Blaydon call for better deal for our troops

LIBERAL Democrats in Blaydon constituency have launched a campaign for a better deal for our troops.

Party Leader Nick Clegg has pledged that the Liberal Democrats would raise the pay of the lowest paid soldiers by as much as £6,000. At the moment many soldiers are paid less than new police officers or fire fighters.

In Blaydon, campaigners have launched a petition backing the fair deal for our soldiers. The campaign is being led by Councillor Neil Bradbury, prospective MP for the constituency.

Neil has spent the last few weekends with his team collecting signatures in shopping centres in Blaydon, Ryton, Crawcrook and Whickham.

“Our soldiers put their lives on the line for our country,” said Neil, “but many struggle to make ends meet. That’s not right. They deserve a better deal that they are getting.

“You cannot put a price on the sacrifices made by members of our armed forces but the government can give them a better deal. It’s time we did.

“Over 100 have now signed the petition. Having spoken to many people in the village and town centres in Blaydon constituency, I know just how strongly people feel that our troops should get a better deal.”

A copy of the petition is on line at www.nickclegg.com/armedforcespay.

Photo: Neil Bradbury and Councillor Sally Danys collecting signatures in Crawcrook on the fair deal for troops petition.

Keep East Coast in public hands for now – Bradbury

LIBERAL Democrats in Blaydon have called on the Government to keep the East Coast train operating company in public hands for the next five years rather than rush to privatise the service.

East Coast, the new public company set up to take over from failed National Express, began running the train services between London and the North East in November. But the Government has indicated the company will be put into private hands within two years.

Neil Bradbury, prospective MP for Blaydon, has warned that rail travellers and staff need stability.

“In the past two years three different operators have run the East Coast trains,” said Neil. “What is now needed is a period of stability. Ministers should not rush to get this route back into the private sector.

“East Coast should remain as a publicly owned operator for at least five years to ensure continuity of service and to let the route settle down after two years of upheaval and changes in operator.

“My fear is however that Labour want to privatise the service so that the huge charge on operators they imposed to run the service can fill Treasury coffers.”

Gateshead residents asked to give views on road changes

RESIDENTS of a suburb of Gateshead plagued by road problems are being asked by local Liberal Democrats about highway changes recently brought in by Gateshead Council.

Residents of Lobley Hill have raised a string of concerns about difficulties they face driving onto Lobley Hill Bank since controversial changes to the road were brought in by Gateshead Council this year.

The changes included the introduction of a bus lane, traffic lights with the junction with the A1 and realignment of an access road.

Councillor Frank Hindle, the Liberal Democrats’ prospective MP for Gateshead, is co-ordinating a survey of Lobley Hill’s residents about the difficulties they are facing.

“After the changes, many residents contacted us to tell us it is now more difficult to drive from Beechwood Gardens and Rothbury Gardens onto Lobley Hill Bank,” said Frank.

“Some people are driving through the estate to Alwinton Gardens to drive out onto the main road. Although this is quite a detour, people tell us this is often quicker than trying to use Rothbury or Beechwood Gardens.

“We decided to launch the survey so that we can get a better picture of the situation and how people are coping with the changes Gateshead Council introduced.”

Fellside Road improvements

Changes to the Fellside Road/Front Street junction in Whickham and resurfacing of Fellside Road should make life easier for the travelling public, say your local Councillors.

Work is being carried out at Focus goes to print. Pressure censors are bing placed in the road to better detect traffic and improve flows of vehicles at the junction.
Though some disruption is unavoidable, the road will be closed only during off peak periods and on Sundays.

The work should be completed by early November.

Petition launched to keep Brown Ale brewing in Dunston

LIBERAL Democrats in Blaydon constituency have launched a petition to Scottish and Newcastle in a bid to get the company to keep Brown Ale production on Tyneside.

Members agreed to launch the petition when they discussed the brewery’s plans at their meeting held in Ryton on Saturday 24th October.

“Newcastle Brown Ale is as much an emblem of Tyneside as the Eiffel Tower is of Paris,” said Neil Bradbury, Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon. “We cannot stand by and see the production of it moved from Dunston to Tadcaster.

“I feel that the move will damage the local economy, cost jobs and damage the public perception of Brown Ale. Had Scottish and Newcastle still been an independent company, I believe they would have had a much greater commitment to Tyneside.

“But the purchase of the company last year by Heineken and Carlsberg has, I believe turned S&N from a business with a commitment to our area into something that is just a subsidiary of a gigantic international consortium.

“We are therefore launching the petition so that local residents can press S&N to show their commitment to our area and keep brewing Brown Ale here.”

The petition is in the Liberal Democrats’ local newsletter, Focus, which is being delivered to thousands of houses in the Dunston area.

Vince Cable speaks at Gateshead Conference

Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Vince Cable MP was the guest speaker the the party's North East regional conference held in Gateshead Civic Centre on Saturday 17th October.

You can see his full speech on this link.

Basketball victory for Front St

The Year Six Basketball Team from Front Street Community Primary School in Whickham, Gateshead has scooped the ‘National Champions’ title in the Hoops for Health basketball competition at the NIA in Birmingham.

Front Street’s eight strong team won both their local and area finals which involved hundreds of North East schools.

In the national final they won by 12 points to 8 against Hoole Primary School in Cheshire.

Hoops for Health is a healthy living initiative pioneered in the North East of England, which uses professional basketball stars as role models to communicate positive health messages to youngsters.

Head teacher at Front Street School, Paul Sergison, said: “This is one of the finest achievements in Front Street Primary’s 100 year sporting history. We are incredibly proud of the team, who put in a superb effort to win the title.”

Parking Progress in Whickham

Many residents of Whickham have signed petitions or completed our surveys from Lib Dem councillors about parking in the St Mary’s Green car park.

The surveys were used to compile a 49 page report which was sent to Nick Clennet, Head of Transport and Highways at Gateshead Council.

This was followed up with a meeting attended by Nick Clennet and Councillors Peter Craig and Chris Ord who were there to represent residents’ views. Discussions went very well; highways officers were impressed by the quality of the comments made by residents.

Councillors are hoping to receive a copy of the Cabinet Report very soon and will keep residents up to date with progress.

Primary School review proposes 3 school closures in Whickham area

The long awaited review of primary schools in the Whickham area is now underway. The review has come about because of a fall in the number of children living in the area. As a result, there are many more places in local schools in total across Whickham and surrounding villages than there are children to fill them.

Whilst some schools are full, others have places available which continue to cost money to maintain. The Council’s initial proposals to get rid of surplus places include:

1)considering closing Washingwell, Marley Hill and Sacred Heart (Byermoor) schools;

2)building a new Front Street School but changing it from a 2 to one form entry.

Gateshead Council has put these proposals out to consultation and no decision on actual closures and reorganisation will take place until next year.

“We do need to ensure that surplus places are reduced,” said Councillor Allison Chatto, “but I believe that Washingwell has a good case for being kept open.

“It has just had a very good review by government education inspectors and is in a safe location away from main roads.”

Washingwell governor, Councillor Peter Maughan, said, “Washingwell is one of the newest schools in the area and is providing a great education for local children.

“Though there is a need to reduce surplus places, I think the arguments for keeping Washingwell School going are overwhelming.”

Pictured above, Washingwell School Governor Cllr Peter Maughan and Lib Dem campaigner Neil Bradbury outside Washingwell School which is being considered by Gateshead Council for closure.

Whickham wall repaired

The wall next to the grassed area at the top of Coniston Avenue on the Lakes Estate, Whickham, has been repaired.

Local councillors asked Gateshead Council to carry out the repairs even though the ownership of the site was not clear.

Pictured above - the wall before the repairs

Move to set up Friends of Chase Park

Plans to set up a “Friends of Chase Park” group are taking shape. Interested members of the public met at Whickham Community Centre on Thursday 8th October to discuss setting up the group which it is hoped will help win more investment for the historic park.

Councillor Peter Maughan, who chaired the meeting, said, “Chase Park is a great community asset for Whickham but it needs greater investment.
“With public purse strings likely to tighten over the coming years, we believe a Friends group will help to get in investment from the National Lottery and other funding bodies.”

If you are interested in taking part in the Friends group, please contact Peter Craig on cllr.ptcraig@gateshead.gov.uk.

Below: local Lib Dem campaigners hope a “Friends” group will lead to more investment in Chase Park, front Cllr John McClurey, Cllr Peter Craig, back, Cllr Peter Maughan, Neil Bradbury.

Lib Dem Shadow Chancellor to visit Gateshead

VINCE Cable, Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor, is to visit Gateshead on Saturday 16th October. He will be speaking at the party’s regional conference which is being held at Gateshead Civic Centre.

Mr Cable, who is credited with predicting the recession, will be speaking at 2.30pm at the conference.

Neil Bradbury, Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for Blaydon, is delighted Mr Cable is coming to Gateshead.

“Vince is one of the few people who predicted that the policies of the government earlier this decade would lead to serious problems in the money markets and the economy generally,” said Neil.

“He is seen by many as a leading figure in the calls to put right the economy and the financial system.

“He was also the first to call for the nationalisation of Northern Rock. Therefore, what he has to say is listened to with interest by the North East.

“I am very pleased that Vince will be speaking at our conference this weekend.”

Sunniside History Society Book and DVD Launch

The successful Sunniside History Society has launched a book and DVD about the historic Tanfield Railway and mining in the Whickham/Sunniside area. The book/DVD, which costs £9.99, was launched by the History Society at two different events recently and is already a best seller!



The authors, pictured above, left to right, are Colin Douglas, Nick Neave, Francis Newman and Noel Adamson.

For more information on the Sunniside History Society and how to purchase the book and dvd, visit www.sunnisidelocalhistorysociety.co.uk.

Councillors hold street surgery

LIBERAL Democrat Councillors in Whickham, Gateshead, will be holding a street surgery on Oakfield Road, in the Grange Estate, at 10am on Saturday 10th October.

The decision to hold the surgery comes hot on the heals of a proposal to extend opening hours of a shop at 94 Oakfield Road.

If granted by Gateshead Council, the shop will be able to open 6am - 9pm Monday-Sunday and bank and public holidays. Opening hours are currently restricted to 8am - 6pm Monday to Saturday and 9am - 4pm Sunday and bank and public holidays.

Attending the surgery will be Councillors Peter Craig, Marilynn Ord and Jonathan Wallace and prospective MP for Blaydon, Neil Bradbury.

“The application is attracting a great deal of attention,” said Cllr Craig. “As representatives of the area we are concerned to ensure that the views of residents are heard when the decision is made.

“All local residents are welcome to meet us outside the shops on Oakfield Road from 10am-11am on Saturday 10th October.”

Meeting to set up “Friends” of historic park

Residents of the Whickham area of Gateshead are being invited to help set up a “Friends” group for the village’s historic Chase Park.

The initiative comes from Whickham’s local Liberal Democrat Councillors who believe that a Friends of Chase Park group could help to win improvements and investment for the much loved facility.

The meeting to set up the group will be held at 7pm on Thursday 8th October at Whickham Community Centre.

Councillor Peter Craig said, “Chase Park is a well used facility but it needs some improvements. We believe that a community based group will be a strong voice for the investment that the park needs.”

Councillor Peter Maughan said, “We want to encourage as many residents of Whickham and the surrounding villages as possible to become members of the group. Anyone interested is taking part is welcome to come to the meeting.”

Tanfield Railway Steam Gala Weekend September 2009

Tanfield Railway hosted a steam gala weekend on 12-13th September. Amongst the exhibits were Alfred and Judy, two unusually small steam engines built for use in Cornwall and in low tunnels.

Northern Liberal Democrats at Bournemouth Conference, Sept 09

Gateshead Councillor Jonathan Wallace interviews a number of Lib Dems at Bournemouth about what they have been saying and doing at Conference

Gateshead Council Call for High Speed Rail

LIBERAL Democrat Councillors in Gateshead are to press the Council to urge the Government to back a high speed rail link for the North East.

The call is being made following the announcement that Network Rail will build a high speed rail link from London to Scotland but will by-pass the North East by taking the route through the North West instead.

In a motion to be debated on Thursday 17th September, Gateshead Council will be asked to “call on the Secretary of State for Transport to ensure that a high speed rail network is built which includes an East Coast Line.”

The motion will be moved by Councillor Jonathan Wallace, himself a regular user of the current East Coast Line between the North East and London.

Cllr Wallace said, “The rail link between our region and London and the South East is crucial for the North East economy.

“The current line is the only one that makes a profit for the Government but it is operating close to capacity.

“Whilst it is good news that Network Rail have backed the creation of a high speed network, missing out the North East, at least in the initial phase, will come at a great cost to our economy.

“It will also present us with the absurd situation of finding it quicker to get to London by heading north to Edinburgh pick up the high speed train than to go direct.

“I am hoping for cross party support for the motion and a unanimous voice to the Secretary of State that makes it clear the North East must be included in the high speed network.”

Survey on anti-social behaviour in Whickham

Liberal Democrat Councillors in Whickham have carried out a survey of residents’ concerns about anti-social behaviour.

The survey focuses on the area around the Whickham School playing fields and the school site.

“Residents have raised problems with us that a small minority of youths are causing problems outside school hours on the playing fields and close to the school site itself,” said Cllr Peter Craig, who is co-ordinating the survey.

“We have delivered survey forms to around 500 houses and have received replies from over 120.

“We hope to use the results of the survey to work with the police and the school to come up with solutions to the behaviour of a small number of young people that is causing problems for residents.”

Gateshead Liberal Democrats head to Conference

A TEAM of Liberal Democrats from Gateshead will be heading to Bournemouth later this week to attend the party’s annual Conference. 6 will be attending the gathering from the local party.

Leading the team will be Neil Bradbury, Parliamentary Candidate for Blaydon. “This is the last autumn Conference before the General Election so it will be a very important meeting for the Party,” said Neil.

“In Blaydon we are campaigning hard on local environmental issues. I am hoping to raise these at the Conference when I meet some of the party’s MPs.

“The theme of the Conference is ‘A Fresh Start for Britain’. The main plans are to cut taxes for people on low and middle incomes, create green jobs and ensure every child has the best start in life.

“This Conference will therefore set the scene for our General Election manifesto. That General Election cannot come too soon for the people of Blaydon. We urgently need change here, and Liberal Democrats are fighting hard to bring that about.

“Everyone knows that the Conservatives can’t win here in Blaydon. The Liberal Democrats are the only alternative here to the failed Labour Party.”

Also attending Conference from Gateshead will be Councillors Jonathan Wallace, Frank Hindle, Ron Beadle, Peter Maughan and Ian Patterson.