The latest in the saga of reorganisation is the 'further evidence' submitted by Mark Henderson and Jill Dixon.
This is available on the NCC website and is a tribute to the manipulative skills of Mark.
The NCC submission for a continuing council now contains proposals for an elected Mayor and Cabinet.
What happened to the Labour Group decision you ask, to have a leader selected from the group.
Peter Hillman says he will talk to you all about this 'volte-face' and has put his 'political weight' behind convincing you to take this very bitter pill.
I hope the lions led by donkeys will suitably kick him into touch.
There is also reference to the reduction of personnel down to 200 which will be done in consulattion with the workforce and unions.
Read the document its too much to print on this blog, but it is as devious a document as you could wish for!
Monday, July 02, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Hold the front page!
Follys has found thet the next Full Council is going to be a regular bear-pit of a meeting.
Members from both sides are wanting their say on the authorisation of lobbyists money, the hinderance of auditors at County Hall and the recent policy on the hoof announcements by Peter Hillman.
There is also to be a humongeous row over the orphin of the executive that unwanted sacred cow the all age academy! (sorry about mixing metaphors).
Follys will be there to report back - as will all the press we presume.
Members from both sides are wanting their say on the authorisation of lobbyists money, the hinderance of auditors at County Hall and the recent policy on the hoof announcements by Peter Hillman.
There is also to be a humongeous row over the orphin of the executive that unwanted sacred cow the all age academy! (sorry about mixing metaphors).
Follys will be there to report back - as will all the press we presume.
Monday, June 25, 2007
As we were first with the Chief Whips Email , Watch this space
COMING UP ON ‘FOLLYS’
The saga of Billys faux pas with patios continues.
As we have always said it is not the free patio that we mind as much as the attempts to deceive.
Follys has information that evidence has come to light of Billy instigating and allowing the building of his patio.
Perhaps the press are looking in the wrong place for evidence, or the wrong employee.
Perhaps, just perhaps fellow councillors should ask Hillman and Brooks what they knew of the episode prior to January 2006 and who stopped the investigation.
When we have the copy and e-mails delivered to us we will print.
WATCH THIS SPACE!!!!!
The saga of Billys faux pas with patios continues.
As we have always said it is not the free patio that we mind as much as the attempts to deceive.
Follys has information that evidence has come to light of Billy instigating and allowing the building of his patio.
Perhaps the press are looking in the wrong place for evidence, or the wrong employee.
Perhaps, just perhaps fellow councillors should ask Hillman and Brooks what they knew of the episode prior to January 2006 and who stopped the investigation.
When we have the copy and e-mails delivered to us we will print.
WATCH THIS SPACE!!!!!
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Peter Hilmans TV interview
Hillman must have thought his chance had finally come, free reign to put his views across on television.Did anyone see his cringing performance.
First from a set piece, obviously prepared by his officers he told us all that he needed publicity to inform the public what the COUNTY did.
If they havn't got a clue by now then its a bit late.
Then he went on to deny that lobbyists were being paid £30,000 a shot to argue the case for a single council with Westminster.
He had to do that for no MP would sponser their bid.
BUT after denying the £30,000 he refused to say how much public money he was paying!
All he would say was that it wasn't the £30,000 that was being bandied about and that client confidentiallity ruled that he couldn't say how much he was paying.
This is public money and anyway who is the client IT IS THE COUNCIL WHICH IS ALSO THE PUBLIC.
Come clean Mr Hillman how much are you wasting on southern lobbyists?
Friday, June 22, 2007
Foreman Hits back at Northumberland County Council. Internal investigators were bannned from questioning the leader of Northumberland County Council
Foreman hits back at council
Jun 22 2007
By The Journal
A highways foreman sacked for misconduct claims he is simply a convenient scapegoat after it was revealed internal investigators were banned from questioning the leader of Northumberland County Council.
Nigel Riley was accused of helping a colleague moonlight as a driveway fitter. They had used a works van while delivering sand to then council leader Bill Brooks' home.
The pair did not know Coun Brooks was their boss and the former leader has never been accused of any involvement in the "embarrassing incident."
But the council refused their own staff permission to include Coun Brooks in their 250 hours of investigation.
At a tribunal hearing in Newcastle on Thursday Mr Riley said he must have been a mug for delivering the sand and claimed to have no memory of the day.
In closing arguments Robert Gibson, for Mr Riley, said: "The council's own actions prejudiced their own investigation."
He disagreed with the council's claim that Mr Riley had misled investigators and said the internal audit team was hindered from the moment they received photographs showing the foreman and a co-worker unloading the sand.
Mr Gibson: "They received an email on September 20 2005. Within days the chief executive had spoken to Mr Brooks about that matter.
"We do not know what was said but presumably Mr Brooks was made aware of the allegations.
"The cat was out of the bag. The audit team was given a restricted brief which said nothing more and nothing less than find the lorry in the picture and find the men in the picture.
"Now, it is as clear as the nose on your face that where you should start is with Coun Brooks."
On September 28 that year investigators were denied permission to interview Coun Brooks by officers on the executive team.
Mr Gibson added: "The local authority was responsible for the delay."
Within weeks of the investigators meeting Coun Brooks in January 2006 the council had enough evidence to start disciplinary hearings against the two men.
Joe Fletcher, who was hired to do the work by Mrs Brooks, admitted moonlighting and using council property.
Mr Riley says he was never told what the investigation was focusing on and was simply helping a friend on the way home form work.
The tribunal bench is expected to return a decision after July 17.
Jun 22 2007
By The Journal
A highways foreman sacked for misconduct claims he is simply a convenient scapegoat after it was revealed internal investigators were banned from questioning the leader of Northumberland County Council.
Nigel Riley was accused of helping a colleague moonlight as a driveway fitter. They had used a works van while delivering sand to then council leader Bill Brooks' home.
The pair did not know Coun Brooks was their boss and the former leader has never been accused of any involvement in the "embarrassing incident."
But the council refused their own staff permission to include Coun Brooks in their 250 hours of investigation.
At a tribunal hearing in Newcastle on Thursday Mr Riley said he must have been a mug for delivering the sand and claimed to have no memory of the day.
In closing arguments Robert Gibson, for Mr Riley, said: "The council's own actions prejudiced their own investigation."
He disagreed with the council's claim that Mr Riley had misled investigators and said the internal audit team was hindered from the moment they received photographs showing the foreman and a co-worker unloading the sand.
Mr Gibson: "They received an email on September 20 2005. Within days the chief executive had spoken to Mr Brooks about that matter.
"We do not know what was said but presumably Mr Brooks was made aware of the allegations.
"The cat was out of the bag. The audit team was given a restricted brief which said nothing more and nothing less than find the lorry in the picture and find the men in the picture.
"Now, it is as clear as the nose on your face that where you should start is with Coun Brooks."
On September 28 that year investigators were denied permission to interview Coun Brooks by officers on the executive team.
Mr Gibson added: "The local authority was responsible for the delay."
Within weeks of the investigators meeting Coun Brooks in January 2006 the council had enough evidence to start disciplinary hearings against the two men.
Joe Fletcher, who was hired to do the work by Mrs Brooks, admitted moonlighting and using council property.
Mr Riley says he was never told what the investigation was focusing on and was simply helping a friend on the way home form work.
The tribunal bench is expected to return a decision after July 17.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
We told you so, the saga of Bill Brooks patio and sand
Folly is sorry but we did tell you that the whole sorry saga of Bills patio was going to rear up and bit the collective bum at County Hall!
Follys now hears that following the revelations at the tribunal and the evidence given by the internal auditor for County, that a call to PLOD is being considered instead of to the Ombudsman.
Lets pick out the reason behind this.
The original complaint that Bill Brooks was using council labour to do a ‘govvy job’, is one thing – to hinder a subsequent investigation is another.
Robert Gibson, representing Mr Riley, asked internal auditor Gary Walker: "Why did you not ascertain Mr Brooks' involvement?" Mr Walker said he had asked the director of finance on September 29 whether he should contact Coun Brooks but was told "he should not bother to do so." It was January, 2006, before Mr Walker spoke to Coun Brooks and received documents identifying Joe Fletcher as the contractor hired to build a driveway.By that time the council leader had already spoken to Northumberland County Council chief executive Mark Henderson about the matter.When asked if this delay hindered the investigation, Mr Walker replied: "It did. But I should say at this point we were trying to find out more general information."
No ‘ifs’ no ‘buts’, the actions of certain individuals hindered the investigation by an auditor.
Lamentable you might say, we might say look at the law!
Malfeasance in public office is against the law, is it not.?
Surely delaying an investigation by several months is wrong?
A public enquiry is needed to bring back a semblance of respect for the County Council. Until then a few people should be suspended, unless of course the auditor is wrong!
We await the out come with baited breath!
Follys now hears that following the revelations at the tribunal and the evidence given by the internal auditor for County, that a call to PLOD is being considered instead of to the Ombudsman.
Lets pick out the reason behind this.
The original complaint that Bill Brooks was using council labour to do a ‘govvy job’, is one thing – to hinder a subsequent investigation is another.
Robert Gibson, representing Mr Riley, asked internal auditor Gary Walker: "Why did you not ascertain Mr Brooks' involvement?" Mr Walker said he had asked the director of finance on September 29 whether he should contact Coun Brooks but was told "he should not bother to do so." It was January, 2006, before Mr Walker spoke to Coun Brooks and received documents identifying Joe Fletcher as the contractor hired to build a driveway.By that time the council leader had already spoken to Northumberland County Council chief executive Mark Henderson about the matter.When asked if this delay hindered the investigation, Mr Walker replied: "It did. But I should say at this point we were trying to find out more general information."
No ‘ifs’ no ‘buts’, the actions of certain individuals hindered the investigation by an auditor.
Lamentable you might say, we might say look at the law!
Malfeasance in public office is against the law, is it not.?
Surely delaying an investigation by several months is wrong?
A public enquiry is needed to bring back a semblance of respect for the County Council. Until then a few people should be suspended, unless of course the auditor is wrong!
We await the out come with baited breath!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
The ex leader of the Northumberland County Council Bill Brooks delayed the investigation into work at his home , Mr Walker "It did"
Jun 20 2007
By Adrian Pearson, The Journal
A highways foreman who was dismissed for moonlighting told an employment tribunal yesterday he has no memory of the day he was caught delivering sand to a council leader's home.
Nigel Riley was sacked by Northumberland County Council in April last year after being photographed using his council lorry to deliver sand to a house in Newsham, Blyth, in 2005.
Mr Riley and co-worker Joe Fletcher did not know that the house in Chillingham Close was home to then county council leader Bill Brooks.
Coun Brooks has always denied being anything other than an innocent party in the embarrassing incident but the tribunal was told internal auditors were "hindered" in their investigation initially by orders not to interview the leader.
Coun Brooks' wife had hired Fletcher to do the work - not knowing he worked for the council and neither of the highways employees had met the councillor before.
Mr Riley, 47, of Cramlington, yesterday denied any involvement in the private construction business run by Fletcher, who was fired after admitting using council property for secondary employment.
The council, represented by Paul Cape, claim Mr Riley lied during an interview in February 2006 when asked if he had ever done any work "on the side". Mr Riley claimed he was never told of the specific allegations and assumed he was being investigated for stealing sand.
When he was handed pictures that appeared to show him shovelling sand off a lorry on June 24, he said they were too blurred for him to recognise himself.
He said: "Any delivery of sand to Coun Brooks' home on that day was without my consent. I had allowed a co-worker to use the lorry but my memory is blurred in relation to these events."
Mr Riley, who has worked for the council for more than 20 years, said that although he would drive the lorry to and from his home, he would let Fletcher use it to pick up deliveries during the day.
A receipt showed the material was picked up at 2.07pm by Fletcher when Mr Riley claimed he was working on a roundabout in Ashington. The receipt came to light after council officials allowed internal investigators to interview Coun Brooks.
Robert Gibson, representing Mr Riley, asked internal auditor Gary Walker: "Why did you not ascertain Mr Brooks' involvement?" Mr Walker said he had asked the director of finance on September 29 whether he should contact Coun Brooks but was told "he should not bother to do so." It was January, 2006, before Mr Walker spoke to Coun Brooks and received documents identifying Joe Fletcher as the contractor hired to build a driveway.
By that time the council leader had already spoken to Northumberland County Council chief executive Mark Henderson about the matter.
When asked if this delay hindered the investigation, Mr Walker replied: "It did. But I should say at this point we were trying to find out more general information."
The tribunal continues.
By Adrian Pearson, The Journal
A highways foreman who was dismissed for moonlighting told an employment tribunal yesterday he has no memory of the day he was caught delivering sand to a council leader's home.
Nigel Riley was sacked by Northumberland County Council in April last year after being photographed using his council lorry to deliver sand to a house in Newsham, Blyth, in 2005.
Mr Riley and co-worker Joe Fletcher did not know that the house in Chillingham Close was home to then county council leader Bill Brooks.
Coun Brooks has always denied being anything other than an innocent party in the embarrassing incident but the tribunal was told internal auditors were "hindered" in their investigation initially by orders not to interview the leader.
Coun Brooks' wife had hired Fletcher to do the work - not knowing he worked for the council and neither of the highways employees had met the councillor before.
Mr Riley, 47, of Cramlington, yesterday denied any involvement in the private construction business run by Fletcher, who was fired after admitting using council property for secondary employment.
The council, represented by Paul Cape, claim Mr Riley lied during an interview in February 2006 when asked if he had ever done any work "on the side". Mr Riley claimed he was never told of the specific allegations and assumed he was being investigated for stealing sand.
When he was handed pictures that appeared to show him shovelling sand off a lorry on June 24, he said they were too blurred for him to recognise himself.
He said: "Any delivery of sand to Coun Brooks' home on that day was without my consent. I had allowed a co-worker to use the lorry but my memory is blurred in relation to these events."
Mr Riley, who has worked for the council for more than 20 years, said that although he would drive the lorry to and from his home, he would let Fletcher use it to pick up deliveries during the day.
A receipt showed the material was picked up at 2.07pm by Fletcher when Mr Riley claimed he was working on a roundabout in Ashington. The receipt came to light after council officials allowed internal investigators to interview Coun Brooks.
Robert Gibson, representing Mr Riley, asked internal auditor Gary Walker: "Why did you not ascertain Mr Brooks' involvement?" Mr Walker said he had asked the director of finance on September 29 whether he should contact Coun Brooks but was told "he should not bother to do so." It was January, 2006, before Mr Walker spoke to Coun Brooks and received documents identifying Joe Fletcher as the contractor hired to build a driveway.
By that time the council leader had already spoken to Northumberland County Council chief executive Mark Henderson about the matter.
When asked if this delay hindered the investigation, Mr Walker replied: "It did. But I should say at this point we were trying to find out more general information."
The tribunal continues.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
And they say they care about folks, and this happens ?
06/2007 15:08
Health and Safety Executive (North East)
(HSE) Northumberland County Council, Northumberland Care Trust and recycling firm fined after man loses leg
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has today warned all those responsible for the care of vulnerable people to ensure they are not put at risk when taking part in work-related activities or training.
The warning comes after Northumberland County Council, Northumberland Care Trust and a recycling company were all fined for their parts in an incident in 2005 which left a man with learning difficulties having his leg amputated.
The Council was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,000 after pleading guilty to beaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSW Act). The Care Trust were fined £10,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,000 after pleading guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the HSW Act and South East Northumberland Recycling Ltd (SENREC) were fined £10,000and ordered to pay costs of £4,000 after also pleading guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the HSW Act at Bedlington Magistrates' Court.
HSE Inspector Martin Baillie said, "The injured man, Mr Simon Nelson, aged 38 at the time of the incident had learning difficulties and was a service user of the Horticultural Unit at Hepscott Park, Northumberland. The Unit was run by Northumberland County Council Social Services Directorate, and external management services, including administration of the budget, was carried out by Northumberland Care Trust. SENREC is a recycling company based at West Sleekburn, Northumberland.
"The HSE encourages sensible risk management. However, it cannot condone activities where vulnerable people are exposed to an unacceptable level of risk.
Mr Baillie explained the background to the case: "On a weekly basis a Day Centre Officer from Hepscott Park would take a transit van and collect recyclable material from around Hepscott Park and take it to SENREC, along with up to four other service users depending on the seating capacity of the van. Simon Nelson was a regular on these trips, which had been going on for a number of years.
"On 3 February 2005 while undertaking a regular trip to the SENREC plant at West Sleekburn with Melvin Robson, a Day Care Officer, Simon Nelson was struck by one or two falling recycled paper bales weighing around 800 kgs. He suffered two cracked vertebrae, damage to his right eye and later had his right leg amputated."
Health and Safety Executive (North East)
(HSE) Northumberland County Council, Northumberland Care Trust and recycling firm fined after man loses leg
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has today warned all those responsible for the care of vulnerable people to ensure they are not put at risk when taking part in work-related activities or training.
The warning comes after Northumberland County Council, Northumberland Care Trust and a recycling company were all fined for their parts in an incident in 2005 which left a man with learning difficulties having his leg amputated.
The Council was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,000 after pleading guilty to beaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSW Act). The Care Trust were fined £10,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,000 after pleading guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the HSW Act and South East Northumberland Recycling Ltd (SENREC) were fined £10,000and ordered to pay costs of £4,000 after also pleading guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the HSW Act at Bedlington Magistrates' Court.
HSE Inspector Martin Baillie said, "The injured man, Mr Simon Nelson, aged 38 at the time of the incident had learning difficulties and was a service user of the Horticultural Unit at Hepscott Park, Northumberland. The Unit was run by Northumberland County Council Social Services Directorate, and external management services, including administration of the budget, was carried out by Northumberland Care Trust. SENREC is a recycling company based at West Sleekburn, Northumberland.
"The HSE encourages sensible risk management. However, it cannot condone activities where vulnerable people are exposed to an unacceptable level of risk.
Mr Baillie explained the background to the case: "On a weekly basis a Day Centre Officer from Hepscott Park would take a transit van and collect recyclable material from around Hepscott Park and take it to SENREC, along with up to four other service users depending on the seating capacity of the van. Simon Nelson was a regular on these trips, which had been going on for a number of years.
"On 3 February 2005 while undertaking a regular trip to the SENREC plant at West Sleekburn with Melvin Robson, a Day Care Officer, Simon Nelson was struck by one or two falling recycled paper bales weighing around 800 kgs. He suffered two cracked vertebrae, damage to his right eye and later had his right leg amputated."
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Just a comment
Meanwhile Tony Reid, heading for possibly the shortest reign in history sattes that he will rely on the results of his consultation, done in private, with paid respondents (£75). And they called Westminster a gerrymandering council!!!!!
When you pay as much as the County is paying, from your pockets, you can be sure that in some way it will reflect Hillman and Brooks view of the world, however twisted.
Lets not be unsure on this point Brooks is still calling the shots with Davey behind him. Hillman is now a poppet sorry a puppet.
When you pay as much as the County is paying, from your pockets, you can be sure that in some way it will reflect Hillman and Brooks view of the world, however twisted.
Lets not be unsure on this point Brooks is still calling the shots with Davey behind him. Hillman is now a poppet sorry a puppet.
The people vote on the way foreward for us in Northumberland
Leader readers vote for two councils
One authority or two councils?
By ANTHONY McLEAN
NEWS POST LEADER readers have voted overwhelmingly for the creation of two new councils in Northumberland.
More than 90 per cent of people said they would like to see two unitary authorities created in the county in a rural urban split – a plan proposed by the six district councils and backed by the county's four MPs.Just 7.8 per cent of readers voted for Northumberland County Council's bid to create a single authority covering the whole of Northumberland.Over the last few weeks the News Post Leader, the Morpeth Herald and the Northumberland Gazette have been asking readers to give their opinions on the future of local government in Northumberland.We gave readers a simple choice – would they prefer to have one council or two councils.The poll closed on June 1 and just over 92 per cent of readers voted for the bid to create two councils – Rural Northumberland and South East Northumberland – to replace the current system of county and district authorities.The News Post Leader received just one e-mail from a supporter of the one-council option, as well as six posted response slips and 15 mobile text messages.Some 108 people
replied to the News Post Leader adding their support for the two-council option. A total of 378 people replied to all three newspapers backing the bid.Supporters said that they believe Northumberland is too large and diverse for one authority to serve its constituents, and that the districts are closer to the communities.
One Blyth reader suggested that Northumberland County Council has acted like a "draconian dictatorship" in the way it has closed residential care homes and schools.
Another reader, who did not back a specific bid, said both proposals would create "a few more layers of pen-pushers", while another reader questioned why the current system can not be made better.A total of 410 people responded to the survey, with 378 voting for the two-council bid and 32 voting for the one-council bid.The Government will end its consultation on the issue on June 22.
Last Updated: 07 June 2007
Last Updated: 07 June 2007
Saturday, June 02, 2007
The first e-survey of regional tourism businesses in the North East has highlighted the growing importance of the internet to the visitor economy with
Taken from Local Gov.co.uk
The first e-survey of regional tourism businesses in the North East has highlighted the growing importance of the internet to the visitor economy with over 80% of those questioned operating their own website. More than 600 tourism businesses took part in the survey (401 telephone and 255 online) designed to identify levels of ICT and e-business use in the region following the introduction of the Desti.ne, North East England’s e-business platform by One NorthEast. A total of 68% of telephone respondents said that e-business had helped boost business performance in the last three years and less than 20% felt that e-business was not relevant to them. The results showed there are still opportunities to raise awareness and give guidance on internet security and software and some 40% felt they did not have all the skills needed to make best use of e-business opportunities. The survey also highlighted significant variations between North East sub-regions in the percentage of businesses with their own website offering an online booking service. Tees Valley has the highest share of businesses offering online services at 48%; followed by County Durham with 40% and Tyne and Wear with 34% while. Northumberland has the lowest proportion at just 12%. One NorthEast has already said it will repeat the survey over the next three years to measure the region’s capability and assess the impact the introduction of Desti.ne has had. Louise Davis, head of tourism at One NorthEast said: “It is encouraging to see that a significant number of tourism businesses are already switched on to the potential of e-business. “UK residents spent £1.8bn on holidays over the internet in 2006, up 65% since 2003 and this figure is growing all the time. In an increasingly competitive market place it is vital that the region is well represented online.
The first e-survey of regional tourism businesses in the North East has highlighted the growing importance of the internet to the visitor economy with over 80% of those questioned operating their own website. More than 600 tourism businesses took part in the survey (401 telephone and 255 online) designed to identify levels of ICT and e-business use in the region following the introduction of the Desti.ne, North East England’s e-business platform by One NorthEast. A total of 68% of telephone respondents said that e-business had helped boost business performance in the last three years and less than 20% felt that e-business was not relevant to them. The results showed there are still opportunities to raise awareness and give guidance on internet security and software and some 40% felt they did not have all the skills needed to make best use of e-business opportunities. The survey also highlighted significant variations between North East sub-regions in the percentage of businesses with their own website offering an online booking service. Tees Valley has the highest share of businesses offering online services at 48%; followed by County Durham with 40% and Tyne and Wear with 34% while. Northumberland has the lowest proportion at just 12%. One NorthEast has already said it will repeat the survey over the next three years to measure the region’s capability and assess the impact the introduction of Desti.ne has had. Louise Davis, head of tourism at One NorthEast said: “It is encouraging to see that a significant number of tourism businesses are already switched on to the potential of e-business. “UK residents spent £1.8bn on holidays over the internet in 2006, up 65% since 2003 and this figure is growing all the time. In an increasingly competitive market place it is vital that the region is well represented online.
Northumberland County Council does not just fail its people it also fails its businesses!
The first e-survey of regional tourism businesses in the North East has highlighted the growing importance of the internet to the visitor economy with over 80% of those questioned operating their own website. More than 600 tourism businesses took part in the survey (401 telephone and 255 online) designed to identify levels of ICT and e-business use in the region following the introduction of the Desti.ne, North East England’s e-business platform by One NorthEast. A total of 68% of telephone respondents said that e-business had helped boost business performance in the last three years and less than 20% felt that e-business was not relevant to them. The results showed there are still opportunities to raise awareness and give guidance on internet security and software and some 40% felt they did not have all the skills needed to make best use of e-business opportunities. The survey also highlighted significant variations between North East sub-regions in the percentage of businesses with their own website offering an online booking service. Tees Valley has the highest share of businesses offering online services at 48%; followed by County Durham with 40% and Tyne and Wear with 34% while. Northumberland has the lowest proportion at just 12%. One NorthEast has already said it will repeat the survey over the next three years to measure the region’s capability and assess the impact the introduction of Desti.ne has had. Louise Davis, head of tourism at One NorthEast said: “It is encouraging to see that a significant number of tourism businesses are already switched on to the potential of e-business. “UK residents spent £1.8bn on holidays over the internet in 2006, up 65% since 2003 and this figure is growing all the time. In an increasingly competitive market place it is vital that the region is well represented online.
The first e-survey of regional tourism businesses in the North East has highlighted the growing importance of the internet to the visitor economy with over 80% of those questioned operating their own website. More than 600 tourism businesses took part in the survey (401 telephone and 255 online) designed to identify levels of ICT and e-business use in the region following the introduction of the Desti.ne, North East England’s e-business platform by One NorthEast. A total of 68% of telephone respondents said that e-business had helped boost business performance in the last three years and less than 20% felt that e-business was not relevant to them. The results showed there are still opportunities to raise awareness and give guidance on internet security and software and some 40% felt they did not have all the skills needed to make best use of e-business opportunities. The survey also highlighted significant variations between North East sub-regions in the percentage of businesses with their own website offering an online booking service. Tees Valley has the highest share of businesses offering online services at 48%; followed by County Durham with 40% and Tyne and Wear with 34% while. Northumberland has the lowest proportion at just 12%. One NorthEast has already said it will repeat the survey over the next three years to measure the region’s capability and assess the impact the introduction of Desti.ne has had. Louise Davis, head of tourism at One NorthEast said: “It is encouraging to see that a significant number of tourism businesses are already switched on to the potential of e-business. “UK residents spent £1.8bn on holidays over the internet in 2006, up 65% since 2003 and this figure is growing all the time. In an increasingly competitive market place it is vital that the region is well represented online.
Northumberland County Council does not just fail its people it also fails its businesses!
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Taken from Northumberland Gazette
By COUN ROGER STYRING
Coun Roger Styring, the new leader of Alnwick District Council puts the case for Option 2 (two unitary authorities for Northumberland) in the debate over possible local government reorganisation.
RURAL Northumberland and South East Northumberland have very diverse communities and different needs and priorities.We all know that in the rural part of the county, affordable housing, the condition of the roads and footpaths and access to services and facilities are some of our main concerns.Having two new, strong all-purpose councils – one covering rural Northumberland and the other covering the more urban south east of the county will enable us to concentrate on our own priorities, needs and challenges.This will also prevent the tensions in resources and funding between the rural and urban parts of Northumberland which have always led to compromise. We have had enough of the 'one-size – fits all' approach.If the seven current councils are restructured into two, the new councils will each have a leader, elected by residents. This is the strongest leadership model in contrast to the alternative proposed by Northumberland County Council – a leader chosen by a political group of fellow councillors.It is important to have a council with a strong voice and financial muscle. Under our proposals, Northumberland would have two strong, cost-effective councils that are able to speak up and fight for the challenges ahead.The Rural Northumberland Council will have an executive, appointed on merit by the leader, each person being responsible for both a priority issue and a geographical area. This will ensure that at the top table of the authority, every part of the new council area will have representation and
local accountability, in contrast to the present set up at the county council in which the rural part of the county is hardly represented on the executive.We have proposed a smaller number of councillors than at present, however they will be much more visible and have a much higher profile as leaders, supporting their communities.Our proposals for bringing decision making closer to communities will be innovative and forward thinking. The establishment of 14 community boards based on different communities within rural Northumberland, with real decision-making powers, budgetary responsibilities and the ability to hold the council to account, will be significant. They will build upon our existing strong networks of local development trusts and town and parish councils.In such a large area it is most important that our proposals are shaped around the requirements of local people.
Last Updated: 27 May 2007
Coun Roger Styring, the new leader of Alnwick District Council puts the case for Option 2 (two unitary authorities for Northumberland) in the debate over possible local government reorganisation.
RURAL Northumberland and South East Northumberland have very diverse communities and different needs and priorities.We all know that in the rural part of the county, affordable housing, the condition of the roads and footpaths and access to services and facilities are some of our main concerns.Having two new, strong all-purpose councils – one covering rural Northumberland and the other covering the more urban south east of the county will enable us to concentrate on our own priorities, needs and challenges.This will also prevent the tensions in resources and funding between the rural and urban parts of Northumberland which have always led to compromise. We have had enough of the 'one-size – fits all' approach.If the seven current councils are restructured into two, the new councils will each have a leader, elected by residents. This is the strongest leadership model in contrast to the alternative proposed by Northumberland County Council – a leader chosen by a political group of fellow councillors.It is important to have a council with a strong voice and financial muscle. Under our proposals, Northumberland would have two strong, cost-effective councils that are able to speak up and fight for the challenges ahead.The Rural Northumberland Council will have an executive, appointed on merit by the leader, each person being responsible for both a priority issue and a geographical area. This will ensure that at the top table of the authority, every part of the new council area will have representation and
local accountability, in contrast to the present set up at the county council in which the rural part of the county is hardly represented on the executive.We have proposed a smaller number of councillors than at present, however they will be much more visible and have a much higher profile as leaders, supporting their communities.Our proposals for bringing decision making closer to communities will be innovative and forward thinking. The establishment of 14 community boards based on different communities within rural Northumberland, with real decision-making powers, budgetary responsibilities and the ability to hold the council to account, will be significant. They will build upon our existing strong networks of local development trusts and town and parish councils.In such a large area it is most important that our proposals are shaped around the requirements of local people.
Last Updated: 27 May 2007
Friday, May 25, 2007
How can M Davey be totally independent whens hes a Northumberland County Counicillor
Councillor Michael DaveyMichael Davey was elected as a Northumberland County Councillor in 1988 before being elected leader in May 1998. Councillor Davey also served as the Chair of the North of England Regional Assembly and the Association of North East Councils twice, in 1999 and 2001. Michael has also been responsible for the creation of a number of community organisations in Wansbeck including the Caring Committee, the Wansbeck Association for Disabled, the Wansbeck Council for Voluntary Service and the Wansbeck Community Trust.
*All steering board members have chosen to be involved in this campaign in an individual capacity totally independent from their present occupations
*All steering board members have chosen to be involved in this campaign in an individual capacity totally independent from their present occupations
Ex Leader M Davey on the commiitee
Follys is not here to publicise other web sites particularly but the latest offering from the County is at http://www.onenorthumberland.org.uk/ you must all read it.
Those who remember the Democracy Commission, that’s right the one that no one took any notice of.
This was supposed to be ‘completely independent’ of the County Council but yet had four county councillors on it.
Now we have a website that’s independent of the County with Councillor Michael Davey on the organising committee. Well now that’s independent isn’t it.
We have Ian Wrigglesworth (remember he helped form the SDP – what happened to that we wonder) who through his property company in Gateshead has set up the site – what the hell has a company in Gateshead got to do with setting up websites promoting Northumberland County Council?
Sir Ian denies that there is such a thing as an urban Northumberland or a rural area – its about time he came into the real world, the County Council have admitted the difference for years.
Meanwhile his second in charge the Archdeacon of Lindisfarne, The Venerable Robert Langley pours forth his views on what the County needs, not what the people want but what these two think we need.
These two also say they support the notion of a wholly elected Cabinet – they had better talk to Peter Hillman about that – the county leaders option is for a privately installed leader – miles away from the democratic version on offer in the Two Councils bid.
Then we have Michael Davey, nuff said.
And who is Carole Beverly. The businesswomen also behind this odd collection of misfits.
Those who remember the Democracy Commission, that’s right the one that no one took any notice of.
This was supposed to be ‘completely independent’ of the County Council but yet had four county councillors on it.
Now we have a website that’s independent of the County with Councillor Michael Davey on the organising committee. Well now that’s independent isn’t it.
We have Ian Wrigglesworth (remember he helped form the SDP – what happened to that we wonder) who through his property company in Gateshead has set up the site – what the hell has a company in Gateshead got to do with setting up websites promoting Northumberland County Council?
Sir Ian denies that there is such a thing as an urban Northumberland or a rural area – its about time he came into the real world, the County Council have admitted the difference for years.
Meanwhile his second in charge the Archdeacon of Lindisfarne, The Venerable Robert Langley pours forth his views on what the County needs, not what the people want but what these two think we need.
These two also say they support the notion of a wholly elected Cabinet – they had better talk to Peter Hillman about that – the county leaders option is for a privately installed leader – miles away from the democratic version on offer in the Two Councils bid.
Then we have Michael Davey, nuff said.
And who is Carole Beverly. The businesswomen also behind this odd collection of misfits.
Latest new's from County Hall
Now we even hear that the Chief Constable of Northumbria Police and the Police Authority, and one or two others have removed their support for the single unitary bid.
Whilst its unravelling, Peter goes off on his lonesome in search of support at the Northern TUC on Thursday.
No joy there then, we understand from union members that Peter showed he was master of his brief alright – only it wasn’t the right brief!
What a farce – he can’t even put his own case forward without alienating some 200 union members with intemperate comments towards awkward questions.
Meanwhile Dave Stephens and his CEO present a cogent and powerful case for two unitary councils, at the same meeting - gaining some very powerful support and friends.
And so we lurch on with the mandarins at Whitehall gloating over the prospect of THEY making a decision that should have been decided by a referendum, that Peter doesn’t want. He prattles on about the government not having a referendum in its plans!!!
He and Brooks were told they could join the districts in a referendum – but that is not the message Peter wants to get out…..is it?
OH! AND BY THE WAY.....
Follys understands there is to be three public meetings arranged by the County to guage opinion and put forward their case only for a single unitary - even though their council does not show a preference for either!
These three public meetings, we understand from an officer, are to be by way of invitation only!
Invitations will only be issued if you answer telephone canvassers correctly....you couldn't make it up.
The meetings starting with Cramlington are supposed to be on the 5,6,7 June, coming to a place near you!!!!!!!
We understand if you turn up without a ticket you will be refused entry.
Follys understands a massive picketing operation is being planned with the press and TV already informed.
Follys wonders whose witless idea this was?
Whilst its unravelling, Peter goes off on his lonesome in search of support at the Northern TUC on Thursday.
No joy there then, we understand from union members that Peter showed he was master of his brief alright – only it wasn’t the right brief!
What a farce – he can’t even put his own case forward without alienating some 200 union members with intemperate comments towards awkward questions.
Meanwhile Dave Stephens and his CEO present a cogent and powerful case for two unitary councils, at the same meeting - gaining some very powerful support and friends.
And so we lurch on with the mandarins at Whitehall gloating over the prospect of THEY making a decision that should have been decided by a referendum, that Peter doesn’t want. He prattles on about the government not having a referendum in its plans!!!
He and Brooks were told they could join the districts in a referendum – but that is not the message Peter wants to get out…..is it?
OH! AND BY THE WAY.....
Follys understands there is to be three public meetings arranged by the County to guage opinion and put forward their case only for a single unitary - even though their council does not show a preference for either!
These three public meetings, we understand from an officer, are to be by way of invitation only!
Invitations will only be issued if you answer telephone canvassers correctly....you couldn't make it up.
The meetings starting with Cramlington are supposed to be on the 5,6,7 June, coming to a place near you!!!!!!!
We understand if you turn up without a ticket you will be refused entry.
Follys understands a massive picketing operation is being planned with the press and TV already informed.
Follys wonders whose witless idea this was?
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Four MP's join forces to save Northumberland from NCC and Peter Hillman
MP's join forces to back two-councils campaign
Left to right: Denis Murphy, Alan Beith, Ronnie Campbell and Peter Atkinson
MP Alan Beith has warned there will could be a backlash if proposals for a single unitary authority for Northumberland are given the green light.
Mr Beith told the House of Commons last week there would be a "vigorous campaign" against the decision.All four Northumberland MPs – Mr eith, Ronnie Campbell (Blyth Valley, Labour) Denis Murphy (Wansbeck, Labour) and Peter Atkinson (Hexham, Conservative) – spoke in favour of the district councils' bid to set up two authorities.The plan would see a council created for the rural north and west and another for the urban south east.Northumberland County Council backs a single authority.Mr Beith said: "If the Government opts for a single authority, I confidently predict that there will be a vigorous campaign against the idea. The district councils have a mandate for such a campaign, and local organisations will want to back that campaign."On the other hand, if the Government opt for two unitary authorities, the county council will have no mandate to campaign against the proposal, as its own resolution actually supports both proposals. "Mr Beith told MPs of the support for the two-council plan and said the "one-size-fits-all approach" is not capable of "responding to the needs of the diverse communities of the county."He said: "It is a unique situation: Four MPs in three political parties are in broad agreement about the direction that Northumberland should take."I defy the Under-Secretary to find another example from the whole round of local government reorganisation in which she is so assisted by unanimity on one proposal. I hope she and her colleagues take that factor carefully into account."And Mr Beith spoke of his disappointment if local government was not reorganised in Northumberland."If, after all that, the Government said, 'Oh, it's too difficult. Let's just leave it alone', there would be a great deal of disappointment among people on all sides of the argument, and there would not be a very promising atmosphere in which to achieve an enhanced two-tier system, which is the only viable alternative," he said."It would be a system in which authorities would have to share services a great deal. I am not saying that it would be a bad thing, but it would be necessary to plan the sharing of services, staff and so on."It would require a big change of attitude in the county council and in the district councils, too. I have not seen any evidence in discussions that the county is willing to undertake such lateral thinking. All the indications – certainly everything that my three colleagues would want to propose – suggests that a two-unitary authority solution is the right way forward."Angela Smith, Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department for Communities and Local Government, said: "I congratulate the Right Hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed on securing the debate on what is
obviously a key issue for the people of Northumberland. I appreciate the strong feelings that have been expressed. There are few occasions in the House when all three parties agree and it is a rare opportunity for a Minister to respond to such a debate."She added: "Consultation is now under way and judgments will be made about which part of the proposals will go forward, if either go forward, on the basis of that consultation and subsequent evaluation and judgment."After the stakeholder consultation, we will need to consider carefully all the representations that we have received. All the information provided to ministers will be considered in the course of the examination of the issues."I want to give an assurance to the four MPs who are here in the chamber that the views that they have expressed today will be taken into account, but they might wish to make formal submissions as well."
Last Updated: 21 May 2007
Left to right: Denis Murphy, Alan Beith, Ronnie Campbell and Peter Atkinson
MP Alan Beith has warned there will could be a backlash if proposals for a single unitary authority for Northumberland are given the green light.
Mr Beith told the House of Commons last week there would be a "vigorous campaign" against the decision.All four Northumberland MPs – Mr eith, Ronnie Campbell (Blyth Valley, Labour) Denis Murphy (Wansbeck, Labour) and Peter Atkinson (Hexham, Conservative) – spoke in favour of the district councils' bid to set up two authorities.The plan would see a council created for the rural north and west and another for the urban south east.Northumberland County Council backs a single authority.Mr Beith said: "If the Government opts for a single authority, I confidently predict that there will be a vigorous campaign against the idea. The district councils have a mandate for such a campaign, and local organisations will want to back that campaign."On the other hand, if the Government opt for two unitary authorities, the county council will have no mandate to campaign against the proposal, as its own resolution actually supports both proposals. "Mr Beith told MPs of the support for the two-council plan and said the "one-size-fits-all approach" is not capable of "responding to the needs of the diverse communities of the county."He said: "It is a unique situation: Four MPs in three political parties are in broad agreement about the direction that Northumberland should take."I defy the Under-Secretary to find another example from the whole round of local government reorganisation in which she is so assisted by unanimity on one proposal. I hope she and her colleagues take that factor carefully into account."And Mr Beith spoke of his disappointment if local government was not reorganised in Northumberland."If, after all that, the Government said, 'Oh, it's too difficult. Let's just leave it alone', there would be a great deal of disappointment among people on all sides of the argument, and there would not be a very promising atmosphere in which to achieve an enhanced two-tier system, which is the only viable alternative," he said."It would be a system in which authorities would have to share services a great deal. I am not saying that it would be a bad thing, but it would be necessary to plan the sharing of services, staff and so on."It would require a big change of attitude in the county council and in the district councils, too. I have not seen any evidence in discussions that the county is willing to undertake such lateral thinking. All the indications – certainly everything that my three colleagues would want to propose – suggests that a two-unitary authority solution is the right way forward."Angela Smith, Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department for Communities and Local Government, said: "I congratulate the Right Hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed on securing the debate on what is
obviously a key issue for the people of Northumberland. I appreciate the strong feelings that have been expressed. There are few occasions in the House when all three parties agree and it is a rare opportunity for a Minister to respond to such a debate."She added: "Consultation is now under way and judgments will be made about which part of the proposals will go forward, if either go forward, on the basis of that consultation and subsequent evaluation and judgment."After the stakeholder consultation, we will need to consider carefully all the representations that we have received. All the information provided to ministers will be considered in the course of the examination of the issues."I want to give an assurance to the four MPs who are here in the chamber that the views that they have expressed today will be taken into account, but they might wish to make formal submissions as well."
Last Updated: 21 May 2007
Friday, May 18, 2007
This what Bill does to his fellow members in Blyth Valley Labour Party
Bill does not come to meetings any more in case he has to talk about the County Council , and answer members questions ?
Moving on
I effectively stopped blogging after I was hauled before the regional board again after another unsubstantiated complaint from Bill Brookes. At the time Bill Brookes was leader of Northumberland County Council, and used the party's code of conduct for councillors to try and bully me into not criticising Northumberland County Council and his leadership style.Now I'm not a councillor, and Bill isn't leader of Northumberland any more, although I draw no solace from the fact that his replacement is one of his closest allies who never expressed any public doubts about Bill's robust leadership style.So this blog naturally comes to an end with an election result a few weeks after it practically came to an end.I'd like to thank all the friends and colleagues who made this blog fun over the last three years. There will be a couple more posts to this blog; once I've decided how I'll blog in future I'll post the name of any new project here, and any thoughts I have about what happened on Thursday will also be reposted here.For now though, sufficient to close with Shakespeare's epitaph for a politicians everywhere;"The evil that men do lives after them,The good is oft interréd with their bones,"
Moving on
I effectively stopped blogging after I was hauled before the regional board again after another unsubstantiated complaint from Bill Brookes. At the time Bill Brookes was leader of Northumberland County Council, and used the party's code of conduct for councillors to try and bully me into not criticising Northumberland County Council and his leadership style.Now I'm not a councillor, and Bill isn't leader of Northumberland any more, although I draw no solace from the fact that his replacement is one of his closest allies who never expressed any public doubts about Bill's robust leadership style.So this blog naturally comes to an end with an election result a few weeks after it practically came to an end.I'd like to thank all the friends and colleagues who made this blog fun over the last three years. There will be a couple more posts to this blog; once I've decided how I'll blog in future I'll post the name of any new project here, and any thoughts I have about what happened on Thursday will also be reposted here.For now though, sufficient to close with Shakespeare's epitaph for a politicians everywhere;"The evil that men do lives after them,The good is oft interréd with their bones,"
Taken From the PublicFinance.co.uk
principle
It seems that everyone now loves academies. Politicians are queuing up to declare their allegiance to these supposed saviours of secondary school standards.
We all know that Tony Blair is a fan – he recently announced a doubling in the number of academies to 400 and is supporting an extension to primary schools. Gordon Brown also declared this week that as prime minister he would continue to promote and finance the initiative.
But the enthusiasm from the Conservatives surpasses even this. Their leader, David Cameron, took time out from his sojourn as a teaching assistant to confirm that grammar schools were no longer seen as the best way forward. Instead, a Tory government would ‘put rocket boosters’ on the expansion of academies.
It’s easy to see the appeal. Academies offer the prospect of shiny new schools in areas previously catered for by failing institutions, while simultaneously keeping the middle classes on board. And, of course, they come with a £2m sponsorship package.
For politicians keen to promise social mobility – notably Education Secretary Alan Johnson and his shadow David Willetts – the idea is irresistible.
Yet there is little evidence so far to suggest that academies are worth the government’s current £5bn investment.
A recent report from the National Audit Office found that two-thirds of the first phase had gone over budget by an average of £3m. The watchdog was also critical of pupil performance in the key subjects of English and maths. Rather than creating hundreds of new academies, which might take years to design and construct, surely it would be better to concentrate on improving the ‘bog-standard’ schools.
With figures published in Public Finance this week showing that in some English towns and cities over 15% of 16–18 year olds are not in education, employment or training, all is clearly not well in our secondary school system (see Teenage jobless rate reflects wider deprivation).
Academies are a useful addition to the options available to the government, but they cannot be a panacea for ills that go a lot deeper.
Article Date: 18-May-2007
It seems that everyone now loves academies. Politicians are queuing up to declare their allegiance to these supposed saviours of secondary school standards.
We all know that Tony Blair is a fan – he recently announced a doubling in the number of academies to 400 and is supporting an extension to primary schools. Gordon Brown also declared this week that as prime minister he would continue to promote and finance the initiative.
But the enthusiasm from the Conservatives surpasses even this. Their leader, David Cameron, took time out from his sojourn as a teaching assistant to confirm that grammar schools were no longer seen as the best way forward. Instead, a Tory government would ‘put rocket boosters’ on the expansion of academies.
It’s easy to see the appeal. Academies offer the prospect of shiny new schools in areas previously catered for by failing institutions, while simultaneously keeping the middle classes on board. And, of course, they come with a £2m sponsorship package.
For politicians keen to promise social mobility – notably Education Secretary Alan Johnson and his shadow David Willetts – the idea is irresistible.
Yet there is little evidence so far to suggest that academies are worth the government’s current £5bn investment.
A recent report from the National Audit Office found that two-thirds of the first phase had gone over budget by an average of £3m. The watchdog was also critical of pupil performance in the key subjects of English and maths. Rather than creating hundreds of new academies, which might take years to design and construct, surely it would be better to concentrate on improving the ‘bog-standard’ schools.
With figures published in Public Finance this week showing that in some English towns and cities over 15% of 16–18 year olds are not in education, employment or training, all is clearly not well in our secondary school system (see Teenage jobless rate reflects wider deprivation).
Academies are a useful addition to the options available to the government, but they cannot be a panacea for ills that go a lot deeper.
Article Date: 18-May-2007
Thursday, May 17, 2007
He's back in the money Bill Brooks is, not much wrong with this ex leader ?
Quick comeback for ex-leader of council
May 10 2007
By The Journal
A labour council leader who gave up his job for health reasons has secured another senior post on the same authority.
Bill Brooks stood down as leader of Northumberland County Council two weeks ago, citing health problems as the reason for quitting after two years in the post.
Yesterday he was given the post as the council's executive member for environment and regeneration at the authority's annual meeting in County Hall, Morpeth.
The appointment was part of a shake-up of the Labour-controlled council's political leadership in the wake of Coun Brooks' resignation from the top job.
Coun Brooks, who represents the Blyth Valley Newsham ward, is succeeded as leader by Blyth Valley Holywell councillor Peter Hillman, who steps up from the deputy leader's post. Yesterday's meeting also ratified the appointment as deputy leader of Prudhoe councillor Tony Reid, who had previously been executive member for health and well-being.
His post on the executive is taken by Cramlington councillor Dorothy Luke, while Coun Brooks replaces the late Coun Alan Cutter as executive member for environment and regeneration.
Councillors Jim Wright, Mick Scullion, Ivan Hayes and John Smith continue in their current executive posts for a further year.
Coun Robert Arckless was elected as the council's new chairman, the first Amble councillor to hold the civic post in the authority's 118-year history. His vice-chairman will be Coun Mike Roe, from Bedlington.
May 10 2007
By The Journal
A labour council leader who gave up his job for health reasons has secured another senior post on the same authority.
Bill Brooks stood down as leader of Northumberland County Council two weeks ago, citing health problems as the reason for quitting after two years in the post.
Yesterday he was given the post as the council's executive member for environment and regeneration at the authority's annual meeting in County Hall, Morpeth.
The appointment was part of a shake-up of the Labour-controlled council's political leadership in the wake of Coun Brooks' resignation from the top job.
Coun Brooks, who represents the Blyth Valley Newsham ward, is succeeded as leader by Blyth Valley Holywell councillor Peter Hillman, who steps up from the deputy leader's post. Yesterday's meeting also ratified the appointment as deputy leader of Prudhoe councillor Tony Reid, who had previously been executive member for health and well-being.
His post on the executive is taken by Cramlington councillor Dorothy Luke, while Coun Brooks replaces the late Coun Alan Cutter as executive member for environment and regeneration.
Councillors Jim Wright, Mick Scullion, Ivan Hayes and John Smith continue in their current executive posts for a further year.
Coun Robert Arckless was elected as the council's new chairman, the first Amble councillor to hold the civic post in the authority's 118-year history. His vice-chairman will be Coun Mike Roe, from Bedlington.
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