The Government's controversial decision to move to a single Unitary Council for Northumberland means the end of District Councils after May 2009.

I am pleased that Alnwick has now confirmed its status as County Town of Northumberland. Some people might view this as a rather minor and irrelevant distraction, but I am not one of them.

Along with other ward councillors and NCC and ADC officers, I have been working on proposals to provide residents parking schemes in certain areas of Alnwick.

Concern is often expressed about traffic management in Alnwick and I agree that we need to improve the present situation.

The pressing need for a new build to give the Duchess's Community High school fitting accommodation is greater than ever.

There has been some difficulty ensuring that the two old cart lanes behind Percy St and Percy Terrace are restored to a suitable standard, as befits the Conservation Area.

The road works in Alnwick are a regrettable but unavoidable disruption. As County Councillor, I requested that the earlier proposed dates before Christmas be deferred till the New Year. This is a much more acceptable time of year for businesses and shoppers to be inconvenienced.

The Council will prosecute fly tippers and it encourages residents to come forward with information to combat this anti social menace

.The council has adopted a green waste policy that enables those who do not compost their garden waste to have it removed for a small charge.