This photograph shows the original Edwardian drinking fountain in Ridley Park. After a thorough assessment the water fountain was deemed not fit for purpose and could not be repaired.
Pictured below is the new water dispenser which was installed on the 28th May 2019. Friends of Ridley Park Community Group worked with MIW water cooler experts and came up with this idea, for a water bottle filler. It’s weather-proof, vandal resistant, durable and easy to use, and the locals love it.
In 2013 a piece of public art which honoured three important Northumberland figures was unveiled. The three figures are of comedian Stan Laurel, who started his acting career on the stage at Blyth Theatre Royal. PC David Rathband, who was shot and blinded by Raoul Moat. David then went onto set up the Blue Light Foundation. However, sadly took his own life in 2012. Finally, guardsman Michael Sweeney who attended college in Blyth. He was deployed in Afghanistan and killed in 2010.
The artwork was part of a national art collection, and received monies from the new lottery-funded Sustrans’ National Cycle Network in communities across the UK. The new walking and cycling routes are part of a national project creating new links within our communities across the UK and joins the popular Coast and Castle Route. The scheme received £50m from the Big Lottery Fund, and the Blyth scheme also received funding from Northumberland County Council.