Why We Need a New Council

Our candidate Nick Oliver explains why he believes we need new leadership in Northumberland County Council after the election in May.

As we head towards the County Council Elections in May it’s clear that the people of Corbridge and the Tyne Valley would benefit from a change in control at Northumberland County Council. Our council is controlled by Labour members from the South East of the county propped up by a few independents who vote with them on just about everything. Events in recent weeks have shown that this joint administration has little regard for the people of the Tyne Valley. Here are a few examples from recent weeks of knee-jerk announcements, policies decisions and blunders:-

  • The Labour leader announces a plan to merge our High Schools in Hexham and Haydon Bridge this September and then build a school with enough capacity to house the pupils in 3 years time. The Government blocks it but they still take it to cabinet for ratification.
  • New cycle lanes are installed on the Newcastle Road into Corbridge without informing or consulting with our County Councillor or our Parish Council. Local opposition is strong so they “consult” without the option of removing them.
  • Car parking in Hexham – despite County Councillors in Hexham calling for more parking for years and being ignored as we approach the election the Labour leader suddenly announces a new multi-storey car park for Hexham. No-one knows where it’s going to be or when it will be built. We will see more vague promises like this as we approach the election.
  • Most decisions affecting Tyndale used to be made by Tynedale District Council and whilst I’m not advocating a return to another tier of elected members I do believe that current system is not working because the Area Committees lack teeth. I attended my first West Area Committee meeting last week and was disappointed that it was little more than a Party Political broadcast by the Chief Executive for the Labour group. Much of the development work the Council does is carried out by it’s wholly owned subsidiary ARCH and I understand its’ Board is reluctant to face proper scrutiny at Area Committees. Last week the Chief Exec claimed that the West gets its’ fair share of investment but this is not supported by their own figures.
  • The Council recently announced plans to close the East Centre in Prudhoe and in only a few days later were forced into an embarrassing U-turn. The lack of consultation ahead of making the original decision meant they had under-estimated the angry reaction which forced them into an embarrassing climb-down.

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