Call for action on historic buildings at risk in Gateshead

The publication of a register highlighting the plight of historic buildings in Gateshead has been welcomed by local Liberal Democrats.

The register, published by English Heritage, is drawn up to draw public attention to buildings that no longer have a use, have fallen into disrepair, but have important historical character or significance.

Included in the register are Dunston Staithes, Ravensworth Castle, Hollinside Manor, Gibside Hall and Whinfield coking ovens.

“There is a significant danger that historic buildings can be lost through neglect and lack of use,” said historian Dr Jonathan Wallace, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Whickham South and Sunniside. “The register is an important document which puts public attention on what needs to be done to preserve our heritage.

“Wherever possible, old buildings need to be given new uses and again, the register is important in helping to achieve this. The Government however needs to take action to ensure this happens. One way to do so would be to reduce VAT on repairs and maintenance of historic buildings where it is currently paid.

“Liberal Democrats would pay for this by putting VAT on materials used to build new homes on greenfield sites. The money raised this way could also reduce VAT bills on repairs, conversions and maintenance of all homes, not just on historic buildings.

“Tourism is important to our local economy and preserving our heritage therefore means boosting local jobs and businesses. Without the historic buildings we have, many visitors will go elsewhere.”

Councillor Wallace made a video about Ravensworth Castle which shows the state of the building. It can be viewed on YouTube: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=1N0rYP4BlkU

The English Heritage Buildings At-Risk Register can be viewed at: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.19186

Call to Government on fire damaged school

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon constituency, Councillor Peter Maughan, has written to the secretary of State for Schools, Ed Balls, to urge him to bring forward plans to rebuild Whickham School on the existing Burnthouse Lane site in Whickham, Gateshead.

The school’s sixth form and staff block was destroyed in a fire in March, and Councillor Maughan argues that this increases the need to start work on a new school as soon as possible.

Despite claims made last year by the local Labour party that building work on a new school was due to start within months, actual proposals for replacing the existing buildings have been penciled in for 2015 as the earliest start date.

“The fire that destroyed the sixth form block has focused attention on the state of the buildings overall,” said Peter, who is a governor of the school.

“Staff and pupils are coping well following the fire but the school was already at bursting point. Many buildings are worn out and inadequate.

“Whilst it would have been great to start building a new school last year, that was just a Labour spin story to get them through the election.

“But we need a start on the new school as soon as possible. Waiting until 2015 will see a generation of kids getting schooling in buildings that are badly in need of replacement.

“I have written to Ed Balls to draw his attention to the problems of the Whickham School buildings and to urge him to rebuild the school on the existing Burnthouse Lane site as soon as possible.”

Pictured: fire damaged Whickham School

Labour MPs “back phone companies on masts” – Liberal Democrats

LIBERAL Democrats in Gateshead have attacked Labour for siding with phone company giants rather than local residents in a row over the power of communities to stop inappropriately sited phone masts.

At present phone masts up to 15 metres in height don’t need full planning permission, often making it difficult for councils to refuse permission for controversial proposals.

Liberal Democrat MPs in Parliament recently moved an amendment to the Planning Bill. It aimed to tightened up the rules and make phone companies get full planning permission for their masts.

This would have meant that they would be considered in the same way as applications for new buildings or change of use of existing ones.

But Labour MPs voted against this and most Conservative MPs did not bother voting at all. The proposal was therefore thrown out.

“Gateshead’s MPs had the opportunity to side with local communities or with giant phone companies,” said Lib Dem Councillor Frank Hindle. “It is extremely disappointing so see that they decided to back big business.

“Lots of us use mobile phones, but that is no reason why the phone companies shouldn’t have to apply for planning permission in the same way that every other business has to.

“This change would have encouraged companies to do more to share masts and to site them better, so that residents didn’t have to put up with so many masts - but Labour seem more interested in phone companies than with what local people want.”

Local hero chosen for by-election battle

LIBERAL Democrats in Blaydon constituency have chosen a local hero as their candidate in a crucial council by-election.

John McClurey will fight the Whickham South and Sunniside ward to fill the vacancy caused by the death of the party’s deputy leader on Gateshead Council, Councillor Alan Ord.

John, who lives in Sunniside village, shot to fame in May when he helped to rescue a young mum and her four year old daughter from a house fire near his shop in Blakelaw, Newcastle.

“I was working in my shop and someone rushed in asking us to call the fire service,” said John. “When I went out, I could hear screaming from the house.

“I just did what I had to do, broke in and helped the mum and her daughter to escape the flames. Only afterwards did I think about my own safety. It only dawned on my how big a story this was when the Evening Chronicle ran a big feature on it.”

The by-election is taking place in the heart of Blaydon constituency where a close battle is looming with the Liberal Democrats fighting hard to take the seat from Labour. They need to overturn a Labour majority of only 5,000 from the last general election.

Peter Maughan, who is Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon, said, “John is just the sort of person we want on our local team, representing people on Gateshead Council.”

The by-election will take place on Thursday 31st July.

Pictured above: Peter Maughan (Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon), Councillor Jonathan Wallace, Councillor Marilynn Ord and John McClurey.

For further information on John McClurey and the house fire, please see: Evening Chronicle

Blaydon “has not benefited from Brown’s first year as Prime Minister”

Blaydon has not benefited from Gordon Brown’s leadership, claim local Liberal Democrats in a message to residents.

Labour MPs unanimously made Mr Brown party leader last year and on 27th June, they marked his first anniversary as Prime Minister.

But local Liberal Democrats are unhappy about Mr Brown’s leadership and have argued strongly that Blaydon has failed to benefit from his year as Prime Minister.

Peter Maughan, Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon Constituency Liberal Democrats, said, “Gordon Brown has been in office for a year and I am still looking for any significant improvements here in Blaydon.

“Instead of the strong leadership claims Labour spun last year, we have endured months of dithering, indecision and a chaotic government under Prime Minister Brown. He seems more like a rabbit frozen in the headlights rather than a person giving leadership to the country.

“Having failed to sort the improvements that are badly needed on the A1 Western Bypass, thousands of local residents on low incomes continue to be worse off under Gordon Brown’s 10p tax grab, despite the recent panic concessions.

“Thousands are being forced to pay more council tax and many local residents are forced to live in overcrowded conditions because of the credit crunch and the failure of Labour to build sufficient affordable homes.

“As I go around Blaydon speaking to residents, I find more and more anger as matters get worse under Gordon Brown rather than better.”

100s gather to say goodbye to Alan

Hundreds of local residents gathered at Whickham’s St Mary’s Church on Wednesday 11th June for the funeral service of Councillor Alan Ord.

Alan had been admitted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in mid May for an operation.

Everything seemed to be fine after the operation and he was able to go home at the end of the month. But a couple of days later, with complications setting in, he had to be readmitted to hospital. He passed away on Monday 2nd June.

Alan’s wife, Councillor Marilynn Ord, their two sons Andrew and Arran, and their five grandchildren are devastated by the loss.

Alan was chairman of Marley Hill School Governors and of Marley Hill Community Centre. He was also a governor of Fellside Primary School.

He was first elected to Gateshead Council in 1988 and has since been re-elected by local residents five times, the most recent being last month.

Alan was also deputy leader of the Opposition on Gateshead Council and had previously led the Opposition on Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority.

The great number of letters, cards and emails of support sent in response to Alan’s death, and the huge number of people who attended his funeral, are testimony to his popularity and hard work as a councillor.

Councillor Jonathan Wallace said, "Alan was my colleague representing local people on Gateshead Council for 20 years. He was a great friend and I am deeply shocked and saddened that he is no longer with us.

"He was a hard working councillor who had dedicated the last twenty years to serving the people of Whickham, Sunniside, Marley Hill, Byermoor and Streetgate. He will be greatly missed."

Alan had undergone an emergency operation in October 2005 following a serious case of food poisoning. He bounced back to health and was back into his council duties three months later.

Tributes have been paid from across politics. Labour Leader of Gateshead Council Mick Henry said, "I know I speak for everyone on Gateshead Council when saying he will be greatly missed."

Councillor Noel Rippeth, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Gateshead Council, said, "Alan was a larger than life figure who loved making people smile and laugh. Yet at the same time he was a dedicated public servant and worked tirelessly for his constituents."

Whickham house plans rejected

A planning application to demolish a large Edwardian house on Grange Lane, Whickham, and replace it with one detached and four terraced houses has been rejected by Gateshead Council’s planning committee.

The decision to refuse was taken at the meeting held on 11th June. Liberal Democrat Councillor Jonathan Wallace called for the application to be rejected because of concerns about the impact on local roads, the loss of privacy for neighbouring properties and the loss of one of the few historic houses in the area.

Residents also attended the meeting and spoke against the application.

“The five new houses would have been build off Grange Nook, a small cul-de-sac,” said Councillor Wallace. “There were concerns this small street could not cope with a doubling in the number of houses on it.

“Furthermore, all the existing homes around the site are bungalows but the proposed houses were two-storey. There were fears that many residents would lose their privacy.”

Liberal Democrats in Blaydon back Carers’ Week

A leading Liberal Democrat in Blaydon has given his backing to Carers’ Week to show support for the thousands of local residents who carer for dependent relatives and friends.

Carers Week is a partnership of 10 UK-wide charities (Carers UK, Counsel and Care; Crossroads Caring for Carers, Help the Hospices, Independent Age, Macmillan Cancer Support, MS Society, Neurological Alliance, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and WRVS) to promote the unpaid work done by the six million people in the UK who support and care for others.

Carers Week starts on 9th June and runs until 15th June.

“I decided to back Carers’ Week as I have seen how hard many people work to support relatives and friends with illnesses or conditions which make them dependent on others,” said Councillor Peter Maughan, Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon.

“One in ten people cares in some way for another person. That is a huge army of people who by their efforts help others to live as normal a life as possible at home, rather than being dependent on health services and other groups for support.

“Many carers work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and too often, the contribution they make is not recognised by society generally. By supporting Carers’ Week, I hope to highlight the work carers do and hopefully raise awareness amongst the general public of their importance.”

Call for North East to be world leader in offshore wind power

A LEADING Liberal Democrat campaigner in Gateshead has called on North East companies ot take a lead in developing offshore wind power.

Councillor Peter Maughan, who is Parliamentary spokesman for Blaydon constituency, made the call after the New and Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC) in Blyth said the region could create thousands of new jobs in the wind energy sector.

NaREC is a respected organisation which has a high level of expertise in renewable energy.

“The North East has the engineering history to be able to build the turbines,” said Peter. “But as a region we have to have the determination to be the best in green energy production.

“Putting turbines off shore in the North Sea would help us cut our carbon emissions. It’s a windy location and the North East is well placed to take advantage of it.

“If businesses seize the initiative now, we will be able to create many new jobs and be a powerhouse for much of the rest of the country.”

Conference to be held in Gateshead

LIBERAL Democrats will be holding their North East Regional Conference in Gateshead on Saturday 14th June. Members will gather in Gateshead Civic Centre to debate issues and listen to speeches.

Councillor Noel Rippeth, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Gateshead Council, said he was delighted the conference was coming to the town.

“Gateshead is a popular venue for the Regional Conference so I am very pleased it is coming again to the borough.

“After the local election successes which saw big gains for the Liberal Democrats across the North East, the conference will also be a bit of a celebration.”

Councillor Alan Ord

Many thanks to everyone who has sent messages of condolences to Councillor Marilynn Ord on the death of her husband, Cllr Alan Ord. Many messages have been sent via Cllr Jonathan Wallace in response to the email bulletin that was sent to residents of Whickham South and Sunniside ward on Tuesday 3rd June.

At this point, the date for the funeral has not yet been fixed. We will keep you informed.

Liberal Democrats in Blaydon welcome transport plans

TRAVEL and transport will improve in Blaydon constituency and on Tyneside if new Liberal Democrat transport policies are put into operation, claim local members of the party.

The policies were launched on 3rd June by Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg. The proposals include improving bus services by putting them under the control of local councils where bus companies have failed to provide improvements themselves; improving local rail services; introducing strong environmental criteria for new roads and building a high speed rail network to cut journey times for longer distance travel.

“There are radical policies which will help address some of the transport problems on Tyneside,” said Councillor Peter Maughan, who is Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon.

“I am very pleased about the proposals to build a dedicated high speed rail service. Current transport links between the North East and the South East and London are not good enough. It is vital for our regional economy that we have better links to the capital.

“By building a high speed rail link, we will cut journey times to London. With the current East Coast Line virtually fully used, we will need the additional high speed link if more people are to travel to and from the North East.

“If we don’t build the high speed link, the inevitable result is that more people will have to travel by car instead, leading to more congestion and pollution.

“Transport is now high on people’s lists of concerns. Despite lots of talk by Labour, public transport is expensive and plagued by problems of decades of failure to invest in it by both Labour and Conservative governments.

“With the cost of driving shooting up, bus and rail services on Tyneside desperately need a boost. Our proposals will help to create a modern local transport system fit for the decades to come, rather than for decades ago.

“The policy proposals will be debated at our conference in September and before then, members in Blaydon will be discussing them at our regular meetings. We are looking forward to a good debate.”

Liberal Democrats in Gateshead back National Recycling Week

A UK-wide campaign to encourage people to recycle more of their household waste has been backed by Liberal Democrats in Gateshead.

National Recycling Week is being held on 2nd – 8th June. This is the fifth year it has been held. It is run by Waste Resources Action Programme (WRAP), a national organisation set up to help people produce less waste and advise on how best to deal with rubbish in an environmentally friendly way.

Councillor Peter Maughan said, “In Gateshead each person is on average producing 406kg of waste a year that is not recycled or composted. Three quarters of this ends up in landfill.

“Unfortunately, figures released last week show Gateshead Council is bottom of the league for recycling and composting in the North East. Though recycling has been increasing in the borough, Gateshead Council still has a long way to go.

“Liberal Democrats in Gateshead are delighted to be able to back National Recycling Week. We are encouraging as many residents as possible to make small changes in their lifestyles which will make large strides to ensuring we do not wreck our environment.

“We waste a huge amount of food each year – on average we throw away 112kg of food each, most of which is still usable. People can avoid this waste by doing simple things such as producing a shopping list of what food is needed, rather than wandering around the supermarket buying what takes your fancy!

“Last year in the UK, it was estimated that we spent £8 billion on food that was still fit to be used when it was thrown away. Being green can save money!

“There is a limit to how much rubbish we can throw into holes in the ground. There comes a point when we have to say that we cannot go on getting rid of waste in this way.

“I am therefore delighted that National Recycling Week is underway. I hope it will be a great success and will help residents of Gateshead to cut waste and live greener lifestyles.”

IGNORANCE OF LIFE THREATENING CONDITION PUTS MORE DIABETICS AT RISK – LIB DEMS

Liberal Democrats in Gateshead are calling for greater screening for diabetes after worrying new figures revealed that there has been a steady rise in the number of emergency admissions to local hospitals for a life threatening condition which develops if diabetes remains undetected.

Councillor Peter Maughan, Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon, said that many people were not aware they were diabetic. Early detection could save lives by preventing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life threatening form of the illness.

Figures show that in 2002 there were 18 emergency admissions to hospital for DKA in the area of Gateshead Primary Care Trust (PCT). In 2006/7, this had risen to 75.

The release of the figures comes after a national service framework was set up to ensure that all PCTs offer screening to those most at risk from developing diabetes. Currently, only 57% of PCTs are offering such screening.

Councillor Maughan said, “Diabetics are increasingly being put at risk, often because they don’t know enough about their condition.

“Too many people don’t realise they have diabetes in the first place. We need better education to warn diabetics of the life-threatening dangers of DKA, and also a greater awareness campaign so that people can spot the symptoms of diabetes early. The government simply isn’t doing enough.

“Gateshead PCT must do all it can to ensure people benefit from the National Service Framework. I strongly feel that local health services should highlight the need for individuals to watch out for any symptoms of diabetes and encourage people concerned they are developing the illness to be screened.

“Early detection will certainly help to save lives.”

Ferry axing sparks visitor worries

LIBERAL Democrats in Blaydon constituency are to write to ferry operator DFDS to ask them to think again about axing the North East route to Norway.

On 1st September, the MS Queen of Scandinavia will cease operating between the Tyne and Stavanger, Haugesund and Bergen. The loss of the route will lead to the loss of 300 jobs in Denmark and the UK.

Councillor Peter Maughan, Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon, said, “The ferry routes to Scandinavia are important for the North East’s tourism industry.

“Many Scandinavians, and especially Norwegians, visit the Metrocentre as well as our main tourist centres. Many jobs therefore indirectly depend on the North Sea routes continuing to operate.

“I appreciate that the Queen of Scandinavia service has been loss making since DFDS took over from Fjordline in 2006. Nevertheless, I am hoping that the company can at least run a reduced service.

“I am therefore writing to the company to ask them to consider other ways of keeping the service partly going.

“At a time when the economy is slowing down, we need to fight hard to keep our businesses and job prospects afloat.”

A1 improvements "kicked into long grass"

A leading Liberal Democrat Councillor in Gateshead, whose ward borders the A1, has attacked the government over the failure to improve the A1.

 

Hopes that the A1 Western By-pass could be improved to cut congestion (and therefore pollution) and to make traffic flow more easily have been put on hold yet again following recent comments by Labour’s Transport Minister.

 

Rosie Winterton MP told the region earlier this month that no work on improvements to the road will be carried out for the time being as the Highways Agency was studying options for the road.

 

“This is a classic case of kicking an issue into the long grass,” said Councillor Peter Maughan in the Liberal Democrats’ email newsletter to residents of Whickham and Dunston.

 

“We are being told that any short term improvements will be very minor, such as clearing accidents more quickly.

 

“This is not a solution to the problem of a road that is completely inadequate for the job it has to do.

 

“Every day, my constituents in Dunston have to put up with thousands of slow moving vehicles stuck in a traffic jam going through the heart of the village. This means more noise and pollution endured by residents.

 

“Whilst there is cross party support here in the North East for the view that major improvement to the A1 is vital for the future of the region’s jobs, businesses and environment, that message just isn’t getting through to ministers in London who prevaricate about the future of this road.”

 

Councillor Maughan, who is also Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Blaydon, is writing to Rosie Winterton to urge her to back improvements to the A1 and to set a timetable for the work to be carried out.

 

 

A1 advertising tower plan rejected

Plans to build an 18 metre high advertising tower on land next to the A1 in Swalwell, near the Metrocentre, have been rejected by Gateshead Council’s planners.

 

Had the plans been approved, the tower, which would have been internally illuminated, would have carried panels for advertising hoardings measuring 7.5metres by 5 metres.

 

“I am pleased this has been rejected. Had this gone ahead it would have been huge,” said Councillor Peter Craig.

 

“It would have dominated the roadside, distracted drivers at a very busy stretch of the A1 and would have been an unwelcome addition to the Swalwell skyline.”

Planners to see controversial housing site

Gateshead’s planning committee is to visit the site where a controversial planning application is stirring community unrest.

 

An application has been lodged with Gateshead Council to demolish the 100 year old house at 59 Grange Lane, Whickham, and replace it with one detached and four terraced houses.

 

Access to the four terraced houses will be off Grange Nook, a small street next to the site that is already tightly packed. The application has received 27 letters of objection from residents.

 

Planning permission has been granted in the past two years to demolish two other old houses on Grange Lane and replace them with larger numbers of smaller homes.

 

When the plan was presented to the planning committee today (21st May) it was agreed that a site visit by the committee was needed before any decision should be taken.

 

Local Liberal Democrat councillor Marilynn Ord, who opposes the plan, welcomed the decision to carry out a visit.

 

“There is a danger that this area will split at the seams,” said Marilynn. “The access to four of the new houses will be through a narrow street. Grange Lane itself is very narrow but is already a busy access road to the large Grange Estate.

 

“Furthermore, the homes around the site are nearly all bungalows and many people are concerned about the loss of privacy.

 

“The existing house is a good example of one of the old houses of Whickham and it would be a pity to see it demolished.

 

“I am hoping that the visit by the planning committee will help to show the problems that will arise by putting too many new houses here.”

 

Whickham May Fayre May 2008

Congratulations to everyone involved with the Whickham May Fayre on Saturday 17th May. The weather may have been a bit damp but spirits remained high. As usual, Cllr Jonathan Wallace went along with his video camera and shot a bit of footage. He got there at the start and had to leave early for another appointment so the video didn’t catch the crowds that arrived later on.

However, he did manage to catch a slightly embarrassed Cllr Peter Maughan winning too many prizes on various tombolas!

Welcome for Post Office appeal win

An attempt by Gateshead Council to stop a post office from installing a cash machine has ended in defeat.

Sunniside Post Office had applied for the machine to be installed in 2007. A petition signed by 200 residents of the village backed the plan, as did Sunniside’s Liberal Democrat councillor, Jonathan Wallace. But despite this, the planning application was kicked out by Gateshead Council’s Planning Committee.

Labour councillors claimed the cash machine would be a danger to traffic as the post office is on Sunniside Front Street. This is despite the fact that most cash machines are already installed on city, town and village front streets throughout the UK.

Now planning inspectors have now overturned the decision and the machine will now be installed.

“This application should not have been rejected,” said Councillor Wallace, who backed the appeal.

“I find it remarkable that Labour councillors took the decision that Sunniside should be denied this service.

“Labour’s original decision to reject the application could not be believed by Sunniside residents when they first heard it.

“At a time when post offices are under threat, the cash machine will boost the branch in Sunniside and help to ensure it survives. We are now looking forward to the machine being installed. It will be the only 24 hour, free to use cash machine in the village.”

Councillor Peter Maughan, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon, which includes Sunniside, said, “The government are pushing through the closure of a further 2,500 post offices throughout the country.

“Ministers claim the closures are needed as there is not enough business to keep them open. And here we have an example of Labour councillors actually trying to block additional business going to a post office branch.

“Thankfully, the attempt has failed. However, we are still waiting for the list of branches on Tyneside Labour want to close. When published, we will fight hard against the closures.”

Promise of jam tomorrow is not enough – Ron Beadle

Liberal Democrats on Tyneside have attacked Government offers to compensate low income earners losing out under tax changes as “vague promises of jam tomorrow”.

The doubling of the 10p income tax starter rate was announced last year but was put into operation at the start of April after Labour MPs voted for it in March. Since then, Labour MPs have suffered a backlash from low income people whose tax rates were doubled by Gordon Brown.

“Tens of thousands of residents of Tyneside have been hit hard by Labour’s decision to double the 10p income tax starter rate,” said Councillor Ron Beadle, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Newcastle North. Ron is also Councillor for Low Fell in Gateshead.

“Labour MPs, having only just voted to put this tax rise into operation, suddenly started shouting about how terrible it was.

“It is disappointing that they have caved in and agreed to back the Government’s last minute offer of vague promises of compensation. All that is on offer is jam tomorrow. There are no details of how the compensation scheme will work.

“Having previously been told there was no money in the kitty to reverse the tax rise, the Government has failed to explain how they will pay for the compensation scheme.

“And as is so often the case with this government, we should believe it when it happens. In the meantime, those on low incomes on Tyneside continue to lose out whilst Gordon Brown’s tax rises bite into pay packets and pensions.

“It is staggering that in the same week as vague concessions for some of the lowest paid people in the country were dragged out of the Government, Gordon Brown’s door to Downing Street was wide open for bankers to visit him and successfully argue for £50 billion bailout from the taxpayer to keep the banking system afloat.

“There is something seriously wrong when a Labour Government turns its back on ordinary people.”

Christmas isn’t coming early to Dunston

There may still be 8 months of shopping days left to Christmas but there is one small corner of Gateshead where Christmas won’t be arriving early this year.

A request by Liberal Democrat Councillors in Dunston Hill for festive lights to be installed in the few weeks running up to Christmas in The Crescent, Dunston, has been turned down by Gateshead Council.

The request was spearheaded by Councillor Peter Maughan who had been contacted by shop owners whose businesses are in The Crescent.

“Four years ago we had some lights in The Crescent,” said Peter. “But since then, there has been nothing. A small investment will boost this shopping area in the heart of Dunston.

“I am disappointed that Gateshead Council has turned down our request for Christmas lights. Local shops are being squeezed by big retail chains and we need to attract shoppers from the nearby Metrocentre and Newcastle City Centre to small centres such as Dunston.

“Having an attractive display at Christmas is one way to achieve that. Unfortunately Christmas will not be coming early, or indeed at all, to The Crescent.”

Lib Dems score century in Low Fell

LIBERAL Democrats in Low Fell, Gateshead, are celebrating after producing the 100th edition of their community newsletter Focus.

Launched 20 years ago, the newsletter has proved a big hit with residents of Low Fell.

The area’s three Liberal Democrat Councillors, Frank Hindle, Ron Beadle and Charles Jevon have also used Focus to keep residents in touch with what’s happening in the area and on Gateshead Council.

Charles is now retiring from Gateshead Council. Campaigner Susan Craig has picked up the baton from Charles and is hoping to be elected in the local elections on 1st May, along with Frank Hindle who is due for re-election.

“Having spoken to many residents of Low Fell recently, I know just how useful they find Focus,” said Susan.

“It’s a great way to keep in touch and a useful way for the area’s Liberal Democrat councillors to keep residents up to date with what Gateshead Council is doing.”

Councillor Hindle said, “We are proud to have reached our 100th edition! Focus caught on very quickly with residents when we first produced it twenty years ago. And we are delighted we have kept it going all these years.

“Liberal Democrats believe that it is important for those who are elected by the people to remain in touch with the people. Focus is our main way of doing that.”

Battle for warden at North East Court

Plans by the Railway Housing Association, owners of North Eastern Court at the bottom of Dunston Bank, to withdraw the warden service have sparked concern amongst residents living in the accommodation.

Many of the residents at North Eastern Court had moved there because of the warden service which affords them the support which they need for every day living.

Many have now approached local Councillor, Peter Maughan, who has taken up their case. But despite pressure, the Housing Association have indictated they are not prepared to meet residents whilst Councillor Maughan is present.

"The latest information I have is that at best, the Housing Association may keep on a much more restricted warden service than is currently available but a final decision is yet to be made.

"In the meantime, I have asked the Gateshead Council Cabinet Member who is the champion for older people to become involved. He has agreed to that and will if necessary help in further negotiations should these be necessary.

Demolition likely for fire hit school block

The sixth form block at Whickham School is likely to be demolished following the devastating fire on 21st March. Many children from Dunston and Lobley Hill are pupils at the school.
The fire, which is being treated as arson, destroyed the block that contained the library, two classrooms, a computer lab which contained 40 PCs and the staff room as well as the sixth form common room.

Fortunately the fire was contained and did not spread to neighbouring buildings.
"Staff and pupils are coping well, despite the terrible circumstances," said governor and Dunston Hill and Whickham East Councillor, Peter Maughan.

"The main hall is being used temporarily as common rooms for staff and sixth form. The council have indicated that demountable temporary class rooms could be provided.

"The school has always been successful and popular. As a result it is always full and is, indeed, bursting at the seams. Over the years accommodation problems have been tackled by building new blocks. The school itself however desperately needs replacing on the existing site with a single, new building.

"Under existing plans, the earliest this will happen is 2014/15. Perhaps now is the time for the government to rethink the timetable and bring forward the start date."

Residents call for Rocket to be pulled down

Pull down the Rocket and the surrounding maisonettes! That’s the view of nearly 4 out of 5 of the people living in maisonettes next to the landmark high rise block of flats called Derwent Tower, but better known by its "Rocket" nickname.

The findings are from a survey carried out for Gateshead Council and the Gateshead Housing Company. The survey also found that people want the site used to building affordable homes for rent.

In addition, a public exhibition was held in Dunston Activity Centre by Gateshead Council on 19-20 February. 120 residents from the Dunston area came along.

Initial findings of a survey of those who attended show most want the Rocket to be demolished.
"It is now important that the Council moves quickly to carry out the wishes of local residents," said Councillor Peter Maughan. "As a teenager living in Dunston, I remember the Rocket being built. But residents have now spoken and it is time for it to go.

"I am keen however to ensure that new shops and a village centre are created to benefit all local residents."

Whickham Community Fayre

Mayor of Gateshead Councillor David Lynne opened the Whickham Community Association Fayre on 28th March in the Community Centre. Also attending was Councillor Peter Maughan.

MP challenged to public debate on Post Offices

LIBERAL Democrats in Blaydon constituency have challenged the area’s Labour MP to a public debate about the future of Post Offices.

The challenged was made after Blaydon Labour MP David Anderson voted with the government to continue closing post offices.

Councillor Peter Maughan, who is Parliamentary Candidate for the Liberal Democrats for Blaydon, was so angry about Mr Anderson’s backing for continued post office closures that he decided to throw down the gaunlet to the MP.

“The government has ordered the closure of one in every five post offices,” said Peter. “Mr Anderson has called for more to be done in the past to keep open post office branches.

“In the recent vote in Parliament, MPs had the opportunity to vote to suspend the closure programme. Despite some Labour MPs voting against, Mr Anderson chose to vote with the government and backed the continuation of the closures.

“In the summer, the post offices that will be proposed for closure on Tyneside will be announced. Liberal Democrats will campaign to keep them open. But Mr Anderson needs to explain to constituents now why he has backed the closure of a fifth of the branches in the area.

“Mr Anderson was elected on a self proclaimed programme of being his own man and holding the government to account. He has, however, failed to do this and has consistently voted with the government. Post offices are just one example of this.

“I have therefore challenged Mr Anderson to a public debate on post office closures so that he can explain himself to his constituents.”

Call on Northumbrian Water to use Post Offices

LIBERAL Democrats in Gateshead have called on Northumbrian Water not to end bill payments through post offices.

The decision by the North East’s water provider to cancel the contract with post offices for payment of water bills has drawn a sharp response from Councillor Peter Maughan, parliamentarty candidate for Blaydon.

Northumbrian Water announced its change of policy earlier this year. As from April, paying water bills will no longer be allowed at post offices.

“I have written to Northumbrian Water to ask them to reconsider their decision,” said Peter. “Whilst there are other forms of payment available, paying through a post office branch is important for many residents and is often more convenient.

“Such payments also help support the post office network at a time when government ministers are trying to close down 2,500 branches.

“Whilst I appreciate the cost to the company is higher when paying through post offices than for other types of payment, it is overall just a small price to the company.

“I hope therefore that the company will think agains about their decision.”

Bus shelter vandalism in Lobley Hill sparks police call

LIBERAL Democrats in Lobley Hill have written to the local police to ask them to look at putting more patrols in the area following damage to bus shelters.

Shelters at the top of Lobley Hill Bank have had their windows smashed in recent weeks.

Peter Andras, who leads the Lib Dem Lobley Hill Focus Team, said, “Twice in recent weeks, windows in the shelters have been smashed.

“This mindless vandalism is a concern to residents so I have written to the police to ask them if they could do some extra patrols in the area.

“Hopefully this will act as a deterrent to vandals.”

Big Top talks in Lobley Hill

A planning application for a temporary big top that was given the go ahead by Gateshead Council recently has sparked discussions between opponents and supporters to ensure the impact is kept to a minimum.

The plans by churches group “NE1” for a big top to be installed next to Gateshead Central Nursery in Lobley Hill had sparked concerns from some residents about the impact of parking and congestion.

The plan will see the tent installed for a ten week period, seating 8,000 people. A weekly event will be held during the time the tent is in place.

Councillor Peter Maughan represented concerned residents at the planning meeting in March which considered the plan. He has since been in touch with organisers of the event to discuss residents’ concerns.

“I have had a positive discussion with Revd Bob Hopper of Lobley Hill’s All Saints Church, one of the key people helping to put the event together,” said Peter.

“The organisers are drawing up plans for stewarding the event so that those driving to Lobley Hill are directed to on site car parking. They are also encouraging park and ride schemes to cut down on congestion.

“I am hopeful that many of the concerns of residents can be resolved.”

Whickham School update

Latest news: whilst the school is open for teaching, problems have been found with the power supplies to the smaller blocks. As a result, years 7 and 8 are not required to attend school for the rest of this week.
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Whickham School - latest

Councillor Jonathan Wallace has spoken to Tom Hopper, chairman of the Whickham School governors. The latest news is that the school is expecting to open on Tuesday as scheduled and pupils should turn up.

As a temporary measure, the main hall will be used in place of the rooms lost in the block that was destoyed by the fire.

We will bring you more news as we get it.

Whickham bulb show

Congratulations to all those who entered the Whickham Bulb Show and art competition on Saturday 15th March, and especially to the winners! We have included here a few of our own photos taken by Councillors Peter Craig, Alan Ord, Mary Wallace and Marilynn Ord who went to the show.

Swalwell car boot sale season starts again

The Car Boot Sale season officially started in Swalwell on the first Sunday in March.

We all love to grab a bargain or two at our locally famous Car Boot Sale, but in the past, residents have recently expressed some concerns over inconsiderate parking in the immediate area during events. There are have also been one or two comments regarding litter.

Cllr Chris Ord said, “Now that the Car Boot Sale season has restarted, your local councillors will be monitoring the situation. We have worked with the Club and council officials in the past to resolve some minor issues, but we hope that these are now a thing of the past.”

Photo: Councillors Chris Ord, Mary Wallace and Peter Craig outside Blaydon Rugby Club in Swalwell.

Sunniside History Society Grant

Lottery Awards for All have presented the Sunniside Local History Society a grant of £3,072. The award will help the society complete the Tanfield Way Educational DVD. This will put into the spotlight previously unidentified local historical features. Well done to the society and its members.

You can visit the society’s website on: www.sunnisidelocalhistorysociety.co.uk.

Swalwell Flats Plan

PLANS to build flats on the Brewery Lane site in Swalwell have been handed into Gateshead Council recently.

RJR Property Developments want to build a block of 22 apartments. in a 6 storey block with 22 associated parking spaces. In order to achieve this, there would be demolition of the steward’s house and partial demolition of the concert room at rear of the existing club.

Councillors Peter Craig and Mary Wallace are aware of support for the scheme, but have also received some concerns from local residents concerned that the building will be too high in relation to surrounding properties and would look out of place.

“Such a development could have an impact on the surrounding area,” said Mary, “so we want to have a better understanding of residents’ views.

You can email us your views by emailing Mary on cllr.mwallace@gateshead.gov.uk.

Photo: Councillors Peter Craig and Mary Wallace outside the Brewery Lane site in Swalwell where developers are proposing to build flats.

Mobile speed camera for Marley Hill

It has been some time since we asked for a speed camera to be installed in Marley Hill but at last, patience seems to have paid off.

We are pleased to say that the Northumbria Police Safer Roads Initiative is to target Church Street with a mobile camera.

“There is a huge amount of traffic coming through Marley Hill every day and too many vehicles are above the 30mph speed limit,” said Cllr Alan Ord.

“The mobile camera will be important in reminding people that the village is a residential area and people must drive with care, and within the speed limit.

“We would like a permanent camera but a mobile one is an important step in the right direction.”

Red lights for Sunniside traffic lights

LAST year, Councillors, Alan and Marilynn Ord and Jonathan Wallace, successfully persuaded Gateshead Council to put traffic lights at the Sunniside Road, Front Street junction next to Sunniside Chapel, Sunniside.

Residents of the village will not have failed to notice that we are still waiting for the lights to go in.

“We have raised concerns with the Council about the length of time being taken to get the lights installed,” said Alan. “We were told late last year that the problem was a staffing shortage.

“However, given that time has now moved on, we are continuing to press for a timetable for the work to be carried out. As soon as we know the details, we will let everyone know.”

Photo: Councillors Alan and Marilynn Ord at the junction on Sunniside Front Street where the promised traffic lights have not yet appeared.

Sharon Hodgson MP votes for post office closures

LIBERAL Democrats in Gateshead have accused Sharon Hodgson MP of failing to support local services after she voted to support the Government's massive post office closure programme.

The Government has ordered that one in five branches be closed. Opposition MPs tried to stop the closure programme on 19th March when a motion was proposed in the House of Commons demanding the Government halt their plans to make 2500 branches shut up shop.

But enough Labour MPs rallied around the Government’s closure plans to reject the motion and ensure the closure programme can continue unhindered. One of those voting to close post offices was Gateshead East and Washington West MP Sharon Hodgson.

Disappointed local Liberal Democrat campaigners are calling on Mrs Hodgson to explain why she voted to close post offices.

“Sharon Hodgson has let down people in Gateshead and Washington by voting to allow the closures to continue,” said Councillor Frank Hindle who represents Low Fell.

“In June, the announcement will be made as to which branches here will be put forward for closure. This was an opportunity for Mrs Hodgson to make a stand on behalf of residents. I am disappointed she has backed the Government rather than local people.

“The loss of post offices will hit communities hard in Gateshead. They are vital assets for many local people and closing them will cause many difficulties for older people and others with mobility problems, in particular.

“Despite the decision of Mrs Hodgson to help the Government press ahead with closure, Liberal Democrats are continuing to fight the demolition of the post office network.”

Whickham School damaged by fire

A fire has caused serious damage to Whickham School, resulting in the destruciton of a the block containing the staff and six form common rooms, the lecture threatre, two classrooms and the library.

The fire brigade was called to the school shortly after 9pm on Friday 21st March. The fire itself could be seen from as far as Winlaton and Streetgate.

There is fire damage to the neighbouring music block but the musical instruments were saved and are now being stored elsewhere on the school premises.

Lib Dems in Blaydon call on David Anderson MP to apologise for Iraq occupation

LIBERAL Democrats in Blaydon constituency have called on Labour MP David Anderson to apologise for his party’s support for the invasion of Iraq.

Speaking at a meeting of members, Peter Maughan, Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate for Blaydon, said, “Five years ago, the Labour Government led Britain into the war in Iraq. The Conservatives were the cheerleaders for military action. And MPs from both parties attacked the Liberal Democrats for our opposition to the invasion.

“It is now clear that the war in Iraq and the occupation of the country were the worst decisions taken by Britain in foreign policy in living memory. And Mr Anderson, despite claiming to be opposed to the invasion, has backed the continued occupation of Iraq.

“Five years on from the start of the invasion, 175 British troops have lost their lives, £7 billion of our money has been lost on this appalling venture and, according to some estimates, 600,000 Iraqis have lost their lives as a result.

“David Anderson should apologise to the people of Blaydon for his support of this disastrous military occupation.

“The remaining British troops in Iraq are not serving a useful purpose. The Government are asking our brave men and women to put their lives at risk for no gain for either our country or the world at large. Despite assurances by Gordon Brown that our troops will be coming home, they are still in Iraq.

“I am calling on David Anderson to join the Liberal Democrats in urging the Government to set a timetable for the full withdrawal of the remaining UK troops from Iraq.”

“Next week there will be a vote in Parliament calling for a full inquiry into the origins and conduct of the Iraq war. I urge Mr Anderson to join the Liberal Democrats in voting to hold this inquiry. Lessons must be learnt so the mistakes of Iraq are never made again.”

House building plan opposed

A plan to build five homes on the site of an existing house and its back garden in Whickham, Gateshead, are being opposed by the area’s Liberal Democrat councillor, Marilynn Ord.

The plans call for the demolition of the house at 59 Grange Lane. In its place would be one detached and four terraced houses on the garden.

But residents have raised concerns about the housing plans to their local councillors.

“The plan calls for two storey homes to be built here,” said Marilynn. “But all the homes surrounding the garden are bungalows and there are worries about the loss of privacy and the new houses being out of character with the area.

“Access to the terrace will be through Grange Nook, a very small and narrow street which will suddenly find the number of houses on it nearly doubling.

“I feel this is too many houses for too small a space so I am asking the Planning Committee to reject this application.”

Welcome progress on Whickham Library garden

PLANS to develop a small garden behind a popular library are taking shape. Councillors Mary Wallace, Peter Craig and Chris Ord had campaigned to have the small piece of land at the rear of Whickham Library, in Whickham village in western Gateshead, converted into a small garden for readers and the local community.

The site was formerly an open, paved area at the back of the library but had become a venue for anti-social behaviour. After the Councillors raised the need to improve the site with Gateshead Council, it was fenced off.

“We are pleased that work is now underway to make this into a pleasant little garden,” said Mary. “It will be a green oasis and a boost for the library.

“In the summer months we are hoping readers will be able to site out in the garden, enjoy a good read and hopefully some good weather as well!”

Photo: Whickham Library Garden work underway.

Support for Post Office appeal

A leading Liberal Democrat councillor in Gateshead has called on planning inspectors to uphold an appeal to allow a cash machine to be installed in a village Post Office.

Dr Jonathan Wallace, who represents Sunniside, has written to the Planning Inspectorate to support the appeal which he hopes will allow the Post Office in the village to have a cash machine installed in thefront of the building.

Gateshead Council rejected the application for the cash machine last year, claiming it would attract too many additional visitors to Sunniside Front Street. However, over 200 residents of the village, including Councillor Wallace, backed the plan.

“I feel the decision last year not to allow the machine to be installed was unreasonable,” said Cllr Wallace. “The Government has taken away a lot of business from Post Offices and branches need alternatives if they are to stay open.

“Many of them are ideally located for cash machines. Labour councillors in Gateshead have claimed in the past to be in support of Post Offices. It was disappointing last year that they failed to act on their claims.

“The cash machine will help to secure the future of Sunniside Post Office. It will also mean that the village has a 24 hour, free to use cash machine for the first time.

“The appeal against Gateshead’s decision is being considered now and I hope my letter to the Planning Inspectorate will help ensure it is successful.”

Liberal Democrats welcome proposal to use Gateshead for Olympics training

Liberal Democrats in Gateshead have welcomed the recommendation that Gateshead Stadium and Gateshead Leisure Centre should be used as a training camp in the run up to the London Olympics in 2012.

The two facilities will be used for training in athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, fencing, judo, table tennis, taekwondo, weightlifting, and wrestling.

Gateshead Councillor Peter Maughan said, "I am delighted that Gateshead has been listed in the Pre-Games Training Camp Guide and hope that many countries choose to send their teams to the area to train.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for Gateshead, which will boost the local economy and ensure that the Olympic legacy reaches beyond London.

“The London Olympics will be a major event and the government has agreed to put a huge amount of money into the games. It is therefore right that areas outside the capital benefit from the Olympics being staged in our country.

"I am looking forward to welcoming athletes from all over the world to Gateshead in 2012.”

Conservatives have curiosity value but nothing else on Tyneside – Liberal Democrats

With the Conservatives arriving in Gateshead to hold their spring conference in the Sage, a leading Liberal Democrat in the borough has said that the visitors will provide a rare, novety factor for residents.

Dr Jonathan Wallace, who is Councillor for Whickham South and Sunniside in Gateshead, said, “I am happy for the Conservatives to visit Gateshead and spend their money in local hotels and shops. This will be a nice but small boost for the local economy!

“Given the complete disappearance of the Conservatives from serious politics in Gateshead and Newcastle, the people of Tyneside are likely to look on any Conservative visitors they see as the temporary return of a nearly extinct species.

“I won my council seat from the Conservatives 21 years ago and during that time their organisation has collapsed into dust here. They lost their last seats on Gateshead and Newcastle Councils twelve years ago and have no winnable seats at all left in the area.

“Far from having a recovery in Gateshead or Newcastle, the Conservatives have simply vanished.

“The Conservatives may have curiosity value for local residents, but that is all they have to offer Tyneside.”

“CUT INCOME TAX IN BUDGET” - LIB DEMS URGE CHANCELLOR

Chancellor Alistair Darling should cut national income tax, paid for by rises in green taxes, when he delivers his Budget on 12th March, say Blaydon Liberal Democrats.

Parliamentary candidate Councillor Peter Maughan said, “The people of Blaydon have been squeezed by higher prices for energy and rising council tax over the past year.

“And since the last Budget, the country has suffered again from extreme weather conditions, where climate change is likely to have been a causal factor.

“The Budget is an ideal opportunity for the Government, at last, to tackle the environmental damage that is contributing to the freak weather conditions we are seeing happen only too often. It is also an opportunity for Alistair Darling to cut the burden of tax on low and middle income households.

“The Liberal Democrats therefore want to see a cut in national income tax to 16p in the pound. This should be paid for by increasing the taxes on activities that pollute most, such as running the most polluting vehicles or flying.

“Council tax is an unfair tax. It is far more of a burden for low and middle income households. Liberal Democrats want the Chancellor to use the Budget to scrap council tax and replace it with a fair, local income tax, based on ability to pay.

“I strongly believe that the Liberal Democrats’ plan of shifting more of the tax burden from people’s income and onto pollution will benefit people in Blaydon.

“In Britain, the poorest fifth of households pay a bigger share of their income in tax than the richest fifth. The wealth divide between rich and poor has actually risen since Labour came to power.

“The Budget is an ideal opportunity for Labour to put right the problems they have allowed to grow since they first came to office in 1997.”

Blaydon Liberal Democrats call for end to ID cards

Liberal Democrats in Blaydon constituency have backed calls to the government to abandon plans to make people carry identity cards.

Leading the call locally is Councillor Peter Maughan, Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon. He decided to voice his concerns after Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg MP published figures showing that 37 million pieces of personal information on UK citizens were lost in 2007, mostly by the Government.

The law bringing in ID cards has already been passed by Labour and soon most citizens will have to pay for an identity card.

“The expensive identity cards scheme is based on the government storing large amounts of information about each one of us on a central database,” said Peter.

“But in 2007 the Government stumbled from one data loss crisis to another. The worst example came in November when the Government lost the personal details of all 25 million families with children. That has put the privacy of every family in Blaydon at risk.

“The dangers of putting so much information about every citizen in the UK into one central database are clear to everyone except, it seems, the Government. Ministers are in denial when they argue that the information will be safe and people’s privacy will not be undermined.

“I am very pleased that new Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg is leading the battle to end the ID cards scheme. Liberal Democrats in Blaydon are right behind him. The plan to make everyone carry a piece of plastic should be buried before it ends up as another expensive government fiasco.

“The scheme will be a bureaucratic nightmare. It won’t prevent illegal working. It won’t help stop crime or terrorism. If the government really wants to make an impact on crime, terrorism and illegal immigration, the money it has earmarked for this scheme would be far better spent on more police and intelligence officers. That is what the Liberal Democrats would do.”

Liberal Democrats to attend Spring Conference

LIBERAL Democrat members in Gateshead have chosen 4 members to attend the party’s forthcoming spring conference in Liverpool.

Members from across the country will be meeting in the city from 7th to 9th March. Amongst them will be Peter Maughan, Frank Hindle, Ian Patterson and Jonathan Wallace from Gateshead.

Peter Maughan, Parliamentary candidate for Blaydon said, “We are looking forward to this conference as it will be Nick Clegg’s first as Leader of the Liberal Democrats.

“There will be important debates on health, housing, education and defence. Nick Clegg will be making his first speech as Leader of the Liberal Democrats. The party’s Shadow Chancellor, Vince Cable MP, will also be speaking.

“I am hoping to meet a number of the party’s MPs at the conference to discuss with them concerns about the cuts to police funding that the government has made. These cuts will lead to the loss of the ‘101’ non-emergency police phone number.”

Liberal Democrats hold two national conferences a year, the first in March and the main one in September.

Festival Park play area survey

LIBERAL Democrats in Gateshead have carried out a survey of residents about play areas on Festival Park and Rosewood Park in the Team Valley.

The survey was carried out after residents raised concerns about inadequate play facilities for children.

“The two estates here were built after the National Garden Festival finished in 1990,” said Peter Andras, who co-ordinated the survey.

“There are many young families living there and parents had told us that more facilities were needed. The small play areas already there were appropriate for toddlers but there was nothing much for older children.

“So we carried out the survey over the past two weekends to get a better picture of what people’s concerns were.

“We are now checking through all the replies and will be taking up the issues raised with the Council.”

Photo: Lobley Hill and Bensham ward Liberal Democrat Focus Team members Susan Craig and Peter Andras outside one of the small play areas on Festival Park, Gateshead.

MP accused of hypocrisy on council cash vote

LABOUR MP for Tyne Bridge, David Clelland, has been accused of hypocrisy after he attacked the low increase in the level of government grant paid to Gateshead Council to support service.

Mr Clelland attacked the low grant increase in the House of Commons on Monday 4th February. But only two hours after making the attack, he voted for the cash plans.

In the Commons, Mr Clelland asked Local Government Minister John Healey why Gateshead is “constantly given such a poor settlement? What is wrong with the forumla, and when will the Minister put it right?”

Mr Healey dismissed Mr Clelland’s questions, claiming, “There is nothing wrong with the formula, which is the best and fairest way that we have established for distributing the money available [to local councils].”

Gateshead Liberal Democrat Councillor Jonathan Wallace said, “Mr Clelland rightly raised concerns about why his own government has given Gateshead such a poor cash settlement compared to other councils.

“This is a below inflation rise and it will leave Gateshead cash-strapped for years to come.

“But I found it staggering that Mr Clelland was then happy to be herded through the goverment lobby to vote for the cash settlement he had only just attacked. This was a case of all talk and no action from this Labour MP.

“It strikes me as hypocritical to speak out against something and then immediately afterwards vote for it. Residents of Gateshead are owed an explanation from Mr Clelland.”

Metropolitan Councils have been given an average increase of 4.1% in their cash grant for the coming year but Gateshead’s increase is only 2%.

Speed reduction plans “don’t go far enough”

A proposal to cut a speed limit on a busy road near Whickham, Gateshead, that has seen a number of fatal accidents in recent years, does not go far enough, claim the area’s Liberal Democrat councillors.

Plans to cut the speed limit on Fellside Road, on the section from the Woodman’s Arms public house, past the entrance to Whickham Golf Club, to the edge of Whickham, from 60mph to 50mph have been put forward by highway engineers.

A review of conditions on the road was carried out in 2007. In the previous 5 years there had been 22 road accidents involving injuries. Four involved fatalities.

“Highway engineers are proposing a number of measures,” said Councillor Alan Ord. “Whilst some of the proposals for better road and verge markings are welcome, Councillors Marilynn Ord, Jonathan Wallace and I do not feel the speed reduction proposals go far enough.

“We have been asked for our views by the engineers and we have called for the whole of the road from the edge of Whickham to Burnopfield to be reduced from 60mph to 40mph. We are continuing to press for this improvement.

“This is a dangerous road with a poor accident record. Excessive speed is making the situation worse. We feel 40mph would lower the danger considerably.”

Call on Council to look at “101” funding

A LEADING Liberal Democrat Councillor in Gateshead is calling on the Council to explore ways of keeping the “101” non-emergency number in operation, despite the decision of the government to end funding for the scheme.

“101” is a number people can call to report low level crime and anti-social behaviour without having to use the emergency “999” number.

The service was very successful in the Northumbria Police area. It was set up in July 2006. In Gateshead, over 32,000 people called the number up to November 2007.

But in the autumn of 2007, the government announced the funding for the service was to be axed.

Councillor Peter Maughan, who is Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for Blaydon, has now written to Gateshead Council’s Chief Executive and Leader to ask them to explore ways of funding the service to keep it going.

“Newcastle Council’s controlling Liberal Democrat group has made the commitment to fund the service in the city,” said Peter. “It now looks as though residents in Newcastle will continue to benefit from the 101 service.

“Unfortunately, without council intervention on the other side of the Tyne, it looks as though the residents of Gateshead will lose the service.

“So I have written to Gateshead’s Leader and chief executive to ask them if they could look at ways of funding the service in the borough. I am hoping for a positive response.”

“Dithering has been damaging to Northern Rock” – Blaydon Liberal Democrats

Responding to the decision by the Government to nationalise Northern Rock, Councillor Peter Maughan, Liberal Democrat candidate for Blaydon, one of the party’s most winnable constituencies in the North East, said:

“This decision was inevitable and should have been taken last year. Instead, Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling were paralysed by their own dithering. They put off a decision right until the very end. This is hardly a sensible way to run the Government.

“Had Labour followed the advice of Lib Dem Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable last year, the uncertainty that was so damaging to Northern Rock would have been avoided.

“Last year, Labour MPs in the region were incredibly hostile to the whole idea of taking Northern Rock into temporary public ownership.

“I have now written to David Anderson, MP for Blaydon, and one of the strongest opponents of nationalisation, calling on him to abandon his position and back the legislation that will be needed to bring the bank into temporary public ownership.

“I am looking forward to receiving his reply.”

Decent Homes Choices Events

Gateshead Housing Company are holding 2 choices events concerning the Decent Homes work for Sunniside and Byermoor estates - 100 tenants will be invited to each meeting (Sunniside 1st meeting and Sunniside and Byermoor 2nd meeting). They are on Friday 22nd February and Friday 28th March between 11am-3pm at Sunniside Club.

Whickham housing plans rejected

PLANS to build flats for elderly people in Whickham have been rejected by Gateshead Council’s planning committee.

McCarthy and Stone had wanted to build a block of two to four storeys containing 49 apartments on the site of Whickham Motor Company on Whickham Bank.

But fears that neighbouring houses and bungalows would be overshadowed by such a large development put a brake on the proposals.

Local Liberal Democrat Councillors Mary Wallace and Peter Craig carried out a survey of over 400 local residents about the proposals when they were first published in November. Over 100 people replied to the survey and a wide range of concerns were raised.

“This is a very prominent location on a busy road,” said Mary. “A large development along the lines proposed could have had a big impact on traffic.

“There is also a large number of bungalows and houses next to the site and a four storey block there would mean a large number of people losing their privacy.

“A suitable use for the site needs to be found but it should not be a development that impacts so heavily on people already living in the area.”

Photo: Councillors Peter Craig and Mary Wallace at the Whickham Motors site on Whickham Bank

Welcome for Dunston Pool Gym Refurbishment

LIBERAL Democrats in Gateshead have welcomed the refurbishment of Dunston Swimming Pool’s H20 fitness room but have warned that much more needs to be done to improve the building.

The work on the Fitness Room cost of £60,000. It now has a range of new state-of-the-art fitness equipment. All the old equipment in the gym has been replaced, from carpets to exercise bikes and notice boards.

The gym closed for two weeks in December to allow the work to take place.

Councillor for Dunston Hill, Peter Maughan, welcomed the renovation but said much more needs to be done with the whole building.

In his email newsletter to residents, he wrote, “As a user of the gym myself and knowing many residents use it as well, I am pleased the work has taken place.

“However, the building needs improved access. There is a mountain of steps to climb for people coming into the building and this can be off-putting for elderly and disabled people wanting to get to the gym.

“In addition, the pool area and changing rooms could do with a facelift.”

"Get Carter Car Park" - a view from the top

Gateshead's infamous "Get Carter" Car Park (so-called as it had a starring role in the cult film "Get Carter" staring Michael Caine) is due for demolition. The top levels have been closed to public access for many years but Councillor Jonathan Wallace was allowed to go to the top of the building to film it and the views. So here's the video.....

Budding MP asks Home Secretary to back better police funding

A Liberal Democrat campaigner and aspiring MP has written to the Home Secretary Jacqui Smith to ask for an explanation as to why funding of the 101 non-emergency phone service is being ended.

Peter Maughan, who hopes to overturn Labour’s majority of 5,000 in Blaydon constituency at the general election, has also asked the Home Secretary to explain why Northumbria Police has had a lower grant increase than most other police forces.

The increase in cash from central government to Northumbria Police is barely enough to cover inflation.

Peter, who is also a councillor in Blaydon consitituency, wrote in his letter, “It seems very unfair that Northumbria Police should get the joint lowest increase in spending in England whilst other areas have had a more generous increase.

“Why is the government treating some areas more favourably than others when it comes to spending on the police?”

Peter also said, “The 101 service has been a success in Gateshead. It has been used by over 30,000 people to report incidents of vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

“In the likelihood of the loss of this service due to the government’s ending of the funding, residents will no longer have this facility to report low level crime.

“Meanwhile, the low rise in the level of grant will mean that Northumbria Police Authority will be cash strapped in the coming year, leaving less to fight crime.

“The government needs to think again on the spending plans and give us a better deal.”

Lobley Hill Big Top Application - interview

The planning application by churches group "NE1" to install a big top for a period of ten weeks on the site of the Central Nursery at Lobley Hill, Gateshead, has sparked local debate. Some residents oppose the plan, fearing traffic congestion. Jonathan Wallace interviews Revd Bob Hopper of Lobley Hill All Saints Church who supports the plan, and Councillor Peter Maughan, who is representing residents opposing the application.

MP tackled for “own goal” on football claims

LIBERAL Democrats in Blaydon constituency are tackling the area’s Labour MP, David Anderson, after he signed up to two opposing motions on football in Parliament.

On Monday 28th January, Labour's Mr David Anderson MP attacked Premiership football clubs for employing too many foreign players – 331 in total or 60% of the total players on their books. (Early Day Motion 756)

According to the words of the Parliamentary motion he put his name to, “this huge increase in players from overseas is to the detriment of the long-term interests of professional football in England.”

But two days later, Mr Anderson argued the exact opposite. In Early Day Motion 829, which he wrote and sponsored, he attacked the decision to refuse a work permit for an Iraqi footballer who wants to play for Manchester City.

“Mr Anderson can’t have it both ways,” said Councillor Peter Maughan, who is hoping to unseat the Labour MP at the next election.

Peter fought Mr Anderson at the last election and is hoping the return match at the next general election will be a win for the Liberal Democrats.

“Mr Anderson can’t credibly attack clubs for employing foreign footballers and then immediately cry foul when a foreign player is refused the right to play here!” Peter continued.

“He is clearly offside in his claims. It seems that since he first made them he has transfered teams, done some bad political dribbling and then scored an own goal!

“Mr Anderson needs to explain why he is playing for both sides of the argument or otherwise face being sent off the political field at the general election final.”