Denise Nicholson, Reform UK County Councillor Bebside & Kitty Brewster Ward

22/08/2026

Operation Dragoon at work. One more bike off the road.

21/08/2026

🗳️ Why does your vote on the Neighbourhood Plan matter?

There aren’t different plans to choose between. The referendum asks one simple question: Do you want the proposed Neighbourhood Plan to become part of the planning framework for our area?

A YES vote means the plan must be taken into account when future planning decisions are made.

This matters because planning is becoming increasingly nationally driven, with less scope for local authorities and communities to control what happens locally.

A Neighbourhood Plan gives our community a stronger voice on where development goes, how it looks, green spaces, infrastructure and protecting the character of our area.

It doesn't give us a veto over development, but it does give locally agreed policies greater weight in planning decisions.

🏘️ With major development ahead, we need every bit of local influence we can retain.

So please read the plan, understand what you're voting for, and use your vote.

🗳️ Your community. Your future. Your vote.

05/08/2026

Following the many concerns raised with me over the recent months by residents about illegal off-road bikes across Blyth and Ashington, I contacted Northumberland County Council to ask whether they would revisit the possibility of providing a legal off-road motorcycle facility.

Many of you will remember the former track at Cambois, which closed following redevelopment of the site. I asked whether an alternative had ever been considered, why one wasn't progressed, and whether the Council would now look at providing a replacement.

The Council has confirmed yesterday that discussions did take place with Northumbria Police after the Cambois facility was lost. A number of potential sites were considered, but none were found to be suitable due to issues such as land availability, planning, environmental constraints, costs, management and the impact on nearby communities.

Importantly, the Council has also confirmed that it recognises illegal off-road bikes remain a major concern and that it is aware of requests for a replacement facility. It has stated that it will continue to look for and assess any suitable land that could accommodate a managed legal track.

Whilst enforcement by the police remains essential, I believe we must also explore long-term solutions. Providing a safe, legal venue for responsible riders could help reduce illegal riding, improve community safety and protect our parks, footpaths and green spaces.

I will continue to press for this issue to remain on the Council's agenda and will keep residents updated with any progress.

03/08/2026

COUNCILLOR UPDATE – Please note, I understand that the works on the trail path has not been completed. I have asked for an update of when it is expected to be complete.

NEWSHAM/CROFTON GRANGE TRAIL PATH
I'm pleased to confirm that £10,000 of my Councillor Small Schemes funding has been invested in improvements to the Newsham/Crofton Grange trail path.
The path has now been resurfaced, and tomorrow (Tuesday 28th July) eight new barriers will be installed to help prevent illegal off-road bikes from racing along the path at high speed and using it as a route between Crofton Grange and Newsham.
For far too long, residents living on both sides of this cut have had to put up with anti-social behaviour, excessive noise and disturbance, often late into the night. No one should have to endure that in their own home.
While this may not solve the problem entirely, I hope these measures will make a real difference, improve safety for those using the path, and, most importantly, give residents the peace they deserve.
I will continue working with Northumbria Police and Northumberland County Council to tackle illegal off-road bikes and improve the quality of life for our communities.

29/07/2026

📢 Help Us Build a Clear Picture of Crime Concerns in Blyth

Ahead of the Police, Council and Public Meeting on Tuesday 4th August at 6.00pm in Blyth Market Pavilion, we are asking residents to help us make the best possible use of the time available.
To ensure as many issues as possible can be discussed, once a topic has been raised during the meeting (for example, off-road bikes), we would ask that it isn't repeatedly raised by others due to the limited time available.
The most helpful way you can support this is by emailing your concerns before the meeting to [email protected].
This also gives those who are unable to attend the opportunity to have their concerns heard. Every concern received will be recorded, helping the Police and Council build a clearer picture of where crime is happening and what the main issues affecting residents are across Blyth.
Together, we can help target resources where they are needed most.
Help us to help you. 💙

28/07/2026

📢 Help Shape the Discussion – Tell Us Your Concerns Ahead of the Meeting

Ahead of our Community Meeting on Anti-Social Behaviour in Blyth on Tuesday 4 August, we'd like to hear from residents about the areas and issues that matter most to you.

If there are specific locations where you've experienced or witnessed anti-social behaviour, or particular concerns you'd like raised during the meeting, please email us in advance and we'll do our best to ensure they are included in the discussion.
📧 Email: [email protected]

Your feedback will help representatives from Blyth Town Council, Northumbria Police and Northumberland County Council better understand local concerns and focus the conversation on the issues affecting our community.

🗓 Community Meeting
📍 Market Pavilion, Blyth
🕕 Tuesday 4 August, 6.00pm–7.00pm

Whether you email us beforehand or attend on the evening, your voice matters. Together, we can help make Blyth a safer place for everyone.

23/07/2026

Your Voice Matters – Help Tackle Anti-Social Behaviour in Blyth
I have received a growing number of emails from residents about anti-social behaviour, particularly involving off-road bikes and electric scooters. Following ongoing correspondence with our local policing team about individual incidents, and with fellow Blyth Town Councillors raising similar concerns, we have arranged a public meeting with Blyth Town Council, Northumbria Police and Northumberland County Council.
This is your opportunity to raise your concerns, ask questions, and hear about the work being carried out to tackle anti-social behaviour in our town.
Your information and experiences are vital. We need your help to identify issues, target problem areas and work together to make Blyth a safer place for everyone.
Many incidents are discussed on social media but are never reported through the appropriate channels. While social media helps highlight concerns, official reports provide the evidence needed for action to be taken. This meeting is your chance to make sure your voice is heard.
📅 Tuesday 4 August
🕕 6.00pm – 7.00pm
📍 Blyth Market Pavilion
Places are limited. If you are unable to attend but would like an issue to be considered, please email [email protected] with your concerns in advance.
Together, we can help make Blyth a safer place for everyone.

23/07/2026

21/07/2026

ROAD AND RAILWAY UPDATE
We're sharing that there will be some disruption to rail services on the morning of Sunday 9th August due to track works at Bedlington.

Buses will replace trains between Ashington and Newsham (& vice versa) until around lunchtime, with trains running to the usual timetable between Newsham and Newcastle/Metrocentre.

The full train service will resume with the 12:38 from Ashington to Newcastle & Metrocentre.

We've shared the information on the Northumberland Line website;

https://www.northumberlandline.uk/post/engineering-works-in-bedlington

There will be a road closure on Station Road at Bedlington and this information will be shared by Network Rail to local residents and stakeholders (if it hasn't already).

Engineering works are planned on the Northumberland Line during the morning of Sunday 9th August 2026. Works will be taking place on the track at Bedlington and buses will replace trains between Ashington and Newsham, with trains then running between Newsham and Newcastle on the usual Sunday timetab...