Big day in the pipeline for Bedlington buildings

Posted by The Journal on Nov 18, 08 09:40 AM in News

gutter National Gutters Day might not be the most glamorous event in the calendar, but it is to be celebrated in Bedlington at the centre of major heritage plans.

It falls on Friday, November 28, and has been organised to raise awareness of the damage that can be caused to buildings by blocked guttering and drainpipes.

Promoters of National Gutters Day say both old and modern properties are vulnerable to water damage from this cause - and the results, such as dry rot, can cost a small fortune to fix.

It will be marked in the town, where property owners will be advised how sensible and financially prudent it can be to spend more time on maintenance.

A £2m Townscape Heritage Initiative has been launched in Bedlington to promote grants to renovate some of its most historic and architecturally important commercial buildings in Front Street.

The North of England Civic Trust has appointed Alert Property Services, of Blyth, to clean a set of gutters in Bedlington conservation area on National Gutters Day so people can see the problem.

It is also organising a talk the same day, at 1pm in the Salvation Army Hall in Hartford Road, which it is inviting local property owners and others with an interest in historic buildings to attend.

Wansbeck Council regeneration officer Richard Schofield said: "Spending a little time clearing leaves and other debris from gutters and drains on National Gutters Day could actually save property owners hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds."

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