Springwell Village Residents Association       

Residents Meeting

17^th March 2026

Springwell Village Social Club

Present: Angela Silk Chairperson

Liz Reid Vice-chairperson Christine Brown Secretary Mark Curry Treasurer

Pauline Cooper Committee Member

Alison Nairn Committee Member 

Deborah Gallagher Committee Member

Keith Nairn Committee Member

Martin McKeever Committee Member

Lesley Pickup Committee Member

In Attendance:  

Gareth Giles MMB Contracts Manager 

Donna Rawlinson Northumbrian Water

Paul Wood Northumbrian Water Projects Manager 

Marion Pugh

Apologies: Harry Trueman Ward Councillor

1. George Martin

The Chairperson informed the meeting of the sudden death  of George Martin. George had been a member of the SVRA Committee for over 20 years and Treasurer for many years. He is a great loss and will be sadly missed by many.

2. Minutes 

The minutes of the previous meeting were proposed and seconded. Approved.

3. Update on Reservoir 

Donna Rawlinson gave an update. They are making good progress and due to finish in May. Fencing is being installed, planting will take place later in the year, replacing all of the removed hedgerows. Sunderland Council have confirmed Mount Lane will be resurfaced when work is complete and Northumbrian Water will make a financial contribution towards the cost. The northern access road will be coloured  black as this was what the majority of residents wanted.

Regarding the flooding, there was some confusion as to whereabouts it was and Northumbrian Water will look at this again.

There have been no requests for legacy funding so far despite all local organisations being contacted. A projector and screen for the SVRA was requested and Donna said they could manage that.

The Chairperson thanked Northumbrian Water and MMB  for attending.

4. Ashcourte Group

The Committee have been unable to arrange any meetings with the Quarry management – they say they are very busy. Many residents have reported lorries going through the Village. Complaints need to be made to the Quarry Management by as many people as possible. Photographic evidence would be helpful.

5. Planning Application  – 17 bungalows  for over 55’s on Green Belt land in Fairhaven. The Planning Department have given the applicants an extended deadline of 26^th June to do more work on their application. The issues seem to be around access and Public Rights of Way. The Committee will monitor the Council’s Planning website and we will be 21 days from the extended deadline to get responses in to any changes made to the application. All household members and non-residents can submit objections.

6. Green Day

A resident – Chris Green – has proposed a Green Day for the Village. The aim is to get residents involved in activities such as litter picking and tidying up. Information will be posted on the SVRA Facebook page. There does not have to be a regular

Commitment and getting local children involved would be an aim.

7. Parking on Fell Road

This issue was raised by a resident. The Committee will contact Sunderland Council about this.

8. Date of Next Meeting

To be confirmed.