Lib Dem councillors in Whickham North have coordinated a programme of work for the area at the bottom of Rose Avenue. Residents had complained that although the centre of the village looked beautiful again this year, there were one or two areas of Whickham that appeared to be have been temporarily forgotten.
Following this, local councillors investigated the situation to see what could be done.
"We are now pleased to report that Gateshead Housing company are to repair the fencing and Gateshead Council’s Local Environmental Services department are to cut back vegetation." said Cllr Peter Craig. "Work is due to start at the beginning of November."
Monday, October 22, 2007
Clean up for Rectory Hall Estate
Councillors have asked for the Rectory Hall estate in Whickham to be cleaned up after a recent visit which was accompanied by Council officers.
Cllr Chris Ord said, "We have asked for the flower beds to be weeded, for some attention to be given to some of the trees on the estate and for the sign on Rectory Hall itself to be repaired."
Photo: Rectory Hall Estate
Whickham Mast Appeal Awaited
PLANNING inspectors have now carried out the inquiry into the appeal over the installation of a phone mast at the Glebe Sports Ground.
"Our thanks go to the planning officers from Gateshead who put the case of the council and local residents opposed to the continued presence of the mast," said Councillor Mary Wallace.
Residents may recall that the mast was not built to the original planning permission granted by Gateshead Council.
The appeal will decide whether or not the mast can remain in place. However, a result is not expected for up to seven weeks following the appeal.
"Our thanks go to the planning officers from Gateshead who put the case of the council and local residents opposed to the continued presence of the mast," said Councillor Mary Wallace.
Residents may recall that the mast was not built to the original planning permission granted by Gateshead Council.
The appeal will decide whether or not the mast can remain in place. However, a result is not expected for up to seven weeks following the appeal.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Call to withdraw “inaccurate and misleading” recycling claims
Liberal Democrat Councillors in Gateshead are calling on Labour to withdraw allegations they have made about Liberal Democrat run Newcastle Council.
Labour council candidates Peter de Vere and Elaine Dobson have circulated a leaflet in the Whickham area which lays into their Lib Dem opponents, claiming millions have been wasted on a recycling scheme that had to be abandoned across the river in Newcastle.
They allege, “In a classic case of putting the (waste) cart before the horse, LibDems in Newcastle rushed through a policy which they have had to reverse after committing huge resources and wasting millions.”
But City Council leader Councillor John Shipley, in a special message to the residents of Whickham, has stated that Labour’s claims are incorrect.
Councillor Shipley said, “Labour are wrong - there has been no reverse and no cost to the Council at all.”
And he went on to explain, “Under the Liberal Democrats, Newcastle will have weekly ordinary waste collections from all homes plus a fortnightly recyclable collection (paper, cardboard, plastic, tin, fabrics and glass in a single wheelie bin - glass in a separate drawer to avoid breakages) from most homes plus garden waste from half of homes fortnightly.”
Whickham Councillor Jonathan Wallace is leading the charge against Labour’s claims.
He said, “Liberal Democrat Newcastle is introducing a recycling scheme that is light years ahead of Labour Gateshead.
“There have been no policy reverses resulting in millions being wasted. Labour have simply made the story up.
“At a time when Labour are mired in controversy over spin, in Gateshead Labour are spinning out of control. I have written to Mr de Vere and Ms Dobson to ask them to withdraw their claims.
“I have even offered them the opportunity to have a retraction included in our Focus community newsletters. I await their reply.”
Labour council candidates Peter de Vere and Elaine Dobson have circulated a leaflet in the Whickham area which lays into their Lib Dem opponents, claiming millions have been wasted on a recycling scheme that had to be abandoned across the river in Newcastle.
They allege, “In a classic case of putting the (waste) cart before the horse, LibDems in Newcastle rushed through a policy which they have had to reverse after committing huge resources and wasting millions.”
But City Council leader Councillor John Shipley, in a special message to the residents of Whickham, has stated that Labour’s claims are incorrect.
Councillor Shipley said, “Labour are wrong - there has been no reverse and no cost to the Council at all.”
And he went on to explain, “Under the Liberal Democrats, Newcastle will have weekly ordinary waste collections from all homes plus a fortnightly recyclable collection (paper, cardboard, plastic, tin, fabrics and glass in a single wheelie bin - glass in a separate drawer to avoid breakages) from most homes plus garden waste from half of homes fortnightly.”
Whickham Councillor Jonathan Wallace is leading the charge against Labour’s claims.
He said, “Liberal Democrat Newcastle is introducing a recycling scheme that is light years ahead of Labour Gateshead.
“There have been no policy reverses resulting in millions being wasted. Labour have simply made the story up.
“At a time when Labour are mired in controversy over spin, in Gateshead Labour are spinning out of control. I have written to Mr de Vere and Ms Dobson to ask them to withdraw their claims.
“I have even offered them the opportunity to have a retraction included in our Focus community newsletters. I await their reply.”
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Deans Close
Councillors in Whickham have handed in a petition on behalf of Deans Close residents, relating to a cut between nearby garages. The area is being used as a gathering place for anti-social behaviour and the residents have requested that the path be closed.
Cllr Mary Wallace said "The cut is classified as a Public Right of Way at the moment, and we are awaiting a response from Council officers."
Cllr Mary Wallace said "The cut is classified as a Public Right of Way at the moment, and we are awaiting a response from Council officers."
Swalwell roundabout
After a long delay due to officers' concerns about utilities under the site, work on Swalwell roundabout has now been completed.
Cllr Mary Wallace said: 'For a long time, we have worked to get something done about this multi-junction roundabout to improve its safety and flow of traffic. We are pleased that the improvements have now taken place.
“However we will continue to press for more necessary measures here and in other parts of the Whickham area to ensure the safety of residents and those passing through.”
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.
Mary, Peter and Councillor Chris Ord are pressing in particular for safer crossings points to be installed on Whickham/Swalwell Bank. They are hoping to meet with
safety officers soon to pursue this matter.
Congestion in the area is big problem. At Swalwell Bridge roundabout it is particularly bad. “We realize that improvements here will be very expensive,' said Mary. “However we will continue to press to have this work done to benefit people in the west of the Borough as well as Whickham/Swalwell area.”
Cllr Mary Wallace said: 'For a long time, we have worked to get something done about this multi-junction roundabout to improve its safety and flow of traffic. We are pleased that the improvements have now taken place.
“However we will continue to press for more necessary measures here and in other parts of the Whickham area to ensure the safety of residents and those passing through.”
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.
Mary, Peter and Councillor Chris Ord are pressing in particular for safer crossings points to be installed on Whickham/Swalwell Bank. They are hoping to meet with
safety officers soon to pursue this matter.
Congestion in the area is big problem. At Swalwell Bridge roundabout it is particularly bad. “We realize that improvements here will be very expensive,' said Mary. “However we will continue to press to have this work done to benefit people in the west of the Borough as well as Whickham/Swalwell area.”
Sunniside and Swalwell walkabouts
The Sunniside walkabout with Councillors Jonathan Wallace and Alan and Marilynn Ord will take place at 10am on Saturday 10th November. If residents would like to join them on the walkabout, please meet outside Jonathan’s house, 7 Laburnum Grove, Sunniside at 10am.
You can tell the ward councillors what you want them to look at – you can do so by emailing j.wallace@libdems.org.uk. Councillors will put together a schedule from the suggestions people send them.
The date of the Swalwell walkabout has been fixed for 10am on Saturday 17th November. If you would like to join Councillors Mary Wallace, Peter Craig and Chris Ord, meet next to the Swalwell roundabout. You can also send them suggestions about what you want them to look at - email them on at the above address.
You can tell the ward councillors what you want them to look at – you can do so by emailing j.wallace@libdems.org.uk. Councillors will put together a schedule from the suggestions people send them.
The date of the Swalwell walkabout has been fixed for 10am on Saturday 17th November. If you would like to join Councillors Mary Wallace, Peter Craig and Chris Ord, meet next to the Swalwell roundabout. You can also send them suggestions about what you want them to look at - email them on at the above address.
Councillors press for funding for villages
Since June, the nine Whickham Liberal Democrat councillors have been working hard to secure extra funding for Whickham village. This follows concerns from residents that although other areas in Gateshead seem to be improving, Whickham is gradually falling behind in terms of funding.
On Saturday 23rd June, the nine councillors held ward walkabouts in Whickham Village. They had previously asked residents (by email) to suggest areas that they should concentrate on, mainly in the centre of Whickham. They also invited residents to join them on the walks. On the walks, they made notes of issues and then followed these up with council officers.
More recently in September, ward councillors from Whickham met with the Council’s Chief Executive, Leader and Deputy Leader in the centre of the village. At the meeting, they requested funding in three main areas; paving, street furniture and some redesign of the centre area.
There are a number of uneven, loose and broken flagstones and the area is badly in need of repaving after many years of patching, mainly by utility companies. There has been another beautiful floral display this year, but councillors have also requested extra funding for street furniture as it is badly in need of replacement.
Finally, they have asked for some limited redesign to be carried out to deal with some aspects of anti-social behaviour. All of these requests will rely on budget, but the requests have now been added to a list of specific requests for the Whickham area, known as ward based schemes.
On Saturday 23rd June, the nine councillors held ward walkabouts in Whickham Village. They had previously asked residents (by email) to suggest areas that they should concentrate on, mainly in the centre of Whickham. They also invited residents to join them on the walks. On the walks, they made notes of issues and then followed these up with council officers.
More recently in September, ward councillors from Whickham met with the Council’s Chief Executive, Leader and Deputy Leader in the centre of the village. At the meeting, they requested funding in three main areas; paving, street furniture and some redesign of the centre area.
There are a number of uneven, loose and broken flagstones and the area is badly in need of repaving after many years of patching, mainly by utility companies. There has been another beautiful floral display this year, but councillors have also requested extra funding for street furniture as it is badly in need of replacement.
Finally, they have asked for some limited redesign to be carried out to deal with some aspects of anti-social behaviour. All of these requests will rely on budget, but the requests have now been added to a list of specific requests for the Whickham area, known as ward based schemes.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
New Scholars’ Bus Services
New scholars’ bus services have been introduced to relieve pressure on existing services. The new 898 and 896 services are for school children travelling to Whickham School from Dunston.
The 898 service starts from Park Terrace at 8.35 am, goes via the Dun Cow (8.40am), top of Knightside Gardens (8.43am) and arrives at Whickham School at 8.50am.
The 896 will start at Whickham School at 3.15pm and travel via Kingsway/Gladeley Way, Sunniside (3.25pm), Sun Street, Sunniside, (3.30pm), Lobley Hill (3.35pm), top of Knightside Gardens (at 3.37pm), Dun Cow (3.45pm) and Dunston Road (at 3.50pm).
A new scholars journey, service 894 began operating on Monday 1st October, starting at Winlaton Bus Station at 07.45. It will assist students to travel to both Whickham School and Emmanuel College travelling via Parkhead, Blaydon Bank, Blaydon Bus Station, Swalwell, North View, Whickham Front St, Lobley Hill to Emmanuel College.
It will also have the advantage of freeing up the 69 service for residents travelling to work at that time, as around 40 school children are currently using the service.
"These scholars services will take a lot of the pressure off existing bus services," said Cllr Peter Maughan. “I am pleased we have made some progress with the bus company though we are continuing discussions on a range of problems with other bus services."
The 898 service starts from Park Terrace at 8.35 am, goes via the Dun Cow (8.40am), top of Knightside Gardens (8.43am) and arrives at Whickham School at 8.50am.
The 896 will start at Whickham School at 3.15pm and travel via Kingsway/Gladeley Way, Sunniside (3.25pm), Sun Street, Sunniside, (3.30pm), Lobley Hill (3.35pm), top of Knightside Gardens (at 3.37pm), Dun Cow (3.45pm) and Dunston Road (at 3.50pm).
A new scholars journey, service 894 began operating on Monday 1st October, starting at Winlaton Bus Station at 07.45. It will assist students to travel to both Whickham School and Emmanuel College travelling via Parkhead, Blaydon Bank, Blaydon Bus Station, Swalwell, North View, Whickham Front St, Lobley Hill to Emmanuel College.
It will also have the advantage of freeing up the 69 service for residents travelling to work at that time, as around 40 school children are currently using the service.
"These scholars services will take a lot of the pressure off existing bus services," said Cllr Peter Maughan. “I am pleased we have made some progress with the bus company though we are continuing discussions on a range of problems with other bus services."
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Government forcing up council tax in Gateshead - Liberal Democrats
LIBERAL Democrats in Gateshead have warned that council tax could rocket over the next three years because of the government’s decision to squeeze the cash given to councils.
For every pound spent by councils, on average, 75p of it comes from central government as part of a cash grant to help pay for local services. But the government’s spending plans for the next three years, called the Comprehensive Spending Review, will slam on the brakes and massively restrict the money Whitehall based ministers give to councils.
Liberal Democrats in the borough have warned that Gateshead Council may be forced by the spending decision of the Labour government to increase council tax well above inflation.
Whickham North Councillor Mary Wallace said, “Labour’s spending plans are based on council tax rising at double the rate of inflation over the next three years. That will mean big council tax increases for resident of Gateshead.
“Labour have no plans to reform council tax, the unfairest tax in the country. The Conservatives will also keep council tax. But Labour are making a bad situation worse by forcing up council tax by more than inflation.
“This is bad news in particular for the elderly residents of Gateshead who have fixed incomes or who saved all their lives and as a result are refused council tax benefit.
“Council tax is a rotten system and needs to be replaced with by a fair system based on ability to pay, not used to bail out Labour’s Whitehall cash black hole.”
For every pound spent by councils, on average, 75p of it comes from central government as part of a cash grant to help pay for local services. But the government’s spending plans for the next three years, called the Comprehensive Spending Review, will slam on the brakes and massively restrict the money Whitehall based ministers give to councils.
Liberal Democrats in the borough have warned that Gateshead Council may be forced by the spending decision of the Labour government to increase council tax well above inflation.
Whickham North Councillor Mary Wallace said, “Labour’s spending plans are based on council tax rising at double the rate of inflation over the next three years. That will mean big council tax increases for resident of Gateshead.
“Labour have no plans to reform council tax, the unfairest tax in the country. The Conservatives will also keep council tax. But Labour are making a bad situation worse by forcing up council tax by more than inflation.
“This is bad news in particular for the elderly residents of Gateshead who have fixed incomes or who saved all their lives and as a result are refused council tax benefit.
“Council tax is a rotten system and needs to be replaced with by a fair system based on ability to pay, not used to bail out Labour’s Whitehall cash black hole.”
Election’s off, but Liberal Democrats in Gateshead promise to keep on campaigning
LIBERAL Democrats in Gateshead have announced they will carry on with their local campaigning despite the decision of the Prime Minister not to hold an election this autumn.
Local Liberal Democrat campaigners have been delivering newsletters and calling on local residents throughout the summer and early autumn. They have recently delivered over 4000 survey forms about recycling as well as over 20,000 copies of their regular Focus newsletter.
Jonathan Wallace, Councillor for Whickham South and Sunniside, said, “The Liberal Democrats are not just around when there is an election coming up. We campaign all year round.
“Gordon Brown ramped up expectation of an autumn election and only backed off when he realised his majority in Parliament would disappear.”
Dunston Hill and Whickham East Councillor Peter Maughan said, “The Liberal Democrats will keep on campaigning. While the other parties close down for the winter following Mr Brown’s announcement, the Liberal Democrats are already hard at work writing our next community newsletters to keep residents in touch with what is happening in Gateshead.”
Local Liberal Democrat campaigners have been delivering newsletters and calling on local residents throughout the summer and early autumn. They have recently delivered over 4000 survey forms about recycling as well as over 20,000 copies of their regular Focus newsletter.
Jonathan Wallace, Councillor for Whickham South and Sunniside, said, “The Liberal Democrats are not just around when there is an election coming up. We campaign all year round.
“Gordon Brown ramped up expectation of an autumn election and only backed off when he realised his majority in Parliament would disappear.”
Dunston Hill and Whickham East Councillor Peter Maughan said, “The Liberal Democrats will keep on campaigning. While the other parties close down for the winter following Mr Brown’s announcement, the Liberal Democrats are already hard at work writing our next community newsletters to keep residents in touch with what is happening in Gateshead.”
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Dog Fouling, Fellside Field, Whickham
Problems with dog fouling in the Fellside Park, Whickham, area could soon be a thing of the past. Many dog walkers using the school field act responsibly and bag the dog waste. However, due to the lack of bins in the area, some dog walkers have been throwing their wrapped waste into nearby bushes.
This has led to concerns by those residents who live close to the area. However following intervention by your local councillors, dog wardens have been patrolling the area recently advising people of the health issues and warning them of the penalty; which could be a fine of £50.
A bin has also been ordered for the area, between Parkway and Corsair.
Photo: two of the locations around Fellside Field where dog fouling has been a problem.
Over 800 replies to recycling survey
Over 800 replies have been received so far to the Liberal Democrats survey on recycling - and there are still a few hundred homes that have not yet received their survey forms!
Councillor Peter Maughan said, "We are currently analysing the replies and will publish the replies when the survey is completed."
The survey has been carried out so far in Dunston, Teams, Streetgate, Marley Hill, Byermoor and large parts of Whickham and Sunniside.
Photo: Councillor Peter Maughan with some of the replies to the survey on recycling Liberal Democrats are carrying out.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Whinnies Community Garden Restoration, Sunniside
Councillor Jonathan Wallace interviews Brenda Cawton, manager of the Whinnies Care Home in Sunniside, about the restoration of the nearby allotments and their conversion into a community garden for people with learning disabilities.
Councillor backs Sunniside community garden
A project to renovate derelict allotments in Sunniside and convert them into a community garden for people with learning disabilities has been welcomed by the village's local councillor, Jonathan Wallace.Jonathan visited the allotments at the Whinnies, a care home for 3 gentlemen with learning disabilities on Sunday 7th October. He was shown around by the home's manager Brenda Cawton.
Brenda is hoping to encourage Sunniside residents to help renovate the three allotments and plant bulbs and flowers. She has already gained some funding from local charities and Gateshead Council.
The Probation Service has also been involved in clearing the paths and much of the site.
Anyone wanting to become involved can call Brenda on 0191 4960418.
Top photo: Councillor Jonathan Wallace and Brenda Cawton on the restored garden. The other photos were taken around the garden.
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.
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