Schools share £4,400 to buy IT equipment for pupils and more from Alnwick Town Council

Alnwick Town Council has provided grants to supply four local schools with IT equipment.
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It has awarded £2,000 to Duchess’s Community High School and £800 each to St Michael’s, St Paul’s and Swansfield Park primary schools.

The funding is to help pupils with their schoolwork at home during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Meanwhile, the council has agreed a budget of £330,483 for 2021/22 – an increase of £1,193. However, an increase in the council tax base means the precept for a Band D property is expected to remain at £116.40.

Four Alnwick schools have received funding for IT equipment. Picture: PixabayFour Alnwick schools have received funding for IT equipment. Picture: Pixabay
Four Alnwick schools have received funding for IT equipment. Picture: Pixabay

It was also reported that the council is continuing a prescription delivery service during lockdown. Volunteers currently deliver around 12 sets of medications each month, including four on a weekly basis.

Members also discussed the future of Thomas Percy Wood.

Cllr Geoff Watson explained that Alnwick Civic Society had asked the town council to look at the wood.

He had spoken to Northumberland County Council about the works which needed to be done and hoped Alnwick Town Council would be able to take ownership of the wood and the adjoining field.

Duchess's Community High School in Alnwick.Duchess's Community High School in Alnwick.
Duchess's Community High School in Alnwick.
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Cllr Gordon Castle explained that the field still existed because Sport England wanted it left as a public green space.

Cllr Peter Edge thought it was a great space with sea views but felt the town council needed to be cautious about ownership and could have a lease agreement the same as Bullfield Community Orchard.

Cllr Martin Swinbank supported a discussion with the county council. He felt it was a good public space and that the key would be getting local people involved in the project.

The idea was supported by Cllr Sue Patience but she reminded councillors that all the trees on the site had protection orders and there might still be conditions on the field. Cllr Castle will check and report back.

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Cllr Peter Broom reported that some of the footpaths around Alnwick were in a very bad state and asked if the county council could look at them.

Cllr Martin Swinbank reported that an Alnwick Greenway site visit had taken place. The sustainable travel group is also working with the Ramblers to get some of the lost footpaths around Alnwick reinstated.

A working group is to be created to help celebrate the Queen’s platinum jubilee in June 2022.

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