Alnmouth bonfire and fireworks display cancelled due to social distancing concerns

There will be no community bonfire in Alnmouth in November due to Covid-19.
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Parish councillors felt it would difficult to ensure spectators adhered to social distancing guidelines.

Cllr Simon Walford said it was a ‘prudent and sensible’ decision.

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Cllr Ed Williams added: “In its usual format we couldn’t ensure social distancing and given the changes afoot I think it would be irresponsible to go ahead.”

There will be no bonfire in Alnmouth.There will be no bonfire in Alnmouth.
There will be no bonfire in Alnmouth.

Chairman Shaun Whyte said he would inform the burgage holders, who normally split the costs of organising the event.

Earlier discussions had looked at the possibility of lighting the beacon as an alternative and setting off fireworks from the top of Bracken Hill.

"The idea was that people might congregate on the beach and golf course to watch it,” said Cllr Shaun Whyte, parish council chairman.

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"I think that’s a fine idea in theory but with the amount of money we can afford to spend on fireworks it doesn’t buy you a very long display.”

Meanwhile, the parish council has called for The Wynd to be resurfaced and fresh road markings painted.

"For those people who don’t know it, there’s a slight question mark as to whether it’s one-way and the surface is poor,” said Cllr Whyte.

A traffic speed survey on Foxton Drive will also be requested as the first step towards possible speed restrictions.

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More feedback about the possible introduction on a residents’ parking permit is wanted to assess whether there is demand.

Plans for traffic calming measures outside Hipsburn Primary School are still in the pipeline but have been delayed due to Covid-19

"It’s funded and it’s going to happen with a build-out but I still haven’t got a start date,” said Cllr Gordon Castle, local county councillor.

The parish council has asked for ‘no through road’ sign at Alnwood and a Wellfield Close sign to aid drivers who have been getting it confused with Wellfield Gardens.

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Members heard that Northumberland County Council is progressing plans to repair the Prospect Place handrail and the Duchess Bridge fence and gate.

“Hopefully by the end of the year those may well be done,” said Cllr Whyte.

A beach clean from the estuary mouth to Marden Rocks has been organised on Friday, September 25 at 11am. Please meet at the Boathouse and wear suitable clothing and gloves.

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