AS we approach the New Year, we looked back through our archives to find out what made the news in January 2014.

BUS ISSUES: The Go North East boss defended the Prudhoe bus service after passengers faced continued problems with the 10, 10B and 686 services.

Passengers complained about waiting for buses that did not arrive, being charged incorrect fees, and a lack of bus services in certain parts of the town after 3pm.  

County Councillor Richard Dodds who lived in Prudhoe apologised on behalf of Go North East for the inconvenience caused.

FLATS APPROVED DESPITE OBJECTIONS: An imposing building in the centre of Ponteland was to be demolished and replaced with two blocks of flats. The former computer training establishment at Belville House on the main A696 through the village had been empty for five years.

The property was to become 18 apartments, with a further 12 being provided in a separate new block.

The planning officer Caroline Jones recommended approval of the project, however, there were 25 letters of objection, including one from Ponteland Town Council.

The council objected on the grounds of inadequate parking, but the application was approved on a 5-0 vote.

QUEEN'S NEW YEAR'S HONOURS: Five people with links to Tynedale were recognised by the Queen in the New Year's Honours List in 2014 for their commitments to education, the community, campaigning for the rights of young people with special educational needs and services to public transport and voluntary services.

SPEED CUT: Road safety improvements were being lined up for the Military Road in preparation for the £10.5m Sill visitor centre on Hadrian's Wall. The Sill was expected to attract up to 120,000 people a year and there were concerns the swift and undulating nature of the road could be hazardous.

TOP AWARD: Northumbrian Landscaping, a Mickley landscaping company, was one of only three companies to receive an award in their category at the British Association of Landscaping Industries Awards.