Unprecedented challenges facing Wooler in focus as town leaders reflect on achievements of the past year, and work still to do

Wooler Parish Council has faced unprecedented challenges in tackling the coronavirus pandemic.
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Delivering his annual report, chairman Coun Mark Mather reflected on the efforts made by the council to support the local community over recent weeks.

This has included food and medication deliveries and other support for elderly and vulnerable residents.

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“It’s been good to see councillors and members of the public working together,” he said. “Links with the community have been strengthened.”

Mark Mather, chairman of Wooler Parish Council.
Picture Jane ColtmanMark Mather, chairman of Wooler Parish Council.
Picture Jane Coltman
Mark Mather, chairman of Wooler Parish Council. Picture Jane Coltman

He also outlined some of its achievements while acknowledging there is more to do over the next 12 months.

Highlights included work to improve the riverside, with bulb planting completed and more works planned in the coming months.

“The whole appearance of this area has been vastly improved,” he said.

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The Scott’s Park skate park had been repainted, although plans to improve the play park have been delayed due to coronavirus.

“The high street continues to be a concern,” he added. “Although parking issues were finally dealt with and road safety issues at the middle school, The Peth and Ramsey’s Lane addressed, the need for a safe crossing (near the Co-op) is on-going.”

The parish council continues to work with the Wooler community food group and 1st Wooler BP Scouts at the school farm field community site. The next phase involves working with Aspire to Believe on the creation of a community orchard.

Coun Mather said the parish would also continue to press Northumberland County Council (NCC) on any plans for the former first school site.

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“While we continue to try and keep relations with the county council good, it’s been difficult with a number of staff not replying to emails,” he said. “But this should not overshadow a number of fantastic staff at NCC who have supported this council.”

He singled out infrastructure manager Ruth Bendell for particular praise.

He thanked fellow councillors for their hard work and clerk Kerren Rodgers.

“It’s often a thankless task and I’m sure some people think we are on the payroll but the things we’ve achieved over the past year has made the job worthwhile,” said Coun Mather.

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