Bosses at Northumberland's new super council have been accused of failing to comply with an independent regulator's guidance by providing an 0845 number for people who need to contact the authority.

Bob Watson is unhappy that Northumberland County Council's new number is premium rate

Members of the public who telephone the all-purpose council - which came into being on April 1 following the switch to unitary local government - now have to use a single number, 0845 600 6400, to speak to call handlers.

East Chevington lifted the ACS Dobfar Cup following a 2-1 win over Morpeth Waterford Lodge.

As with last week's final, a late goal decided the game, and the winners came from a goal down to win. Lenny Lansbury put the Waterford in front on the half-hour mark with a smart finish, and his side held the lead until three minutes into the second half, when
Chevington leveled with a calmly dispatched penalty from Sean Palmer.

Both sides had chances to take the lead during the second half, but both goalkeepers made important saves to keep the scores level. The game was heading for extra time when Sean Palmer netted again with another well-taken goal to settle it.

In the SG Wealth Management Northumberland League, Bedlington travelled to Bomarsund and bowled their hosts out for just 111. Nicky Carr was destroyer in chief, his eight overs returning him figures of five for 11.

Sean McCafferty rattled out nine fours and two sixes in an unbeaten 66 that saw the Terriers home by seven wickets.

Corbridge put a severe dent in Berwick's excellent start to their top-flight career as they put their visitors to the sword.

People in Northumberland suffering from the effects of the economic recession are being urged to seek help and advice from Northumberland Warm Zone's benefits officer Lisa Oxley.

Lisa, who has helped hundreds of local residents claim the state benefits they are entitled to, can be contacted on (01670) 256624.

Volunteers behind plans to launch a community radio station in Northumberland remain determined to make their dream a reality - despite the recession hitting vital fundraising efforts.

A five-strong team behind the proposed Synergy station - which would broadcast to about 130,000 people on the FM frequency - need to raise up to £60,000 to get it on the air.

Now hopes of launching the first of two trial broadcasts this summer are fading fast because of difficulties in securing grants, donations and sponsorship during the economic downturn.

A site which hopes to bring a massive boost to Northumberland's recycling rate has opened.

John Scanlon, left, from SITA UK and Northumberland County Council leader Coun Jeff Reid survey the mound of recycled paper at the new £12m West Sleekburn waste management facility

The £12m West Sleekburn recycling and waste transfer site is part of a scheme to ensure only 8% of the county's rubbish will go to landfill by 2012, saving taxpayers hundreds of thousands of pounds in landfill tax and helping the environment.

What is your favourite food from the county of Northumberland?

After getting votes for your top castle, building and natural landmark, this week we're asking for your favourite food.

The poll gives you the options of Cheviot lamb, Craster kippers, honey from Horncliffe, Cornhill potatoes, Coanwood chillies, Blagdon cheese, Lindisfarne oysters or ice cream from Doddington or Warkworth.

You can vote on the local poll below for the next two weeks. Results will be revealed on May 1.

Alnmouth's attempt to defend their SGWealth Management Northumberland League title began with a six-wicket mauling of Corbridge.

Chris Darling (42) was the only one standing between Bridge and a complete collapse as Ben Oliver scorched through their line-up with six for 16 in 10 overs. Robin Tudor (44no) then ensured the best of starts for the current champions.

Kirkley and Bomarsund shared over 450 runs between them.

Nomination packs are now available for people who want to stand as candidates for the eight new parish councils which are being created in south east Northumberland.

The new councils will cover Ashington (21 members), Blyth (16), Cramlington (12), East Bedlington (11), North Bedlington (nine), West Bedlington (nine), Newbiggin by the Sea (eight) and Seaton Valley (nine).

Elections for the 95 parish councillors will be held on June 4 and nomination forms must be returned to the relevant election officer by 4pm on Thursday May 7.

Packs for the Wansbeck area are available from Jackie Brodie on (01670) 532290 or Jackie.brodie@northumberland.gov.uk and packs for the Blyth Valley area are available from Judith Peverley on (01670) 542209 or Judith.Peverley@northumberland.gov.uk

Northumberland's new super council has come in for early criticism for its alleged lack of transparency - after deciding to hold the first meetings of its three area committees in private.

The committees - one covering the north of the county, one the west and the other the south east - offer local people a regular opportunity to question councillors and officials, and get involved in local democracy.

However the first meeting of each of them is being held behind closed doors with the public not allowed in.