Moorside school. Pleased to say they are doing quite well.
Would it not be wonderful if all our paths were lined with fruit trees, especially in the springtime?
Parking
There is anecdotal evidence from visitors who have had difficulty parking their vehicles expressing their frustration because the Church Point Car Park was full, and they could not find a parking place. To overcome this lack of amenity the Council succeeded in getting permission from the County Council to use the land between Woodlea and East Lea as a temporary, or overflow car park. It would be sensible to ask the County Council to cede that land to the Town Council and make it the official Town Centre Car Park. The distance from the recently built new entrance and the Town Centre is about the length of a football pitch! The usual suspects have taken every opportunity to rubbish this plan. For prosperity we need footfall and if we do not have the infrastructure to support increased footfall our economy will stagnate.
Alan Thompson. June 2019
