Construction work starts at centre

Northumberland County Council has appointed Compass Developments to deliver the construction phase of a £550,000 revamp, which aims to create a modern, multi-purpose facility for residents.

It will involve the construction of a two-storey extension, creating a community gym with state-of-the-art equipment on the ground floor and a first floor dedicated to the area’s thriving boxing club.

Refurbishment works have already taken place at the centre, which has been revitalised on the inside, and phase two is expected to take around 18 weeks to complete.

Coun Scott Dickinson told East Chevington Parish Council: “The contractors have arrived and the various sections have been sectioned off and a progress meeting will be taking place.”

He also told members that work is taking place at the former Druridge Bay Middle School site, to clear what was the car park.

At the meeting, members heard that a pre-planning application has been submitted for new telecommunications equipment to be sited at Broomhill Farm Road, South Broomhill.

The scheme comes as part of Telefonica UK Limited and Vodafone Limited’s continued network improvement programme.

The new CCTV system for Hadston is due to be installed later this month. Coun Dickinson said that staff are looking at upgrading the CCTV at Hadston House.

Coun Fred Thurgood raised concerns about grass cutting at Red Row Welfare. His criticisms included county-council operatives leaving grass cuttings on the football field. Coun Dickinson said he would look at the issue.

Coun Rev Sue Reilly said that some of the letters on the war memorial have lost their paint. Chairman Paul Claridge said he would get a cost for having the work done.

Hadston House received a five-star rating, as part of the Food Standards Agency’s national food-hygiene scheme.