The plaque marking the discovery of two bell pits on Lotties Wood, between Sunniside and Streetgate, was unveiled on Saturday 6th October. Councillors Alan and Marilynn Odd and Jonathan Wallace attended as the ward councillors for the area.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Photos from the unveiling of the plaque in Lotties Wood, Sunniside
The plaque marking the discovery of two bell pits on Lotties Wood, between Sunniside and Streetgate, was unveiled on Saturday 6th October. Councillors Alan and Marilynn Odd and Jonathan Wallace attended as the ward councillors for the area.
Unveiling of plaque marking bell pits, Sunniside
A plaque marking the discovery of two bell pits at Lotties Wood between Sunniside and Streetgate was unveiled on Saturday 6th October.
Friday, October 05, 2007
"Buy It Naked" say Gateshead Lib Dems
Liberal Democrats from Gateshead have welcomed a motion passed at the party’s conference in September to tackle excess packaging.
They say that Liberal Democrat plans to help consumers and retailers to ‘Buy It Naked’ would dramatically lessen the growing waste burden.
Britain’s total domestic waste is up 21% since 1997, while household recycling has increased from 6% to 23%. Packaging from food products and other household items accounts for 17% of the average home’s food budget.
While the Government has failed to meet the demands of an EU Directive passed to set targets for waste reduction, the Liberal Democrats have been labelled by an independent body as the greenest party in UK politics.
North East Euro MP Fiona Hall said, "Packaging accounts for around 5 million tonnes of waste per year. Considering total domestic waste in Britain is currently around 26 million tonnes per year, it is plain to see that packaging makes up a very significant contribution to the UK’s waste problem."
Councillor Jonathan Wallace said, "There is as much packaging used in the distribution process as there is from the shop to the consumer, but this is hidden because the consumer never sees it: the shop has to dispose of it."
Commenting on measures such as these that help customers to ‘BUY IT NAKED’, Fiona Hall said, "Supermarkets give away more than 17 billion plastic bags each year. Simple action to reduce the amount of plastic bags given away would have an immediate positive effect."
Photo: instead of using disposable carrier bags, Lib Dems Jonathan Wallace and Fiona Hall MEP want shops to make it easier for people to use reusable bags and cut down on packaging.
Mast at Whickham Glebe Sports Club, Whickham
When this mast was erected it was found it did not comply with the original planning application granted for the site. Council planning enforcement officers asked the companies responsible to dismantle the mast after complaints from both your councillors and residents.
However a retrospective planning application was then made for “the removal of an existing floodlight tower and erection of new 20 metre high telecommunications mast to accommodate 4 floodlights, 3 Vodofone antennae and 3 O2 antennae together with two equipment cabins at the base”.
This application was turned down by the Council at a meeting on 18th October 2006 and the council again prepared to take enforcement action.
However councilors have been informed that an appeal has now been lodged with the Secretary of State against the council’s decision by O2 (UK) Ltd and Vodafone Ltd. The Glebe Club have also appealed.
The Appeal is being dealt with by way of an informal hearing before a Planning Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State. This will be held on Tuesday 9th October at 10:00 a.m. at Room 3, Development and Enterprise, Civic Centre, Regent Street, Gateshead.
Residents are entitled to attend the hearing. Facilities for the disabled are available.
However a retrospective planning application was then made for “the removal of an existing floodlight tower and erection of new 20 metre high telecommunications mast to accommodate 4 floodlights, 3 Vodofone antennae and 3 O2 antennae together with two equipment cabins at the base”.
This application was turned down by the Council at a meeting on 18th October 2006 and the council again prepared to take enforcement action.
However councilors have been informed that an appeal has now been lodged with the Secretary of State against the council’s decision by O2 (UK) Ltd and Vodafone Ltd. The Glebe Club have also appealed.
The Appeal is being dealt with by way of an informal hearing before a Planning Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State. This will be held on Tuesday 9th October at 10:00 a.m. at Room 3, Development and Enterprise, Civic Centre, Regent Street, Gateshead.
Residents are entitled to attend the hearing. Facilities for the disabled are available.
Photo: Councillors Mary Wallace and Peter Craig next to the mast over which an appeal has been lodged.
Illegal Swalwell signs removed
Your councillors have also successfully objected to the erection of advertising hoardings near the Swalwell roundabout and had them removed along Hexham Road.
'These were a dangerous distraction for drivers turning out from Whickham Bank' said Cllr Peter Craig.
Photo: Cllr Peter Craig next to the sign in Swalwell that has now been removed.
Play equipment at Crookhill and Stargate, Ryton
The wooden climbing frame has been removed from the playground because it has become unsafe. As the area has very little in the way of outdoor equipment, local Lib Dem councillors are pushing hard for replacement equipment to be installed.
Morrisons given go ahead in Blaydon
Gateshead Council has given the go ahead to plans for a giant new Morrisons store in Blaydon.
The plans will see big changes to the existing centre. The library, council offices and health centre will be demolished and rebuilt at no cost to the council. They will be rebuilt on the bank overlooking the car park, currently home to some trees and grassed area. There will also be a refurbishment of existing shops in the precinct.
There will also be a new petrol station built on the site of the old one next to the site.
Whilst the refurbishment of the town centre is welcome, the sheer scale of the new store has raised concerns - it will be of similar size to the giant Asda store at the Metrocentre.
Firstly, there are worries about whether there will be sufficient car parking.
Secondly, the impact on smaller shops such as those in Winlaton could be considerable. There needs to be a balanced approach and if one major development leads to another town centre being sucked dry, little overall has been gained.
A smaller Morrisons local Lib Dems feel would have been more appropriate.
The plans will see big changes to the existing centre. The library, council offices and health centre will be demolished and rebuilt at no cost to the council. They will be rebuilt on the bank overlooking the car park, currently home to some trees and grassed area. There will also be a refurbishment of existing shops in the precinct.
There will also be a new petrol station built on the site of the old one next to the site.
Whilst the refurbishment of the town centre is welcome, the sheer scale of the new store has raised concerns - it will be of similar size to the giant Asda store at the Metrocentre.
Firstly, there are worries about whether there will be sufficient car parking.
Secondly, the impact on smaller shops such as those in Winlaton could be considerable. There needs to be a balanced approach and if one major development leads to another town centre being sucked dry, little overall has been gained.
A smaller Morrisons local Lib Dems feel would have been more appropriate.
New school building opens in Highfield
A new building housing both Highfield Community School and Highfield St Joseph Roman Catholic School has been completed and is now open.
Though the two schools will remain separate, they will share some facilities such as the information technology and reception areas.
The building was opened by the Mayor Councillor David Lynn and by the Right Reverend Kevin Dunn, Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle.
Though the two schools will remain separate, they will share some facilities such as the information technology and reception areas.
The building was opened by the Mayor Councillor David Lynn and by the Right Reverend Kevin Dunn, Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle.
High Spen: Chopwell Wood Road
Councillors Brenda Osborne and Andrew Graham arranged a meeting with officers and residents to discuss concerns about traffic on this road. Since then, officers have measured vehicle speeds on the road.
Possible solutions include replacing the current 30mph signs with larger ones and adding “No Through Road” signs as sat navs are directing drivers along the road - it is not a through route! Speed humps will be discussed with Friends of the Woods and Forest Enterprises.
The separation of pedestrians and horses from the road via a link to the “right of way” east of Chopwell Cottage and joining the footpath south of Beechwood will also be considered.
Residents and landowners will be consulted and officers will look at ways of raising the funding needed to pay for the improvements.
Possible solutions include replacing the current 30mph signs with larger ones and adding “No Through Road” signs as sat navs are directing drivers along the road - it is not a through route! Speed humps will be discussed with Friends of the Woods and Forest Enterprises.
The separation of pedestrians and horses from the road via a link to the “right of way” east of Chopwell Cottage and joining the footpath south of Beechwood will also be considered.
Residents and landowners will be consulted and officers will look at ways of raising the funding needed to pay for the improvements.
Taxibus service for Winlaton Mill
Following the ending by Go North East bus company of the 41 and 42 bus services between Winlaton Mill and Winlaton, Tyne and Wear public transport body Nexus has stepped in with a replacement Taxibus service.
Called the TBxx, it will operate between Winlaton Mill and Blaydon via Winlaton Bus Station and the High Axwell area of the Hole in the Wall estate.
The taxibus will stop at bus stops and other safe places on the route. You just have to hail it to pick you up.
“We were concerned when the bus company announced the end of the 41 and 42 bus service to Winlaton Mill,” said Councillor Brenda Osborne.
“I’m keen that the new taxibus is a success for residents so please use it!”
Called the TBxx, it will operate between Winlaton Mill and Blaydon via Winlaton Bus Station and the High Axwell area of the Hole in the Wall estate.
The taxibus will stop at bus stops and other safe places on the route. You just have to hail it to pick you up.
“We were concerned when the bus company announced the end of the 41 and 42 bus service to Winlaton Mill,” said Councillor Brenda Osborne.
“I’m keen that the new taxibus is a success for residents so please use it!”
Future Library Provision in Ryton
Following the closure of Ryton Library by Gateshead Council , work to secure alternative provision is continuing. Apart from the mobile library, it is hoped to make some library provision available at the Lanehead Methodist Church.
The Council has now looked into this and will be completing details with the Church soon. Local Lib Dem councillors are grateful to the Church for their co-operation and help in making all this possible. We hope everything goes well!
Councillor Ione Rippeth is arranging a meeting in the near future for the residents who were interested in being kept informed of developments.
The Council has now looked into this and will be completing details with the Church soon. Local Lib Dem councillors are grateful to the Church for their co-operation and help in making all this possible. We hope everything goes well!
Councillor Ione Rippeth is arranging a meeting in the near future for the residents who were interested in being kept informed of developments.
Stella South Power Station site future
Plans for future developments on the Stella South Power Station site will be on display at Stella RC Primary School on Friday 5th October. At 6pm.
There are a number of traffic concerns about the development, particularly traffic on the B6317. Local residents and local Lib Dem councillors fought hard to avoid the alternative of industrial development on the site – and won! Many residents would have liked to see the site restored to grassland but unfortunately this was not an option.
However, Lib Dem councillors have asked for traffic lights, particularly at peak times, at the Blaydon roundabout, to ease congestion. This is now under consideration.
There are a number of traffic concerns about the development, particularly traffic on the B6317. Local residents and local Lib Dem councillors fought hard to avoid the alternative of industrial development on the site – and won! Many residents would have liked to see the site restored to grassland but unfortunately this was not an option.
However, Lib Dem councillors have asked for traffic lights, particularly at peak times, at the Blaydon roundabout, to ease congestion. This is now under consideration.
European Parliament call for Path Head dumping to be suspended
A campaign by Ryton and Blaydon residents to close down Path Head landfill site next to Blaydon is drawing nearer to success after a hearing in the European Parliament.
Labour run Gateshead Council gave the go-ahead to rubbish dumping at the site despite strong local opposition and concerns about the health risks and the impact on local water courses.
A petition by local residents against dumping at the former Path Head Quarry was handed in to the European Parliament last year. The petition was backed by Liberal Democrat North East Member of the European Parliament Fiona Hall.
As a result, the European Parliament has recommended that dumping be suspended until representatives from the European Commission and the Environment Agency have visited the site.
Residents Against Rubbish campaigner, Daniel Grey was at the hearingof the Parliament’s petitions committtee that considered the Path Head issue. He said, “The petition received unbelievable support in the parliament. I explained that there have already been three breaches of their permit.
“Groundwater on the site is still a serious issue and this was fully recognised by the Parliament in their decision to recommend a suspension of work on the site.
“I look forward to hearing the findings of the European Commission and Environment Agency following their visit and to taking the campaign forward.”
Liberal Democrat MEP Fiona Hall has expressed continuing concerns over the safety of the site. She said, “There was strong evidence against the landfill site being allowed in the first place as there was no strategic environmental assessment.
“I am pleased that the European Parliament has recommended the site be closed. It is a step towards victory for the Path Head campaign.”
Labour run Gateshead Council gave the go-ahead to rubbish dumping at the site despite strong local opposition and concerns about the health risks and the impact on local water courses.
A petition by local residents against dumping at the former Path Head Quarry was handed in to the European Parliament last year. The petition was backed by Liberal Democrat North East Member of the European Parliament Fiona Hall.
As a result, the European Parliament has recommended that dumping be suspended until representatives from the European Commission and the Environment Agency have visited the site.
Residents Against Rubbish campaigner, Daniel Grey was at the hearingof the Parliament’s petitions committtee that considered the Path Head issue. He said, “The petition received unbelievable support in the parliament. I explained that there have already been three breaches of their permit.
“Groundwater on the site is still a serious issue and this was fully recognised by the Parliament in their decision to recommend a suspension of work on the site.
“I look forward to hearing the findings of the European Commission and Environment Agency following their visit and to taking the campaign forward.”
Liberal Democrat MEP Fiona Hall has expressed continuing concerns over the safety of the site. She said, “There was strong evidence against the landfill site being allowed in the first place as there was no strategic environmental assessment.
“I am pleased that the European Parliament has recommended the site be closed. It is a step towards victory for the Path Head campaign.”
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Unemployment stays high in Dunston and Teams
Unemployment in Dunston and Teams ward in the most recent figures shows the number out of work and in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance remain amongst the highest in Gateshead at 289, or 8.9% of the working population.
The figures for August reveal that only one other ward in Gateshead, Bridges, has a higher unemployment rate (293 - 10.2%).
Whilst the Dunston and Teams ward shows a fall from August 2006, the rate is more than double the Gateshead average and over three times the national average.
The figures are not the full number of unemployed. The Labour government counts only those on Job Seekers Allowance when publishing local unemployment numbers. The actual number of people out of work is therefore much higher.
"This is a worrying figure," said Dunston and Teams Lib Dem campaigner Michael Ruddy. "It shows Labour's promise to bring in full employment has not reached our area."
Meanwhile, in Lobley Hill and Bensham ward, the August figures show the number of jobless people on Job Seekers Allowance at 229, or 5.5% of the working population. There has been no drop in the figures for the ward.
"Whilst the level is lower than in some other areas, the actual number is still too high," said Susan Craig from the Lobley Hill and Bensham Lib Dem Focus Team.
The figures for August reveal that only one other ward in Gateshead, Bridges, has a higher unemployment rate (293 - 10.2%).
Whilst the Dunston and Teams ward shows a fall from August 2006, the rate is more than double the Gateshead average and over three times the national average.
The figures are not the full number of unemployed. The Labour government counts only those on Job Seekers Allowance when publishing local unemployment numbers. The actual number of people out of work is therefore much higher.
"This is a worrying figure," said Dunston and Teams Lib Dem campaigner Michael Ruddy. "It shows Labour's promise to bring in full employment has not reached our area."
Meanwhile, in Lobley Hill and Bensham ward, the August figures show the number of jobless people on Job Seekers Allowance at 229, or 5.5% of the working population. There has been no drop in the figures for the ward.
"Whilst the level is lower than in some other areas, the actual number is still too high," said Susan Craig from the Lobley Hill and Bensham Lib Dem Focus Team.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Local “historic buildings at risk”
English Heritage, the Government body tasked with overseeing England’s historic buildings, have published its “Historic Buildings At Risk Register” which includes a number of locations in the Whickham area.
The Register lists historic buildings that are in serious need of repair or renovating to avoid their being lost for ever. The aim is, over time, to reduce the number on the Register by renovating buildings and, where appropriate, bring them into some kind of use.
Gibside Hall
The most famous building on the Register in area is Gibside Hall. Great strides have been made in bringing the gardens and landscape back into use and the recent work on restoring the stable block has received widespread recognition.
The Hall itself however remains a roofless shell and a huge amount of remedial work needs to be done to protect and retain what is there.
Ravensworth Castle
There are two sections to Ravensworth Castle: the medieval towers and courtyard; and the Nash designed nineteenth century house. The two towers are still standing and the adjacent stable block is complete but roofless. The clock tower is still standing (minus the clock!)
The Nash house was largely demolished in the 1930s (then the war halted the area’s redevelopment) and further demolitions took place in the 1950s. Only one corner of the house now remains and is in a poor state.
A feasibility study for reuse of the stables and consolidation of the castle and house has been carried out by the North of England Civic Trust.
(You can visit Jonathan Wallace’s video of Ravensworth Castle on: Ravensworth Castle)
Dunston Staithes
The structure, which formed one of the features of the National Gateshead Garden Festival in 1990 was badly damaged by a fire in November 2003 when 8% of the building was destroyed.
A conservation plan and feasibility study into the future of the Staithes was drawn up in 2006. It is hoped that repairs will be carried out and public access to created.
Axwell Hall
The 18th century John Paine house near Blaydon is now in the ownership of a developer who is carrying out work to restore the building and convert it into apartments, planning permission for which was granted in 2006.
Hollinside Manor
This fortified manor house was first recorded in 1317. Due to the isolated position, it is vulnerable to vandalism. English Heritage has offered a grant towards repair and consolidation work which is expected to begin during 2007.
We’ll keep you informed of any further news on these buildings.
The Register lists historic buildings that are in serious need of repair or renovating to avoid their being lost for ever. The aim is, over time, to reduce the number on the Register by renovating buildings and, where appropriate, bring them into some kind of use.
Gibside Hall
The most famous building on the Register in area is Gibside Hall. Great strides have been made in bringing the gardens and landscape back into use and the recent work on restoring the stable block has received widespread recognition.
The Hall itself however remains a roofless shell and a huge amount of remedial work needs to be done to protect and retain what is there.
Ravensworth Castle
There are two sections to Ravensworth Castle: the medieval towers and courtyard; and the Nash designed nineteenth century house. The two towers are still standing and the adjacent stable block is complete but roofless. The clock tower is still standing (minus the clock!)
The Nash house was largely demolished in the 1930s (then the war halted the area’s redevelopment) and further demolitions took place in the 1950s. Only one corner of the house now remains and is in a poor state.
A feasibility study for reuse of the stables and consolidation of the castle and house has been carried out by the North of England Civic Trust.
(You can visit Jonathan Wallace’s video of Ravensworth Castle on: Ravensworth Castle)
Dunston Staithes
The structure, which formed one of the features of the National Gateshead Garden Festival in 1990 was badly damaged by a fire in November 2003 when 8% of the building was destroyed.
A conservation plan and feasibility study into the future of the Staithes was drawn up in 2006. It is hoped that repairs will be carried out and public access to created.
Axwell Hall
The 18th century John Paine house near Blaydon is now in the ownership of a developer who is carrying out work to restore the building and convert it into apartments, planning permission for which was granted in 2006.
Hollinside Manor
This fortified manor house was first recorded in 1317. Due to the isolated position, it is vulnerable to vandalism. English Heritage has offered a grant towards repair and consolidation work which is expected to begin during 2007.
We’ll keep you informed of any further news on these buildings.
Photo: Axwell Hall in 2005, now undergoing renovation and conversion into apartments.
Services set for squeeze
Council services in Gateshead are set to come under pressure, claim Labour in the North East, as a result of their own government's decisions on spending.
And to add insult to injury, council tax could end up rising above inflation to pay for extra duties heaped on councils by government ministers.
With the government set to squeeze the amount of cash given to Gateshead to pay towards council services, Labour run Gateshead Council could turn to council tax payers to fill the spending gap.
Concessionary fares for the over 60s, increasing demand for social services for older people and a rise in the number of looked after children has left Gateshead Council with bigger bills to pay.
"The government is expecting councils to do more," said Councillor Peter Maughan, "but ministers are not giving Gateshead sufficient money to pay for these additional services.
"Even Labour councillors say their own government needs to change the way ministers share out cash to local councils."
"The Labour government's spending plans for the next 3 years however are likely to make matters worse here in Gateshead," said Dunston and Teams campaigner Michael Ruddy.
"Liberal Democrats have called for a review of the way money is shared out to ensure there is a fairer allocation when the government forces councils to run more services."
And to add insult to injury, council tax could end up rising above inflation to pay for extra duties heaped on councils by government ministers.
With the government set to squeeze the amount of cash given to Gateshead to pay towards council services, Labour run Gateshead Council could turn to council tax payers to fill the spending gap.
Concessionary fares for the over 60s, increasing demand for social services for older people and a rise in the number of looked after children has left Gateshead Council with bigger bills to pay.
"The government is expecting councils to do more," said Councillor Peter Maughan, "but ministers are not giving Gateshead sufficient money to pay for these additional services.
"Even Labour councillors say their own government needs to change the way ministers share out cash to local councils."
"The Labour government's spending plans for the next 3 years however are likely to make matters worse here in Gateshead," said Dunston and Teams campaigner Michael Ruddy.
"Liberal Democrats have called for a review of the way money is shared out to ensure there is a fairer allocation when the government forces councils to run more services."
Cutting your "carbon footprint"
Radical plans to cut pollution that is leading to damaging climate change were agreed by the Liberal Democrats at their recent conference in Brighton.
Local Lib Dem Councillor Peter Maughan travelled to the conference to meet the party's shadow Secretary of Estate for the Environment, Chris Huhne MP. They discussed the plans to cut people's "carbon footprint" - the amount of pollution each person produced each year which is leading to climate change.
"This year we have suffered floods and extensive damage as a result of extreme weather," said Peter. "If no action is taken now, the freak weather will become the norm. We can't afford to let that happen."
Photo: Chris Huhne MP and Peter Maughan show that Lib Dem policies will lead to a smaller "carbon footprint".
One in five post offices in Gateshead to close under Labour
LIBERAL Democrats in Gateshead are warning that one in five local post offices will close if Labour wins a snap general election.
Labour have drawn up plans to close a fifth of all post offices. The plans were announced by government ministers earlier this year but as yet, they have not said which branches will be axed in the Gateshead area. However, the rolling programme of closures has already been announced for elsewhere.
Gateshead Liberal Democrats have been campaigning against Labour’s closure plans and have already collected 0ver 3000 signatures on their petition calling for branches to stay open.
Councillor Jonathan Wallace said, “Post offices are vital to local communities but under Labour they have been closing at an alarming rate. In the past five years alone, branches have been closed in Swalwell, Bleach Green, Dunston and Chowdene.
“Earlier this year Labour ministers announced they are planning to close 2500 branches in addition to the 4000 they have already axed since they came to power. And these are on top of the 3500 closed by the last Conservative government.
“But so far they have not announced which branches will be closed in Gateshead. If there is a snap general election this autumn, Labour will be storing up the bad news until after people have gone to the polls.
“Liberal Democrats are campaigning to keep post offices open but we are calling on Labour to publish their hit list of branches they want to close before the election is called.
“Our communities have suffered already from Labour’s previous post office closures. Now that Labour are demanding more closures, residents of Gateshead have a right to know which communities will lose their branches. Labour should end the secrecy around its hit list.”
Gateshead Liberal Democrats travelled to party conference in Brighton in September to meet Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Lembit Öpik MP, to discuss Labour’s plans for post office closures.
Photo: Jonathan Wallace meets Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Lembit Öpik MP, at the recent party conference to discuss Labour’s post office closure plans.
Labour have drawn up plans to close a fifth of all post offices. The plans were announced by government ministers earlier this year but as yet, they have not said which branches will be axed in the Gateshead area. However, the rolling programme of closures has already been announced for elsewhere.
Gateshead Liberal Democrats have been campaigning against Labour’s closure plans and have already collected 0ver 3000 signatures on their petition calling for branches to stay open.
Councillor Jonathan Wallace said, “Post offices are vital to local communities but under Labour they have been closing at an alarming rate. In the past five years alone, branches have been closed in Swalwell, Bleach Green, Dunston and Chowdene.
“Earlier this year Labour ministers announced they are planning to close 2500 branches in addition to the 4000 they have already axed since they came to power. And these are on top of the 3500 closed by the last Conservative government.
“But so far they have not announced which branches will be closed in Gateshead. If there is a snap general election this autumn, Labour will be storing up the bad news until after people have gone to the polls.
“Liberal Democrats are campaigning to keep post offices open but we are calling on Labour to publish their hit list of branches they want to close before the election is called.
“Our communities have suffered already from Labour’s previous post office closures. Now that Labour are demanding more closures, residents of Gateshead have a right to know which communities will lose their branches. Labour should end the secrecy around its hit list.”
Gateshead Liberal Democrats travelled to party conference in Brighton in September to meet Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Lembit Öpik MP, to discuss Labour’s plans for post office closures.
Photo: Jonathan Wallace meets Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Lembit Öpik MP, at the recent party conference to discuss Labour’s post office closure plans.
Refreshed and ready for action – Gateshead Liberal Democrats
Liberal Democrat campaigners have returned to Gateshead from the party’s conference in Brighton with a spring in their step.
And they are already taking their message to the people of Gateshead with a campaign of door knocking and Focus newsletter delivery.
“Liberal Democrats had a great conference,” said Councillor Peter Maughan. “We have agreed policies that put the Liberal Democrats way ahead of the other parties on the environment. We voted for radical changes to the tax system to cut national income tax for hard working people.
“This will be paid for by shifting the tax burden onto those who pollute – for example by increasing car tax on gas-guzzlers and raising the duty paid on the most polluting aircraft.
“And we will tackle head on Gordon Brown’s policies that have led to greater dependency on benefits for some and a bigger gap between the rich and poor than there was even under Margaret Thatcher.
“We are taking our message of greener policies, fairer taxes and a better society to the people of Gateshead.
“As Ming Campbell said in his leader’s speech, British politics is now one against two. With Labour and the Conservatives agreed on so many of the big issues, from Iraq to taxes, we are the only alternative to the cosy Lab-Con consensus.
“Liberal Democrats in Gateshead are ready for that challenge. And we are ready for the general election – whenever Gordon Brown calls it. The sooner the better!”
And they are already taking their message to the people of Gateshead with a campaign of door knocking and Focus newsletter delivery.
“Liberal Democrats had a great conference,” said Councillor Peter Maughan. “We have agreed policies that put the Liberal Democrats way ahead of the other parties on the environment. We voted for radical changes to the tax system to cut national income tax for hard working people.
“This will be paid for by shifting the tax burden onto those who pollute – for example by increasing car tax on gas-guzzlers and raising the duty paid on the most polluting aircraft.
“And we will tackle head on Gordon Brown’s policies that have led to greater dependency on benefits for some and a bigger gap between the rich and poor than there was even under Margaret Thatcher.
“We are taking our message of greener policies, fairer taxes and a better society to the people of Gateshead.
“As Ming Campbell said in his leader’s speech, British politics is now one against two. With Labour and the Conservatives agreed on so many of the big issues, from Iraq to taxes, we are the only alternative to the cosy Lab-Con consensus.
“Liberal Democrats in Gateshead are ready for that challenge. And we are ready for the general election – whenever Gordon Brown calls it. The sooner the better!”
Photo: Ming Campbell gives his conference closing speech at Brighton.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Hermitage Lane
Whickham has a new address - Hermitage Lane. Over a year ago, the lane
between the Hermitage and Whickham Community Centre was resurfaced to aid access to the Community Centre and the Whickham Community garden.
Recently, it was decided that the newly resurfaced lane should have a name. Formerly it was known as 'the back of Fellside Court'. So, members of all of the groups that meet at the Community Centre were asked to suggest a name for the lane. A shortlist was then prepared; to get onto the shortlist names could not be similar to other exisiting street names in the area.
The winning name was announced by Councillor Peter Craig last Saturday at a special 'Lane Naming' fayre organised by the Community Centre groups. This was organised to coincide with an event held in the Community Garden for Heritage Weekend.
between the Hermitage and Whickham Community Centre was resurfaced to aid access to the Community Centre and the Whickham Community garden.
Recently, it was decided that the newly resurfaced lane should have a name. Formerly it was known as 'the back of Fellside Court'. So, members of all of the groups that meet at the Community Centre were asked to suggest a name for the lane. A shortlist was then prepared; to get onto the shortlist names could not be similar to other exisiting street names in the area.
The winning name was announced by Councillor Peter Craig last Saturday at a special 'Lane Naming' fayre organised by the Community Centre groups. This was organised to coincide with an event held in the Community Garden for Heritage Weekend.
Photo: Councillor Peter Craig announces the new name of the lane at "the back of Fellside Court" - Hermitage Lane
Call for Halls to pay cost of abandoned opencast appeal
HALLS of Durham should pay the costs clocked up by Gateshead Council over an abandoned opencast planning appeal, claims the Liberal Democrat Councillor who fought the plans.
Halls wanted to opencast half a million tonnes of coal and fireclay from a site near Whickham, next to the historic Gibside Estate.
The plans however were rejected by Gateshead Council in 2005 and the company lodged an appeal with government planning inspectors to have the decision overturned. But nine months after lodging the appeal, Halls withdrew it.
Councillor Jonathan Wallace’s ward of Whickham South and Sunniside contains the location of the proposed opencast mine. He said it was time for Halls to cover the costs incurred by Gateshead’s council taxpayers in fighting the appeal.
“The costs of preparing for any planning appeal can be considerable, especially those on the scale of the one that was expected to go ahead for this application,” said Councillor Wallace.
“Halls have now walked away from the appeal but they should not be allowed to walk away from the costs. Gateshead Council taxpayers should not have to pick up the bill for this.”
You can see our latest video, filmed in August 2007, about the opencast proposals on the following link: Opencast news
Halls wanted to opencast half a million tonnes of coal and fireclay from a site near Whickham, next to the historic Gibside Estate.
The plans however were rejected by Gateshead Council in 2005 and the company lodged an appeal with government planning inspectors to have the decision overturned. But nine months after lodging the appeal, Halls withdrew it.
Councillor Jonathan Wallace’s ward of Whickham South and Sunniside contains the location of the proposed opencast mine. He said it was time for Halls to cover the costs incurred by Gateshead’s council taxpayers in fighting the appeal.
“The costs of preparing for any planning appeal can be considerable, especially those on the scale of the one that was expected to go ahead for this application,” said Councillor Wallace.
“Halls have now walked away from the appeal but they should not be allowed to walk away from the costs. Gateshead Council taxpayers should not have to pick up the bill for this.”
You can see our latest video, filmed in August 2007, about the opencast proposals on the following link: Opencast news
Flying the nest – Derwent Valley kite update
Good news from the Derwent Valley where the project to re-introduce the red kite has resulted in 9 offspring being raised in the valley this year. One pair even nested close to the Tesco store in Rowlands Gill.
The Northern Kites project is run by the RSPB and Natural England in partnership with Gateshead Council, Northumbrian Water, the National Trust and the Forestry Commission.
During the summer, 9500 people visited the Derwent Walk Countyr Park to view the nesting birds.
Red kites have been absent from the region for about two centuries.
The Northern Kites project is run by the RSPB and Natural England in partnership with Gateshead Council, Northumbrian Water, the National Trust and the Forestry Commission.
During the summer, 9500 people visited the Derwent Walk Countyr Park to view the nesting birds.
Red kites have been absent from the region for about two centuries.
Whickham North and Swalwell ward tour
Councillors representing Whickham North and Swalwell on Gateshead are to carry out a tour of the ward with senior council officers to look at problems, issues and concerns. Councillors Mary Wallace, Peter Craig and Chris Ord will carry out the tour on 18th September.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Lib Dems in Gateshead head for conference
Brighton is bracing itself for the arrival of thousands of Liberal Democrats for the party’s conference next week and amongst those attending will be local campaigners from Gateshead.
Councillor Peter Maughan will be heading to Brighton along with the Gateshead Lib Dem campaign team to take part in the debates and brush up on skills in training sessions.
Amongst others going are Councillor Jonathan Wallace and Councillor Ron Beadle.
“The theme of our conference is the environment,” said Councillor Maughan. “The big debates will focus on the need to cut down on pollution and to shift the burden of tax from income and onto greenhouse gas emissions.
“Our plans will mean national income tax will be cut from 20p to 16p in the pound and council tax will be scrapped. We will pay for these by shifting the tax burden onto the most polluting, gas-guzzling cars and onto aircraft that cause environmental damage.
“Over the next three weeks, people in Gateshead will see all three party conferences in action. What is different about ours is that members take real decisions on policy. The Conservatives have discussions but no votes whilst at Labour conference, the Labour leadership either ignores votes or has stopped debates from taking place.”
Councillor Peter Maughan will be heading to Brighton along with the Gateshead Lib Dem campaign team to take part in the debates and brush up on skills in training sessions.
Amongst others going are Councillor Jonathan Wallace and Councillor Ron Beadle.
“The theme of our conference is the environment,” said Councillor Maughan. “The big debates will focus on the need to cut down on pollution and to shift the burden of tax from income and onto greenhouse gas emissions.
“Our plans will mean national income tax will be cut from 20p to 16p in the pound and council tax will be scrapped. We will pay for these by shifting the tax burden onto the most polluting, gas-guzzling cars and onto aircraft that cause environmental damage.
“Over the next three weeks, people in Gateshead will see all three party conferences in action. What is different about ours is that members take real decisions on policy. The Conservatives have discussions but no votes whilst at Labour conference, the Labour leadership either ignores votes or has stopped debates from taking place.”
Friday, September 07, 2007
Gateshead Town Centre consultation
Consultation of residents of the borough about the future of Gateshead Twon Centre are to be carried out on the following dates and locations:
Wednesday, 19 September –
· 12.00pm – 2.00pm, Foyer, Civic Centre
· 1.30pm – 7.30pm, Trinity Community Association Church Hall, High Street
Thursday, 20 September –
· 11.00am – 3.00pm, Pioneer Centre, Derwent Street, Chopwell
· 5.00pm – 8.00pm, St Nicholas Church Hall, Ellison Road, Dunston
Friday, 21 September –
· 11.00am – 3.00pm, Wrekenton Methodist Church, Springwell Avenue, Wrekenton
· 5.00pm – 8.00pm, Athletics Hall, Gateshead International Stadium, Nielson Road
Residents are encouraged to give their views about the plans to redevelop the area.
Wednesday, 19 September –
· 12.00pm – 2.00pm, Foyer, Civic Centre
· 1.30pm – 7.30pm, Trinity Community Association Church Hall, High Street
Thursday, 20 September –
· 11.00am – 3.00pm, Pioneer Centre, Derwent Street, Chopwell
· 5.00pm – 8.00pm, St Nicholas Church Hall, Ellison Road, Dunston
Friday, 21 September –
· 11.00am – 3.00pm, Wrekenton Methodist Church, Springwell Avenue, Wrekenton
· 5.00pm – 8.00pm, Athletics Hall, Gateshead International Stadium, Nielson Road
Residents are encouraged to give their views about the plans to redevelop the area.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
MP criticised for praising herself
A LEADING Liberal Democrat in Gateshead has criticised a Labour MP in the borough for writing and promoting a Parliamentary motion praising herself.
Dr Jonathan Wallace, Councillor for Whickham South and Sunniside, is calling on Sharon Hodgson MP to explain why she used the Parliamentary device of an Early Day Motion to welcome her own actions.
Motion 1386, proposed by Ms Hodgson, attacks the customer complaints procedure of no frills airline EasyJet. But is also includes the line: "welcomes efforts by the hon. Member for Gateshead East and Washington West to ensure that the rights of online consumers are incorporated in the Consumer, Estate Agents and Redress Bill."
Ms Hodgson is the Member for Gateshead East and Washington West!
“Whilst people have come to expect a degree of self-promotion from MPs, this one beats just about everything else I have seen,” said Councillor Wallace.
“Early Day Motions are a device for raising in Parliament issues of concern to MPs and their constituents. Sometimes they are used by MPs to promote and praise the work of local community groups and constituents.
“So it is rather surprising to find an MP using one to heap praise on herself.”
In December 2006, the Gateshead Labour Party adopted Dave Clelland as their candidate for the new Gateshead Constituency, leaving Ms Hodgson to search for a Parliamentary seat outside the borough.
A full copy of the motion can be found on: http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=33167&SESSION=885
Dr Jonathan Wallace, Councillor for Whickham South and Sunniside, is calling on Sharon Hodgson MP to explain why she used the Parliamentary device of an Early Day Motion to welcome her own actions.
Motion 1386, proposed by Ms Hodgson, attacks the customer complaints procedure of no frills airline EasyJet. But is also includes the line: "welcomes efforts by the hon. Member for Gateshead East and Washington West to ensure that the rights of online consumers are incorporated in the Consumer, Estate Agents and Redress Bill."
Ms Hodgson is the Member for Gateshead East and Washington West!
“Whilst people have come to expect a degree of self-promotion from MPs, this one beats just about everything else I have seen,” said Councillor Wallace.
“Early Day Motions are a device for raising in Parliament issues of concern to MPs and their constituents. Sometimes they are used by MPs to promote and praise the work of local community groups and constituents.
“So it is rather surprising to find an MP using one to heap praise on herself.”
In December 2006, the Gateshead Labour Party adopted Dave Clelland as their candidate for the new Gateshead Constituency, leaving Ms Hodgson to search for a Parliamentary seat outside the borough.
A full copy of the motion can be found on: http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=33167&SESSION=885
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Street lights to be repaired in Streetgate
Street lights on the main road leading up to the the village of Streetgate, near Sunniside, Gateshead, are to be repaired following concerns raised by the area’s Liberal Democrat Councillor, Jonathan Wallace.
The stretch of lights from Fugar Bar, next to Washingwell Woods, up to the village, have not been working for a number of weeks, leaving the entire stretch of road in the dark.
Councillor Wallace raised his concerns about the lights with officers who have now checked out the situation and have agreed to the repairs.
The road is the main Gateshead to Consett route and is used by thousands of drivers each day.
“I’m pleased the repairs are to be carried out and the lights on this main road will be back on again shortly,” said Councillor Wallace.
The stretch of lights from Fugar Bar, next to Washingwell Woods, up to the village, have not been working for a number of weeks, leaving the entire stretch of road in the dark.
Councillor Wallace raised his concerns about the lights with officers who have now checked out the situation and have agreed to the repairs.
The road is the main Gateshead to Consett route and is used by thousands of drivers each day.
“I’m pleased the repairs are to be carried out and the lights on this main road will be back on again shortly,” said Councillor Wallace.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Skons Park Opencast Appeal Withdrawn
This is the video I shot for residents about the decision by Halls of Durham to withdraw their appeal over the refusal to grant planning permission for an opencast site at Skons Park next to Gibside.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Lib Dems survey on recycling
LIBERAL Democrats in Gateshead have extended a survey they are carrying out on recycling to the villages of Marley Hill and Byermoor and the Watergate Estate in Whickham.
The survey was launched following the decision by Labour run Gateshead Council to reject a call to set up kerbside collections of plastics and cardboard for recycling. The survey includes a petition calling for a collection scheme to be introduced.
The survey was carried out by Councillor Jonathan Wallace in Byermoor and Marley Hill and by Councillor Peter Maughan in Watergate. It will be extended to other villages in the area shortly.
“The survey so far shows that people have been disappointed with the refusal by Labour in Gateshead to extend kerbside collections to plastics and cardboard,” said Councillor Wallace.
“We already have a large number of signatures on the petition and are looking forward to collecting more.”
Councillor Maughan said, “Our thanks to everyone so far who has taken part in the survey. We will be looking into the issues raised.”
The survey was launched following the decision by Labour run Gateshead Council to reject a call to set up kerbside collections of plastics and cardboard for recycling. The survey includes a petition calling for a collection scheme to be introduced.
The survey was carried out by Councillor Jonathan Wallace in Byermoor and Marley Hill and by Councillor Peter Maughan in Watergate. It will be extended to other villages in the area shortly.
“The survey so far shows that people have been disappointed with the refusal by Labour in Gateshead to extend kerbside collections to plastics and cardboard,” said Councillor Wallace.
“We already have a large number of signatures on the petition and are looking forward to collecting more.”
Councillor Maughan said, “Our thanks to everyone so far who has taken part in the survey. We will be looking into the issues raised.”
Gateshead Summer Flower Show July 2007
Gateshead Summer Flower Show was held at the Central Nursery and Watergate Park on 27-29 July 2007.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Lotties Wood, Sunnside
This video was made to show the transformation of the fields next to Lotties Wood, between Streetgate and Sunniside. The Woodland Trust ploughed the field in December to kill the weeds. It has now become a meadow rich in wild flowers.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Opencast appeal withdrawn
LIBERAL Democrat councillors who fought plans for a huge opencast mine in western Gateshead have welcomed the decision of the applicant to withdraw their appeal.
Halls of Durham had applied for planning permission to opencast a site at Skons Park, next to the historic Gibside estate near Whickham, Burnopfield and Rowlands Gill.
But the planning application was refused by Gateshead Council after a huge campaign by residents, campaign groups and local councillors.
Halls had appealed to the government’s planning inspectors to overturn the decision and a public inquiry was due to take place in the autumn. But now the appeal has been withdrawn, the inquiry will no longer go ahead.
Councillor Jonathan Wallace, one of the leaders of the campaign against the opencast plans, said he was delighted the appeal had been withdrawn but warned that there may be a new application to opencast the site shortly.
“It is likely that Halls must have seen that their appeal would not survive the scrutiny of a public inquiry,” said Councillor Wallace.
“It is unfortunate that Halls have put local councils and the planning inspectorate to such trouble. After all that, they have now accepted that their planning application was inadequate and lacked necessary information.
“However, that was always obvious to those who campaigned against this application and to Gateshead Council’s Planning Department.
“This however is not the end of the story. It is likely that Halls will submit a new application later this year. Those who fought this application last time are, I am sure, ready to do battle again.”
Halls of Durham had applied for planning permission to opencast a site at Skons Park, next to the historic Gibside estate near Whickham, Burnopfield and Rowlands Gill.
But the planning application was refused by Gateshead Council after a huge campaign by residents, campaign groups and local councillors.
Halls had appealed to the government’s planning inspectors to overturn the decision and a public inquiry was due to take place in the autumn. But now the appeal has been withdrawn, the inquiry will no longer go ahead.
Councillor Jonathan Wallace, one of the leaders of the campaign against the opencast plans, said he was delighted the appeal had been withdrawn but warned that there may be a new application to opencast the site shortly.
“It is likely that Halls must have seen that their appeal would not survive the scrutiny of a public inquiry,” said Councillor Wallace.
“It is unfortunate that Halls have put local councils and the planning inspectorate to such trouble. After all that, they have now accepted that their planning application was inadequate and lacked necessary information.
“However, that was always obvious to those who campaigned against this application and to Gateshead Council’s Planning Department.
“This however is not the end of the story. It is likely that Halls will submit a new application later this year. Those who fought this application last time are, I am sure, ready to do battle again.”
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Campaign against Wylam Bridge closure
Plans by Northumberland County Council to close Wylam Bridge for up to five months are being opposed by Wylam’s Liberal Democrat Councillors Nick Appleby and Tom Appleby.
The closure will not only have an impact on the people of Wylam, local businesses, and emergency services but will also deeply effect the people of Throckley, Newburn (Newcastle), Crawcrook, Ryton, Clara Vale, Greenside (Gateshead), Ovingham, Horsley, Heddon, and Prudhoe (Northumberland). Crawcrook residents have already started their own campaign.
A protest meeting is to be held by residents on Friday 27th July at 10.30am at the Old Station Car park in Wylam.
Concerns have been expressed by Wylam’s district councillors about the refusal of the County Council to discuss the closure with them.
The closure will not only have an impact on the people of Wylam, local businesses, and emergency services but will also deeply effect the people of Throckley, Newburn (Newcastle), Crawcrook, Ryton, Clara Vale, Greenside (Gateshead), Ovingham, Horsley, Heddon, and Prudhoe (Northumberland). Crawcrook residents have already started their own campaign.
A protest meeting is to be held by residents on Friday 27th July at 10.30am at the Old Station Car park in Wylam.
Concerns have been expressed by Wylam’s district councillors about the refusal of the County Council to discuss the closure with them.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Labour hold Dunston and Teams by-election
The Dunston and Teams by-election, on Thursday 5th July, was held by Labour. The votes cast were:
Labour 793
Liberal Democrats (Michael Ruddy) 285
BNP 131
Conservatives 69
Majority 508
The seat was the top target for the BNP in the North East but their performance must be leaving them wondering why they bothered.
Meanwhile the Conservatives broke their own record for the lowest vote they have ever achieved in a ward in Gateshead.
Labour 793
Liberal Democrats (Michael Ruddy) 285
BNP 131
Conservatives 69
Majority 508
The seat was the top target for the BNP in the North East but their performance must be leaving them wondering why they bothered.
Meanwhile the Conservatives broke their own record for the lowest vote they have ever achieved in a ward in Gateshead.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Repairs to historic wall welcomed
Liberal Democrat Councillors in Whickham, Gateshead, have welcomed repairs to an historic wall that had been left crumbling for years.
Councillor Peter Maughan had raised concerns about the damage to the stone wall around the former Dunston Hill Hospital, on Whickham Highway.
He had pressed the company developing the Dunston Hill site for housing to repair the wall which is seen by thousands of local residents every day.
“The wall was a mess with crumbling stonework and in some cases complete stones had been removed and not replaced,” said Peter.
“But at long last, the developers have repaired the wall and it is now in a much improved condition.”
Councillor Peter Maughan had raised concerns about the damage to the stone wall around the former Dunston Hill Hospital, on Whickham Highway.
He had pressed the company developing the Dunston Hill site for housing to repair the wall which is seen by thousands of local residents every day.
“The wall was a mess with crumbling stonework and in some cases complete stones had been removed and not replaced,” said Peter.
“But at long last, the developers have repaired the wall and it is now in a much improved condition.”
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Gateshead residents asked about “Get Carter” car park demolition
GATESHEAD residents are being asked whether or not they support the demolition of the landmark “Get Carter” car park.
An on-line poll has been set up on the party’s local news blog, Gateshead News. Residents are asked whether or not they support the Council’s recent go-ahead for demolition.
The car park was made famous as one of the venues for the 1972 film classic “Get Carter” starring Michael Cain. Gateshead Council took the decision in June to demolish the car park by November.
Councillor Jonathan Wallace, who supports the demolition of the car park and the redevelopment of Gateshead town centre, said, “We thought it would be useful to let people give their own views by voting on our on-line poll.”
An on-line poll has been set up on the party’s local news blog, Gateshead News. Residents are asked whether or not they support the Council’s recent go-ahead for demolition.
The car park was made famous as one of the venues for the 1972 film classic “Get Carter” starring Michael Cain. Gateshead Council took the decision in June to demolish the car park by November.
Councillor Jonathan Wallace, who supports the demolition of the car park and the redevelopment of Gateshead town centre, said, “We thought it would be useful to let people give their own views by voting on our on-line poll.”
Liberal Democrats petition on Watergate “scandal”
LIBERAL Democrats in Lobley Hill, Dunston Hill and Whickham in Gateshead have launched a petition calling for more dog waste bins to be installed in Watergate Park.
Residents have raised with the party’s councillors and campaigners their concerns about the lack of waste bins in the park which is popular with dog walkers.
Leading the petition is Susan Craig, Focus Team Leader for Lobley Hill.
“Residents have told us it’s a scandal that the only bin is at the car park,” said Susan. “The overwhelming majority of dog owners are responsible and take a bag to scoop up their pet’s poo.
“But apart from a bin in a place that for many is out of the way, there is nowhere to put the waste.
“We hope our petition will be supported by Gateshead Council.”
Residents have raised with the party’s councillors and campaigners their concerns about the lack of waste bins in the park which is popular with dog walkers.
Leading the petition is Susan Craig, Focus Team Leader for Lobley Hill.
“Residents have told us it’s a scandal that the only bin is at the car park,” said Susan. “The overwhelming majority of dog owners are responsible and take a bag to scoop up their pet’s poo.
“But apart from a bin in a place that for many is out of the way, there is nowhere to put the waste.
“We hope our petition will be supported by Gateshead Council.”
Liberal Democrats press MP on Post Office closures
LIBERAL Democrats in Gateshead have written to Labour MP for Tyne Bridge, David Clelland, asking him if he will fight Post Office closures in his constituency.
The Government has called for the closure of 2500 branches throughout the UK and lists of those to close are currently being drawn up. If the Government’s plans go through, it will mean the axing of one in five Post Offices.
Leader of the Dunston and Teams Liberal Democrat Focus Team, Michael Ruddy, has written to Mr Clelland to raise the concerns of local residents about Labour’s decision to close a fifth of all Post Offices.
In his letter, Mr Ruddy wrote, “As you will be aware, the proposals to close a further 2,500 post offices are of concern to many people. Also the limited period of consultation that takes place when a closure is proposed means that people have to respond very quickly when to fight closure of any particular post office when it is proposed.
“With this in mind, could you please advise me if you will be opposing any further post office closures if any are proposed within the Gateshead part of your constituency?”
After sending the letter, Mr Ruddy said, “Post Offices are vital to communities and it is very worrying that Labour are planning to close so many.
“Labour shut down 5 branches in their last round of closures three years ago. Now they are back again with the axe.
“Though it is Labour policy to close so many Post Offices, we are at least hoping that Mr Clelland will oppose his party’s plans and back local branches to keep them open.”
The Government has called for the closure of 2500 branches throughout the UK and lists of those to close are currently being drawn up. If the Government’s plans go through, it will mean the axing of one in five Post Offices.
Leader of the Dunston and Teams Liberal Democrat Focus Team, Michael Ruddy, has written to Mr Clelland to raise the concerns of local residents about Labour’s decision to close a fifth of all Post Offices.
In his letter, Mr Ruddy wrote, “As you will be aware, the proposals to close a further 2,500 post offices are of concern to many people. Also the limited period of consultation that takes place when a closure is proposed means that people have to respond very quickly when to fight closure of any particular post office when it is proposed.
“With this in mind, could you please advise me if you will be opposing any further post office closures if any are proposed within the Gateshead part of your constituency?”
After sending the letter, Mr Ruddy said, “Post Offices are vital to communities and it is very worrying that Labour are planning to close so many.
“Labour shut down 5 branches in their last round of closures three years ago. Now they are back again with the axe.
“Though it is Labour policy to close so many Post Offices, we are at least hoping that Mr Clelland will oppose his party’s plans and back local branches to keep them open.”
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Get Carter Car Park to be demolished
Gateshead's multi-storey car park is to be demolished. The building was made famous as a location in the 1972 film classic Get Carter starring Michael Cain. Have you voted in our on-line poll about whether or not the building should be demolished. Whatever your views, watch our video about the demolition plans now!
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Gateshead residents “must not be forced to vote by post”
LIBERAL Democrats in Gateshead have opposed moves to force residents to vote by post rather than at a polling station in elections.
Gateshead Labour councillors voted to scrap polling stations at the meeting of the Council held on Thursday 7th June.
But Liberal Democrat councillors called for people to have the choice of voting by post or at a polling station.
“This is an issue about freedom of choice,” said Liberal Democrat Councillor Peter Maughan.
“Whilst many people prefer voting by post, there are many others who do not trust postal voting.
“And whilst there was no evidence of voter fraud in Gateshead in past elections, there have been high profile and serious examples elsewhere.
“Furthermore, it is impossible to know how much pressure one dominant individual puts on other members of the same household to vote in a particular way as postal voting loses the secrecy you get at a polling station.
“Liberal Democrats therefore voted against the call to scrap polling stations.”
Councillor Jonathan Wallace said, “The government are very unlikely to grant Labour’s request in Gateshead. They have already ruled out all postal voting generally because of the problems of fraud.
“And I doubt they will agree to Gateshead’s request that they should be made a special case.”
All postal voting was last used in an election in 2004 when the local and Euro elections were held on the same day. The system nearly collapsed as it could not cope with the huge task of getting ballot papers to residents.
Postal votes had to be delayed whilst emergency measures were introduced to solve the near breakdown in the postal vote system.
Gateshead Labour councillors voted to scrap polling stations at the meeting of the Council held on Thursday 7th June.
But Liberal Democrat councillors called for people to have the choice of voting by post or at a polling station.
“This is an issue about freedom of choice,” said Liberal Democrat Councillor Peter Maughan.
“Whilst many people prefer voting by post, there are many others who do not trust postal voting.
“And whilst there was no evidence of voter fraud in Gateshead in past elections, there have been high profile and serious examples elsewhere.
“Furthermore, it is impossible to know how much pressure one dominant individual puts on other members of the same household to vote in a particular way as postal voting loses the secrecy you get at a polling station.
“Liberal Democrats therefore voted against the call to scrap polling stations.”
Councillor Jonathan Wallace said, “The government are very unlikely to grant Labour’s request in Gateshead. They have already ruled out all postal voting generally because of the problems of fraud.
“And I doubt they will agree to Gateshead’s request that they should be made a special case.”
All postal voting was last used in an election in 2004 when the local and Euro elections were held on the same day. The system nearly collapsed as it could not cope with the huge task of getting ballot papers to residents.
Postal votes had to be delayed whilst emergency measures were introduced to solve the near breakdown in the postal vote system.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Recycling petition launched
LIBERAL Democrats have launched a petition calling on Gateshead Council to consider introducing kerbside collections of plastic and cardboard waste.
The petition was launched following the decision of the ruling Labour group to reject calls for kerbside collections to be extended.
Currently collections of paper, cans and bottles are made once a fortnight from homes in Gateshead. At a Council meeting on 7th June, Liberal Democrats called on Gateshead Council to look at expanding collections to include plastic and cardboard.
But Labour councillors binned the idea, claiming lorries would run late and waste plastic would have to be washed before collection.
Liberal Democrats vowed however to continue the battle. They have launched the petition so that residents can put pressure on Labour to make them change their mind.
Dunston and Teams campaigner Michael Ruddy said, “We are disappointed at Labour’s decision but we will continue to campaign for better recycling. We have already send petition forms to over 1000 homes in Gateshead. More will be sent shortly.”
The petition was launched following the decision of the ruling Labour group to reject calls for kerbside collections to be extended.
Currently collections of paper, cans and bottles are made once a fortnight from homes in Gateshead. At a Council meeting on 7th June, Liberal Democrats called on Gateshead Council to look at expanding collections to include plastic and cardboard.
But Labour councillors binned the idea, claiming lorries would run late and waste plastic would have to be washed before collection.
Liberal Democrats vowed however to continue the battle. They have launched the petition so that residents can put pressure on Labour to make them change their mind.
Dunston and Teams campaigner Michael Ruddy said, “We are disappointed at Labour’s decision but we will continue to campaign for better recycling. We have already send petition forms to over 1000 homes in Gateshead. More will be sent shortly.”
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Whickham Councillors’ Walkabout
WHICKHAM’S 9 Liberal Democrat councillors have carried out a walkabout of the village centre to look at local issues and problems with the locations visited being decided by residents.
The councillors, who represent the three different Whickham wards on Gateshead Council, invited residents by email last week to send in concerns and issues about any problems that need tackling in Whickham village.
All the replied were used to draw up a route for the walkabout which was then carried out on the morning of Saturday 23rd June.
A video of the walkabout was also shot and this will be handed on to officers of Gateshead Council so that they can take up the issues raised.
“We wanted to come up with a new way of letting residents raise concerns,” said Councillor Mary Wallace. “We already do an email newsletter to hundreds of households in the area.
“So we added on to it a request for people to raise concerns about the village centre. Having looked at the issues raised and filmed them on video, we can hand the video on to the appropriate officers.”
Councillor Peter Maughan said, “Residents gave us a long list of issues to take up. We have already raised some with officers.
“This experiment seems to have worked and we will be doing it in other villages as well."
The councillors, who represent the three different Whickham wards on Gateshead Council, invited residents by email last week to send in concerns and issues about any problems that need tackling in Whickham village.
All the replied were used to draw up a route for the walkabout which was then carried out on the morning of Saturday 23rd June.
A video of the walkabout was also shot and this will be handed on to officers of Gateshead Council so that they can take up the issues raised.
“We wanted to come up with a new way of letting residents raise concerns,” said Councillor Mary Wallace. “We already do an email newsletter to hundreds of households in the area.
“So we added on to it a request for people to raise concerns about the village centre. Having looked at the issues raised and filmed them on video, we can hand the video on to the appropriate officers.”
Councillor Peter Maughan said, “Residents gave us a long list of issues to take up. We have already raised some with officers.
“This experiment seems to have worked and we will be doing it in other villages as well."
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Labour election team get it wrong again!
LABOUR in Gateshead has been accused of talking up the vote of the BNP in a by-election in a ward where the fringe party is in a distant third place.
Dunston and Teams ward goes to the polls on Thursday 5th July. Labour are defending the seat following the death of the widely respected Councillor Maureen Clelland.
However Labour’s election candidate has claimed in his election leaflet that “voting LibDem or Conservative could let the extremist BNP in.”
Liberal Democrat Candidate Michael Ruddy came second in Dunston and Teams in May this year and has dismissed Labour’s claims as rubbish saying “Perhaps the Labour candidate, Garry Haley, has forgotten that he has lost to Liberal Democrats in his five previous election attempts.”
“This is a ridiculous tactic by Labour,” said Councillor Frank Hindle, the Liberal Democrats’ agent for the election. “The BNP were in third place in May – and in the elections before that.
“Labour know that if they can’t get their vote out, they could lose yet another seat to the Liberal Democrats who are in second place.”
Mr Haley was Labour candidate for Whickham South in 2002 and 2003, for Whickham South and Sunniside in 2004, and for Dunston Hill and Whickham East in 2006 and 2007.
In the last 10 years, Labour have lost 9 council seats in Gateshead – all to the Liberal Democrats, who now have 23 Councillors.
Dunston and Teams ward goes to the polls on Thursday 5th July. Labour are defending the seat following the death of the widely respected Councillor Maureen Clelland.
However Labour’s election candidate has claimed in his election leaflet that “voting LibDem or Conservative could let the extremist BNP in.”
Liberal Democrat Candidate Michael Ruddy came second in Dunston and Teams in May this year and has dismissed Labour’s claims as rubbish saying “Perhaps the Labour candidate, Garry Haley, has forgotten that he has lost to Liberal Democrats in his five previous election attempts.”
“This is a ridiculous tactic by Labour,” said Councillor Frank Hindle, the Liberal Democrats’ agent for the election. “The BNP were in third place in May – and in the elections before that.
“Labour know that if they can’t get their vote out, they could lose yet another seat to the Liberal Democrats who are in second place.”
Mr Haley was Labour candidate for Whickham South in 2002 and 2003, for Whickham South and Sunniside in 2004, and for Dunston Hill and Whickham East in 2006 and 2007.
In the last 10 years, Labour have lost 9 council seats in Gateshead – all to the Liberal Democrats, who now have 23 Councillors.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Lib Dems to press on with recycling call
LIBERAL Democrats in Gateshead are to continue campaigning for kerbside collections of plastics and cardboard for recycling despite the decision by the Labour run Council to reject the proposal.
Liberal Democrat councillors moved a motion calling for the current kerbside collection scheme for paper, cans and glass to be extended to cardboard and plastics at the meeting held on 7th June.
The motion was moved by Councillor Allison Chatto and seconded by Councillor Peter Maughan.
It called on Gateshead Council to investigate how kerbside collections could be introduced.
But replying to the motion, Labour Councillor and Cabinet member, Michael McNestry attached the call, claiming that in other authorities collection lorries ran late, plastics had to be washed and the system couldn’t cope with the material collected.
“I was very disappointed with Labour’s negative attitude,” said Councillor Chatto. “Here was an opportunity for the Council at least to investigate the possibility of kerbside collections.
“But Labour chose to dismiss the idea out of hand. Whilst the Liberal Democrats are arguing to make Gateshead greener, Labour are standing in the way of progress.”
Councillor Maughan said, “We are taking the message to the people of Gateshead that we want a greener borough. And we will continue to argue that Labour should look again at our proposal.”
Liberal Democrat councillors moved a motion calling for the current kerbside collection scheme for paper, cans and glass to be extended to cardboard and plastics at the meeting held on 7th June.
The motion was moved by Councillor Allison Chatto and seconded by Councillor Peter Maughan.
It called on Gateshead Council to investigate how kerbside collections could be introduced.
But replying to the motion, Labour Councillor and Cabinet member, Michael McNestry attached the call, claiming that in other authorities collection lorries ran late, plastics had to be washed and the system couldn’t cope with the material collected.
“I was very disappointed with Labour’s negative attitude,” said Councillor Chatto. “Here was an opportunity for the Council at least to investigate the possibility of kerbside collections.
“But Labour chose to dismiss the idea out of hand. Whilst the Liberal Democrats are arguing to make Gateshead greener, Labour are standing in the way of progress.”
Councillor Maughan said, “We are taking the message to the people of Gateshead that we want a greener borough. And we will continue to argue that Labour should look again at our proposal.”
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Liberal Democrats choose Michael again for by-election
LIBERAL Democrats in Dunston and Teams in Gateshead have chosen Michael Ruddy to be their candidate for the ward by election being held on 5th July.
Michael, who lives in Victoria Street in the Teams is a former taxi driver. He fought the ward in the May local elections when he came second to Labour.
“If elected I want to be a strong voice for our area on Gateshead Council," said Michael. "I am also joining with Liberal Democrat councillors from across Gateshead to campaign for more and better recycling in the borough.
“Labour’s recent decision to reject kerbside collections of plastics and cardboard for recycling was a bad decision for Gateshead and the environment. Liberal Democrats are campaigning to make Gateshead greener.”
Michael, who lives in Victoria Street in the Teams is a former taxi driver. He fought the ward in the May local elections when he came second to Labour.
“If elected I want to be a strong voice for our area on Gateshead Council," said Michael. "I am also joining with Liberal Democrat councillors from across Gateshead to campaign for more and better recycling in the borough.
“Labour’s recent decision to reject kerbside collections of plastics and cardboard for recycling was a bad decision for Gateshead and the environment. Liberal Democrats are campaigning to make Gateshead greener.”
Photo: Michael Ruddy and Susan Craig in the Teams. Michael has been chosen by Liberal Democrats to be their candidate for the Dunston and Teams by-election on Thursday 5th July. Susan was the Liberal Democrat candidate for neighbouring Lobley Hill and Bensham ward where she has slashed Labour's majority to just 54 votes.
Printed by Gateshead Liberal Democrats, 97 Front Street, Whickham, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE16 4JL and promoted by Frank Hindle on behalf of Michael Ruddy, all at Room 311, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU
Printed by Gateshead Liberal Democrats, 97 Front Street, Whickham, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE16 4JL and promoted by Frank Hindle on behalf of Michael Ruddy, all at Room 311, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Anger at Post Office planning decision
A DECISION by Gateshead Council’s Planning Committee to refuse an application for a cash machine to be installed in Sunniside Post Office has been attacked by the village’s Liberal Democrat Councillor.
With 2500 Post Offices set for closure by the Government, branches are needing to develop new business to stay open. Installing a cash machine at the branch in Sunniside would have helped secure the future of the Post Office and boost the village centre.
Dr Jonathan Wallace, Councillor for Sunniside, backed the plan and ran a petition in favour of the cash machine application. 240 residents signed it.
But Gateshead Council’s Highways Department objected to the cash machine as the Post Office is next to a pedestrian crossing.
And the planning committee split along party lines when it took the decision on Wednesday 13th June to throw out the application.
The plan was defeated 7 votes to 6. All those voting against the application being approved were Labour. Only one Labour Councillor, Malcolm Brain, voted for the proposal. The other 5 backing the plan were Liberal Democrats.
“This cash machine would have been a boost to Sunniside Post Office, helping to secure its future, at a time when one in five branches throughout the country is to be axed,” said Councillor Wallace.
“A free to use, 24 hour cash machine would also have been a boost for the village centre generally, and for residents.
“Sunniside is, by no stretch of the imagination, a wealthy area, and many people are dependent on the Post Office and local shops. Many don’t have cars to get to other shopping centres and the bus services in the village have been reduced in recent years.
“This application would have disproportionately benefited some of the poorest areas in my ward. I am therefore amazed and appalled that it has been rejected.
“It is a bizarre situation where a business on a front street can’t be developed because planners think it might attract people to use it and visit the area by car. Under that thinking, just about every front street in every community would have to be closed down.”
With 2500 Post Offices set for closure by the Government, branches are needing to develop new business to stay open. Installing a cash machine at the branch in Sunniside would have helped secure the future of the Post Office and boost the village centre.
Dr Jonathan Wallace, Councillor for Sunniside, backed the plan and ran a petition in favour of the cash machine application. 240 residents signed it.
But Gateshead Council’s Highways Department objected to the cash machine as the Post Office is next to a pedestrian crossing.
And the planning committee split along party lines when it took the decision on Wednesday 13th June to throw out the application.
The plan was defeated 7 votes to 6. All those voting against the application being approved were Labour. Only one Labour Councillor, Malcolm Brain, voted for the proposal. The other 5 backing the plan were Liberal Democrats.
“This cash machine would have been a boost to Sunniside Post Office, helping to secure its future, at a time when one in five branches throughout the country is to be axed,” said Councillor Wallace.
“A free to use, 24 hour cash machine would also have been a boost for the village centre generally, and for residents.
“Sunniside is, by no stretch of the imagination, a wealthy area, and many people are dependent on the Post Office and local shops. Many don’t have cars to get to other shopping centres and the bus services in the village have been reduced in recent years.
“This application would have disproportionately benefited some of the poorest areas in my ward. I am therefore amazed and appalled that it has been rejected.
“It is a bizarre situation where a business on a front street can’t be developed because planners think it might attract people to use it and visit the area by car. Under that thinking, just about every front street in every community would have to be closed down.”
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Police and Community Forum
The next Police and Community Forum for residents to discuss crime issues with local police officers will be held on Tuesday 17th July at 7pm in Swalwell Community Centre.
Somerfield cash machine
Alliance and Leicester are applying for planning permission to install a cash machine at the front of Somerfields supermarket on Oakfield Road, Whickham.
Whickham Front Street Primary School
Gateshead Council are applying for permission to install disabled access and to make alterations to provide a new reception area at the school.
Swimming club award
Gateshead and Whickham Amateur Swimming Club has been awarded a grant of £2736 by Gateshead Council towards running costs.
Whickham Service Station
A planning application has been submitted to Gateshead Council to install a cash machine next to the entrance to the shop at the Whickham Service Station on Front Street.
Should MPs be above the law?
This is the sort of questions we should not have to ask. It should be assumed that the laws MPs pass should apply to everyone, including themselves. The assumption however has come in for a bit of a battering recently. The issue starts with what each of us has, as a right, to know about what government and our elected representatives do in the name of the public and how they spend our money.
The government promised and indeed brought in a right to know which became law in 2005. Called the Freedom of Information Act, this was a great step forward from the secretive days of the Official Secrets Act that made a huge amount of government information into official secrets.
There was one consequence of the right to know that some MPs never actually foresaw. Their travel expenses, paid for by the tax payer, were revealed for all to see. The government itself resisted the move to publish this information but earlier this year, a legal case brought by Lib Dem MP Norman Baker, forced the publication of the expenses.
It revealed some rather large travel expenses with some MPs clocking up large bills for air travel and car expenses. Had they known these expenses were going to be published, few MPs would have been so generous to themselves with taxpayers’ money.
Conservative MP and former chief whip David Maclean then brought in a “private members bill” to exclude MPs from the Freedom of Information Act, therefore allowing them to keep their expenses secret.
A “private members bill” would normally stand no chance of getting passed by Parliament without government support. They simply get killed off, often through lack of time. That’s what Lib Dem MPs tried to do with the Maclean bill (with the support of a small number of Labour and Conservative backbenchers).
But then the Labour party intervened, and gave the bill some helpful backing to ensure it got through the Commons. This discreditable performance by Labour means this atrocious bill stands a reasonable chance of being passed.
It could be defeated in the House of Lords. Let’s hope it is.
Readers may be interested to know that Gateshead Labour MP Dave Clelland voted for the bill. Earlier this year, it was revealed that he had spend £18125 of taxpayers’ money over the previous year on travel. This consisted of £5315 car expenses, £3,699 for train travel, and a jet-setting £9,114 for air tickets.
When confronted by the Evening Chronicle about his sky high flying bill, he explained he “lives near the airport.” True! But what he didn’t say was that he lives even closer to Newcastle Central Station where he could let the less polluting train take the strain to get to London.
It will be a disgrace if the unholy alliance of the Labour government and a group of Conservative MPs takes away from the public the right to know. And it will undermine Gordon Brown’s claims that he wants a more open and accountable form of government. Hardly a good start for him.
You can sign the petition against the move to exempt MPs from Freedom of Information: just follow this link - http://www.ourcampaign.org.uk/foi
The government promised and indeed brought in a right to know which became law in 2005. Called the Freedom of Information Act, this was a great step forward from the secretive days of the Official Secrets Act that made a huge amount of government information into official secrets.
There was one consequence of the right to know that some MPs never actually foresaw. Their travel expenses, paid for by the tax payer, were revealed for all to see. The government itself resisted the move to publish this information but earlier this year, a legal case brought by Lib Dem MP Norman Baker, forced the publication of the expenses.
It revealed some rather large travel expenses with some MPs clocking up large bills for air travel and car expenses. Had they known these expenses were going to be published, few MPs would have been so generous to themselves with taxpayers’ money.
Conservative MP and former chief whip David Maclean then brought in a “private members bill” to exclude MPs from the Freedom of Information Act, therefore allowing them to keep their expenses secret.
A “private members bill” would normally stand no chance of getting passed by Parliament without government support. They simply get killed off, often through lack of time. That’s what Lib Dem MPs tried to do with the Maclean bill (with the support of a small number of Labour and Conservative backbenchers).
But then the Labour party intervened, and gave the bill some helpful backing to ensure it got through the Commons. This discreditable performance by Labour means this atrocious bill stands a reasonable chance of being passed.
It could be defeated in the House of Lords. Let’s hope it is.
Readers may be interested to know that Gateshead Labour MP Dave Clelland voted for the bill. Earlier this year, it was revealed that he had spend £18125 of taxpayers’ money over the previous year on travel. This consisted of £5315 car expenses, £3,699 for train travel, and a jet-setting £9,114 for air tickets.
When confronted by the Evening Chronicle about his sky high flying bill, he explained he “lives near the airport.” True! But what he didn’t say was that he lives even closer to Newcastle Central Station where he could let the less polluting train take the strain to get to London.
It will be a disgrace if the unholy alliance of the Labour government and a group of Conservative MPs takes away from the public the right to know. And it will undermine Gordon Brown’s claims that he wants a more open and accountable form of government. Hardly a good start for him.
You can sign the petition against the move to exempt MPs from Freedom of Information: just follow this link - http://www.ourcampaign.org.uk/foi
Local History
The Whickham and District U3A (Whickham Web Wanderers) who compile local history would like to hear from people with life stories and events from the 70s, 80s and 90s to enable them to extend their oral history catalogue.
Anyone who feels they could assist should email wwu3a@hotmail.com or call 0191 496 1238. If you would like to visit the web site to view some of the work they have compiled over the years visit www.webwanderers.org
If you would prefer to meet with the group to discuss your participation in this history project please call Mrs Minns on the number above for full details of the group meeting which is held once a month at Marley Hill Community Centre.
Anyone who feels they could assist should email wwu3a@hotmail.com or call 0191 496 1238. If you would like to visit the web site to view some of the work they have compiled over the years visit www.webwanderers.org
If you would prefer to meet with the group to discuss your participation in this history project please call Mrs Minns on the number above for full details of the group meeting which is held once a month at Marley Hill Community Centre.
Bus petition and meeting
Councillors representing Whickham, Swalwell and Sunniside have met Martin Harris, Director of Go North East bus company, to discuss bus services in the area. The meeting took place on 18th May.
Councillors raised concerns about the impact of recent changes to services, in particular the on going problems of lack of services from Sunniside to Whickham Health Centre and to Dunston, the change of direction in the services on Parkway and Broadway, the loss of services down Whaggs Lane and locations of bus shelters.
Councillors Allison Chatto and Mary Wallace also raised concerns about possible changes to services between Swalwell and Dunston.
Councillor Jonathan Wallace also handed over a petition signed by over 200 residents of Sunniside and Whickham asking for the problems in Sunniside outlined above to be addressed.
The meeting is one of a series the councillors will hold with the bus company to help find solutions to bus problems throughout the area.
Councillors raised concerns about the impact of recent changes to services, in particular the on going problems of lack of services from Sunniside to Whickham Health Centre and to Dunston, the change of direction in the services on Parkway and Broadway, the loss of services down Whaggs Lane and locations of bus shelters.
Councillors Allison Chatto and Mary Wallace also raised concerns about possible changes to services between Swalwell and Dunston.
Councillor Jonathan Wallace also handed over a petition signed by over 200 residents of Sunniside and Whickham asking for the problems in Sunniside outlined above to be addressed.
The meeting is one of a series the councillors will hold with the bus company to help find solutions to bus problems throughout the area.
Whickham Bank Top house
The large and as yet unfinished house near the top of Whickham Bank has been raised with Lib Dem Councillors by a large number of people recently.
The house in its current form was granted planning permission in the late 1990s and work on it began earlier this decade. It was then realised that, though the building was being constructed according to the planning permission, the design of the house meant that residents were likely to lose their privacy if the house was completed and occupied.
Gateshead Council was asked to intervene and to get changes made to the house so that the concerns of neighbouring residents could be addressed.
There is a long and difficult legal process that has to be gone through to achieve this. The process of overturning planning permission on a building that has been built to the requirements of the same planning permission is one that is rarely used.
Both the owner of the building and the Council have been involved in long discussions about a way forward. Generally speaking, the owner of the site has shown a willingness to look at the concerns that have been raised but these discussions have been protracted as attempts have been made to try and come up with a design that resolves the harm to neighbours but also acknowledges the planning permission the applicant has and his family’s requirements.
However, if these discussions do not resolve the problems, the Council will be able to issue an order requiring necessary changes to the building to be carried out. The Planning and Development Committee has given officers powers to do this. Once served the owners of the building and any other interested third parties could appeal against the order. This would likely result in a public inquiry.
The legal advice to the council is that the order would be considered more reasonably by an Inspector at a public inquiry if the Council can demonstrate they have sought to explore all options and opportunities to deal with the harm caused.
Hence the delay in bringing the matter to a conclusion. However, the Council have made it clear to the owner of the site that if a satisfactory set of proposals for the building is not reached in a reasonable timescale, the order will be issued
Gateshead News will keep you in touch with progress.
The house in its current form was granted planning permission in the late 1990s and work on it began earlier this decade. It was then realised that, though the building was being constructed according to the planning permission, the design of the house meant that residents were likely to lose their privacy if the house was completed and occupied.
Gateshead Council was asked to intervene and to get changes made to the house so that the concerns of neighbouring residents could be addressed.
There is a long and difficult legal process that has to be gone through to achieve this. The process of overturning planning permission on a building that has been built to the requirements of the same planning permission is one that is rarely used.
Both the owner of the building and the Council have been involved in long discussions about a way forward. Generally speaking, the owner of the site has shown a willingness to look at the concerns that have been raised but these discussions have been protracted as attempts have been made to try and come up with a design that resolves the harm to neighbours but also acknowledges the planning permission the applicant has and his family’s requirements.
However, if these discussions do not resolve the problems, the Council will be able to issue an order requiring necessary changes to the building to be carried out. The Planning and Development Committee has given officers powers to do this. Once served the owners of the building and any other interested third parties could appeal against the order. This would likely result in a public inquiry.
The legal advice to the council is that the order would be considered more reasonably by an Inspector at a public inquiry if the Council can demonstrate they have sought to explore all options and opportunities to deal with the harm caused.
Hence the delay in bringing the matter to a conclusion. However, the Council have made it clear to the owner of the site that if a satisfactory set of proposals for the building is not reached in a reasonable timescale, the order will be issued
Gateshead News will keep you in touch with progress.
Monday, June 04, 2007
SMALL-SIDED SOCCER OPEN SESSIONS AT WATERGATE PARK
You may be aware that every year Fellside Football Club hold these 'Open Sessions' for football coaching at Watergate Park, our Headquarters in Lobley Hill. They have been doing these for many years now and details of the 2007 event follow.
The trials for this year will commence on SUNDAY 17th JUNE 2007 and will continue for at least three weeks from 10.00am to 12 noon on subsequent Sundays. The ages of those eligible to attend are from Under-7 to Under-10s and they will be given qualified coaching by a group of our Coaches. The idea is to offer something back to the community as part of the Club's Development within the Community and to give individuals the opportunity to attend these excellent sessions with the possibility of forming new teams at various age-groups and strengthening others teams that already exist.
It is an ideal opportunity for parents and children to meet with Club officials and see the work the Club carries out within the locality; to obtain an idea of what we can offer and make them feel safe that their children are looked after in a safe and secure environment whilst in their charge.
Refreshments will be available and parents are encouraged to stay and watch the sessions, girls and boys are all welcome.
The trials for this year will commence on SUNDAY 17th JUNE 2007 and will continue for at least three weeks from 10.00am to 12 noon on subsequent Sundays. The ages of those eligible to attend are from Under-7 to Under-10s and they will be given qualified coaching by a group of our Coaches. The idea is to offer something back to the community as part of the Club's Development within the Community and to give individuals the opportunity to attend these excellent sessions with the possibility of forming new teams at various age-groups and strengthening others teams that already exist.
It is an ideal opportunity for parents and children to meet with Club officials and see the work the Club carries out within the locality; to obtain an idea of what we can offer and make them feel safe that their children are looked after in a safe and secure environment whilst in their charge.
Refreshments will be available and parents are encouraged to stay and watch the sessions, girls and boys are all welcome.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Sunniside fights for Post Office cash machine
A planning applicaiton for a cash machine to be installed at the front of the Post Office in the village of Sunniside is to be considered by Gateshead Council’s Planning Committee on Wednesday 13th June.
The application was, unexpectedly, rejected by planning officers in December after objections from highways engineers.
But local Liberal Democrat Councillor, Jonathan Wallace, believes the cash machine will benefit residents and help protect the long term future of the branch at a time when thousands of Post Offices are due to be closed by the government.
Councillor Wallace asked the Planning Department to let the application be resubmitted and considered by the Planning Committee instead. He also produced a petition backing the application and will speak in favour of it when it goes before the committee.
The petition, signed by over 100 residents will be handed in shortly to Gateshead Council.
“At a time when Post Offices are under threat, I am hoping the Planning Committee will see the benefits of this application for both the future of the Sunniside Post Office and for residents of the village,” said Councillor Wallace.
The application was, unexpectedly, rejected by planning officers in December after objections from highways engineers.
But local Liberal Democrat Councillor, Jonathan Wallace, believes the cash machine will benefit residents and help protect the long term future of the branch at a time when thousands of Post Offices are due to be closed by the government.
Councillor Wallace asked the Planning Department to let the application be resubmitted and considered by the Planning Committee instead. He also produced a petition backing the application and will speak in favour of it when it goes before the committee.
The petition, signed by over 100 residents will be handed in shortly to Gateshead Council.
“At a time when Post Offices are under threat, I am hoping the Planning Committee will see the benefits of this application for both the future of the Sunniside Post Office and for residents of the village,” said Councillor Wallace.
Whickham garages petition
Residents of Kingsley Place and Kipling Avenue in Whickham have launched a petition asking for action to repair the road surface next to the garages on the two roads.
Residents have also expressed concern that rival gangs have met at the location for stone fights.
Councillor Chris Ord has asked the Gateshead Housing Company to look into the matter. He has also raised the gang problem with Whichkam Police.
“We want to get to the root of the problem here to sort out residents’ concerns,” said Cllr Ord.
Residents have also expressed concern that rival gangs have met at the location for stone fights.
Councillor Chris Ord has asked the Gateshead Housing Company to look into the matter. He has also raised the gang problem with Whichkam Police.
“We want to get to the root of the problem here to sort out residents’ concerns,” said Cllr Ord.
Labour censorship of Gateshead News rejected
An attempt by Labour to censor this news blog has failed.
Labour tried to get a video of them losing an election removed from Gateshead News. It was shot by Councillor Jonathan Wallace at the declaration of the recent election result in the Dunston Hill and Whickham East ward.
Councillor Wallace asked for, and was given permission, to shoot the video by a senior officer of Gateshead Council.
But Labour have now twice asked Council officers to ask Councillor Wallace to remove the video.
“I was rather surprised by the requests,” said Councillor Wallace. “All it shows is the declaration of the result. This is the part of a count you would see on an election programme. Many councils actually video the declarations and put them on their own websites. Why Labour took exception to it is odd.
“I can only think it has something to do with the fact that Labour had high hopes of winning back the ward. They threw everything and the kitchen sink into winning.
“The end result was an increased Liberal Democrat majority for my colleague Councillor Yvonne McNicol. Maybe Labour just don’t like to be seen to be defeated.
“I think it is useful for residents to be able to see the democratic process in operation. Many have viewed the video, especially after we sent them the link on our last email newsletter.
“The video will remain on the blog for the next few weeks until it is replaced by new videos we will be shooting over the late spring.
“And my advice to Labour is that they should stop trying to manage the news and let people see and read what they want to.”
The video can also be viewed on YouTube on this link.
Labour tried to get a video of them losing an election removed from Gateshead News. It was shot by Councillor Jonathan Wallace at the declaration of the recent election result in the Dunston Hill and Whickham East ward.
Councillor Wallace asked for, and was given permission, to shoot the video by a senior officer of Gateshead Council.
But Labour have now twice asked Council officers to ask Councillor Wallace to remove the video.
“I was rather surprised by the requests,” said Councillor Wallace. “All it shows is the declaration of the result. This is the part of a count you would see on an election programme. Many councils actually video the declarations and put them on their own websites. Why Labour took exception to it is odd.
“I can only think it has something to do with the fact that Labour had high hopes of winning back the ward. They threw everything and the kitchen sink into winning.
“The end result was an increased Liberal Democrat majority for my colleague Councillor Yvonne McNicol. Maybe Labour just don’t like to be seen to be defeated.
“I think it is useful for residents to be able to see the democratic process in operation. Many have viewed the video, especially after we sent them the link on our last email newsletter.
“The video will remain on the blog for the next few weeks until it is replaced by new videos we will be shooting over the late spring.
“And my advice to Labour is that they should stop trying to manage the news and let people see and read what they want to.”
The video can also be viewed on YouTube on this link.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Scout Fayre, Chase Park Whickham May 2007
The annual Scots' Fayre was held at Chase Park in Whickham on Saturday 19th May.
With deepest sympathies
It is with great sorrow that we report that Councillor Maureen Clelland has passed away. Maureen was the councillor for Dunston and Teams and before that for the former Dunston ward.
Maureen was always widely respected and greatly liked by members on all sides. She was a genuine public servant whose driving force was to do the best for the people she represented. She will be greatly missed.
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Sent via BlackBerry
Thursday, May 17, 2007
GOVERNMENT FAILS TO LISTEN ON POST OFFICES, SAY GATESHEAD LIB DEMS
Liberal Democrats in Gateshead have hit out at the government’s failure to listen to the concerns of local people over post office closures. The Government announced today [Thursday 17th May] that they will continue with their plan to close at least 2,500 post offices across the country.
Gateshead Liberal Democrats have been campaigning against post office closures and are today stepping up the fight against the Government’s plans.
The Government have not published the list of post offices to be closed, but with one in five post offices nationwide set to shut it is unlikely that Gateshead will escape with no closures.
Local Lib Dem Councillor Jonathan Wallace said, “It is outrageous that the Government have ignored the concerns of local people and are continuing with their plan to close at least 2,500 post offices. That means we could lose yet more post offices here in in Gateshead. We have already seen 6 close over the past 4 years.
“Along with many local people, we have been campaigning against the Government’s post office closure plans and will now be stepping up the fight once again. Last year we collected 3000 signatures against the closure plans from residents of Gateshead.”
Councillor Peter Maughan said, “If, instead of initiating a further round of cuts, the Government were to adopt Liberal Democrats plans for the Post Office then they would be able to invest an additional £2 billion in the network and safeguard the future of local branches for years to come.”
In March, Liberal Democrats handed in their 3000 signature petition calling for an end to Post Office closures to 10 Downing Street.
Gateshead Liberal Democrats have been campaigning against post office closures and are today stepping up the fight against the Government’s plans.
The Government have not published the list of post offices to be closed, but with one in five post offices nationwide set to shut it is unlikely that Gateshead will escape with no closures.
Local Lib Dem Councillor Jonathan Wallace said, “It is outrageous that the Government have ignored the concerns of local people and are continuing with their plan to close at least 2,500 post offices. That means we could lose yet more post offices here in in Gateshead. We have already seen 6 close over the past 4 years.
“Along with many local people, we have been campaigning against the Government’s post office closure plans and will now be stepping up the fight once again. Last year we collected 3000 signatures against the closure plans from residents of Gateshead.”
Councillor Peter Maughan said, “If, instead of initiating a further round of cuts, the Government were to adopt Liberal Democrats plans for the Post Office then they would be able to invest an additional £2 billion in the network and safeguard the future of local branches for years to come.”
In March, Liberal Democrats handed in their 3000 signature petition calling for an end to Post Office closures to 10 Downing Street.
Backing to keep MPs’ travel information public
AN ATTEMPT by MPs to stop the public knowing about their expenses claims has been attacked by campaigning Liberal Democrats in Gateshead.
Former Conservative Chief Whip, David Maclean MP, has proposed a change to the law on Freedom of Information that would exempt MPs from having their expenses claims published.
Earlier this year, the government lost a legal battle led by Liberal Democrat MP Norman Baker to require Parliament to publish the details of MPs’ travel expenses claims under the law on Freedom of Information.
But in response, an unholy alliance of Conservative and Labour MPs are trying to change the law to prevent publication of their expenses.
Liberal Democrats in Gateshead are leading the calls to keep the information public. Councillor Jonathan Wallace has written to Norman Baker MP and Simon Hughes MP backing their actions to stop the change in the law.
“Norman Baker did a great service to the country earlier this year when his legal battle forced Parliament to publish the detailed travel expenses of MPs,” said Councillor Wallace.
“As a result, many MPs have had to justify why they expect the taxpayer to pay for so much travel by car and plane. If their travel expenses are public, the evidence is clear that MPs do not treat themselves to such generous travel arrangements.
“I find the attitude of the Conservative and Labour MPs who support the attempt to protect themselves from public scrutiny sad and shocking. The attempt to ban the public from knowing the details of how taxpayers’ money is being spent on their travel will rightfully anger the very people who have to foot the bill.
“Here in Gateshead Liberal Democrats feel very strongly that this information should be kept public. MPs should not hide behind a wall of secrecy.”
A further debate on the proposals to exempt MPs from the Freedom of Information laws will be debated in the House of Commons on Friday 18th May. MPs Norman Baker and Simon Hughes will be leading the attempts to stop the changes being introduced.
Former Conservative Chief Whip, David Maclean MP, has proposed a change to the law on Freedom of Information that would exempt MPs from having their expenses claims published.
Earlier this year, the government lost a legal battle led by Liberal Democrat MP Norman Baker to require Parliament to publish the details of MPs’ travel expenses claims under the law on Freedom of Information.
But in response, an unholy alliance of Conservative and Labour MPs are trying to change the law to prevent publication of their expenses.
Liberal Democrats in Gateshead are leading the calls to keep the information public. Councillor Jonathan Wallace has written to Norman Baker MP and Simon Hughes MP backing their actions to stop the change in the law.
“Norman Baker did a great service to the country earlier this year when his legal battle forced Parliament to publish the detailed travel expenses of MPs,” said Councillor Wallace.
“As a result, many MPs have had to justify why they expect the taxpayer to pay for so much travel by car and plane. If their travel expenses are public, the evidence is clear that MPs do not treat themselves to such generous travel arrangements.
“I find the attitude of the Conservative and Labour MPs who support the attempt to protect themselves from public scrutiny sad and shocking. The attempt to ban the public from knowing the details of how taxpayers’ money is being spent on their travel will rightfully anger the very people who have to foot the bill.
“Here in Gateshead Liberal Democrats feel very strongly that this information should be kept public. MPs should not hide behind a wall of secrecy.”
A further debate on the proposals to exempt MPs from the Freedom of Information laws will be debated in the House of Commons on Friday 18th May. MPs Norman Baker and Simon Hughes will be leading the attempts to stop the changes being introduced.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Sunniside Post Office cash machine
The planning applicaiton to install a cash machine at the front of Sunniside Post Office is likely to come before Gateshead Council's planning committee on Wednesday 13th June.
The application has been backed by local Lib Dem Councillor Jonathan Wallace and by over 100 residents who have signed a petition supporting the plan.
Petition forms were delivered to houses in Sunniside, Marley Hill and Streetgate in April. Residents can return their completed petitions to Sunniside Post Office.
The application has been backed by local Lib Dem Councillor Jonathan Wallace and by over 100 residents who have signed a petition supporting the plan.
Petition forms were delivered to houses in Sunniside, Marley Hill and Streetgate in April. Residents can return their completed petitions to Sunniside Post Office.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Glebe phone mast to be removed, orders council
Over many months residents have complained to Lib Dem Councillors in Whickham North about the unsightly and overlarge mobile phone and lighting mast on the Glebe. The councillors - Mary Wallace, Chris Ord and Peter Craig - have made repeated representations to Gateshead Council’s Planning Department about the mast.
Despite orders from the Council’s enforcement officers to remove the mast, which was not built in accordance with the original planning application, it is still standing. Many residents are angry that the mast remains in place.
The football club, and the three mobile telephone companies who share the mast, have now been served with a legal order to have it taken down. Gateshead News will report further on progress on this matter.
Despite orders from the Council’s enforcement officers to remove the mast, which was not built in accordance with the original planning application, it is still standing. Many residents are angry that the mast remains in place.
The football club, and the three mobile telephone companies who share the mast, have now been served with a legal order to have it taken down. Gateshead News will report further on progress on this matter.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Dunston Hill and Whickham East declaration May 2007
Declaration of the result from Dunston Hill and Whickham East ward. This was a top target for Labour but the Lib Dems increased their majority in the ward.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
No seats change hands in Gateshead
No seats changed hands in the elections to Gateshead Council on 3rd May. Though Lib Dem Susan Craig came within 53 votes of taking the Labour ward of Lobley Hill and Bensham, Labour's Frank Donovan managed to just hold off the Lib Dem attack on the once rock solid Labour bastion.
But if Labour were happy with being able to cling on to Lobley Hill and Bensham, Lib Dems were equally happy to have held off Labour in 2 other wards where they mounted big challenges. In both Dunston Hill and Whickham East and Crawcrook and Greenside, the Lib Dems triumphed with increased majorities.
Most Labour attention was focused on Dunston Hill and Whickham East. But Labour slipped back when their candidate Gary Haley, who fought the ward last year (and fought Whickham South in 2002, 2003 and 2004) saw Lib Dem Yvonne McNicol nearly double her majority to 521.
And in Crawcrook and Greenside, Labour candidate Helen Hughes who also fought the ward last year, saw Lib Dem Derek Anderson increase his majority to 514.
Gateshead News editor Jonathan Wallace enjoyed an embarrassingly successful list of "biggests" in the Gateshead elections! - the biggest majority (1473), the biggest vote (2043) and the biggest share of the vote (70%).
The record for the worst performance of the night goes to the Conservative candidate in Lobley Hill and Bensham, Hazel Anderson, who mustered only 121 votes. She will hopefully take comfort from the result not reflecting on her but rather on the fact her party was heavily squeezed in the ward by the Lib Dems who were slugging it out with Labour to win the seat.
Nevertheless, the Conservatives continue to poll poorly in Gateshead. Their best seat was Chowdene where they took 578 votes, but they are still 1000 votes off winning.
The BNP's hopes of winning a seat were dashed when their top target of Dunston and Teams slipped ever further from their grasp. The BNP had high hopes of success in the by-election in the ward in September 2006 but ended up trailing behind the 2nd placed Lib Dems with Labour retaining the seat. This time the BNP remained firmly stuck in 3rd place.
Returning to the council after a 3 year absence is Labour's Stephen Ronchetti who won the vacant seat in Blaydon ward though his majority was down to less that 300 over Lib Dem Mark Gardner.
Another face familiar to Gateshead Council to be elected was Bob Goldsworthy who held Bridges ward for Labour. This is Bob's first stint as a councillor but, as the husband of the current mayor, Maureen Goldsworthy, he is the Mayor's Consort.
Congratulations to all those elected and commiserations to those who were defeated.
We of course have to go through the whole process again next year! Oh joy!
But if Labour were happy with being able to cling on to Lobley Hill and Bensham, Lib Dems were equally happy to have held off Labour in 2 other wards where they mounted big challenges. In both Dunston Hill and Whickham East and Crawcrook and Greenside, the Lib Dems triumphed with increased majorities.
Most Labour attention was focused on Dunston Hill and Whickham East. But Labour slipped back when their candidate Gary Haley, who fought the ward last year (and fought Whickham South in 2002, 2003 and 2004) saw Lib Dem Yvonne McNicol nearly double her majority to 521.
And in Crawcrook and Greenside, Labour candidate Helen Hughes who also fought the ward last year, saw Lib Dem Derek Anderson increase his majority to 514.
Gateshead News editor Jonathan Wallace enjoyed an embarrassingly successful list of "biggests" in the Gateshead elections! - the biggest majority (1473), the biggest vote (2043) and the biggest share of the vote (70%).
The record for the worst performance of the night goes to the Conservative candidate in Lobley Hill and Bensham, Hazel Anderson, who mustered only 121 votes. She will hopefully take comfort from the result not reflecting on her but rather on the fact her party was heavily squeezed in the ward by the Lib Dems who were slugging it out with Labour to win the seat.
Nevertheless, the Conservatives continue to poll poorly in Gateshead. Their best seat was Chowdene where they took 578 votes, but they are still 1000 votes off winning.
The BNP's hopes of winning a seat were dashed when their top target of Dunston and Teams slipped ever further from their grasp. The BNP had high hopes of success in the by-election in the ward in September 2006 but ended up trailing behind the 2nd placed Lib Dems with Labour retaining the seat. This time the BNP remained firmly stuck in 3rd place.
Returning to the council after a 3 year absence is Labour's Stephen Ronchetti who won the vacant seat in Blaydon ward though his majority was down to less that 300 over Lib Dem Mark Gardner.
Another face familiar to Gateshead Council to be elected was Bob Goldsworthy who held Bridges ward for Labour. This is Bob's first stint as a councillor but, as the husband of the current mayor, Maureen Goldsworthy, he is the Mayor's Consort.
Congratulations to all those elected and commiserations to those who were defeated.
We of course have to go through the whole process again next year! Oh joy!
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Call for Labour to withdraw misleading and inaccurate school claims
LIBERAL Democrats in Whickham, Gateshead, have called on the Labour Party to withdraw claims that a new school is to be built to replace Whickham School this year.
The claims are made by Labour in election leaflets in the three Whickham wards where elections are taking place to Gateshead Council. However, Labour run Gateshead Council itself has confirmed that no new school is being built this year and a new replacement school is unlikely for a decade.
Whickham School’s buildings are, by general agreement, in need of replacement as many are old, worn out and out of date.
The school has been unable to apply for any significant funding in the past decade to replace existing buildings because it was excluded from investment under the “Private Finance Initiative” or “Building Schools for the Future” schemes.
But earlier this year, the government agreed to release £1 million to allow for the refurbishment of the school’s catering facilities and the building of one classroom block to replace some mobile classrooms.
Labour are however spinning this as a replacement of the old school with a new one being built this year.
Whickham Liberal Democrat Councillor Dr Jonathan Wallace said, “This is one of the wildest and most inaccurate claims Labour have come up with in Whickham.
“Labour are spinning the refurbishment of the school’s kitchens as the building of a replacement school this year.
“Parents are undertandably excited about the prospect of a new school but feel bitterly let down when they discover Labour are spinning a story that is very different from reality.
“It seems Labour are prepared to say anything to try to get elected in the Whickham area. But their ridiculous claims are back-firing as people see through them.
“It’s time they withdrew their absurd and misleading spin story.”
The claims are made by Labour in election leaflets in the three Whickham wards where elections are taking place to Gateshead Council. However, Labour run Gateshead Council itself has confirmed that no new school is being built this year and a new replacement school is unlikely for a decade.
Whickham School’s buildings are, by general agreement, in need of replacement as many are old, worn out and out of date.
The school has been unable to apply for any significant funding in the past decade to replace existing buildings because it was excluded from investment under the “Private Finance Initiative” or “Building Schools for the Future” schemes.
But earlier this year, the government agreed to release £1 million to allow for the refurbishment of the school’s catering facilities and the building of one classroom block to replace some mobile classrooms.
Labour are however spinning this as a replacement of the old school with a new one being built this year.
Whickham Liberal Democrat Councillor Dr Jonathan Wallace said, “This is one of the wildest and most inaccurate claims Labour have come up with in Whickham.
“Labour are spinning the refurbishment of the school’s kitchens as the building of a replacement school this year.
“Parents are undertandably excited about the prospect of a new school but feel bitterly let down when they discover Labour are spinning a story that is very different from reality.
“It seems Labour are prepared to say anything to try to get elected in the Whickham area. But their ridiculous claims are back-firing as people see through them.
“It’s time they withdrew their absurd and misleading spin story.”
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Post Office cash machine petition launched
LIBERAL Democrat Councillors in Sunniside village, Gateshead, have launched a petition calling on Gateshead Council to allow a cash machine to be installed at the front of the post office in the village.
Plans to put the free to use, 24 hour machine into the village post office, were first submitted to Gateshead Council in December 2006, but were rejected by planning officers following concerns raised by highways officers.
But Councillor Jonathan Wallace took up the case after the branch’s postmaster contacted him about the rejection.
As a result, it was agreed that the application could be resubmitted and considered by Gateshead’s Planning Committee, made up of councillors from across the area.
“I was surprised the application was rejected first time round,” said Jonathan. “Highways officers were concerned however that there could be traffic problems on the Front Street as the post office is next to a pedestrian crossing.
“However, in Whickham, we have a Lloyds cash machine next to the Front Street junction with Church Chare which also has a pedestrian crossing. So it would seem reasonable to allow a cash machine to go into the post office in Sunniside, next to the crossing.
“Many post offices are under considerable pressure as the government has taken away much of their trade. So we need to find new business for branches to ensure they can have a fighting chance of survival.
“A cash machine at the front of the Sunniside branch will be a boost for the post office and for residents of the village.
“I have launched the petition to get a show of public support for the proposal.”
Plans to put the free to use, 24 hour machine into the village post office, were first submitted to Gateshead Council in December 2006, but were rejected by planning officers following concerns raised by highways officers.
But Councillor Jonathan Wallace took up the case after the branch’s postmaster contacted him about the rejection.
As a result, it was agreed that the application could be resubmitted and considered by Gateshead’s Planning Committee, made up of councillors from across the area.
“I was surprised the application was rejected first time round,” said Jonathan. “Highways officers were concerned however that there could be traffic problems on the Front Street as the post office is next to a pedestrian crossing.
“However, in Whickham, we have a Lloyds cash machine next to the Front Street junction with Church Chare which also has a pedestrian crossing. So it would seem reasonable to allow a cash machine to go into the post office in Sunniside, next to the crossing.
“Many post offices are under considerable pressure as the government has taken away much of their trade. So we need to find new business for branches to ensure they can have a fighting chance of survival.
“A cash machine at the front of the Sunniside branch will be a boost for the post office and for residents of the village.
“I have launched the petition to get a show of public support for the proposal.”
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Restored grass verge wrecked by grass cutters
A grass area in Whickham, Gateshead, that was extensively damaged last year but then restored to its proper condition has had to be restored a second time following damage caused by grass cutting equipment.
Milton Road’s grassed area was used to park equipment and a workman’s cabin in 2006 whilst work on nearby homes was carried out. As a result, the turf was churned up and extensively damaged.
Following pressure from Liberal Democrat councillors Chris Ord, Mary Wallace and Peter Craig, Gateshead Housing Company agreed to restore the grassed area. Work on restoration was completed last month.
But the site was again damaged this week when the grass cutter was sent on to it to cut the now growing grass.
Councillor Chris Ord said, “I had a flood of calls from residents yesterday about the damage.
“Last year people had to live next to a mudbath. So people were pleased when the work was carried out to restore the grassed area.
“So understandably, when the grass was churned up again by the grass cutter, people were annoyed.”
As a result of Councillor Ord’s intervention, workmen have returned to the site to repair the damage.
Milton Road’s grassed area was used to park equipment and a workman’s cabin in 2006 whilst work on nearby homes was carried out. As a result, the turf was churned up and extensively damaged.
Following pressure from Liberal Democrat councillors Chris Ord, Mary Wallace and Peter Craig, Gateshead Housing Company agreed to restore the grassed area. Work on restoration was completed last month.
But the site was again damaged this week when the grass cutter was sent on to it to cut the now growing grass.
Councillor Chris Ord said, “I had a flood of calls from residents yesterday about the damage.
“Last year people had to live next to a mudbath. So people were pleased when the work was carried out to restore the grassed area.
“So understandably, when the grass was churned up again by the grass cutter, people were annoyed.”
As a result of Councillor Ord’s intervention, workmen have returned to the site to repair the damage.
Photo: Councillors Peter Craig and Chris Ord at the grassed area on Milton Road in 2006. The site was restored and then damaged again when grass cutters set to work on the site.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Lib Dems launch survey on crime
LIBERAL Democrats in Dunston and Bensham, Gateshead, have launched a survey of residents on crime, anti-social behaviour and vandalism.
The survey was launched after residents contacted Lib Dem councillors concerned about law-breaking in the area.
The survey is being co-ordinated by Councillor Yvonne McNicol, who represents Dunston Hill, and Susan Craig, who leads the Lib Dem Focus team in Bensham.
5000 survey forms have been delivered along with copies of the party’s recent edition of their Focus community newsletter.
“We are carrying out the survey so that residents can raised their concerns directly with us,” said Councillor McNicol.
Susan Craig said, “We have already had many replies and we are sorting through them. We will be taking up all the issues raised.”
The survey was launched after residents contacted Lib Dem councillors concerned about law-breaking in the area.
The survey is being co-ordinated by Councillor Yvonne McNicol, who represents Dunston Hill, and Susan Craig, who leads the Lib Dem Focus team in Bensham.
5000 survey forms have been delivered along with copies of the party’s recent edition of their Focus community newsletter.
“We are carrying out the survey so that residents can raised their concerns directly with us,” said Councillor McNicol.
Susan Craig said, “We have already had many replies and we are sorting through them. We will be taking up all the issues raised.”
Homes to be revalued for council tax
Residents of Gateshead could be in for a shock if, as expected, all homes are revalued by the government to decide which band they should be in for council tax.
Homes were last valued in 1990 but a government review of council tax, published in March 2007, said properties should be revalued in the near future.
In Wales, revaluation took place 3 years ago and a third of properties went up at least one band, resulting in a council tax bills rising by nearly 20% at a stroke.
With both Labour and the Conservatives committed to keeping council tax, Liberal Democrats have stepped up their campaign for it to be scrapped.
Councillor Yvonne McNicol, who represents Dunston Hill and Whickham East, said, "Council tax is not based on ability to pay. It is unfair and will become far worse when people’s homes are revalued. It should be replaced by a local income tax based on ability to pay, a much fairer system. Revaluation will be crippling for many households in Gateshead."
Homes were last valued in 1990 but a government review of council tax, published in March 2007, said properties should be revalued in the near future.
In Wales, revaluation took place 3 years ago and a third of properties went up at least one band, resulting in a council tax bills rising by nearly 20% at a stroke.
With both Labour and the Conservatives committed to keeping council tax, Liberal Democrats have stepped up their campaign for it to be scrapped.
Councillor Yvonne McNicol, who represents Dunston Hill and Whickham East, said, "Council tax is not based on ability to pay. It is unfair and will become far worse when people’s homes are revalued. It should be replaced by a local income tax based on ability to pay, a much fairer system. Revaluation will be crippling for many households in Gateshead."
250 return bus survey
A survey in Dunston and Lobley Hill has received over 250 responses from residents concerned about local bus services.
The survey has been carried out by Councillor Yvonne McNicol and campaigner Susan Craig after being contacted by residents fed up with changes to services.
Yvonne and Susan met with officials from bus company Go Ahead North East and after negotiations, agreed to carry out the survey so that the concerns of bus users could be passed on to those provising the services.
"We had a meeting with the company in February to discuss the first results and have another meeting pencilled in for April," said Yvonne.
"We are trying to bring home to the company the hardship caused by axed or changed services."
Meanwhile Lib Dems in Dunston have handed in a petition to the bus company calling for the return of the service from The Crescent to northern Dunston. "The service is needed by many residents," said Lib Dem campaigner Michael Ruddy.
The survey has been carried out by Councillor Yvonne McNicol and campaigner Susan Craig after being contacted by residents fed up with changes to services.
Yvonne and Susan met with officials from bus company Go Ahead North East and after negotiations, agreed to carry out the survey so that the concerns of bus users could be passed on to those provising the services.
"We had a meeting with the company in February to discuss the first results and have another meeting pencilled in for April," said Yvonne.
"We are trying to bring home to the company the hardship caused by axed or changed services."
Meanwhile Lib Dems in Dunston have handed in a petition to the bus company calling for the return of the service from The Crescent to northern Dunston. "The service is needed by many residents," said Lib Dem campaigner Michael Ruddy.
Bus changes spark call for passenger power
Recent big changes to bus services in the area have caused a great deal of concern, difficulty and confusion for many local residents, claims a leading Liberal Democrat Councillor in Gateshead.
And the changes have sparked a call to bring forward plans to make bus companies work more closely with councils to ensure residents have a greater say over where buses are running.
Doreen Boyes, who represents Pelaw and Heworth on Gateshead Council, has met residents to discuss the problems caused by the changes. She is working with bus users and other Councillors to make sure that Go Ahead Northern are aware of the problems people are facing.
Doreen said, "These changes were made without local people having a chance to say what they thought of them. Bus companies should have to consult more widely and give more notice of changes.
"This is what Liberal Democrats in Parliament are calling for. The government have promised to bring in changes that will allow this to happen. But at the moment there is still no action by government ministers to back up their words."
And the changes have sparked a call to bring forward plans to make bus companies work more closely with councils to ensure residents have a greater say over where buses are running.
Doreen Boyes, who represents Pelaw and Heworth on Gateshead Council, has met residents to discuss the problems caused by the changes. She is working with bus users and other Councillors to make sure that Go Ahead Northern are aware of the problems people are facing.
Doreen said, "These changes were made without local people having a chance to say what they thought of them. Bus companies should have to consult more widely and give more notice of changes.
"This is what Liberal Democrats in Parliament are calling for. The government have promised to bring in changes that will allow this to happen. But at the moment there is still no action by government ministers to back up their words."
Restored grass verge wrecked by grass cutters
A grass area in Whickham, Gateshead, that was extensively damaged last year but then restored to its proper condition has had to be restored a second time following damage caused by grass cutting equipment.
Milton Road’s grassed area was used to park equipment and a workman’s cabin in 2006 whilst work on nearby homes was carried out. As a result, the turf was churned up and extensively damaged.
Following pressure from Liberal Democrat councillors Chris Ord, Mary Wallace and Peter Craig, Gateshead Housing Company agreed to restore the grassed area. Work on restoration was completed last month.
But the site was again damaged this week when the grass cutter was sent on to it to cut the now growing grass.
Councillor Chris Ord said, “I had a flood of calls from residents yesterday about the damage.
“Last year people had to live next to a mudbath. So people were pleased when the work was carried out to restore the grassed area.
“So understandably, when the grass was churned up again by the grass cutter, people were annoyed.”
As a result of Councillor Ord’s intervention, workmen have returned to the site to repair the damage.
Milton Road’s grassed area was used to park equipment and a workman’s cabin in 2006 whilst work on nearby homes was carried out. As a result, the turf was churned up and extensively damaged.
Following pressure from Liberal Democrat councillors Chris Ord, Mary Wallace and Peter Craig, Gateshead Housing Company agreed to restore the grassed area. Work on restoration was completed last month.
But the site was again damaged this week when the grass cutter was sent on to it to cut the now growing grass.
Councillor Chris Ord said, “I had a flood of calls from residents yesterday about the damage.
“Last year people had to live next to a mudbath. So people were pleased when the work was carried out to restore the grassed area.
“So understandably, when the grass was churned up again by the grass cutter, people were annoyed.”
As a result of Councillor Ord’s intervention, workmen have returned to the site to repair the damage.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Crawcrook Quarry consultation
The owners and users of Crawcrook quarry, SITA and CEMEX, are preparing an updated plan for the future use of the site. The plan is expected to go before Gateshead’s Planning Committee towards the end of this year.
There consultation with the community over the future use of the site is on going. An exhibition of the proposed scheme was held in Crawcrook Centenary Methodist Hall in February.
The quarry already has planning permission, granted in 1950, and this exercise is to bring the permissions in line with modern requirements and demands.
Meanwhile, a survey carried out by Lib Dem councillor Derek Anderson in Greenside has found 98% of residents are against further quarrying and landfill in the area.
What a waste!
BAD planning, out of touch decision making and waste - that’s the verdict of residents and local Lib Dems on the Barmoor bus minihub, near Ryton.
Built only 5 years ago at the cost to the taxpayer of over £1 million, it was opposed at the time by local Liberal Democrats and residents who warned it would be an expensive white elephant.
5 years later, and the bulldozers moved in to flatten the barely used building.
"This has been a sorry saga of waste and poor decision making," said local Lib Dem Councillor, Derek Anderson. "We warned at the time it was proposed that this building would not be used by passengers or residents. But Labour refused to listen and pressed ahead with the building."
4 out of 5 say no to parking charges
A SURVEY of over 3000 houses in Winlaton and Blaydon by local Liberal Democrats has found a massive 80% against plans by the Labour Party on Gateshead Council to bring in parking charges in Blaydon.
The survey was carried out by Winlaton and High Spen Councillors Brenda Osborne and Andrew Graham and Blaydon Lib Dem Focus Team Leader Mark Gardner (pictured above).
Over 1000 people replied to the survey which was carried out in the second half of 2006.
"There are huge concerns that with the Metrocentre so close by offering free parking, many people will stop using Blaydon to do their shopping," Mark explained.
"Residents fear Blaydon could become a ghost town. These fears need to be addressed by the Labour leadership on Gateshead Council."
Liberal Democrats are calling for the charging plans to be dropped.
The survey was carried out by Winlaton and High Spen Councillors Brenda Osborne and Andrew Graham and Blaydon Lib Dem Focus Team Leader Mark Gardner (pictured above).
Over 1000 people replied to the survey which was carried out in the second half of 2006.
"There are huge concerns that with the Metrocentre so close by offering free parking, many people will stop using Blaydon to do their shopping," Mark explained.
"Residents fear Blaydon could become a ghost town. These fears need to be addressed by the Labour leadership on Gateshead Council."
Liberal Democrats are calling for the charging plans to be dropped.
Ryton Library update
by Councillor Ione Rippeth
Friday 24th February was a very sad day for the Ryton area, when local residents saw the closure of their local library. The appalling nature of the decision made by the Council to close the library was echoed by every local resident we spoke to.
Local Lib Dem Councillors did everything they could to reverse this decision along with the support of a 2000 named petition and letters from local residents to the Council.
However, the possibility of using the nearby Lane Head Methodist Church for alternative provision is being looked at. We are very grateful to members of the Church for their interest and hope there is a good outcome.
There is also the possibility of transferring the existing library building for the local community to run (which has happened in other parts of the country). A number of local residents have volunteered to help with ideas – if you wish to join them, contact Norman Callender on 413 4314.
Friday 24th February was a very sad day for the Ryton area, when local residents saw the closure of their local library. The appalling nature of the decision made by the Council to close the library was echoed by every local resident we spoke to.
Local Lib Dem Councillors did everything they could to reverse this decision along with the support of a 2000 named petition and letters from local residents to the Council.
However, the possibility of using the nearby Lane Head Methodist Church for alternative provision is being looked at. We are very grateful to members of the Church for their interest and hope there is a good outcome.
There is also the possibility of transferring the existing library building for the local community to run (which has happened in other parts of the country). A number of local residents have volunteered to help with ideas – if you wish to join them, contact Norman Callender on 413 4314.
Photo: Councillors Norman Callender, Christine McHatton and Ione Rippeth outside Ryton Library.
Search is on for safety camera cash
12 months ago, Lib Dem campaigner Paul Diston, and local Lib Dem Councillors called for CCTV cameras to be installed in Fewster Square, Felling. Hundred of people backed Paul’s petition, and it was presented to the Council last summer.
Council wheels grind slowly, but Council officials have met with Northumbria Police, local businesses and landlords to look at ways of funding the cameras and the Council have finally written to Paul making clear that they are supporting the call for CCTV cameras.
Paul said “We always knew this would take time, and discussions are still continuing, but the idea of installing CCTV cameras has been accepted. This is a big step forward, and we hope that cameras will be in place in the not too distant future.”
“Fewster square is an important part of the local community, and we need to make sure it is safe for all those who shop or work here, or use the other local businesses and facilities. CCTV cameras are used in Gateshead Town Centre and elsewhere, and have proved useful in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour. This scheme will help local businesses and the local community, and is long over-due.”
Council wheels grind slowly, but Council officials have met with Northumbria Police, local businesses and landlords to look at ways of funding the cameras and the Council have finally written to Paul making clear that they are supporting the call for CCTV cameras.
Paul said “We always knew this would take time, and discussions are still continuing, but the idea of installing CCTV cameras has been accepted. This is a big step forward, and we hope that cameras will be in place in the not too distant future.”
“Fewster square is an important part of the local community, and we need to make sure it is safe for all those who shop or work here, or use the other local businesses and facilities. CCTV cameras are used in Gateshead Town Centre and elsewhere, and have proved useful in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour. This scheme will help local businesses and the local community, and is long over-due.”
Thursday, April 05, 2007
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