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Good evening john,
My weekly newsletter includes our successful Levelling Up bid, increased funding for our local schools and an update on the A69 between Bardon Mill and Henshaw.
As ever, if you have an issue you would like to raise with me as your local Member of Parliament, please email: [email protected].
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£14.7 million secured to build cycling and walking infrastructure
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I am delighted with the news that the Government has announced £14.7 million of funding for cycling infrastructure in Northumberland as part of the Levelling Up Fund.
Part of this money will go towards improving cycling and walking infrastructure between Corbridge and Hexham.
My huge thanks to Northumberland County Council, Cllr Nick Oliver - Corbridge and Cllr Trevor Cessford for putting together the bid and making this happen.
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Increased funding for our schools
I am delighted that Northumberland County Council have announced a net increase of just over £9 million in funding for our schools.
This includes a 5.6 per cent increase in funding for mainstream schools and an 8.8 per cent increase in the high needs funding.
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Schools across Tynedale and Ponteland are also facing rising energy bills during the winter months, after Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine has driven up energy prices worldwide.
That is why on top of the increased funding from the Council, I welcome the Government providing a share of £500 million for energy efficiency upgrades for local schools helping them to save on their bills by installing better heating controls, insulation to reduce heat loss from pipes, or switching to energy efficient lighting. On average, a primary school will receive approximately £16,000 and a secondary school will receive around £42,000.
I will continue to work with our fantastic local teachers to ensure our schools get the investment and support they need.
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Making progress on safety at Henshaw section of A69
The stretch of the A69 between Henshaw and Bardon Mill needs attention.
It is a real concern for local people because of excessive vehicle speeds – all evidence shows there is a link between excessive speed and the risk of collisions.
National Highways had previously undertaken work to inform the installation of average speed cameras on the A69 in 2020, but they chose not to prioritise Bardon Mill and Henshaw.
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However, I have continued to campaign alongside Bardon Mill Parish Council and Henshaw Parish Council for the stretch of road between Bardon Mill and Henshaw to be given additional safety measures to ensure a tragic accident does not occur.
In late 2022, I met with the Roads Minister, Richard Holden MP, to raise my serious concerns over the safety of the A69 between Henshaw and Bardon Mill.
I also took Northumbria Police’s Chief Constable, Winton Keenan, to show the area of concern.
Following the meeting with the Roads Minister, National Highways have committed to undertake a further speed survey which concludes in April 2023.
I am pleased we are being listened to by National Highways and I will continue to keep you updated on progress in this area.
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Guy Opperman MP
Member of Parliament for Tynedale and Ponteland
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