Amble Town Council news: Feb – March 2012
Meeting Dates:
Town: 9th Feb; 8th Mar Cemeteries: 16th Feb; 15th Mar
Finance: 23rd Feb; 22nd Mar Allotments: 21st April
Budget
ALONG WITH many other parishes in Northumberland we have had to look hard at our budget figures for the next financial year and unfortunately, whilst we have not increased the amount from last year that we need to carry out all our work, we will have to increase our precept to cover services being handed over to us from Northumberland County Council.
We have also set aside a sum to help towards the Jubilee celebrations in the town and the Olympic Torch visit as we feel these are very historic and momentous occasions.
A committee is being organised to determine the programme of events which will take place mainly during the long weekend dedicated to the Queen’s Jubilee- June 1st to 4th – with hopefully everything culminating in a large public event on the 4th. Many organisations in the town and surrounding area are being asked to join together to make this a once in a lifetime celebration. This will end with the lighting of the Beacon on the Braid at the ‘royally’ appointed time as we have registered to be part of the round Britain coastal ‘light up’.
We are very privileged to have the Olympic torch coming through our small town; many of us may never see this happen again. Even though it is early morning, we hope you will all turn out to line the route; watch out also for news of the events which schools and others are planning around this time to celebrate the torch passing by and also the Olympic Games.
Review of Services
NOW THAT the Christmas break is over, we are going to begin a review of our services. Whilst we continually consider carefully any costs involved, we feel in the current economic climate we should look at what we do, how we do it and if there is any way that we can give the same value and service at a cheaper price. We know that goods, contract prices, wages, equipment, fuel etc. continue to rise; so in order to keep the expenditure down, we need to compare and contrast all methods of administering our services
A simple example is that we are taking over replacement of litter bins from NCC in April; they anticipate a charge to us of £400 to replace and install one. We need to investigate whether the ones we already have are in the best place – maybe some could be relocated; what is the cost of purchasing an approved type; how much would someone else charge to install. This may seem a minor cost but with over 40 in the town, the cost over a few years could mount up considerably.
There are some things which are specialist jobs, such as servicing the Town Clock and the lightening conductors, again we will investigate costs but unfortunately there are very few firms who do this type of work. There are many other jobs which need to be done on a daily/weekly basis or just ‘as necessary’ but we will still look at how this work is best done.
We want to ensure good value in everything and still be able to afford to offer support to local events and groups to encourage an active community for all ages.
Training
OUR TOWN CLERK, Elaine Brown, has been busily studying ‘Working with your Council’ which ensures all procedures are clearly understood, legally allowed and followed correctly by your Council. She has now submitted and been judged successful in four of the six modules and hopes to complete her qualification very soon. She is also studying for the CiLCA (Certificate in Local Council Administration), a nationally recognised qualification, which shows that she is highly competent and your council is efficiently operated. Our Clerical Assistant, Angela Burn, has completed the first part of the ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) and is going on to complete the rest of the course. Recently our Groundsman, Tony McDonald, successfully completed a pesticides course.
Jubilee event
HERE WE ARE in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Year. Just about every village and town in the country will be holding some sort of celebration. Amble is no exception. A Committee has been formed representing all groups (churches, clubs, businesses, ATC, ADT and many more)
The date we have pencilled in is Monday 4th June. The plan is to have an afternoon/evening event. We propose to start with a parade down Queen Street to a ‘picnic’ in the Town Square followed by various events throughout the town culminating in a firework display and Beacon Ceremony on the Braid.
Obviously the logistics for this event are enormous and help from as many people as possible will be needed. With enough publicity and motivation, this will be fun for all and beneficial to the town and its future as a tourist destination. So do you think you can help? Contact Craig Weir on 07708628660.
New Councillor
WE WELCOME Jane Dargue, the newly elected councillor for the Central Ward- we hope she enjoys her time on the Council. We are now operating at full strength (nine members) The next full elections for both Town and Northumberland County Councillors are due to be held in May 2013.
Vacancy
GOT A FEW hours to spare during the weeks the children are at school? A person is needed for school crossing patrol duties in South Avenue- contact NCC for full details.
Your Councillors:
EAST WARD:
Robert Arckless, 37 Anne Crescent, Amble NE65 0QZ Tel: 01665 711938
Helen Lewis, 11 Kennedy Road, Amble NE65 0QH Tel: 07762069026
Craig Weir 76 Priory Park, Amble NE65 0HY Tel: 01665 712342
WEST WARD:
Leslie Bilboe, (CHAIR) 10 The Close, Amble NE65 0HZ Tel: 01665 713364
Ian Hinson, (Vice-Chair) 11 Eastgarth Avenue, Amble. NE65 0LW Tel: 01665 710583
Sam Palin, 40 Bisley Road, Amble. NE65 0NP Tel: 01665 714115
CENTRAL WARD:
Rev. Velda Nicholson, 24 Glendale, Amble NE65 0RG Tel: 01665 713796
Kate Morrison, 3 Island View Amble NE65 0SE Tel: 01665 711191
Jane Dargue 10 Sylvia’s Close Amble NE65 0GB Tel: 07795360513
TOWN COUNCIL OFFICES, THE QUAYSIDE, AMBLE. NE65 0AP Tel: 01665 714 695 ambletcclerk@btconnect.com www.amble.gov.uk
Elaine Brown (Town Clerk) Angela Burn (Clerical Assistant) 10-11.30a.m. & 1.30-3p.m. Monday to Friday
Minutes available to view in Office or at Amble Library
