Riverside footpath mooted for Northumberland beauty spot as part of improvement scheme

The idea of a path by the Wooler Water linking the Haugh Head ford with the Riverside Holiday Park emerged at a site meeting organised by the Tweed Forum.

Its scheme to help migrating fish includes the removal of the existing ford crossing to be replaced with a new gravel ford, the removal of the fish pass, the creation of an inset floodplain and a new replacement pedestrian footbridge.

Cllr Mark Mather, chairman of Wooler Parish Council, said: “It was probably the most positive meeting I’ve been at with regards to what they intend to do at the Haugh Head ford.”

Funds could be available for community benefits and the riverside path was suggested when it became clear a path along the A697 would not meet the criteria.

"It needs to be more about nature,” said Cllr Mather, who added that information boards could be included.

Meanwhile, the parish council is keen to support community coffee mornings when they resume as restrictions are eased.

"I think it’s going to be really important coming out of lockdown that people actually do get out again,” said Cllr Mather.

Cllr Kevan Curry added: “I think coffee mornings are probably a good place to start because it is probably the older generation that is going to be more wary of going out.”

A taxi service to help people attend an event was one of the suggestions.

Anyone planning an event should get in touch with the council.

The parish council has written to the PCC advising that it can now have access to the first school site to start percolation tests on potential use of land for an extension of the cemetery. A meeting is also planned for councillors to discuss various ideas for the site.

The parish council wants to get a water supply to the school farm field allotments site and been quoted a price of £777 by Northumbrian Water. More information has been requested.

Cllr Anthony Murray, who is stepping down as county councillor, was thanked for his efforts.

"Thanks for all the years you have supported this parish council but also many others,” said Cllr Mather. “It’s been greatly appreciated.”

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