Roger Spriddell, County Councillor.

24/10/2026

🚨 Iceland boss and Labour peer Lord Richard Walker has issued a strong warning to his own party, declaring: “I joined the Labour Party, not the benefits party.”

Lord Walker, who was appointed Sir Keir Starmer’s cost-of-living adviser, believes Labour must rethink its approach to welfare spending and put greater emphasis on getting people into work.

His intervention comes amid forecasts that the UK’s annual welfare bill could rise to £409 billion by 2030–31, up from around £315 billion in 2024–25.

In a paper submitted to the think tank Progress, Lord Walker argued that a strong economy and a thriving private sector are essential to funding public services.

He has called for changes to the tax system to encourage businesses to invest, expand and recruit more workers, including young people. His proposals include extending employer National Insurance relief to workers under 25 and reviewing tax measures that he believes could discourage hiring.

He has also argued that businesses investing profits back into jobs, skills and technology should receive greater tax incentives, while calling for a fundamental rethink of the size of the state.

24/10/2026

Eventually the work begins!

23/10/2026

Message from NCC regarding Moorland Avenue resurfacing.

Due to adverse weather conditions associated with Storm Austen, the resurfacing works on Moorland Avenue, Bedlington scheduled for tonight and tomorrow night have been cancelled. Residents directly affected by the works will receive a further letter once the works have been reprogrammed and new dates have been confirmed.

Thanks
Simon Mavin
Highways Construction Manager
Technical Services.
Local Services Group
Northumberland County Council
Blyth
Northumberland
NE24 5TF.

05/10/2026

These are the latest plans for the ATC with drawings of the 3 metre fabricated gate with access each side for the public. I have asked for the gaps to be reduced from 1.95 and 1.97 metres to prevent access by quad bikes which are generally just over a metre in width but we need to retain mobility scooter access which is usually slightly less than a metre. I await their design plans for this.

I am also attaching a photo of a similar layout in Stirling for sight. Obviously the surroundings will be different as it’s another location. But it gives some idea as to how it may look.

The bollard at the other end of the lane will be installed when resurfacing is undertaken.

03/10/2026

Power outage West Sleekburn and Choppington areas. See details

03/10/2026

Update on the Active Travel Corridor arriving in East Sleekburn.
Highways Construction will be setting up a new site compound to store equipment and supplies whilst completing this phase in the village. It will be located on the grassed area at Havelock Crescent and is expected to be in use for 5 or 6 weeks. Any damaged grass will be reinstated once their works are completed. Map attached.Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Cllr Roger Spriddell
Sleekburn Ward
07889 144706

30/09/2026

Bedlington Community Centre Drop In Event
Front Street Bedlington NE22 5TT

Update on all the projects planned for the Bedlington Area, East, West, Central.

Wednesday 7 October 2926. 5.00pm - 7.00pm

17/09/2026

A message for mobility scooter users and an update on engineering works starting this coming weekend resulting in bus services replacing the Northumberland Line Service for two weekends.

We're sharing some good news from Northern Trains in that they can now carry mobility scooters on their trains across the North East, which includes on the Northumberland Line.

Customers do need to apply for a Permit Plus and there are some size restrictions on the scooters that can be used and these are;
Maximum length of 120cm
Maximum width of 60cm
Maximum turning circle of 120cm
Maximum combined weight of scooter and user: 300kg (47 stone)
Fitted with anti-tip wheels
Minimum climbing angle of 6°
Be able to travel at a maximum of 4mph
We've shared the information on the Northumberland Line website, along with a link for more information and how to apply for a permit.

https://www.northumberlandline.uk/post/mobility-scooters-now-permitted-on-northern-trains

All the stations on the Northumberland Line have access for mobility scooters with the exception of the station at Manors, where access is via a stepped footbridge.

We'll also take the opportunity to remind everyone that buses will replace trains over the next two weekends due to engineering works on the East Coast Main Line to the north of Newcastle;

Engineering Works - 19th/20th & 26th/27th September

Thanks

Mark Ellis

On behalf of the Northumberland Line Project Team
Northumberland County Council

E: [email protected]
www.northumberlandline.uk

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This mailbox is checked regularly, and we aim to respond to you as soon as possible.

Re-introduction of direct passenger trains between Ashington in south-east Northumberland and the centre of Newcastle.

10/09/2026

Yesterday we were at NCC Morpeth meeting Northumberland Farmers and the NFU.
What a really interesting and informative visit. We talked about farming equipment and methodology. We also met the representative of Carrs Billington who provided the pictured Massey Ferguson Tractor costing £280,000!

We also discussed dairy, arable and livestock farming and the difficulties farmers are now facing. Our Food Security is a key priority for our survival. It was also agreed that we need to. create more water reservoirs to store water when it is plentiful to offset shortages in times of drought.

One statement I will takeaway was that we need 3 things to survive: Shelter, Water, Food.

That succinctly sums up our priorities. Those 3 subjects should be at the forefront of our thoughts. We were impressed by the tastes of the artisan food and local produce provided by Turnbull’s of Alnwick. There was a range of pies, sausages, cheeses cake, jam and more. Their family butcher business began in 1880. They are located in Alnwick at Turnbull’s Food hall, Alnwick NE66 2DJ and are well worth a visit.

www.turnbullsfoods.co.uk

All in all a worthwhile and interesting couple of hours. Thanks to all involved.