Friday, October 05, 2007
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.
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