Liberal Democrats in Saltwell, Gateshead, have called for residents in areas proposed for demolition to have a vote on the plans to pull down houses.
Liberal Democrats argued – at the all labour Council cabinet, and at the full Council meeting on March 23rd – that the final say on demolition should be taken by a residents’ ballot, carried out block by block. This was rejected by Labour Councillors from across Gateshead who felt that they knew what was best for the people of Saltwell, and voted against the Liberal Democrat amendment.
“Liberal Democrats believe that local decisions are best taken by the local people. That wasn’t allowed to happen here” said Norman Spours, Lib Dem campaigner in Saltwell. “It is not too late to reverse the Council decision and let local people have the final say on this matter.”
“We welcome the millions of pounds that the Bridging Newcastle-Gateshead initiative can bring to improve Saltwell, Bensham and other areas, and many of the proposals are welcome, but the case for demolition is not proven, and if they go ahead on the current plans, some residents will face years of uncertainty about their future.”
“In addition to the question of demolition or renovation of homes, Labour policies mean that the future of local schools and post offices are under threat and Liberal Democrats want to see an end to the Council’s one party cabinet system, and proper engagement with local people to work for the good of the whole community.”
Promoted and published by Frank Hindle on behalf of Norman Spours, all at Room 311 Aidan House, Tynegate Office Precinct, Sunderland Road, Gateshead, NE8 3HU
2 comments:
“Liberal Democrats believe that local decisions are best taken by the local people. That wasn’t allowed to happen here” said Norman Spours, Lib Dem campaigner in Saltwell.
But surely that is why what we elect local councillors for? We can't have referendums on everything! And if the local residents are unhappy at the decisions taken we have the opportunity to say so at election time.
Is "anonymous" saying never to referendums? The vast majority of decisions don't need a referendum but where a big difference of opinion between residents and council emerges, about an issue which has a direct impact on people's lives - in this case the very homes in which they live - a referendum seems a reasonable way to proceed.
Whilst in most circumstances people have the opportunity to have their say at election time, that could be too late if your home has already been demolished.
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