Families Vow to Stop Darras Hall O2 Phone Mast

FAMILIES fighting plans to put up a mobile phone mast near homes and a school say they are even more determined to succeed following a visit by a leading radiation expert.

Hundreds of parents and other local residents have opposed two separate bids by Telefonica O2 to erect the mast on The Broadway in Darras Hall, Northumberland – both of which have been rejected by county councillors. 02 – which is currently considering its next move – has gained planning permission by default for a site outside the local primary school, after the council failed to make its decision within the required timescale earlier this year.

Now campaigners say their resolve to win the fight has been strengthened after around 200 local people attended a public meeting in Ponteland Memorial Hall, addressed by academic and author Barrie Trower.

Mr Trower, a scientific adviser to the Radiation Research Trust, outlined his serious concerns about research carried out into the public health impacts of radiation from telecommunications masts. He told the audience there are no known safe levels of microwaves for children, and gave evidence about 200 alleged cancer clusters in schools which have transmitters near them.

Mr Trower also referred to research which suggests that microwaves can change DNA in cells, with the possibility that children can carry genetic faults.

Yesterday businessman Ian McLean, who lives in The Drey, Darras Hall, and has a child at the first school, said: “We were delighted with the turnout and at the end of the meeting we held a vote. Not a single person was in favour of having a mast on Broadway.

“Barrie Trower presented some very disturbing and worrying evidence and research, which has been peer-reviewed. We would beg O2 to take the precautionary route and not make us part of a giant experiment.

“They should be taking their mast away from a residential area and the school. Following the meeting, people are even more determined to fight this proposal.”

Mr Trower told The Journal that local referendums should be held over plans to site phone masts near people’s homes, with the results binding on both the local community and the proposed developer.

“If a local population says we think this is too dangerous then nobody should force a mast on them.

“I don’t think it will ever happen, because there is too much money involved,’’ he added.

02 says all of its installations conform with guidelines from the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. “The World Health Organisation has issued a factsheet summarising research to date and its conclusion was that there is no risk to people’s health as a result of living near mobile phone base stations,” it adds.

Source: Journal Live

Pollution Probed as 2,000 Fish Die in River Pont

INVESTIGATIONS are being carried out after almost 2,000 fish were killed in a pollution incident on a stretch of river in Northumberland.

The incident – described as serious by pollution watchdog the Environment Agency – resulted in almost all the fish dying along about 11km of the River Pont between Ponteland and Matfen. It was reported a month ago by a passer-by who spotted dead fish floating in the water, although it is believed the poisoning happened a few days earlier.

Checks by the agency at its routine sampling point on the Pont near Stamfordham revealed very high levels of ammonia in the river.

Ammonia is commonly used in fertilisers and an investigation is now being carried out by the agency in a bid to discover who was responsible.

The incident, which the agency believes was accidental, killed almost 2,000 fish ranging from brown trout to stickleback, although invertebrates in the river were unaffected.

Yesterday an agency spokesman said the river would be re-stocked with fish next summer, after efforts are made to raise awareness of the pollution risks posed by careless discharges. He said: “This incident was a serious case of pollution and was reported to us on Thursday October 22, although we believe it happened earlier that week. “Water samples showed a very high level of ammonia in the river during that week, but because the incident happened a few days previously we have not yet been able to trace the source of the discharge. “We are looking at all possible sources in that area and also talking to landowners, businesses and anyone who might know something about this, to raise awareness of what careless actions can lead to.

“We are looking to re-stock the river next summer, but we must ensure we have done as much as possible to prevent similar incidents from happening again. We are very keen to hear from any members of the public, in confidence, who might know about this. “We believe, and hope, that this has probably been accidental, and someone has managed to discharge quite a large quantity of ammonia into the river.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the agency's incident hotline on 0800 807060.
In August 2006 an estimated 2,000 endangered white-clawed crayfish died after farm silage and slurry leached into the Robsheugh Burn, a tributary of the Pont, during heavy rainfall. Hundreds of fish also died.

Source: Journal Live

Fire-Hit Bridge Cordoned Off

A WOODEN footbridge into Ponteland Park has been cordoned off after a fire created a huge hole in it. The incident is believed to have happened sometime between 2am and 4.44am on Friday, November 20 and it is being treated as suspicious.  When a fire engine arrived at the scene the flames were out but the damage had already been done. The bridge is used by those entering the park from the new entrance on Ponteland Road to walk to the Memorial Hall and Callerton Lane.

East Tynedale Neighbourhood Inspector Kevin Oates said: “This is being treated as a case of arson. Together with the fire brigade, police are investigating this incident.
“I would urge anyone with information about the persons responsible for this malicious act of vandalism to contact East Tynedale CID on 03456 043043, extension 61460.”

The footbridge had only recently been refurbished by Northumberland County Council and Ponteland Town Council Mayor Robin Ramsay said talks have already begun with the unitary council about getting it re-built quickly.

“It’s very disappointing as it appears a few mindless people have caused so much disruption by making an important thoroughfare unusable. We are in discussions with Northumberland County Council to get the footbridge repaired as soon as possible, even to the point of possibly making a contribution to the works.”

Source: Morpeth Herald

Ponteland Young Farmers Club

Ponteland Young Farmers Club is a rural youth organisation for people aged 10 to 26 years old. At first glance, you would expect us to all be farmer’s sons and daughters who live the rural life and love everything farming! You couldn’t be further from the truth! Traditionally, the organisation is agriculturally based, attracting local people who are involved in farming however in the 21st century, the club attracts people from all walks of life, we have children, students and people in full time work ranging from agriculture, equestrian, construction, retail and training. A couple of our members are seen to the left.

The club does a range of things. We have social evenings such as quiz’s, games nights and parties, we also have competitions ranging from sheep shearing, tractor driving and ATV handling, to rugby, football, hockey, drama and debating. One thing we can say is there’s something for everyone whether your interested in farming, the rural way of life or just want to meet new, like minded people!

We desperately want to get more people from Ponteland and the surrounding area involved, whether you are 10 or your 26. We have more age specific meetings and we are all very friendly and you will be very welcome to join us! Office bearers are all CRB checked. Contact; Chairman Matthew Sharp on 07590434273or Secretary Laura Sym on 07834828524 for a chat about YFC or for information on how to join!

Ponteland Wheelbarrow Race 2010

This event has been run annually for many years on 1^st January at 12noon.

The tradition of the race goes back to the 14th Century when, in a severe winter, the Lord of the Manor encouraged locals to go out into the surrounding countryside and forage for food and fuel.

Last years race was won by Andy Pybus and Alan Redman.

The wheelbarrows are provided by the race organiser. Each team consists of two people, one person in the barrow and one pushing. They are expected to change over halfway round. The race usually lasts about 12 minutes.

The race starts from outside the Blackbird Inn on the North Road. The barrows are pushed up the North Road to Thornhill Road then down Thornhill Road to the finish beside the Blackbird.

A junior race is run from the shopping precinct on Thornhill Road to the finish while the main race takes place.

We have lost track of the Silver Salver trophy for the winners and would welcome its return. Prizes are also given for the first ladies' team and the junior race.

It is traditional that the race is started by the Lord of Ponteland, who is elected for the day.

The Ponteland 41 Club, with the help of Ponteland Rugby Club,  has organised the event for the last few years. Contacts: Race Organiser – Jonathan Goodwill tel: 825859, Chief Marshall – Andy Anderson tel: 871844.

Cat Murder

Today I am both sad and angry because we have had to put down our beloved family pet cat. The anger is because his illness was caused by being shot with an air rifle. While I know that cats are not universally popular with gardeners and bird lovers I am sure we can all agree that it is completely unacceptable that a family pet cannot be considered safe on our estate. If you are responsible for this and are reading this letter I hope you hang your head in shame – you certainly would if you had to explain your actions to my wife.

If it is your children who have access to these weapons I implore you to take closer interest in what they are doing with them and educate them that living creatures are not acceptable targets for their “fun”.

As an aside, this winter it was reported that grey squirrels have been spotted near our street. Our cat was pure grey and we joked that perhaps someone had mistaken it for a grey squirrel, particularly in the snow. I have yet to see any grey squirrels on my walks round the estate and I sincerely hope this was not someone executing a mistaken cull.

Yours in anger and in regret,

Stephen Guss,

Ladies In Winning Mode

The Lady golfers of Ponteland Golf Club held their AGM recently when the retiring Captain, Ethel Arthur, presented the trophies and medals to the 2009 winners.  Three of the Ponteland ladies take up County positions next year when Linda Hoyle becomes County Captain, Hazel Furniss takes over as the Vets Captain and Rachel Bruce is the Junior Captain.  We wish them all well and success for their teams.  Margaret Bates, formerly Margaret Cobb is the newly elected Captain of Ponteland Ladies’ Section.

By Muriel Sobo