Environment

SERVICES

If you have any questions about the services provided by Seaton Valley Council, please don't hesitate to Contact Us

RECENT NEWS

July, 2026

Allotment Open Week 2026 Offers Residents Chance to Secure a Plot

June, 2026

Have Your Say on the Future of Seaton Sluice Play Park

June, 2026

Grass Cutting and Partnership Services Update

May, 2026

Valley Moves May Half Term Camps – Now Open for Booking!

Partnership Agreement

SVCC continues to work in partnership with NCC to support local environmental services. The revised agreement for 2026-27 focuses on services which provide a direct and visible benefit to residents and Council facilities and community assets, including:

  • Street sweeping and environmental cleansing.
  • Monthly deep cleaning of bus shelters.
  • Fortnightly inspections of Council play areas.
  • Responsive reporting and liaison regarding environmental issues affecting the area.

This approach allows NCC to continue managing its core services, including grass cutting, while it completes its Grounds Maintenance review and SVC to continue supporting environmental improvements while ensuring resources are directed towards core SVC services and assets such as playparks, allotments, bus shelters, floral displays, community events, and street furniture including litter bins.

The Council remains committed to working with NCC to maintain and improve the local environment while ensuring public funds are used effectively and deliver the greatest value and benefit for residents.

Grass Cutting

The majority of public grass cutting throughout Seaton Valley remains the responsibility of Northumberland County Council (NCC).

Seaton Valley Council (SVC) previously contributed funding through a partnership arrangement to provide an enhanced level of grass cutting above NCC’s core service.

During recent years, the distinction between the enhanced service funded by SVC and the core service provided by NCC became less clear in practice. As part of its review, SVC considered whether continued investment in the arrangement represented the best use of public funds when balanced against increasing demands on its own frontline services, facilities, and community assets.

Members subsequently resolved to focus available resources on assets and services under SVC’s direct control until 31 March 2027, while NCC completes its Grounds Maintenance review ahead of confirming any changes to their own core services.

Residents should therefore continue to report grass cutting concerns relating to public open spaces and highway verges directly to Northumberland County Council via:

FixMyStreet – Northumberland County Council or NCC Customer Service Centre – 0345 600 6400.

Street Litter Bins

Litter can range in size from a sweet wrapper to a black bag full of rubbish, which when left in a public place can be unsightly, dangerous to animals and a health risk.

The Environmental Protection Act of 1990 states that if a person drops, throws, deposits, or leaves anything that causes defacement in a public place; they are committing a littering offence. So always try to use a litter bin or take your litter home.

To ensure that the bins in Seaton Valley are maintained to a high standard all bins are emptied regularly in accordance with an agreed schedule. With approximately 150 bins in Seaton Valley, each bin is emptied at least once per week and daily if the bin is found to be located in an area identified as high priority. One of our aims is to repair or replace any damaged bin reported to us within 10 working days and to deal with an overflowing bin with 48hrs.

 

As Dog Fouling has been highlighted as an issue by many of Seaton Valley Residents, the litter bins in Seaton Valley can take both bagged dog waste and litter. It is every dog owner’s responsibility to clear up after their pet, please be mindful of this – remember  ‘bag it and bin it’.

Please let us know if you discover any of the following:

  • Vandalism or wear and tear of a bin,
  • Over flowing bins
  • Bins that are not being emptied regularly

Or if you think that a litter bin is required in a specific location – again let us know.

When reporting a problem with a bin please give us the detail of your concern, the location of the bin and the number of the bin which can be found on each bin. Contact Us

 

Floral Displays and Shrub Beds

Floral displays and several of the shrub beds across the five villages are designed and maintained through Seaton Valley Council’s Floral Planting Contract with NCC, which supports a more attractive, sustainable approach to enhancing the local environment.

The contract is regularly monitored and reviewed to ensure high visual standards and good value for money, with a strong focus on biodiversity, pollinator-friendly planting, and climate-resilient designs.

We know residents care deeply about their local area, and we welcome your feedback. If you feel floral planting in your area is below the expected standard, please get in touch. We will review your concerns and respond accordingly if the location falls within the scope of Seaton Valley’s contract.  If not, we will be able to redirect you to the relevant County Council services.