Concerns raised at condition of three buildings blighting Northumberland community

Letters are to be sent to the owners of three prominent buildings in Belford after parish councillors raised concerns.
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Belford Parish Council agreed to contact the owners of the Memorial Hall (former Community Club), the former Wooden Toy Shop and Cheviot House.

Coun Kerry Noble said: “The hall really is getting into a deplorable state. And the car park at the front is getting overrun.”

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Coun Thomas Keys, on the wooden toy store, added: “The Blue Bell is in a state but that shop is an eyesore in the Market Place.”

The former Belford Community Club and Wooden Toy Shop.The former Belford Community Club and Wooden Toy Shop.
The former Belford Community Club and Wooden Toy Shop.

Meanwhile, the parish council has agreed to donate £500 to Bell View Resource Centre as thanks for its efforts to support the local community during the coronavirus crisis.

Coun Guy Renner-Thompson, chairman, said: “They have done a fantastic job, you can’t fault them and so far they’ve not been eligible for government funds so have been relying on grants and goodwill.”

A donation of £20 will also be made to volunteers who have tidied up an area at Croftfield.

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“It was a complete and utter jungle with thistles and nettles and all sorts but two or three residents took it on themselves to clean it all up and gravel it,” explained Coun Keys.

Belford Community Club.Belford Community Club.
Belford Community Club.

“They have put plant pots and ornaments and bird feeders up there. They have done a wonderful job.”

Members heard that a community asset transfer of land at the former middle school is still progressing. Belford Parish Council hopes to use the land to create a new cemetery.

“We have done our bit,” said Coun Renner-Thompson. “I think we’re going to get that land so it’s good news.”

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He expressed disappointment that a planning application for a ready mixed concrete plant and asphalt plant at Belford Quarry had been withdrawn.

The former Wooden Toy Shop.The former Wooden Toy Shop.
The former Wooden Toy Shop.

“It’s a shame because I thought it looked like a really good scheme,” he said.

The parish council also agreed that annual inspections of the allotments would be carried out once coronavirus restrictions are lifted.

“It’s something we haven’t done for a long time and there are some unofficial entrances and boundary issues,” said Coun Julian Cunningham.

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