PLANS that could save many residents of Blaydon constituency from the trauma of home repossession have been backed by local Liberal Democrats. With the credit crunch biting, many households are struggling to keep up mortgage payments and risk losing their homes.
Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable MP launched the plans on 27th August that could stop many people being thrown out of their homes because of the growing mortgage crisis.
Councillor Peter Maughan, Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon, said, “The fear of repossession is stalking communities in in Blaydon constituencyand the Labour government is not doing enough to protect people from the worst effects of the mortgage crisis.
“People who lived through the last mortgage crisis under the Conservatives will never want to experience the same situation again. That is why I am pleased that Vince Cable MP is putting forward these plans.”
The Liberal Democrat proposals include:
· allowing families struggling with repayments to sell all or part of the equity in their house and rent it back from a housing association or private firm to help keep them in their home;
· letting councils and housing associations borrow money to buy up land and empty new homes for use as social housing ;
· giving guidelines to courts to allow homes to be repossessed only in extreme circumstances, making the mortgage lenders’ voluntary code binding on all lenders.
Vince Cable MP said, “The Government seems obsessed with fighting a losing battle to artificially prop up the housing market, rather than finding ways to deal with its worst effects. Ministers must act to help the thousands of families struggling to keep a roof over their heads.”
Friday, August 29, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Housing application raises concerns in Whickham
A planning application for new housing in Whickham, Gateshead, has sparked concern about loss of green belt.
Plans submitted to Gateshead Council to build a new detached house behind the current buildings at the riding stable (Dunston West Farm) on Whickham Highway could lead to erosion of the green fringe between Whickham and Dunston, say local Councillors Peter Maughan and Allison Chatto.
The application is for one house which is adjacent to, but not on, the green belt.
Peter and Allison have written to residents of the neighbouring Lakes Estate to inform them of the application.
In their letter they say, “The plan which has been lodged clearly shows at least five building plots – some of them apparently in the green belt – and it seems to us that this may be the first step in an application for multiple residential development on the riding stable land.”
Speaking about the application, Peter said, “The green belt is meant to stop small towns merging into large conurbations. It is meant to provide an open, green envelope around places such as Whickham and Dunston Hill.
“This application, if approved, could be the start of a nibbling away of the green belt.”
A decision on the application will be taken in September by Gateshead Council’s planning committee.
Plans submitted to Gateshead Council to build a new detached house behind the current buildings at the riding stable (Dunston West Farm) on Whickham Highway could lead to erosion of the green fringe between Whickham and Dunston, say local Councillors Peter Maughan and Allison Chatto.
The application is for one house which is adjacent to, but not on, the green belt.
Peter and Allison have written to residents of the neighbouring Lakes Estate to inform them of the application.
In their letter they say, “The plan which has been lodged clearly shows at least five building plots – some of them apparently in the green belt – and it seems to us that this may be the first step in an application for multiple residential development on the riding stable land.”
Speaking about the application, Peter said, “The green belt is meant to stop small towns merging into large conurbations. It is meant to provide an open, green envelope around places such as Whickham and Dunston Hill.
“This application, if approved, could be the start of a nibbling away of the green belt.”
A decision on the application will be taken in September by Gateshead Council’s planning committee.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Liberal Democrats in Blaydon back calls for UK energy independence
LIBERAL Democrats in Blaydon constituency have given their strong backing to ambitious calls by Nick Clegg MP for Britain to become self-sufficient in energy.
The Liberal Democrat Leader has called for a major programme to build up Britain’s own energy supplies through wind, tidal, wave and biomass technologies.
Mr Clegg said, “We have an enormous opportunity to create real energy independence for the UK, freeing ourselves from the shackles of foreign oil, coal and gas. This will require the kind of ambition and political will that succeeded in putting man on the moon.”
Councillor Peter Maughan, Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon, said, “I am delighted that Nick Clegg is calling for a green revolution in the way we produce power.
“The recent Russian invasion of Georgia and the ongoing troubles in Iraq and Iran show just how dangerously reliant Britain is on energy from unstable parts of the world.
“We have to build up our own energy supplies and as an island nation, we have an abundance of natural and clean energy sources that both Labour and Conservative governments have failed to develop.
“Whilst Labour and the Conservatives joined together earlier this year to agree Britain should have a new generation of nuclear power stations, Liberal Democrats believe this will leave a legacy of radioactive waste for future generations. It will also leave us dependent on foreign supplies of uranium.
“Liberal Democrats in Blaydon welcome Nick Clegg’s call for Britain to develop clean energy supplies and become self-sufficient in them by 2050. This is an industry in which we as a nation should aim to be world beaters.
“We have a history of engineering in the North East. Our region is well placed to take advantage of a green power revolution. Developing green power will boost local jobs and the local economy.”
A copy of Nick Clegg’s proposals is available at: Energy Independence for the UK
The Liberal Democrat Leader has called for a major programme to build up Britain’s own energy supplies through wind, tidal, wave and biomass technologies.
Mr Clegg said, “We have an enormous opportunity to create real energy independence for the UK, freeing ourselves from the shackles of foreign oil, coal and gas. This will require the kind of ambition and political will that succeeded in putting man on the moon.”
Councillor Peter Maughan, Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon, said, “I am delighted that Nick Clegg is calling for a green revolution in the way we produce power.
“The recent Russian invasion of Georgia and the ongoing troubles in Iraq and Iran show just how dangerously reliant Britain is on energy from unstable parts of the world.
“We have to build up our own energy supplies and as an island nation, we have an abundance of natural and clean energy sources that both Labour and Conservative governments have failed to develop.
“Whilst Labour and the Conservatives joined together earlier this year to agree Britain should have a new generation of nuclear power stations, Liberal Democrats believe this will leave a legacy of radioactive waste for future generations. It will also leave us dependent on foreign supplies of uranium.
“Liberal Democrats in Blaydon welcome Nick Clegg’s call for Britain to develop clean energy supplies and become self-sufficient in them by 2050. This is an industry in which we as a nation should aim to be world beaters.
“We have a history of engineering in the North East. Our region is well placed to take advantage of a green power revolution. Developing green power will boost local jobs and the local economy.”
A copy of Nick Clegg’s proposals is available at: Energy Independence for the UK
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Liberal Democrats prepare to go to conference
LIBERAL Democrats in Gateshead are making their final preparations to attend the party’s conference in Bournemouth in September.
4 members from Gateshead will be heading for the conference which will be held from Saturday 13th to Wednesday 17th September.
Debates taking place will include pensions, crime, eco-towns, the housing and mortgage crisis, transport and health.
“We are looking forward to a good conference and some lively debates,” said Councillor Jonathan Wallace. “We are also looking forward to speeches from leading figures in the Liberal Democrats, particularly Nick Clegg’s Leader’s speech on the final day.
“People in Gateshead are feeling the pinch with rising unemployment, rising prices for food and energy and a collapsing housing market. So there will be a great deal of interest in the debate about the housing and mortgage crisis and in the speech of Vince Cable MP, our Shadow Chancellor.”
Jonathan is also part of a team of photographers and video makers who will be capturing the conference on film. He will have access to the whole of the conference centre, including the backstage area throughout the five day gathering.
4 members from Gateshead will be heading for the conference which will be held from Saturday 13th to Wednesday 17th September.
Debates taking place will include pensions, crime, eco-towns, the housing and mortgage crisis, transport and health.
“We are looking forward to a good conference and some lively debates,” said Councillor Jonathan Wallace. “We are also looking forward to speeches from leading figures in the Liberal Democrats, particularly Nick Clegg’s Leader’s speech on the final day.
“People in Gateshead are feeling the pinch with rising unemployment, rising prices for food and energy and a collapsing housing market. So there will be a great deal of interest in the debate about the housing and mortgage crisis and in the speech of Vince Cable MP, our Shadow Chancellor.”
Jonathan is also part of a team of photographers and video makers who will be capturing the conference on film. He will have access to the whole of the conference centre, including the backstage area throughout the five day gathering.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Concerns raised over future of Whickham Somerfield supermarket
LIBERAL Democrats in Gateshead have written to the boss of The Cooperative Group to ask for reassurances about the future of the Somerfield supermarket in Whickham.
The Cooperative have recently announced they are buying Somerfield to convert their supermarkets to Coops. However, the Office of Fair Trading may require some stores to be sold to other retail chains.
Councillor Peter Maughan, Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon constituency (which includes Whickham), has written to Cooperative Chief Executive Peter Marks to ask about the future of the store in Whickham.
“The current Whckham Somerfield supermarket employs many residents as well as being one of the main shops here so we are concerned that it continues to operate, either under the Coop or another retail company,” said Peter.
“Whickham already has a Coop store and residents want to ensure both this store and the existing Somerfield continue in operation.
“If the Office of Fair Trading steps in and requires the Somerfield store to be sold to another company, we want that to take place as smoothly and quickly as possible so that residents can continue to shop there.
“I have therefore written to Peter Marks to ask him to reassure local residents that the supermarket here either has a strong future or is quickly transferred to another supermarket company with the minimum of disruption for staff and shoppers alike.”
The Cooperative have recently announced they are buying Somerfield to convert their supermarkets to Coops. However, the Office of Fair Trading may require some stores to be sold to other retail chains.
Councillor Peter Maughan, Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon constituency (which includes Whickham), has written to Cooperative Chief Executive Peter Marks to ask about the future of the store in Whickham.
“The current Whckham Somerfield supermarket employs many residents as well as being one of the main shops here so we are concerned that it continues to operate, either under the Coop or another retail company,” said Peter.
“Whickham already has a Coop store and residents want to ensure both this store and the existing Somerfield continue in operation.
“If the Office of Fair Trading steps in and requires the Somerfield store to be sold to another company, we want that to take place as smoothly and quickly as possible so that residents can continue to shop there.
“I have therefore written to Peter Marks to ask him to reassure local residents that the supermarket here either has a strong future or is quickly transferred to another supermarket company with the minimum of disruption for staff and shoppers alike.”
Monday, August 11, 2008
250 sign petitions to save Post Offices in Blaydon constituency
LIBERAL Democrats in Blaydon constituency have collected over 250 signatures on petitions to save three threatened village post offices from closure.
The branches under threat are in Winlaton Mill, Blackhall Mill and Crookhill. The proposed closures are part of a government programme to close at least 2,500 branches.
Petition co-ordinator, Councillor Peter Maughan, said, “These branches are important to the communities they serve. Their closure will hurt many people.
“Post offices are important to village front streets as well and help ensure local economies are healthy. Closing them can damage other businesses in the area.
“People were keen to sign our petitions in the three villages. Last week, when I was in Blackhall Mill, residents were stopping me in the street to tell me how important the local Post Office was to them.”
The petitions have been handed in as part of the consultation on the planned closure. The Post Office will make a final announcement on the closures in September.
The branches under threat are in Winlaton Mill, Blackhall Mill and Crookhill. The proposed closures are part of a government programme to close at least 2,500 branches.
Petition co-ordinator, Councillor Peter Maughan, said, “These branches are important to the communities they serve. Their closure will hurt many people.
“Post offices are important to village front streets as well and help ensure local economies are healthy. Closing them can damage other businesses in the area.
“People were keen to sign our petitions in the three villages. Last week, when I was in Blackhall Mill, residents were stopping me in the street to tell me how important the local Post Office was to them.”
The petitions have been handed in as part of the consultation on the planned closure. The Post Office will make a final announcement on the closures in September.
Friday, August 08, 2008
Welcome for plans to tackle youth crime
Liberal Democrats in Blaydon have welcomed proposals announced this week by the party’s Shadow Home Secretary Chris Huhne MP to tackle youth crime.
The plans aim to deter crime and get young people involved in positive activities that benefit local communities. They include:
The creation of a Youth Volunteer Force, to engage with young people, involve them in community projects and give them skills to benefit them in later life;
Establish Community Justice Panels across the country, where offenders admit their guilt to the community and agree on a Positive Behaviour Order as a course of action;
Create a dedicated PCSO youth officer within every Safer Neighbourhood Team to identify and work with teenagers most at risk of offending;
10,000 more police on the streets by scrapping the ID cards scheme;
Intelligence-led stop and search and 'hot spot policing' targeted at gun and knife crime;
Restorative justice programs to be run in every community, specifically targeted at early intervention with widespread use in schools and care homes.
Councillor Peter Maughan, Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon constituency, said, “These proposals could potentially go a long way to reduce youth crime. By having more police and by focusing on crime hotspots, we will be able to deter crime more effectively from happening.
“But we also need to give young people positive alternatives to do. Too often they get into trouble because there is nothing for them to do. The Youth Volunteer Force will be a great way to get young people involved in activities that benefit themselves and the area where they live.
“I am also keen to ensure that those who do break the law or cause disturbances or vandalism have to pay back the community they have wronged.
“That is why restorative justice is important. It will mean that those convicted of offences will have to work on cleaning up vandalism or on projects that benefit communities as part of their punishment.
“Residents of Blaydon constituency often tell me of their worries about youth crime. I believe that the proposals the Liberal Democrats have put forward will go a long way to addressing those concerns.”
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Gateshead Flower Show - in pictures
The Gateshead Summer Flower Show was held at the Central Nursery on 1st-3rd August.
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Conservative collapse in Gateshead By-election
The Conservatives were squeezed heavily in a by-election in Gateshead on Thursday 31st July as Liberal Democrats and Labour fought to win the vacancy in Whickham South and Sunniside ward.
Liberal Democrat John McClurey was comfortably elected in the contest that saw the Conservative share of the vote halve from nearly 19% to just under 10%.
The Conservatives fell victim to a squeeze in a constituency that is squaring up to be a battle between Liberal Democrats and Labour at the general election.
The ward is in Blaydon constituency where Labour are defending a majority of only 5000 over the Liberal Democrats.
“I am delighted to have been elected,” said John, who took nearly three out of every four voted cast. “I want to thank everyone who voted for me in this by-election. I am joining a strong team of Liberal Democrat councillors in Gateshead.”
The by-election for the seat was caused by the death of Liberal Democrat Councillor, Alan Ord, following complications that arose after an operation.
The result was:
John McClurey (Lib Dem) 1612 (+4.4%)
Elaine Dobson (Labour) 394 (+4.2%)
John Robertson (Conservative) 217 (-8.6%)
Majority 1218
(Percentage changes since local elections in May 2008)
Photo taken at end of Whickham South and Sunniside count. Left to right: Marilynn Ord, Jonathan Wallace and newly elected John McClurey. All three represent Whickham South and Sunniside ward on Gateshead Council.
Liberal Democrat John McClurey was comfortably elected in the contest that saw the Conservative share of the vote halve from nearly 19% to just under 10%.
The Conservatives fell victim to a squeeze in a constituency that is squaring up to be a battle between Liberal Democrats and Labour at the general election.
The ward is in Blaydon constituency where Labour are defending a majority of only 5000 over the Liberal Democrats.
“I am delighted to have been elected,” said John, who took nearly three out of every four voted cast. “I want to thank everyone who voted for me in this by-election. I am joining a strong team of Liberal Democrat councillors in Gateshead.”
The by-election for the seat was caused by the death of Liberal Democrat Councillor, Alan Ord, following complications that arose after an operation.
The result was:
John McClurey (Lib Dem) 1612 (+4.4%)
Elaine Dobson (Labour) 394 (+4.2%)
John Robertson (Conservative) 217 (-8.6%)
Majority 1218
(Percentage changes since local elections in May 2008)
Photo taken at end of Whickham South and Sunniside count. Left to right: Marilynn Ord, Jonathan Wallace and newly elected John McClurey. All three represent Whickham South and Sunniside ward on Gateshead Council.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Voting underway in Gateshead by-election
Voting is now underway in theWhickham South and Sunniside by-election caused by the death of Councillor Alan Ord.
Polling stations are open from 7am until 10pm. A result is expected before midnight.
The Liberal Democrats are defending the ward which had a majority for them of 1459 (49.7%) in May. Their candidate is John McClurey.
No upsets are expected though there may be some interest in whether or not there will be a recovery in the Conservative vote.
Polling stations are open from 7am until 10pm. A result is expected before midnight.
The Liberal Democrats are defending the ward which had a majority for them of 1459 (49.7%) in May. Their candidate is John McClurey.
No upsets are expected though there may be some interest in whether or not there will be a recovery in the Conservative vote.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Local welcome for Liberal Democrat vision for Britain
Liberal Democrats in Blaydon have welcomed the launch of the Liberal Democrats’ vision for Britain by Party Leader Nick Clegg MP. Called ‘Make it Happen’, the paper will be debated at the party’s conference in Bournemouth in September.
In ‘Make it Happen’ the Liberal Democrats say:
They will cut taxes for ordinary families
If your local hospital can't see you on time, they will pay for treatment elsewhere
They will switch taxes from people to pollution - so it pays to go green
To improve standards in education, they will fund extra help for those who need it most
They will put Britain at the heart of Europe to make us a force for good in the world
They will stop ID cards so we can keep control of our privacy
They will change the voting system so everyone's voice counts
They will bring communities together with local people in charge
They will give communities a say in how offenders pay for their crimes
Parliamentary Spokesman Peter Maughan said, “I am delighted to be able to back ‘Make it Happen’. It sets out how the Liberal Democrats will run Britain.
“No resident of Blaydon constituency has escaped the rising cost of food and fuel. The credit crunch is biting hard and local people are feeling the pinch.
“Nick Clegg has set out how we can help ordinary people through cutting taxes on those on low and middle incomes. Thousands of people in Blaydon will benefit from this.
“We are taking the plans in ‘Make it Happen’ to the people of Blaydon during the summer to get their response. And in September, we will be heading to the Liberal Democrats’ conference where we are looking forward to taking part in the debate.”
‘Make it Happen’ is available at: http://www.libdems.org.uk/media/documents/policies/Make%20it%20Happen.pdf
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Traffic issues on the A692
This video looks at traffic issues on the A692, on the section in Whickham South and Sunniside ward.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Milton Road dig annoys residents
Residents living on Milton Road in Whickham will not need reminding of the problems caused last year when the pavements were dug up and the grassed area ruined by work taking place in the area. After local Lib Dem Councillors Chris Ord, Peter Craig and Mary Wallace stepped in to press for a clean up, work on repairing the damage was carried out.
But work by Balfour Beatty for a gas utility company has seen a return of the mess residents thought had gone for good.
As Chris reports, “The footpaths are all uneven with gaps in between them with no cement. The drains are blocked. The residents were forced to park on the grass while the works were taking place, as well as the works vans parking there.
“This grass was only relayed last year following the home improvement works at the Gateshead Housing Company and is ruined yet again. Needless to say, the residents in the area are furious at the state the place has been left in.”
Chris has been in touch with Council officers to press for a clean up.
But work by Balfour Beatty for a gas utility company has seen a return of the mess residents thought had gone for good.
As Chris reports, “The footpaths are all uneven with gaps in between them with no cement. The drains are blocked. The residents were forced to park on the grass while the works were taking place, as well as the works vans parking there.
“This grass was only relayed last year following the home improvement works at the Gateshead Housing Company and is ruined yet again. Needless to say, the residents in the area are furious at the state the place has been left in.”
Chris has been in touch with Council officers to press for a clean up.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
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
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.”
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
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
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.”
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.”
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
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
Friday, July 04, 2008
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.”
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.”
Thursday, June 12, 2008
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.”
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.”
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