12^th May 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 

Keith Nairn Committee Member

In Attendance: Harry Trueman Ward Councillor

Joanne Chapman Ward Councillor

Brendon Feeley Ward Councillor

Adrian Pickering Ward Councillor 

Apologies: Deborah Gallagher Committee Member

Martin McKeever Committee Member

Lesley Pickup Committee Member

1. Minutes 

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

2. Update on Reservoir 

A written update was provided by Northumbrian Water. This noted access routes are now complete. Grass seeding has commenced. Hedges and trees will be planted in November. Security fencing is nearly complete. Main activities will be finished by the end of May and the Compound will be reduced in size. They have received some suggestions for Legacy projects and they welcome any further suggestions. 

A brief discussion followed. Councillor Feeley reported the Highways Department plan to resurface the road soon after the Reservoir is completed. A resident asked if the drainage ditch (which was there some years ago) would be reinstated when the hedgerow was reinstated. A query was raised as to when the public footpaths will be fully reinstated. The Rights of Way Officer will be contacted about this.

3. Seldom Seen Park and Green Day

The grants from Councillors Harry Trueman’s Community Chest have been approved and are being processed for payment. This will provide gardening equipment, printing supplies and litter picking equipment for the Green Day.

The Green Day will be held on Friday, 5^th June. Volunteers are asked to meet at the Community Centre at 9am. Equipment will be provided. The aim is to tidy up the Village before this year’s 1940’s Weekend. Northumbrian Water and the Primary School are participating.

4. Ashcourt Group

There have been many complaints from residents about dust, noise and the state of the road, mainly to the Environment Agency (EA) and the Council. The EA responded by circulating a ‘newsletter’ to complainants. The EA are considering enforcement action. Ashcourt then invited the Residents Association to a site visit. Three Committee Members, a Village resident and an Eighton Banks resident attended. Numerous issues were identified during the visit including the installation of a concrete road along the south boundary and introducing a one-way system for lorries.  The visiting group expect that this will increase noise for nearby houses. The blue concrete towers are considered by Ashcourt to be temporary in Planning terms so don’t need planning permission even though they will be on site long term to produce and sell concrete. Ashcourt Group claimed to be unaware of the Operating Conditions included in previous planning applications. The issue of very loud noise from 7am was raised but no response was forthcoming. The quantity and type of material from the demolition of the Gateshead flyover was raised but no direct answers were given. Hours of operation were also raised as a concern. Councillor Brandon said they might be able to get dust monitoring units from Environmental Health at the Council and would investigate. A resident gave the Hotline number for the EA for complaints – 0800 807060. 

5. The Chase. This house appears to be becoming derelict.  Councillor Feeley will follow up on this.

6. Bus Shelter. The meeting was informed that the bus shelter near Fairhaven is to be demolished by the Council as it is unsafe. It will be replaced by a standard bus shelter by Nexus. Councillor Feeley said he had talked to the relevant Council Officers but no date is yet available.

7. Planning Application  – 17 bungalows  for over 55’s on Green Belt land in Fairhaven. The applicants have asked the Council for more time to address issues raised in the 200+ objections submitted by residents. They have been given until the end of June. If their changes are considered ‘material’ by the Planning Officer residents will be given 21 days to respond. This is very little time for the Residents Association to create and distribute information and forms to residents. Residents were asked to respond themselves if possible. This can be done online on the Council website. 

8. Traffic Issues. Speeding traffic was raised as a problem but as there is no policing or monitoring of speed limits there is little that can be done. Ramps were discussed but these have caused problems in the past with vibrations causing damage to houses. The Chairperson also noted that If residents see any large wagons in the Village they should try to document with photos and then complain to the company that owns the lorries. It was pointed out that the road signs are not well placed and the Councillors offered to look into this.

9. Annual General Meeting. The Chairperson gave a brief report on the last year. An Annual Report, including finances, was distributed. The Chairperson thanked Harry Trueman for all his work for Springwell Village over his years as the Ward Councillor, noting this is a sad goodbye. The Chairperson also talked about  Councillor Dorothy Trueman,who recently passed away. Dorothy had also worked very hard at supporting the Village for many years. A presentation of framed photographs of Springwell Village was made to Harry Trueman. At this point the Committee stood down and Harry Trueman took control of the Meeting. Harry introduced the three new Councillors, pointing out that most of the serious problems in the Ward were here in Springwell Village. Harry also commented on the sudden death of George Martin. George had served on the Committee for many years and was also Treasurer.

All Officers and Committee Members were proposed, seconded and re-elected. Two new Committee Members –  Mr Chris Green and Ms Lynne Mckevitt. They were proposed, seconded  and elected.

10. Date of Next Meeting

Tuesday, 14^th July 2026 at 6.30 pm.