Lib Dems choose Frank as candidate for Gateshead

Liberal Democrats have chosen experienced local Councillor Frank Hindle to fight the Gateshead Constituency at the coming general election.

Frank said “I am delighted to have the backing of our party members, and am looking forward to taking the battle to Labour and to speaking up for local people.

“People are tired of Gordon Brown and of being let down by Labour, but know that the Tories won’t be good for Gateshead.

“It is time for a change in how the country is run, and in how Gateshead is represented. If elected my key priorities will be keeping in touch with local people, working for more and better jobs for them, and for improvements in health and the environment.”

The Gateshead constituency covers nearly half of the Gateshead Council area and includes Dunston, Lobley Hill, Bensham, Saltwell, Low Fell, Wrekenton and Felling.

Frank has been a Lib Dem councillor in Low Fell since 1991 and is deputy leader of the opposition on Gateshead Council. At the last general election he was Lib Dem candidate for Gateshead East & Washington West, and took second place, with Labour’s majority cut by 4500.

He has worked closely with Lib Dem MEP Fiona Hall and was election agent in her successful election campaigns in 2004 and again this June.

Flower power petition continues in Whickham

Residents of Whickham, Gateshead, are continuing to protest against cuts to flower beds in the village.

 

Over the weekend, another 70 residents signed the petition organised by local Liberal Democrats which calls for an end to the cuts which are being forced through by the Labour group on Gateshead Council. This brings the total number of signatures to over 300.

 

Neil Bradbury, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon and Whickham, led the efforts on Sunday 12th July to collect the signatures.

 

“The petition is getting a very good response,” said Neil. “The village has a reputation for excellent flower displays. They boost the appearance of Whickham, attract visitors and help the village in Northumbria and Britain in Bloom competitions.

 

“There are fears that the removal of so many flowerbeds will seriously affect the village. We will therefore be continuing to collect signatures over the summer.”