We have continued to work to improve road safety in our villages. Additional speed calming measures for Mitford village have been approved, this will see gateway features installed on both east and west approaches positioned to provide good visibility for approaching traffic, and the 30-mph restriction on church bank extended to include all the lower village. Installation is expected this summer. An interactive speed sign is also being installed in Tranwell Woods funded by the Parish Council.
Riverbank erosion behind the village hall continues to be a major concern, following professional advice, willow and black poplar has been planted behind the playground to help to stabilize the bank, and tree hinging will be undertaken upstream to slow the current. It is recognised that a more permanent solution is needed and we are seeking proposals for the design, permitting and installation of a willow spiling scheme. The cost will be significant; an annual provision will need to be made over several years to fund the project and we will also be exploring grant funding options.
The repair of the riverbank and road at Abbey Mill is expected to be completed later this summer. The diversion routes have taken a heavy toll on Mitford Steads Road and St Leonards Lane; we have worked with the highways team at county hall to expedite repairs as they become necessary and will be seeking remedial work on both roads once Mitford Road reopens.
Installation of the new the bus shelter at the Piramal continues to be delayed to the frustration of many, the funding from the Combined Authority is approved, the design work done, we await release of the funds.
We continue to undertake regular grass and hedge trimming in the villages to keep the parish tidy and have worked with the Mitford Historical Society to install two memorial benches along the footpath on Mitford Road, a route that is popular with walkers.
We have worked with the Village Hall Management Committee on a resilience project which has seen solar panels and battery storage installed in the village hall. The scheme will be supplemented with a backup generator to power our warm hub in the event of an extended power outage. The generator has been co-funded by NPG Foundation and County Councillor Glen Sanderson.
The parish website has seen a major update including parish email addresses for all Councillors.
The review of the Morpeth Neighbourhood Plan continues, Mitford being one of the participating councils. Government funding has been withdrawn for neighbourhood plans and costs will be allocated by electoral roll, Mitford’s share will be around 3% of the total.
Financially the Parish Council is in a relatively strong position, we have reserved £6,000 for the warm hub resilience project, set aside £1,500 for contingencies, leaving total unreserved funds of £11,357 at the end of the financial year. The potential expense of the riverbank remediation has necessitated a 3% increase in our budget for 2026.
Finally, I wish to thank my fellow councillors for all their hard work during the last year, our Clerk for keeping the show on the road, and our County Councillor for his continued support despite his heavy workload.
Dr MRG Sharp, Chairman
18th May 2026