Residents Meeting

27^th January 2026

Springwell Village Social Club

Present: Angela Silk Chairperson

Liz Reid Vice-chairperson

Christine Brown Secretary

Mark Curry Treasurer

George Martin Committee Member

Pauline Cooper Committee Member

Alison Nairn Committee Member 

Deborah Gallagher Committee Member

Keith Nairn Committee Member

Martin McKeever Committee Member

In Attendance:

Harry Trueman Ward Councillor 

Gareth Giles MMB Contracts Manager 

Donna Rawlingson Northumbrian Water

Paul Wood Northumbrian Water Projects Manager 

Amanda Hunt Northumbrian Water

Bethany Oakley MMB Customer Liaison

Apologies: Lesley Pickup Committee Member

1. Minutes 

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

2. Solar Farm Update

The Appeal was dismissed and there are no other appeals possible. There have been over 1000 messages of congratulations and requests for help from other organisations fighting applications.

3. Update on Reservoir 

Donna Rawlingson gave an update, starting with issues raised at the previous meeting. The landscaping should commence in March. Reservoir should be completed by April, weather permitting. The compound should be gone in May.There will be traffic lights for 2 weeks in May on Mount Lane while the southern access road in completed.

A discussion ensued covering the following issues:

1. Road surface – the poor state of the road was noted. Northumbrian Water will monitor but said it is the Council’s job to repair. There appears to be nothing in writing from the Council confirming that the road will be reinstated when work is completed. Residents felt the Council should not have to pay for this.
2. Siting of fencing – Installation has started. The position has been moved back slightly. Whether new planning permission is needed seemed unclear.
3. North-east access road – some discussion with residents had been held and there appeared to be a preference for green tarmac. Residents questioned the extent of the consultations and it was agreed further discussions were needed.
4. Hedgerow removal – more mature hedgerows have been removed, residents felt this was partly unnecessary. Northumbrian Water said they had removed only what was necessary but residents disagreed and said that this did not match with the planning permission granted. This will be checked out for the next meeting. Northumbrian Water would not confirm that no more hedgerows would be removed and said their Ecology Officer would attend the next meeting.
5. Flooding – Residents asked if the possibility of flooding had been looked into. Northumbrian Water said drainage systems and a Suds pond had been installed. The flooding by the Lambton Stables was raised. This has only happened since pipes were laid in the area. Northumbrian Water will look into this.

The Chairperson thanked Paul and his colleagues for attending.

4. Thompsons Quarry

Thompsons have sold the quarry to the Ashcourt Group based in Yorkshire. They have said they wish to meet with SVRA but SVRA have been unable to get them to agree dates and arrange a meeting. Concrete from the Gateshead Flyover and flats demolition will be coming up to the Quarry.

The awful state of the road and pavements was commented on. Cleaning rarely seems to happen. Residents were informed that complaints need to be made to the Environment Agency – as many as possible – by residents.

It has been noted some lorries have been coming through the Village which is not allowed. Again, complaints need to be made to Ashcourt Group along with photographic evidence if possible.

5. Seldom Seen Park

A Community Chest Grant of £500 has been awarded for plants etc.

6. Planning Application  – 17 bungalows  for over 55’s on Green Belt land in Fairhaven. SVRA will object as it is required to in the Constitution. The proposed site looks very cramped and it is unclear how it would be kept to over 55’s. An objection letter is being distributed for anyone to object. A form for each adult in the household can be completed.
7. Date of Next Meeting

To be confirmed.