Wise advice

Alice Wiseman, Director of Public Health in Gateshead, has urged residents to maintain social distancing despite the relaxation of some of the lockdown restrictions.

Watergate car park back in use

Gateshead Council has reopened the car park at Watergate Park on Whickham Highway, following the Government's partial relaxation of the lockdown rules to allow people to drive to places for exercise and to allow people to exercise for longer.

But there are concerns about mixed messages coming from the council with Gateshead's Leader Martin Gannon saying he believes the relaxation of the rules should not go ahead in the borough because the rate of infection here is higher than most of the rest of the country. Cllr Gannon said, "Gateshead Council will put the health and safety of our resident first. Our advice remains, 'stay at home'”.

Local Focus Team member for Lobley Hill, Jonathan Mohammed, said, "I am concerned that the opening of the car park could cause a surge of people to visit the area. While in normal times I am delighted to have people visit our area, I am concerned that the opening of the car park could be premature.

"Cllr Gannon rightly raised concerns that the relaxation of the lockdown may be appropriate for areas of the country where the infection rate is low. He was also right to argue that in Gateshead, lockdown measures need to remain in place until our area has a rate similar to areas with the lowest.

"Opening up Watergate car park while telling people to stay at home are contradictory and confusing. Gateshead Lib Dem Leader of the Opposition, Cllr Jonathan Wallace, has raised this with Cllr Gannon.

"In the meantime, we encourage everyone using Watergate Park to adhere to social distancing rules."

Photo above - taken in February before the lockdown - Jonathan Mohammed in the car park of Watergate Park, Lobley Hill. He is calling for those using the park to beware of an influx of visitors now the car park has reopened.

Whinnies Community Garden reopens

The Whinnies Community Garden, behind the Simply Local Store on Gateshead Road, Sunniside, is reopening from Monday 18th May. Opening hours will be 1-3pm, Monday to Saturday. Strict social distancing rules will be in place and a "one-way" system to minimise contact will be in operation.

The cafe will not be open but plants and produce, including locally produced eggs, will be on sale. Residents are strongly encouraged to walk to the garden rather than drive and if there is a queue to enter, social distancing will be applied. If necessary, you will be encouraged to come back on a different day.

A pop up shop in the Garden's car park on 9th May was a great success and raised over £700 for the Whinnies. Organisers would like to thank all those who attended, especially for their keeping to the social distancing rules when the queue snaked around the car park and out into the access lane!

Residents attending the Whinnies Garden pop up shop earlier this month stuck to social distancing while in the queue.

Theft wrecks plans for restored loco at Tanfield Railway

On April 28th the Tanfield Railway were targeted by thieves who have stolen around £20,000 worth of materials, most of which were for the Horden steam locomotive which was only weeks away from completion of its restoration before lockdown.

This theft has not only put back this historic restoration but left the Tanfield Railway and their dedicated volunteers, who have spent thousands of hours restoring Horden, feeling dispirited and devastated during an already difficult situation.

Before the lockdown, Horden was only weeks away from hauling trains for the first time since 1972.

The incident is currently being investigated by the Police. Anyone being offered copper piping and brass as cut up scrap, or anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area, is asked to contact Northumbria Police quoting incident log 300 280420.

Huge fire as Dunston Staiths damaged by arsonists again

In the early hours of Saturday 16th May, mindless arsonists struck again at the Dunston Staiths. Sadly, it is not the first time that the historic structure has been attacked but weather conditions this time meant the fire damage was much worse, despite the best efforts of the fire service to control the flames.

The Staiths were built at the end of the Victorian period to export coal from the Durham Coalfield. It is the largest single wooden structure in Europe. In 1990 it took pride of place as one of the key features of the Gateshead National Garden Festival and in more recent years it has hosted the regular Staiths Food Market.

Dunston Councillor Peter Maughan said, "I was born and raised in Dunston and I know the Staiths will always be fondly regarded by residents as an important part of our landscape.

"Our heritage belongs to all of us and those who seek to destroy it are attacking all of us.

"This is a difficult site to secure from attack because of its size and access. Nevertheless, given there was an arson attack in February 2019 as well, serious consideration needs to be given to how security can be improved."

Anyone with information that could help police track down those responsible should contact PCSO Janowicz on 07736 194422 quoting police incident log 107 May 16th 2020.

Photo courtesy of Andy Smith.

Bulk waste collection and grass cutting restart

Two important council services suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic are now restarting. Bulk waste collections from households and grass cutting are restarting.

If you have bulk waste which you are unable to take to the newly reopened municipal waste sites, you can now book the council to collect it. Bookings can be made online on this link.

The service will be busy catching up on the last few weeks when no service was in operation but the council reports that a small number of slots are available this week. Otherwise, please be patient and book slots over the next few weeks.

Cllr Marilynn Ord said, "Grass cutting has already restarted but there is a 6 week backlog so, again, please be patient while the council's grass cutting team works its way across the borough."

Changes to bin collection dates

Normal bin collection dates will be affected by Chistmas and New Year over the coming weeks. You can check when your waste and recycling bins are due to be collected on this link.

Vicky battling for victory in Blaydon

Liberal Democrats in Blaydon constituency have chosen Vicky Anderson as their candidate for the snap general election on 12^th December.

Vicky is relishing the battle ahead as she takes on Labour in the constituency they have held since 1935. She has already tasted victory against Labour, having won her council seat from them in May.

“As a councillor in Blaydon constituency and a campaigner with first hand experience of beating Labour, I am taking the battle to the heart of their territory,” said Vicky.

“Labour takes our area for granted but it is time for a change. If elected I will be the voice of Blaydon residents in Parliament. I will be an MP who is in touch with the people of the area. I will demand better for the North East.”

Vicky was born and brought up in the North East and is a passionate advocate of the region which she feels has been let down by both Labour and Conservatives. She is also a strong advocate of equality issues and diversity.

“The North East has not gained from the near monolithic dominance by Labour. We are a diverse society and I am determined that the MPs of the region should also be from diverse backgrounds, both politically and socially. That’s why I am campaigning to put an end to Labour’s monopoly of North East Parliamentary representation.”

Vicky works in online events and has a background in customer service and technology.

Peter chosen as Lib Dem candidate in Gateshead

Peter chosen as Lib Dem candidate in Gateshead

Liberal Democrats in Gateshead constituency have chosen Peter Maughan as their candidate for the snap general election on 12^th December.

Peter has considerable experience of representing residents of the borough where he has been a councillor for the past 25 years.

He is also a solicitor, giving him invaluable experience of helping people, a skill he wants to use to fight for a better deal for Gateshead and the North East.

“Labour believe they have an automatic right to rule here but I will be taking the fight right to Labour’s door,” said Peter.

“As a councillor in Gateshead for the past 25 years, I understand the needs, hopes and aspirations of local residents. I also know from talking to people on doorsteps that they are fed up with Labour and Jeremy Corbyn and are looking for a new political home.

“I am fighting hard to bring ex-Labour voters over to the Liberal Democrats.”

Outside of politics and work, Peter is a strong advocate of animal welfare. He is chairman of Newcastle upon Tyne and North Northumberland branch of the RSPCA. Many rescue animals have found a home at his house in Whickham.

Peter is also a board member of the Newcastle United Supporters’ Trust.

Whickham area Remembrance Services

There will be four Remembrance services in the Whickham area tomorrow. Details are as follows:

Whickham

Groups and wreath layers who are taking part in the Whickham Remembrance Parade should assemble in The Square at 10:15 am. The parade will be formed up on Front Street from 10:20 am and will move off at 10:35 am, arriving at Whickham cenotaph at 10:45 am for a wreath-laying ceremony, followed by a Service in St Mary’s Church. 

Front Street from Rectory Lane to Fellside Road will be closed to accommodate the parade from around 10:15 am until approximately 10:45 am. Front Street between Rectory Lane and Broom Lane will be closed from approximately 10:30 am until 11:30 am. 

Dunston

There will be a service at St Nicholas Church at 10am. Wreath laying takes place at 11am at the Dunston War Memorial.

Swalwell

There will be a service at Holy Trinity Church on Hexham Old Road at 9am followed by wreath laying service at 10am.

Marley Hill

Assemble at St Cuthbert's Church, Marley Hill, at 10.15am for an act of remembrance and wreath laying.

Lib Dems call for "bus tax" to be axed

Plans by Labour to slap a £50-a-day charge on buses using central Newcastle could result in fewer services in Gateshead. And this in turn could lead to more cars on local roads, higher fares, more congestion and more pollution, warn local Liberal Democrats.

The bus tax is part of revised plans put forward by Labour-run Newcastle, Gateshead and North Tyneside Councils after initial proposals earlier this year to charge nearly every vehicle to drive across bridges over the Tyne to tackle air pollution were widely slammed as unworkable.

The new plans being put out to consultation include charging older buses £50 a day to drive in central Newcastle, though it would not apply to new, clean buses. Lorries and vans will also have to pay. Charging cars to enter central Newcastle is not proposed yet, but there will be an option to do so in the future.

Lib Dem Councillor for Low Fell, Daniel Duggan, said "The proposal to charge buses could lead to fewer services for residents. Labour say they want more people using buses, but this will have the opposite effect.”

Lib Dem Councillor Ron Beadle said “These plans will lead to higher fares and more people travelling by car. This will mean more, not less, congestion".

To give your views on the latest consultation visit here

Kells Lane drain unblocked

Residents raised with Low Fell Lib Dem councillors the issue of blocked drains where Kells Lane meets the bottom of Dean Street. This was causing problems with flooding here when it rained. 

"After we raised it with the Council, we are pleased to see the drains here have now been cleaned out," said Cllr Danial Duggan. "There is, however, a gully, along part of Kells Lane, that still needs cleaning and we are pressing the Council to do this."

Supporting the Little Theatre

Low Fell Lib Dem Councillors Daniel Duggan and Ron Beadle recently attended an awareness evening hosted by the Little Theatre, near Saltwell Park (see photo above).

The Little Theatre are planning to build a new rehersal space which will greatly enhance the theatre facilities for the Progressive Players, visiting drama groups, and the local community. It will provide space for a youth group so budding actors and actresses can practice. They have secured some funding, but if you are able to help further with their fundraising efforts please contact them.

Councillor Ron Beadle said "It was a great evening learning about the Little Theatre's history, the great plays they have put on, and their exciting plans for the future. The Little Theatre is a real gem in our community. If you can support them in anyway please do let them know."

Concerned about crime in Low Fell?

Low Fell's Councillors will be holding a joint advice surgery with Northumbria Police on Tuesday, 15th October at Kells Lane Primary School from 6pm to 7pm. If you would like to speak to a police officer on a one on one basis please drop by.

Councillor Susan Craig said, "Low Fell is a great place and it's important that any anti-social or criminal activity is dealt with. If you have concerns please do come along and speak to the police."

New bus stop for Kells Lane

Nexus have agreed to provide a new bus stop outside Pimlico Court on Kells Lane, Low Fell.

Local Lib Dem Councillor Daniel Duggan said, “Residents contacted us about how far the nearest bus stop was from Pimlico Court.  This was particularly difficult for people carrying heavy shopping back home. Hopefully, a new bus stop will help improve this situation for residents.”

Pictured: Daniel on Kells Lane, outside Pimlico Court, where the new bus stop is to be located

Supporting St Peter's Choir

Low Fell's Councillors have donated £500 from the Local Community Fund to the Friends of St Peter's in order to support their fundraising efforts so that St Peter's RC Primary School choir can perform in the Music for Youth Festival Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.

Low Fell Councillor Daniel Duggan said "I and my colleagues, Ron and Susan, are delighted to be able to support this. It will be a wonderful opportunity for the children to perform at the Royal Albert Hall and we wish all those involved the very best of luck".