Reports from our County Councillors Oct/Nov 2013
Inspirational
I recently joined students at James Calvert Spence College for a talk given by Professor Sir Alan Craft, a distinguished children’s cancer specialist, now retired, and formerly the James Spence Professor of Child Health at Newcastle University. Sir Alan gave us an insight into his own career, but also into the life of Sir James Calvert Spence who was born in Amble, gave heroic service in the First World War, and then spent much of his career working in the region’s hospitals. He was a man ahead of his time. He researched the link between poverty and health; his work formed the basis of future policy and remained influential for more than fifty years. He understood the importance of involving and supporting families in the care of sick children. When the NHS was established in 1948 Spence became an adviser to the Government. He had a huge influence on those who worked with him. When he died in 1954 his work was known internationally. The links he had with Newcastle continue to this day.
I am delighted that there are now links between JCS College and the RVI children’s cancer charity which continues to fund research and development locally. Students are already raising funds and are planning future events. Who knows what one of our youngsters might achieve in the future? They were certainly given two fine examples to follow.
Buses – good news
Thanks to a concerted effort by local Councillors, County Council transport officers and a rethink by Arriva there will be additional services to the Links estate from October. Look out for details, and help to make the new service viable by using it.
Robert Arckless
Telephone: 01665 711938
Email: Robert.Arckless99@northumberland.gov.uk
It seems likely that Persimmon will start the development of houses in the Marks Bridge area shortly, as final planning issues have been sorted out and approved. Part of the agreement is that funds are made available to the Development Trust to enable them to carry out further work on the Welfare field. I note however that once again vandals have caused damage to facilities in the area which has resulted in the removal of the football dug outs. When will these vandals, whoever they are, learn that it is the local community and particularly our young people who suffer when this sort of thing takes place.
Warkworth Parish Council, Amble Town Council and myself have all objected to the proposed building of six houses at Gloster Hill. This proposal is on the edge of the flood plain that we see filled regularly when our Northumbrian weather sees fit. I am also concerned for the effect it may have on the stability of the Hill and also the wildlife that abounds in that area.
I have always believed that Amble has a great underexploited potential for tourism and because of that, I am delighted to see, and to be part of, the proposals prepared for the new Harbour Village. I believe this offers a great opportunity to increase the attractiveness, employment and general prosperity of the town to the benefit of all its residents.
I detect that the work of some of our voluntary groups is beginning to make a difference to the appearance of our town already and I am doing what I can to help with this activity. I am sure more volunteers would be welcomed.
As ever I am available to you on 07802385367
And by email jeffrey.watson@northumberland.gov.uk
