By BRIAN TILLEY

Last updated 14:29, Thursday, 15 May 2008

LIBERAL Democrats will form a minority administration when the new Northumberland unitary authority holds its first meeting next week.

They are the biggest party with 26 seats, and have struck a deal with the 17-strong Labour group to steer the council through its important first few months.

Council leader elect Coun. Jeff Reid from Blyth is hoping that other parties will not rock the boat as the new authority goes through its birth pangs.

He said: “We are looking to all the other parties to co-operate as much as is possible, and are pleased with the realism being expressed so far.”

There are no places on the executive being proposed for the Tynedale Lib-Dem trio of Couns. Neil Bradbury – who won the Labour stronghold of Prudhoe West from Labour – Derek Kennedy from Hexham West, and Alan Sharp from Hadrian ward.

Meanwhile, the Conservative and Independent Group has announced its intention to scrap the little-understood 27 belonging communities proposed for the county.

Group leader Coun. Peter Jackson from Ponteland said this week: “We want to raise funding through getting rid of the belonging community quangoes that have received so little support.

“Other priorities include better maintenance of roads and pavements, scrapping unfair charges for transport for post-16 students and fighting any threats to our post offices.”