Past Newsletters

The Burradon & Camperdown Forum Past Newsletters

No's 13, 12, 11, 8, 6

Newsletter No 13

Northumbria Police - No Crime Is To Small To Report

A third public meeting was held on 3 May 2005 and approximately 100 residents attended together with representatives of Northumbria Police, North Tyneside Council's Housing Office and Safer Estates Team, North British Housing Association and the Ward Councillors. The high level of residents in attendance demonstrated that the local community is not prepared to tolerate anti-social or unacceptable behaviour by a small minority of people within the village.

Inspector Simpson reported that a series of drug warrants had been executed recently and a number of people were charged with serious offences, as a consequence of the arrests the number of disorder and crime incidents has significantly reduced. Northumbria Police will continue to target incidents of anti-social behaviour under the Safer Estates Initiative to improve the quality of life of local residents. The Killingworth Sector has secured an increased number of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders which has proven to be invaluable and Acceptable Behaviour Surgeries will continue to be integral to the police's efforts to reduce crime in the area.

Residents suffering from noise, nuisance or harassment are urged to contact PC Damian Ramsay, Northumbria Police on 2146555. Extension 63437 or Sean Creaby, North Tyneside Council's Housing Dept on 2007400.

Northumbria Police need your help to reduce crime-confidentiality is guaranteed and information may be provided anonymously.

North Tyneside Council's Safer Estates

The Safer Estates Team has been operational for 12 months and has had significant success during the period reducing the problem of criminal and anti-social behaviour throughout the borough. Locally, the Safer Estates Team in partnership with Killingworth Sector Police have targeted the individuals responsible for causing nuisance, annoyance and behaviour which has made other residents lives a misery.

North Tyneside Council has been a pioneer with the implementation of Government legislation to reduce anti-social behaviour and was the first local authority in the region to secure a New County Court ASBO under the new powers introduced by the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, obtained the first Exclusion Order attached to an Anti-Social Behaviour Order and was the first local authority to use the new witness protection facilities at Newcastle Law Courts.

The measures mentioned above demonstrates a zero-tolerance approach by North Tyneside Council and Northumbria Police and the powers and remedies introduced by the Government will be utilised to tackle anti-social behaviour. Possession proceedings have recently been commenced against two tenants for serious breaches of Tenancy Agreements and the matter has been listed for Court in the near future. Residents will recall that North Tyneside Council's Safer Estates Team successfully evicted a tenant in Allanville during November 2004.

The eviction was only achieved with the support of local residents who recorded incidents on diary sheets and maintained contact with The Safer Estates Team.

North Tyneside Council and Northumbria Police have been extremely impressed by the level of attendance at the 3 public meetings organised by the ward councillors to discuss the issue of anti-social behaviour. However, to maintain and build on the success achieved to date, effective action can only be commenced by residents providing information and informing Northumbria Police and North Tyneside Council of any incidents.

New Memorial

The members of the Forum are investigating the possibility of erecting a memorial listing the names of the men from the village who died during World War II and the later military conflicts. Unfortunately, there are no official records providing the names of the men. In the circumstances, local residents are requested to provide the details of the men and contact Major Bill Campbell on 2680625.

4. Burradon Juniors

The management committee are recruiting new players for all Burradon Juniors teams from the under 8's to the under 17's. Anyone interested is requested to contact Tim Dubois on telephone number 07979-825722.

5. Burradon and Camperdown On-line at: www.burradon-camperdown.co.uk.

A website has been created and was funded by a grant from The Community Foundation's Community Chest following a successful application by the Burradon and Camperdown Forum. The site includes a news page, photograph gallery, history and heritage section, maps of the village and a contribution and discussion board. Special thanks to local historian Alan Fryer, the technical guru and architect of the website. Alan continues to develop the site which will not be completed for 18 months due to the volume of information which is to be posted to the site.

6. Burradon Primary School Opening Evening Thursday 7th July 2005 at 4pm.

The children and staff of Burradon Primary School are transferring to a new building during the spring 2006. The new school is to be built on the existing site.

Have you or your family attended the school or perhaps you were a member of staff, we would like to invite you to the opening evening on Thursday 7th July 2005 starting at 4pm. John Harrison, Mayor of North Tyneside has kindly agreed to attend and officially open the evening.

The School are to organise a display of objects and artefacts from the school and the residents are requested to allow the school to borrow any items such as photographs, exercise books, school reports or any other memorabilia relating to the school or its history. Please bring any items to the school a week before the event, for further information telephone the school on 2008345.

Newsletter no 12

1.Northumbria Police-Delighted to Announce Conviction Number 1

Following the recent completion of Operation Jack, Nortumbria Police has successfully prosecuted a 16 year old youth for committing a sexual act in public near to the primary school and witness intimidation. The offender had also been guilty of breaching an ASBO on 12 occasions. The courts imposed an 8 month custodial sentence. The conviction would not have been secured without the evidence of two local residents which persuaded the court that the conduct of the offender and his associates was undermining the quality of life of the local community.

Northumbria Police confirmed that there will be further prosecutions following the final completion of Operation Jack and are confident the Courts will impose more custodial sentences against the offenders. Inspector Neil Simpson stated "without the help of the public we would not have been able to make the arrests. The case of the 16 year old jailed last week was the worst case I've seen and his offending was so serious that only a custodial sentence was appropriate"

Residents are urged to report any incidents of criminal or anti-social behaviour to Northumbria Police on 2146555 and there is no need to provide your name and confidentiality is assured.

2.North Tyneside Council Safer Estates-Eviction Number 1

North Tyneside Council's Safer Estates Team is celebrating its first successful eviction of a problem tenant in Camperdown on 26 November 2004.

The tenant and visitors to the property had subjected the neighbours to years of anti-social behaviour, abuse and intimidation which had caused huge distress to the residents.

In response to the residents concerns Colin Boxshall and John Meldrum, (The Safer Estates Team) arranged a series of confidential meetings with the tenants to formulate a strategy to address the problem. The residents completed diary sheets and provided intelligence which was submitted to the Court to support North Tyneside Council's application for an order of possession. The residents also received the support and reassurance of PC Damian Ramsay, Northumbria Police.

Mr Boxshall stated "the large attendance at the recent public meetings demonstrates public feeling towards anti-social behaviour; we are keen to support this by working closely with the police and local community to make Burradon and Camperdown a better place to live."

The eviction of the tenant proves that the local residents working in partnership with North Tyneside Council is able to deliver successful results and benefits for the entire community.

In the event any residents are experiencing problems of nuisance neighbours or anti-social behaviour at present, do not suffer in silence, please contact Mr B Price, Area Housing Manager on 2007648. If initial warnings are ignored, The Area Housing Team will refer the case to The Safer Estate Team for legal action, which could lead to an ABA, ASBO or eviction. Alternatively, contact Northumbria Police on 2146555.

3.North British Housing Association

North British Housing Association is to commence eviction proceedings against several tenants in the near future. The area housing managers have worked closely with Northumbria Police and North Tyneside Council's Safer Estates Team to develop the necessary protocols to enable the implementation and successful eviction of problem tenants.

4.Burradon Primary School-Officially The Best Local School

The Government released the results for the 2004 National Tests and Burradon Primary School was placed among the 100 most improved schools nationally for the period 2001 to 2004.

Burradon Primary School was ranked 9th within the Local Education Authority Area which each school achieves according to an aggregation of the percentage of pupils achieving level 4 in each subject in the National Curriculum Tests. Burradon Primary school was ranked higher than any of the schools in Fordley, Killingworth and West Moor.

David Miliband, The Governments Schools Minister stated in a letter to Mr Gilfillan,The Headmaster, "This years national results at Key Stage 2 shows the schools commitment to achieving higher standards is greater than ever…..parents and pupils can be confident that the school is getting better and better. Please pass on my thanks to your staff, governors and pupils and my appreciation for all the effort you have put into achieving such good progress. Standards in all areas are improving and is a tribute to the hard work of teachers who have made this possible."

The headmaster is confident that with the completion of the new school during the 2005/06 school year the standards will continue to improve and the school will be an even greater asset to the village.

5.Children's Christmas Party-Wednesday 29 December 2004 from 12pm to 2pm

The Burradon and Camperdown Forum and The Committee of Camperdown Social Club have arranged a party for the local children aged 4 to 12 years of age.

Parents must inform the club committee of the number of children attending the party in order that a selection box may be ordered for each child.

6. Quiz Night at Camperdown Social Club on Thursday Evenings

A quiz night is held at Camperdown Social Club on a Thursday evening which commences at 8.00pm, there are cash prizes for the winners.

NEWSLETTER No 11

NORTHUMBRIA POLICE-RESTORING LAW & ORDER

A public meeting was held on 8 September 2004 to discuss issues relating to law and order and was attended by Inspector Neil Simpson and PC Damian Ramsay, Northumbria Police, Colin Boxhall, North Tyneside Council's Safer Estates Co-ordinator and the Ward Councillors.

The meeting was also attended by over 100 local residents and was arranged in direct response to the community's concern regarding the alarming increase in the level of anti-social and criminal behaviour which the village experienced during the summer.

Northumbria police's response to the community's concerns raised at the meeting has been swift and decisive and following the recent completion of Operation Jack, 7 people were arrested for disorder offences and 14 youths have signed acceptable behaviour agreements.

North Tyneside council's safer estate team will be visiting 20 residents warning that they may be evicted.

Inspector Simpson, has confirmed Northumbria Police will continue to target the offenders.

The local residents must report any incidents and Northumbria Police guarantee that all reports are received in strict confidence. Any incidents are to be reported on the following number, (0191) 2146555, extension 63437and there is no need to give your name.

NORTH TYNESIDE COUNCIL TACKLING ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

North Tyneside council has formed a specialist safer estate team to co-ordinate a strategy in conjunction with the police to tackle the problems of nuisance neighbours and youth disorder on its estates.

Recently, North Tyneside council successfully evicted families in the borough and over 100 youths and adults have signed acceptable behaviour agreements. Anyone breaching the agreements may be evicted and/or be served with an anti-social behaviour order. Any person suffering from noise, nuisance, harassment is urged to contact the local housing department on 2007573 or Northumbria Police on 2146555.

Colin Boxhall, safer estates manager stated, "it is our policy to deal firmly and quickly with anti-social behaviour which causes alarm or distress to residents in the borough. Residents must report incidents in order that we may deal with the problem."

In recent weeks 14 young persons and their parents from the Burradon and Camperdown area have signed acceptable behaviour agreements in the presence of senior housing officers and senior police officers. A further 4 tenants have been issued with final warnings. One tenant is to appear in Court in the coming weeks where the council is seeking an eviction order.

THE NURSE'S COTTAGE

The Nurses Cottage is to be officially handed over to The Northumberland Aged Mineworkers Homes Association at a ceremony to be held on Saturday 20 November 2004 at 11am.

Major Anthony de Leask of The National Almshouse Association is the guest of honour. Councillor Michael Huscroft, the Deputy Chairman will be representing North Tyneside Council and Mr D Murphy MP will be attending on behalf of the Northumberland Aged Mineworkers Association.

Former miners of Burradon Colliery and military veterans are welcome to attend the ceremony, together with members of the local community.

4.BURRADON JUNIORS UNDER 8'S

Burradon Juniors under 8's wish to invite any children from the village and surrounding area to join the team. Anyone who is interested is advised to contact Tim Dubois on 07979-825722 or attend the training sessions at Burradon Welfare on Tuesday evenings at 6pm.

5.FRYERS MILLENNIUM GREEN A.G.M.

The Annual General Meeting of the Fryers Millennium Green Trust is to be held at Camperdown Social Club at 8pm on Thursday 25 November 2004.

Any resident who wishes to volunteer to help with the maintenance of the Millennium Green is invited to attend the meeting.

6.BURRADON PRIMARY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS FAYRE

The teachers, governors and children of Burradon Primary School wish to invite the local residents to their Christmas Fayre which is to be held on Saturday 4th December 2004 from 10am to 12pm.

7.THE CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD CHRISTMAS FAYRE

The Reverend Angela Maughan and the congregation invite the local community to their Christmas Fayre which is to be held at the Church on Saturday 11 December at 10.30am.

The Chris tingle Service is to be held on Christmas Eve and is to commence at 6pm at the Church of the Good Shepherd and everyone is welcome to attend.

Newsletter No 8

1.New School and Community Centre

Mr Gilfillan, The Headmaster of Burradon Primary School has officially announced that funding of £3.25 million to build a new school and community centre has been secured. The new facilities will be situated on the site of the existing infant school, welfare hall and caretakers bungalow and it is anticipated the development will be completed during the 2004/2005 school year.

Mr Gilfillan, Mrs Surtees, Teachers and the Governors deserve praise for their efforts which has secured the largest single investment in the village and will safeguard the education of our children and also for future generations.

The new community centre will replace the existing dilapidated welfare hall and the modern facilities will benefit the local residents.

Mr Gilfillan has confirmed that the school is to undertake a consultation process with the local community to obtain their views on the architect's design.

2.Fryers Millennium Green

The Trustee's are delighted to announce a partnership with Northumberland Probation Services and North Tyneside Council to maintain the Millennium Green. Mr Bernard Gordon, Northumberland Probation Services wishes to reassure the residents that the probationers selected to maintain the area have been convicted of minor offences.

The placement of the probationers into small communities is regarded as vital to the successful rehabilitation of the offenders and it is hoped the residents will not be deterred from approaching the individuals working on the green.

The involvement of the agencies will ensure the green is maintained to a high standard for the enjoyment of the local community. Mr Richard Scott is the manager responsible for co-ordinating the probationers.

3.Local Transport Plan Grant of £30,000

North Tyneside Council's Highway & Environment Department has secured a grant of £30,000 to improve road safety and the environment within the village. Mr K Gourley and his team have dedicated a significant amount of time and effort to secure the grant which will improve the safety and enhance the quality of life of the residents.

Mr K Gourley is attending a meeting of the Burradon & Camperdown Forum on Tuesday 3rd June 2003 to discuss the projects which are to be funded by the grant.

4.Congratulations to PC Damian Ramsay

Community beat officer PC Damian Ramsay has received the Northumbria Police Working with Young People Award in recognition of his efforts to develop initiatives for the benefit of the young people of Annitsford, Burradon, Camperdown, Dudley and Fordley.

5.The Nurse's Cottage

The transfer of the Nurse's Cottage to the Northumberland Aged Mineworkers Homes Association ("NAMHA") will be completed in the near future. The NAMHA is to invest a sum in the region of £20,000 to refurbish the property. Mr W Smith, Chairman, NAMHA invites any former miners to apply to be the tenants following the completion of the refurbishment.

The application forms are available from the Northumberland Aged Mineworkers Homes Association, 56 William Street, Blyth, Northumberland, or alternatively residents may wish to telephone 01670-545555.

6.The Land at the former Co-Op

North Tyneside Council's Planning Committee has approved Mr M Todd's application to develop the land and construct 7 dwellings on the site. The redevelopment of the land will remove the final area of dereliction and complete a remarkable regeneration of the village.

7.Northumbria in Bloom 2003

Burradon and Camperdown are to compete in the Northumbria in Bloom Competition and the judges will be inspecting the village on 24 July 2003. The local residents and businesses are invited to participate and entry forms are available from Mr D Murphy, North Tyneside Council, Harvey Coombe, Station Road, Killingworth or telephone 2192504.

The judges criticised the volume of litter and level of graffiti which was visible during the spring inspection. Mr Murphy has urged the residents to refrain from dropping litter and report anyone they witness graffit-ing to Northumbria Police on 2146555.

8.Burradon Juniors

Burradon Juniors won the Blackpool Youth under11's Tournament on Saturday 19 April 2003. The competition was fierce and the under 11's defeated teams from different areas of the UK. The victory is well deserved and is a reward for the children's effort and perseverance. The managers, committee and parents deserve special mention for their PATIENCE and dedication during the season.

Cramlington Cobras and Cramlington Juniors also enjoyed success at the tournament and the teams included children from the village.

9.Councillor Jim Allan

Mr Jim Allan was elected Councillor for the Camperdown Ward at the election held on 2nd May 2003. Following his landslide victory, Councillor Allan reaffirmed his commitment to devote his entire life to working on behalf of the community to preserve and improve local services.

NEWS LETTER No 6

1. Fryers Terrace, Millennium Green

The residents will have noticed the activity on Fryers Terrace. We are delighted to finally announce that the land is being developed to create a village green for the benefit of the entire community. The provision of the village green will represent the completion of the original objectives the residents recommended at the public meeting held September 1997. The green will radically transform the appearance of the village. The funding for the project was provided by the following organisations:

The Countryside Agency in conjunction with The Millennium Commission and The National Lottery

North Tyneside Council

Bass Brewery

North British Housing Association

The village green will be a valuable resource for the community to enjoy and we hope that the residents help protect the green and report any incidents of vandalism, anti-social behaviour, littering or dog fouling immediately. Although the site will be monitored by CCTV the residents are urged to inform the police of any incidents immediately on 2146555 and there is no need to provide your identity. Northumbria Police have provided an undertaking to prosecute any individuals apprehended committing any act of vandalism. Please do not turn a blind eye.

The development of the site will be completed on 3 December 2001.

The Rt Hon Stephen Byers MP is to officially open the green on Saturday December 8th at 1.30pm and the residents are invited to attend the ceremony.

2. Community Centre

The sum of £7,000 has been raised to undertake a feasibility study to determine the requirements for a village community centre. Mr Eric Grounds, Sports Consultant was appointed to complete the study. However, Mr Grounds has recently had to withdraw from the project due to existing commitments. The forum sub-committee are engaged in negotiations with another consultant and it is envisaged the study will commence during January 2002.

3. Northumbria in Bloom

The Burradon & Camperdown Forum was awarded the Ernest Pepper Cup at a ceremony held at The Parks, North Shields. The award was in recognition of the forums unique contribution to the local environment and the benefits the community has derived from the improvements.

4. Nurses Cottage, Station Road, Camperdown

Members of the forum are at present negotiating with the sole remaining trustee of the Nurses Cottage to transfer of the property to the Northumberland Aged Miners Association. The discussions are at an advanced stage and it is hoped the transfer will be completed in the near future. The transfer of the cottage will safeguard its future and protect an important aspect of the village's heritage..

5. Annual Carnival

The forum's fourth Annual Carnival was a resounding success and the event was enjoyed by the entire community. The Carnival raised £2,200

6. Christmas Fete

The Forum's Christmas fete is to be held at Camperdown Social Club on Saturday 8 December 2001 at 11.30am. The fete will include a tombola, stalls, refreshments and Santa Claus will be attending.

7. Children's Christmas Pantomime

The children's Christmas pantomime is to be held on Saturday 22 December 2001 at Camperdown Social Club at 11am. The children aged 4years to 12 years and residing in the village or their parents are members of the Camperdown Social Club are eligible. Tickets are free and available from the Committee at the Camperdown Social Club.

8. Church of the Good Shepherd

The Church Grand Draw and Coffee Morning is to be held on Saturday 15 December 2001 at 10.30am at The Church of The Good Shepherd.

A Carol Service is to be held on Sunday 16 December 2001 at 6pm at the Church of The Good Shepherd.

The Newcastle Male Voice Choir are holding a concert at St Pauls Church, Dudley at 7.30pm on Saturday 17th November 2001. Tickets are £4.00 and concessions £3.00.

9. Burradon Primary School

The School Christmas fete is to be held on Saturday 24 November at 10.30am.

10. UK ON-LINE at Dudley People's Centre

A new computer training suite has been completed and is available to anyone interested in developing their computer skills. A course has been specifically designed for people over 50 years of age. A crèche is available for anyone requiring childcare.