The Alnmouth shopkeepers who have been thanked for their efforts in serving community during pandemic

Nick Mattlock of Puffin Stores and Post Office and deli owner Andrew Scott came in for praise at Alnmouth Parish Council’s virtual meeting.

“Nick and Andrew have continued to support the village in providing food and, by doing so, limiting the number of visits people are having to make into Alnwick which is to be welcomed,” said chairman, Coun Shaun Whyte. “They have been working extremely hard and doing extremely long hours.”

It was noted that the Hindmarsh Hall has also provided the village store with extra storage space so it has been able to increase its stock levels in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, the parish council is keen to pursue the idea of converting the Secret Garden fund into a community fund.

“We could put the holiday lets levy into it and use it for capital expenditure projects like replacement bins and benches,” said Coun Whyte.

It was revealed that £375 has been donated by holiday let owners.

Efforts will also be made to improve the floral displays in the village.

Members were told that a six-week consultation on the neighbourhood plan will have to be done again after lockdown interrupted the first attempt.

Playground repairs have been carried out but members heard that more extensive repair works would be needed in the next year or two.

Plans to provide an information hub in the former bus shelter next to the Hindmarsh Hall are on hold.

A £10,000 grant has helped the Hindmarsh Hall in Alnmouth to overcome financial concerns.

The cancellation of all bookings since late March due to the coronavirus pandemic had led to financial uncertainty.

Coun Hilda Blythe, speaking at a parish council meeting, said: “There is nothing happening in the hall at the moment and I can’t see a time in the future when we will be able to get back to normal. We’re just going to have to await government guidance.

“We have obtained a grant of £10,000 from the Government which was given to charities to tide them over. Community Action Northumberland facilitated us getting it.

“That has really helped cover the cost of the hirings we have lost which is great, otherwise we would really have been in trouble by the end of the year.”

A bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund to provide a hoist and changing table in the hall’s disabled toilets is on hold.

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