Author: prudhoeconservatives

24/7 Cash point machines.

Updates-

11/11/25

The new CP machine outside the coop is being installed today, it will take a few days to be active.

13/10/25

Hi Gordon

I trust you’re well.

I wanted to keep you posted that we are installing a new ATM into the Co-op to replace the existing unit on the 11th November.

We are also exploring opportunities for an additional unit in the town but these are subject to commercial approval from the respective retailers.

** Reminder ATM’s have nothing to do with shops / businesses or generally banks, they are operated by separate companies.

3/9/25

Hi Gordon 

The ATM is back in service following an engineering visit today and parts replaced.

A replacement has been ordered for the ATM near the coop.

Update 30/6/25

Hi Gordon 

The Co-op ATM was filled this morning and is back in service. 

The Asda ATM has a fault and is being attended by an engineer later today. 

An increase to fill levels has been approved on the Asda ATM which will help improve availability. 

Regards

Update 30th June 2025

I have informed the machine providers that they have been offline yesterday.

25th June 2025

Hi Gordon 

Just a short note to advise the screen on the Co-op ATM was repaired today.

I’ll continue to monitor but both ATMs (Co-op & Asda) are transacting well. 

Regards

24th June 2025

From a major cash machine provider.

Hi Gordon

 

Thanks for getting in touch, and apologies for the delay in responding, your email has only just been passed to me.

 

We’re committed to providing a reliable ATM service for the people of Prudhoe, so I wanted to acknowledge your email and let you know I’ll be reviewing the points you raised closely.

 

I’ve arranged for an engineer to attend the Co-op ATM to investigate the screen issue and carry out a general health check, including preventative maintenance.

 

In addition, I’ll be reviewing the cash fill levels and frequency at both the Co-op and Asda ATMs. Some adjustments may be needed to ensure the machines remain operational and don’t run empty.

 

Regarding the suggestion of installing an ATM at the retail park, this is something we could potentially explore. However, installation costs are in the region of £15,000, and we’d also need the landlord to provide a suitable location, so there are some cost considerations to factor in.

Best regards

20th June 2025

A reminder has been sent asking for an update.

9th June 2025

Communication continue with the ATM providers.

27th May 2025

Pages: Page 1, Page 2

Ebenezer chapel to be demolished.

Updated 13/11/25

Demolition of Chapel – Chron

CLICK HERE

Updated 9/11/25..

As we move into the final stages for the Chapel updates will appear at the top of this page.( History & previous updates are given below).

10/11/25

I made a visit to the chapel and spoke with a representative of the builders, we looked at some issues. CLICK HERE

All articles of local interest have been removed from the site, or will be very soon, such as signage.

Karbon Homes – Update CLICK HERE

Barriers go up around the chapel prior to demolition starting – CLICK HERE

—————

History

The Ebenezer Chapel was built in 1874 shortly after the Mickley Coal Company took over the colliery at West Wylam in the 1860’s.


The chapel has played a significant role in the lives of the community and served the mining community of West Wylam until the colliery closed in 1961.
Ebenezer Chapel remained following the demolition of the old colliery cottages and continued as a chapel until 2015 when it held its last service.


The Chapel is one of Prudhoe’s most recognisable buildings as you enter the town from the East.


Prudhoe has had many Methodist Chapels throughout its history, on the site of the current Spetchells, Herons, Glendinning’s Garage and on Adderlane Road. The Ebenezer is the last remaining.

23rd February 2021 – Hexham Courant report Prudhoe community plea to save The Ebenezer Methodist Chapel in West Wylam from redevelopment

17th August 2022 – Chronicle report Plans revealed to turn historic Ebenezer Methodist Chapel in Prudhoe into new homes

!st March 2023 – Chronicle report – First pictures of plan to build affordable flats at Prudhoe’s Ebenezer Methodist Chapel

PCP Newsletter sent April 2024 (Part of)

1st May 2024 Press

Courant – Click here Flat plans for Prudhoe’s Ebenezer Methodist Chapel met with fury

BBC – Click here Victorian chapel threatened in new flats plan

Chronicle Click here Outcry as 150-year-old Northumberland chapel could be demolished to make way for flats

An onlne and paper petition were made available by local residents to object to the building being demolished, – See below.

On the 1st May 2024 I met two senior representatives of Karbon who were fully appraised about the situation.

They reiterated that there were no current plans submitted, and have agreed to hold an event locally in June ? (date o be finalised) where the public can hear more details and ask questions.

I will have a further discussion with Karbon , and seek an update from then about their intentions.

On Saturday the 4th May 2024 I held a street surgery at the Chapel which gave the public an opportunity to ask me any questions and give their view.

Later that day and on several other days I called to many houses in the area and asked for resident views

Neither of these form part of formal consultation, but helping people to give their initial thoughts and consider matters in their own time.

I am also in contact with other interested parties, they do not wish to have info made public at this time.

I have had messages from residents and other people relating to this matter.

31st May 2024 Karbon have provided an update- CLICK HERE

11/6/2024

Karbon online consultation CLICK HERE

17/6/24

Karbon event at The Manors – I attended the event and listened to many residents.

The petition was handed in.

Chronicle report- CLICK HERE

Planning process – NO planning application has been submitted 20/6/24

There are currently no planning applications with NCC for this site. (2/6/24)

Permission is needed for the demolition of such a building and then construction of a new one.

When a planning application is submitted a process takes place with statutory bodies being consulted , the town council and the public.

Notices to raise public awareness are arranged by the planning officers.

In most cases of this type the application will be referred to a committee made up of County Cllrs, they will be provided with a range of documents, the opinion of the NCC planning officers and also legal guidance,

There are several reasons why someone can object to an application.

Please see the link provided for further information.

Information about the planning process – CLICK HERE

Details of previous planning applications in relation to this property – CLICK HERE

Petition (Updated from original launched in 2021)

A petition online is available.

Check out the petition online CLICK HERE

There is also a paper version, available at The Manors, Nisa West Wylam & the Miners lamp.

I will as always provide information when I can.

11/7/24

I have written to the Prudhoe Community Partnership asking that the PCP Trustees reconsider their decision to support the demolition of this much loved and important chapel in the heart of the #PrudhoeCommunity

And to work with me to find a solution.

So what now ?

I will work with them to ensure a public presentation takes place locally.

I will also work with anyone who may wish to develop a plan for the future of the Chapel.

If a planning application is submitted I would not expect this to take place until autumn 2024 and any decision by the planning dept not before the spring of next year.

6/9/24

Planning application for demolition of the chapel has been submitted.

CLICK HERE

Update 20/12/24

The application has been recommended for approval.

Because of this I have used my authority to request that the matter is not sanctioned by a Planning officer but is brought before a planning committee.

I have given reasons for this- Local public interest.

I will obviously attending the meeting and taking part.

It is expected that the decision will be made on the day of the meeting.

See when / where – CLICK HERE

The above link will be be updated early in January, the venue will probably be Dene Park House Hexham

Planning applications are a legal process and a strict process is adhered to, which may appear complicated to some.

If you have any queries regarding this or any other in my ward, please contact me.

14/1/25 Application for demolition & new housing to be built is approved CLICK HERE (Via Chronicle)

The applicant has said that following the approval they will act quickly.

As always we will provide any updates.

6/11/25

Demolition is about to start CLICK HERE

Prudhoe Coop car park-

Created- 17/6/25.

Updated 2/12/25

I asked the coop for an update.

Reply –

Hi Gordon

I am afraid there is no update on this, I have been advised that these negotiations can take a long time so when there is an outcome, I will update you.

——-

Update 7/11/25

I contacted the coop HQ again, a reply states that consideration of options are continuing.

Update 3/10/25

Legal agreement –

{work is undertaken to present the below document in a clearer style).

Update 2/10/25

I contacted the coop (HQ) again today, to ask what their position is now.

The response was to the effect that their legal team were still considering their options.

My advice continues to be,please use the car park as the public have been doing for decades, and to continue to support our local businesses incl the coop.

Helping to retain / create TynedaleJobs and supporting the local economy and the wider #PrudhoeCommunity #PrudhoeBusiness

Update 21/8/25

A senior Planning officer at NCC has reviewed the situation.

As a result the coop has been advised that if they still wish to make changes to the parking arrangements they should complete a formal legal request to amend the section 106 planning agreement.

https://beta.northumberland.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning-applications/section-106-agreements

Update 15/7/25

Coop are seeking to engage with NCC legal teams to discuss the issue.

Update 14/7/25

From Coop HQ

Good morning Cllr Stewart,

Unfortunately there is no update at this time, I can assure you that we continue to look into this matter and as soon as an update is available I will be in touch with you directly.

Kind regards,

————————

My advice – Keep on shopping locally including the Coop, where many local people are employed, and the coop has shown itself to be a good supporter of the #PrudhoeCommunity for years.

As there are no restrictions keep on using the car park.

Could you walk to the shops ? Car share ? Park just a bit further away from the town centre and enjoy a walk ? Or use public transport?

This administration at NCC will not impose charges on our town centre car parks.

Gordon

Update 11/7/25

A further e mail has been sent asking for an update.

Updated 3/7/25

Following another e mail to the coop the below has been received.

Dear Cllr Stewart,

Thank you for your e-mail and please do let me reassure you that we are looking into this matter,

Update 29/6/25

See Courant report – Click here

Update 26/6/25

Dear Cllr Stewart.

 

Thank you for your email regarding the restrictions that will be implemented within the Co-op Prudhoe store.

 

Although as a community retailer, we always look to provide services to the community, we are also a business looking to serve our customers and members and we have found that unfortunately our customers and members have been unable to utilise our car park and subsequently unable to use our store, therefore we have taken the difficult decision to install parking restrictions within our store. 

 

As you will be aware these restrictions are not yet in place, and we do not yet have a date for when they will be at this stage. We are currently looking into the agreement that you mention from 1987 and will respond to you on this in due course.

 

Kind regards,

 

Update 9am 23/6/25

Reminder e mail chasing up the coop

Update 11am 19/6/25

Coop head office acknowledged communication.

Update 4.46pm 18/6/25

Thank you to the great #PrudhoeCommunity I am now in a position to put a proposal to the Coop Head office.

It just needs them to agree to it.

Until they have considered it, I do not want to say more.

But as in all enquiries I keep the public informed when I can.

Update 12.30pm 18/6/25

I have asked the NCC planning dept to check back records relating to the 1980’s in relation to the property.

This may take a lot of time.

Update 10am 18/9/25 I have e mailed a senior officer within the Coop Headoffice.

Update 9.40am 18/6/25 I have contacted Horizon for additional information

Update 9.39am 8/6/25 I have e mailed PTC asking for any information re agreements upon the use of the CP

Update 9.30am 18/6/25 – Head office tel lines are down as are their e mails.

Update 9.10am 18/6/25– Customers services at coop say they can not deal with such queries.referred to Head office.

Update 9am 18/6/26 Horizon Partnership with the Coop. CLICK HERE

Update 8.42am 18/6/26

I have been in contact with the store, who as expected know little about this, I am trying to contact someone at head office, but the lines are not open yet.

Update 11.13pm 17/6/25

Land ownership map – CLICK HERE

Update 11pm 17/6/25

Who are Horizon mentioned in the banner ? CLICK HERE

I assume a legal agreement has now been signed between the Coop & Horizon, which may be difficult and expensive to get out of.

The Coop resurfaced the car park and improved the lighting in 2021 which gives a further indication that they own the CP – CLICK HERE

The Co-op

Oakfield Terrace, Prudhoe, NE42 5HF has now introduced parking time. restrictions.

8pm 17/6/25.update-

I am aware of new signage at the Prudhoe Coop- see below.

I have e mailed various NCC officers this evening to make them aware.

It would appear the car park is private land owned by the coop.

I am not aware of NCC or PTC being informed of any restrictions being made.

There are suggestions that there is a history behind the change of use when the land became first used for commercial purposes, that allows for free car parking.

A lot of digging will have to be made into any possible restrictions / permissions.

A lot of digging will have to be made into any possible restrictions.

In the 1980s when the land was first used as a store Tynedale District Council were the planning authority:

I am disappointed that the coop had not given clear information leading up to this point.

Like most towns in the Country there is now an increase in private land (even at commercial premises) restricting use of their car parks, payment or otherwise such as time restrictions.

There are several in Prudhoe already.

Car park operators are actively contacting land owners and offering their services, rather than waiting to be approached.

This will not be a decision made locally, so please treat the staff with respect.