By Conservation Officer Kevin O'Hara

I cannot hide my passion for otters - I have had it since I was a small boy and I don't understand it. It is just one of those strange traits of life.

I don't, however, view them as cute, cuddly creatures much beloved by the media, and I have often been at pains to point this out, much to their disappointment. That cute whiskered face hides a fierce and fiery temperament, and an astonishing array of teeth set within very powerful jaws. On top of this is the mustelid mindset of determination and that wiliness never to give in, coupled with a brain-powering logic to solve problems that most other creatures (apart from the primates) would find impossible.

The importance of the Rio Tinto Alcan smelter and power station to its employees and their families and to the economy of Wansbeck and South East Northumberland cannot be overestimated.

It is no secret that Rio Tinto are conducting a wide ranging review and considering all the options open to them, and this has caused considerable speculation over its future.
During the last few months I have raised the importance of the smelter and the power station with ministers and on the floor of the House of Commons.

I have also had discussions with both management and the trades unions and they are aware that I will do anything I can to try and secure the future of the smelter and power station.

Sent in by Ashington Town Council

Ashington Town Council is pleased to announce that the judging of the popular Gardens Competition has now taken place and the winners were announced during an event held at Ashington Leisure Centre on 17th August. Just about everyone who had entered the competition came to the prizegiving and brought either family or friends with them. More than 50 people came along to hear the winners being announced and joined the Mayor of Ashington and members of the Judging Panel afterwards for refreshments. The picture shows the prizewinners with the Mayor, Councillor John McCormack.

The Ashington Community Development Trust would like to invite you for a "cuppa in the park".

We have opened a coffee shop in the Hirst park, we sell Teas and Coffees, soft drinks and sweets . So if you are visiting the park why not sit and enjoy a cuppa. Our vountees will be pleased to meet you and have a chat.

We can serve a smile and a cuppa, but sorry we can not serve the sun shine.

By Conservation Officer Kevin O'Hara

I can be a lucky swine at times, often having the knack of being in the right place at just the right time, but I suppose if you live in a "field", as I have for most of my life, then you narrow your chances down.

I've witnessed the exact moment when "cock robin" was snatched in mid-song by an aerial assassin, seen the precise emergence of an emperor dragonfly, and much, much more. I have been very fortunate to the extent that I become a little blasé at times, and unsurprised at some of my escapades.

I have long argued that the Government's proposals to cut police officers, police staff and police budgets is wrong and will have a detrimental effect on the ability of our police forces to operate effectively and efficiently.

The appalling riots in London and in other parts of the UK have demonstrated the Government needs to urgently rethink the cuts they are implementing. It is worth remembering the proposals will result in 627 fewer police officers in the Northumbria force area and 16,222 fewer across England and Wales.

By Conservation Officer Kevin O'Hara

Now, here's the thing, I like gulls (yes, those big things that harass the life out of you until you relinquish your chips whilst on a day trip to Seahouses).

I'm being very broad-brushed here, as there are so many different types, but at this week's Sunderland International Air Show it dawned on me why I have so much appreciation for these often less-welcome members of our avifauna.

Newbiggin Sprint Triathlon is traditionally the North East Regions final open water triathlon of the season set in the lovely Northumbria coastal town, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, approximately 14 miles North of Newcastle uponTyne. This year, British Triathlon awarded the race a prestigious major event, an ETU European Championship Qualifying for Eilat, Israel in April 2012. Hopeful athletes from all over the UK will arrive on the weekend attempting to grab one of those precious slots on offer.

I was advised this week that prompt action from the Environment Agency and the county council averted some unwelcome avoidable flooding in the heart of Morpeth.

The flooding threat arose due to a blockage in the Cotting Burn culvert that was caused by a 15ft tree that got wedged under the water pipe trapping other debris that naturally floats downstream.

It appears that the limbs of the tree had been deliberately cut and the tree disposed of in the water.

It has been extremely busy in the constituency as I have taken the opportunity to meet with a number of community groups, local authorities, businesses, and individuals.

These have included a meeting with senior officers at Northumberland County Council, when we discussed a range of issues which included proposals for a replacement leisure and community centre in Ashington, and also the Morpeth bypass.

I have also had meetings with representatives of Ashington Town Council to discuss a number of issues relating to the regeneration of the town.