Road closure to install new Blaydon bridge

The eastbound carriageway of the Blaydon Highway and the adjacent Tyne Street will be closed to traffic on Saturday 1st July from 6am to allow contractors to install a new section to the footbridge over the A695.

The closure is required to allow the new prefabricated bridge span to be delivered on a low loader and also allow for the positioning of a crane to lift the new footbridge section into position.

A signed diversion route will be in place to divert traffic from the A695 Blaydon Roundabout via Shibdon Road onto the B6317 Chainbridge Road. The A695 Westbound highway will remain open to traffic.

The length of time required for installing the new bridge section will depend on weather conditions, but it is hoped that the work can be completed within the day.

Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes if possible and to allow a little more time for their journey.

Dementia tax victory welcomed in Gateshead

Liberal Democrat campaigners are celebrating a victory for pensioners and families across the UK as the hated ‘Dementia Tax’ is removed from the Queen’s Speech

The Conservatives have been forced to u-turn on the dreaded ‘Dementia Tax’. With no mention of their horrific policy in the Queen’s Speech, they have been forced to kick their plans into the long grass.

This is a big victory for Liberal Democrats who campaigned hard to scrap the ‘Dementia Tax’ and to save the ‘Lib Dem pension Triple Lock'.

Lib Dem Leader of the Opposition on Gateshead Council, Dr Jonathan Wallace, said, “The Conservatives should be ashamed of their plans. We now demand assurances from the government that the ‘Dementia Tax’ is gone for good!

"As the Conservatives set out their plans for the country in the Queen's Speech, there was no mention of stopping real terms cuts to the NHS, the police or to our schools. In addition, the economy was barely mentioned either.

"What once was the crutch of the Conservative party is now broken - with more debt every day and a large Brexit bill to pay."

Race night winnings boost Whickham Christmas fund

The funds for the Whickham Christmas tree and decorations have been boosted significantly following a race night held at the Whickham Glebe Sports Club on 13th May. Nearly 100 residents came to the event to help boost the funds needed to ensure the village has Christmas tree. Gateshead Council stopped providing funds for Christmas trees and decorations throughout Gateshead four years ago.

Cllr Sonya Hawkins, chairman of Lighting Up Whickham, said, "The Race Night was great fun and raised lots of money towards our goal of extending the decorations this coming winter to St Mary's Green. But there's still lots of fundraising to do to reach our target."

If you would like to help Lighting Up Whickham raise more funds, please contact Cllr Sonya Hawkins.

Whickham's Chase Park at risk from housing development

Cllr Jonathan Wallace interviews Cllr Peter Maughan about Gateshead Labour Council's proposals to sell off Whickham's Chase Park for housing. There are fears this could be the thin end of the wedge. The area for sale also includes the main entrance to the park off Rectory Lane. Cllr Maughan is leading the campaign against the sale.

“Thousands of Homes at risk from Tories Dementia Tax in Gateshead and South Tyneside” - Peter Maughan

Liberal Democrats in Gateshead and South Tyneside have warned that thousands of local homes are at risk from Tory plans to force older people with extensive care needs to pay for their own care.

Peter Maughan, candidate for Jarrow constituency, said, “The Tories’ are beginning to show their real colours. Theresa May is trying to take many elderly people for granted and if she can get away with it, she will force the sale of family homes to pay for the cost of social care.

“By failing to put a cap on the overall amount people are expected to pay, the Tories are putting an unreasonable and heavy burden on the families of those who are unfortunate enough to suffer from long term health problems that need long term care packages when living at home.

"My message to those thinking of voting for Theresa May is this: don't bet your house on it.

"Liberal Democrats will lead the fight against the grossly unfair Dementia Tax that could wipe out half the value of the average home.

"On Thursday, you can elect me as you Liberal Democrat MP to be your voice in Westminster and stand up for you on the Dementia Tax and the NHS."

Residents are being encouraged to sign the petition against the Dementia Tax at www.DementiaTax.org.