Roger Spriddell, County Councillor.

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.

08/09/2026

Reform UK Healthcare Policy

08/09/2026

Since the 434 bus service timetable was reduced I have continued to challenge the inequality caused by lack of opportunity for residents in coastal areas to access, work, study and connect with other transport links.

Before going on holiday I asked for an update on the review of the 434 bus service via Cambois, North Blyth and East Sleekburn plus a couple of questions on behalf of a resident.
Here are the responses from NCC.

“Question 1 - Why is there no timetable in the cabinet at Brock Lane East Sleekburn on the 434 route?

Answer - A replacement timetable has been requested and will be installed shortly.

Question 2 - Why the bus no longer pulls into the village and does a turn around after pickup?

Answer - I have spoken to colleagues in our network planning team, and my understanding is there is a bridge with a weight restriction along this section of route, which necessitates the need for the vehicle to turn around.

Question 3 - Now the Railway Station is open at Bedlington Station when will the 434 service timetable be restored to provide equality of access like other parts of the SE Northumberland has?

Answer - We are in discussion with Arriva about increasing frequency of the 434 at peak times (additional pre 0900 and post 1700 journeys) to better facilitate access to employment and further education as well as increasing travel option for discretionary travel. Whilst we don't yet have a definitive timetable or implementation date, these enhancements will be implemented.

I hope you find this information useful, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.

Yours sincerely

Corporate Feedback Team
Northumberland County Council
W: www.northumberland.gov.uk “

I will continue to pursue improvements to the service and update you in due course

Cllr Roger Spriddell
Sleekburn Divn
07889 144706

05/09/2026