Happy New Year

 I'm writing this on a cold and frosty morning waiting for the sunrise to give us a little bit of warmth.

At New Year it is customary to look back over the last year and look forward to what is to come.

Let's be honest, 2020 was pretty shit. Covid-19 has hit the world with a vengeance. There are lots of things I could say about the government's handling of how it affects the UK, but it wouldn't help the situation.

Now vaccines are becoming available there is a glimmer of hope that the situation will improve. Only a glimmer at present, but still a few months and you never know.

Blyth is now in Tier 4. It basically means that the rules are tighter and "non-essential" shops are closed. It means that my model shop is closed for in-shop sales, although we will deliver, or post, or offer "click and collect", but nothing replaces being able to see the item you're buying. It is however another nail in the coffin of town centre shopping.

There has been much trumpeting about government money being released for "High Streets" in general, but will it be too late? Unfortunately I fear so.

Anyway, enough, I wish you all a happy, peaceful and above all safe a healthy New Year.

See you next year 

Blyth Town Council January 2021

Blyth Town Council continues to meet through the Zoom programme. If you wish to observe any meetings BTC will send a link just prior to each meeting.

In January anticipated meetings are:-

Tuesday 5th January , 2:00 pm  Governance Committee  

Thursday 14th  January  , 4:30 pm    Full Council

As ever please check with BTC that the meetings will proceed as planned if you wish to observe them

Bin Collections over the Christmas / New Year period

 Bin Collections in Blyth are fairly normal over this year's Christmas period.

Week Commencing 21st December -  Normal Collection day, Blue Dry Recycling bin 

Week Commencing 28th December - Put back a day , Green Non-Recycle bin

Week Commencing 4th January 2021 - Normal Collection Day, Blue Dry Recycling bin

However, if your collection day is normally a Friday ( few, if any in Blyth ) you'll need to check with Northumberland County Council. My advice is taken from Monday and Tuesday collection days 

Blyth Town Council - Meetings for December 2020

As far as I am aware, there is only one meeting scheduled for December. 

It will be held over Zoom, starting at 2 pm. Please contact BTC for a Zoom link if you wish to observe the meeting

Tuesday 1st December , 2:00 pm   Community Development Committee 

Blyth Town Council - Meetings for November 2020

Blyth Town Council continues to meet through the Zoom programme. If you wish to observe any meetings BTC will send a link just prior to each meeting.

In November anticipated meetings are:-

Tuesday 3rd November , 4:30 pm, Planning and Development sub-committee

Thursday 5th November , 4:30 pm Special Full Council

Tuesday 17th November, 2:00 pm,   Community Funding sub-committee 

Thursday 26th November , 4:30 pm Environment Committee     

Please check with BTC that the meetings will proceed as planned if you wish to observe them

North East Covid-19 restrictions

 As we stagger from one set of rules to another the Government has brought in a very strict set of rules for the north east ( County Durham, Northumberland and the Metropolitan boroughs of the former Tyne & Wear.

These supersede the "Rule of Six" and previous sets. 

Your household cannot mix with other households ( with exceptions for support bubbles, tradesmen, etc ..) Gardens are now included in the restrictions. 

Pubs, restaurants and clubs must close at 10pm . Close, not last orders.  When they are open, table service only. With exceptions. Groups of people from more than one household will not be admitted. But they can sit outdoors in beer gardens etc, Or have a wedding reception where there are different rules.  

The full restrictions are on the government website at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/north-east-of-england-local-restrictions

There are huge numbers of people totally flummoxed by what is allowed and what isn't. There are so many loopholes as well. 

I will always try to adhere to whatever the current rules and advice is, but really the Govenment should have decided on a plan months ago - and stuck to it.  

Blyth Town Council meetings October 2020

As far as I am aware there are only two meetings scheduled at Blyth Town Council this month.

Meetings will be held over Zoom 

Thursday 1st October , at 4:30   Planning & Development sub-committee  

Thursday 8th October , at 4:30   Full Council Meeting 

As ever, check with BTC to confirm details and receive a Zoom link  if you wish to observe these meetings