While in the North East for a public meeting in Cramlington Mr
Nuttall took time out to go to North Blyth area where local residents are
concerned about safety of the local swan colony.
At least two swans have been killed recently by irresponsible
drivers on West Bridge Street which is the main road through the small community
on the narrow strip of land, known locally as The Island, as it is surrounded on
three sides by water.
Locals are demanding road calming measures are introduced and
they are also angry at the amount of rubbish in the area which is also a hazard
to both the birds and local residents.
One of them, Gary Compton, reported the accumulation of rubbish
and fly-tipping along the river edge but when Northumberland County Council did
not respond he contacted local UKIP town councillor, Barry Elliott, for
help.
Within forty eight hours the council responded to Mr Elliott’s
email and local offenders doing their community service were despatched to help
deal with the problem.
Gary posted details of the problem on Facebook and after an
employee of phone giant, EE, saw it she spoke to her boss and it has been
arranged that 13 employees can go along to the area on March 29 to finish off
the clean-up.
As well as the clean up residents in the tight knit community
want traffic calming measures and CCTV introduced to help protect both swans
crossing the road and young children.
Prospective UKIP MP for the Wansbeck constituency, Melanie Hurst
said, “This is a triumph for the community who are working hand-in-hand with big
business and NCC to improve their village.
“The road from Battleship Wharf to the Alcan facility badly needs
traffic calming measures as children cross to access the river beach in the
summer and two swans have been killed, one recently.”
After his visit to the area Mr Nuttall said, “I am very impressed
at the community spirit. Locals have taken up the cudgels to get something done
and the work by Cllr Elliott shows that people power really does work, whichUKIP
greatly supports.”If you want to show your
support on the 29th March then get in touch with Gary Compton on
07773614544.
