FIONA HALL, Liberal Democrat Euro MP for the North East of England, has welcomed the announcement by the Coalition Government that an upgrade to the Metro system will go ahead, costing up to £350 million.
In a message to residents of Gateshead, Fiona said, “The upgrade of the Metro system will lead to significant improvements for users of the service.
“Money is very tight at the moment. The new Government has inherited the worst financial situation in over 60 years. Even so, the Metro was a top priority for the Coalition and approval has been given for the project to go ahead.
“My hope is that once the improvements are made, more people will opt to use the Metro rather than drive. This will help cut congestion and pollution on Tyneside.”
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Review of Marley Hill and Sacred Heart Primary Schools
Gateshead Council’s consultation with parents about the future of Marley Hill and Sacred Heart RC Primary School in Byermoor has now ended.
A report will be brought to Gateshead Council’s Cabinet in September once the results of the consultaiton have been considered.
Since the option of closing Marley Hill was first raised last year, many parents have decided to move their children to Washingwell School where there were surplus places.
The effect of this has been to increase the viability of Washingwell.
At the meeting in September, the Cabinet will take a decision on whether or not to keep Marley Hill and Sacred Heart open.
A report will be brought to Gateshead Council’s Cabinet in September once the results of the consultaiton have been considered.
Since the option of closing Marley Hill was first raised last year, many parents have decided to move their children to Washingwell School where there were surplus places.
The effect of this has been to increase the viability of Washingwell.
At the meeting in September, the Cabinet will take a decision on whether or not to keep Marley Hill and Sacred Heart open.
Solution found to unfinished house in Whickham
Gateshead Council has resolved a long-running planning dispute that left the large house on Swalwell Bank, Whickham, unfinished for 5 years.
In 2005 Gateshead Council’s Planning Committee authorised the removal of the third storey because of the impact on neighbouring homes. However, almost 5 years to the day later, the Committee discussed new proposals for the building which will see the replacement of the pitched roof with a flat one.
Pleas for the original decision of 2005 to be upheld were turned down. Conditions were also placed on the planning consent relating to landscaping and privacy issues.
Cllr Peter Craig said “Neighbouring residents were concerned about the height and mass of the building and an inadequate landscaping plan. They do not feel the latest decision addresses these concerns adequately.”
In 2005 Gateshead Council’s Planning Committee authorised the removal of the third storey because of the impact on neighbouring homes. However, almost 5 years to the day later, the Committee discussed new proposals for the building which will see the replacement of the pitched roof with a flat one.
Pleas for the original decision of 2005 to be upheld were turned down. Conditions were also placed on the planning consent relating to landscaping and privacy issues.
Cllr Peter Craig said “Neighbouring residents were concerned about the height and mass of the building and an inadequate landscaping plan. They do not feel the latest decision addresses these concerns adequately.”
Welcome for Washingwell Woods restoration
A woodland in a local country park is to be restored to its natural state. Washingwell Woods is popular with residents of Whickham, Sunniside, Dunston and Lobley Hill.
Over the next 5 years Gateshead Council are to work with the Forestry Commission and Natural England to restore the woods. Conifer trees will be harvested to allow the natural woodland plants to recover and trees to re-establish through the process of natural regeneration.
Restoration will be carried out sensitively and gradually to bring these woods back to life. The restoration of ancient woodland is a top UK biodiversity priority. Many of the footpaths within the woodland will be fully restored after the forestry works have been carried out.
“I am pleased that this work will be carried out,” said Lobley Hill Lib Dem campaigner Michael Ruddy.
“Washingwell Woods is an important green location which makes the area all the more attractive as a place to live.”
“The creation of Lotties Wood near Sunniside shows what can be done with a properly managed woodland,” said Cllr Yvonne McNicol. “A great wooded parkland can be created for all to enjoy as well as establishing an important haven for wildlife.”
(Photo: Cllr Yvonne McNicol and Michael Ruddy at Fugar Bar, next to Washingwell Woods)
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Welcome for “Get Carter” demolition
A LEADING Liberal Democrat Councillor has given the thumbs up to the news that a date has been set to restart the job of pulling down the infamous “Get Carter” car park in Gateshead.
Low Fell Councillor, Frank Hindle, who is also Deputy Leader of the Opposition on Gateshead Council, welcomed the news that Tesco have submitted a planning application for Trinity Square in Gateshead and that demolition of the eyesore car park in the square is due to start on 26th July.
Frank said “People in Gateshead have waited a long time for this moment. I am glad that Tesco and the Council have now managed to get to this stage, and look forward to seeing the details of the proposed redevelopment.
“Gateshead needs a modern town centre that local people can enjoy, and that will draw in new business. Getting rid of the current part demolished centre and the eyesore of the old car park will be a vital and very welcome step.”
Earlier this year Frank Hindle led an on-line campaign at www.ourtrinitysquare.org.uk and a petition calling on Tesco to get a move on with its plans for Trinity Square.
Photo: Councillor Frank Hindle outside the "Get Carter" car park
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Pelaw housing plan sparks concerns
A PLAN to develop the site of the former shirt factory on Shields Road, Pelaw, Gateshead, has sparked concerns from a local Liberal Democrat Councillor.
The Co-operative Group, which owns the site, applied for planning permission to demolish the factory and have the site made available for housing. Outline permission was granted by Gateshead Council’s Planning Committee on 16th June.
But Councillor Ian Patterson has warned that traffic problems in the area could be made worse by the development. The site is only 350 metres from the Shields Road junction with the busy Felling Bypass.
Councillor Patterson spoke against the plans when they were discussed by the Committee.
“There are ongoing issues affecting traffic on Shields Road, especially congestion at peak periods and incidents of rat running over the Kirkstone Road bridge,” said Cllr Patterson.
‘This is a disappointing decision but when the substantive application is submitted, we will revisit the matter.”
Developers will have to bring details plans for housing on the site before final permission for building can be granted.
The Co-operative Group, which owns the site, applied for planning permission to demolish the factory and have the site made available for housing. Outline permission was granted by Gateshead Council’s Planning Committee on 16th June.
But Councillor Ian Patterson has warned that traffic problems in the area could be made worse by the development. The site is only 350 metres from the Shields Road junction with the busy Felling Bypass.
Councillor Patterson spoke against the plans when they were discussed by the Committee.
“There are ongoing issues affecting traffic on Shields Road, especially congestion at peak periods and incidents of rat running over the Kirkstone Road bridge,” said Cllr Patterson.
‘This is a disappointing decision but when the substantive application is submitted, we will revisit the matter.”
Developers will have to bring details plans for housing on the site before final permission for building can be granted.
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Council petition plan welcomed
Gateshead residents will soon be able to petition the Council to debate specific local issues. And the petition plan has been welcomed by a leading member of the Liberal Democrat opposition.
All councils have been required to introduce a scheme that will give people the right to petition for debates on issues of local concern. 2000 signatures on a petition will trigger a debate at a subsequent council meeting.
And by December, all Councils will be required to allow people to set up on-line petitions on their websites on issues relevant to the work of local government.
Councillor Jonathan Wallace, a keen supporter of on-line communication with residents, has welcomed the plans but wants Gateshead Council to go further.
“Allowing people to petition the council to hold a debate on a specific local issue is a good step forward,” said Cllr Wallace. “On-line petitions have already been tried out on the Downing Street website and have attracted some interest.
“My concern is that Gateshead will allow a debate of only 15 minutes on a petition issue. Once the leader of the Council and Leader of the Opposition have spoken, there will be little time left for other Councillors to take part.
“This could curtail the debate and prevent Councillors making the full contribution they want to. I feel the time limit should be scrapped.”
Councillor Wallace raised his concerns about the time limit at the Council Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 8th June. Council Leader, Mick Henry, replied that the system would be reviewed once it was up and running.
All councils have been required to introduce a scheme that will give people the right to petition for debates on issues of local concern. 2000 signatures on a petition will trigger a debate at a subsequent council meeting.
And by December, all Councils will be required to allow people to set up on-line petitions on their websites on issues relevant to the work of local government.
Councillor Jonathan Wallace, a keen supporter of on-line communication with residents, has welcomed the plans but wants Gateshead Council to go further.
“Allowing people to petition the council to hold a debate on a specific local issue is a good step forward,” said Cllr Wallace. “On-line petitions have already been tried out on the Downing Street website and have attracted some interest.
“My concern is that Gateshead will allow a debate of only 15 minutes on a petition issue. Once the leader of the Council and Leader of the Opposition have spoken, there will be little time left for other Councillors to take part.
“This could curtail the debate and prevent Councillors making the full contribution they want to. I feel the time limit should be scrapped.”
Councillor Wallace raised his concerns about the time limit at the Council Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 8th June. Council Leader, Mick Henry, replied that the system would be reviewed once it was up and running.
Care home road too narrow
Following concerns raise by local Lib Dem councillors about the access to the new care home on Whickham Bank, Whickham, officers from the planning department visited the site. It was found that the access road was too narrow and informed the agent for the developer accordingly. As a result, the issue is being taken up with the contractor to ensure the access road conforms to the agreed plans.
Sunniside traffic lights
The long running saga of the Sunniside traffic lights has hit another last minute hitch. Work on installing the lights, first promised three years ago, on the Sunniside Road/Sunniside Front St junction, were due to start in May and were then put back to the start of June.
It now looks like another short delay as utility companies complete the work needed to relay some of their services. The work currently taking place at the junction is being carried out by BT.
“We anticipate this is just a short delay,” said Cllr John McClurey. “Once the work on installing the lights is underway, however, there will be some short term disruption which the engineers are telling us will last 10 weeks.
“If anything changes in the meantime, we’ll let you know.”
It now looks like another short delay as utility companies complete the work needed to relay some of their services. The work currently taking place at the junction is being carried out by BT.
“We anticipate this is just a short delay,” said Cllr John McClurey. “Once the work on installing the lights is underway, however, there will be some short term disruption which the engineers are telling us will last 10 weeks.
“If anything changes in the meantime, we’ll let you know.”
Whickham Schools review
The next stage in the review of primary schools in the Whickham area has now been reached. Gateshead Council’s Cabinet formally agreed on the options for closure which will be put out to consultation over the summer.
The proposals include the closure of Marley Hill and Sacred Heart (Byermoor) Schools, both of which have experienced falling pupil numbers and have surplus places.
Since the issue of the possible closures was first raised last year, some parents have transferred their children to Washingwell School. The effect of this has been to help Washingwell’s viability. When Gateshead Council first began considering the future of local primary schools, there was a cloud over Washingwell as it had a reasonable number of surplus places.
The school is not out of the woods yet but the Council Cabinet report, approved on 25th May, stated that if Marley Hill is to close, parents will be able to send their children to Washingwell instead.
However, the Council Cabinet has decided to delay by a year consultation on possible changes to those schools in Whickham village.
Councillor Jonathan Wallace, speaking at the Cabinet meeting on 25th May, warned that this delay would cause difficulties. He pointed out that the proposals for Sunniside would, in effect, send children from the village to a school whose future, whilst more secure than previously, was not yet fully guaranteed.
Councillor Yvonne McNicol said, “Washingwell needs the last elements of uncertainty removed so delaying the decision on schools in Whickham for a year is not welcome.”
Councillor Peter Maughan said, “Earlier in the review process, Gateshead had proposed what is effectively a closure of Front St by merging it with Fellside Primary. The delay of a year simply adds to uncertainty which schools, staff, parents and pupils could do without.”
The consultation over the closure of Marley Hill and Sacred Heart will take place over the summer. We will keep you in touch with progress.
The proposals include the closure of Marley Hill and Sacred Heart (Byermoor) Schools, both of which have experienced falling pupil numbers and have surplus places.
Since the issue of the possible closures was first raised last year, some parents have transferred their children to Washingwell School. The effect of this has been to help Washingwell’s viability. When Gateshead Council first began considering the future of local primary schools, there was a cloud over Washingwell as it had a reasonable number of surplus places.
The school is not out of the woods yet but the Council Cabinet report, approved on 25th May, stated that if Marley Hill is to close, parents will be able to send their children to Washingwell instead.
However, the Council Cabinet has decided to delay by a year consultation on possible changes to those schools in Whickham village.
Councillor Jonathan Wallace, speaking at the Cabinet meeting on 25th May, warned that this delay would cause difficulties. He pointed out that the proposals for Sunniside would, in effect, send children from the village to a school whose future, whilst more secure than previously, was not yet fully guaranteed.
Councillor Yvonne McNicol said, “Washingwell needs the last elements of uncertainty removed so delaying the decision on schools in Whickham for a year is not welcome.”
Councillor Peter Maughan said, “Earlier in the review process, Gateshead had proposed what is effectively a closure of Front St by merging it with Fellside Primary. The delay of a year simply adds to uncertainty which schools, staff, parents and pupils could do without.”
The consultation over the closure of Marley Hill and Sacred Heart will take place over the summer. We will keep you in touch with progress.
Sunday, June 06, 2010
Dog fouling in Swalwell Cemetery
Residents have complained to your local councillors and the police about a small number of inconsiderate dog owners who are letting their dogs run wild without cleaning their dog’s mess up after them, especially in the Swalwell Cemetery.
One resident has told councillors that it is happening on a large scale. As a result, visitors are having to watch where they walk and feel uneasy whilst visiting relatives graves. This has been reported to the council’s enforcement officers who will be patrolling the area.
Swalwell War Memorial restoration
Liberal Democrat Councillors in Swalwell have welcomed the restoration and clean up of Swalwell War Memorial. "This is welcome news for the village," said Cllr Chris Ord.
Swalwell Park play area official opening
The official opening of the new play area in Swalwell Park will take place on Saturday 12th June between 11:00 a.m. to 03:00 pm. There will be lots of fun activities, games, arts and crafts and stalls and all are welcome to come along to the park help to celebrate the opening.
The new play area is the first part of a phased plan to improve Swalwell Park and has been brought about by the work of local residents working together as Swalwell Park Development Group. The group has been working with Gateshead Council, Tyne & Wear Play Association and Swalwell Primary School to improve the play facilities in Swalwell Park.
There will be an opportunity to give your feedback what has been achieved so far and to see further plans to improve the park.
The group will be holding their AGM and are looking for new members. If you are interested in joining the group, please come along.
Photo: Councillors Mary Wallace and Peter Craig at the new play equipment on Swalwell Park.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Go-ahead for Birtley hot food takeaway
Permission has been granted by Gateshead Council for the conversion of 22 Harraton Terrace in Birtley into a hot food takeaway. Plans were also approved to convert the first floor into a flat. The ground floor area had previously been used as a printers. The plans will see a new shop front installed.
---
Sent via BlackBerry
---
Sent via BlackBerry
Eslington Park plans agreed
Eslington Park on Bolam St in Teams has been given the go-ahead to install new facilities. Plans for the park were agreed at Gateshead's Planning Committee on 26th May.
The plans involve the demolition of the single storey sports club which will be replaced by a 3G sports pitch, two court sports hall, a cafe 4 five-bed accommodation units and parking and landscaping.
---
Sent via BlackBerry
Rowlands Gill funeral parlour - new shop front
Gateshead Planning Committee has granted planning permission for a new shop front at 32 Station Road, Rowlands Gill. The premises have been taken over for use as a funeral parlour by Co-operative Funeralcare. It was previously used as a shop called Simply Drinks.
Issues were raised at the Planning Committee on 26th May, when the application was approved, about the change of use from a shop to funeral parlour. Officers explained that under current planning laws, the change was a "permitted development" which meant it did not require planning permission. The Committee agreed to approach the new government to ask for a review of planning laws to allow for planning permission to be required for change of use from a shop to funeral parlour in a residential area.
---
Sent via BlackBerry
Broom Lane house plan renewed
Plans to demolish the former Coop building on Broom Lane, Whickham, and to build a bungalow and 2 houses on the site have been renewed by Gateshead's planning committee.
The plans were originally passed in 2007 but not implemented. Under planning laws, an approved application expires after three years if it is not carried out.
The planning application was renewed at the meeting of the Planning Committee held on 26th May 2010.
---
Sent via BlackBerry
Glebe mast plan rejected
Plans by Vodaphone to site a phone mast on Rectory Lane, Whickham, have been rejected by Gateshead's Planning Committee.
The company wanted to install a mast that would have been 19.8 metres high, nearly twice the height of nearby street lights.
Cllr Peter Craig, who led the battle against the plans, said, "Phone companies are required to look at alternatives such as mast sharing. There are already masts on nearby Glebe Sports Ground. Vodaphone should have looked at the possibility of sharing them.
"Instead, Vodaphone chose to apply to put a mast on a very prominent location, close to the Whickham Conservation Zone. I argued that the mast would be an eyesore and could not be screened as it is right next to the road and a busy bus stop.
"I am pleased therefore that the Planning Committee has rejected the plan."
---
Sent via BlackBerry
Enforcement action against Whickham shop
Gateshead Council is to take enforcement action against a shop whose air conditioning units are disturbing neighbouring households.
The shop is at 94 Oakfield Road in Whickham. The enforcement action notice does not require the removal of the units but it will require either that they are switched off or that the are used in a way so that the noise generated does not exceed prescribed limits.
---
Sent via BlackBerry
Winlaton hot food takeaway plan rejected
A plan to convert a former office and shop into a hot food takeaway has been rejected by Gateshead Council's planning committee. The application to convert the premises on Park Avenue, Winlaton, was refused because the building was next door to housing and parking was not suitable. The site is also next to Blaydon Cricket Ground and some opposing the application raised this as a concern.
Cllr Brenda Osborne expressed concerns at the planning meeting on 26th May that there are already a large number of hot food takeaways in the vicinity.
The planning committee unanimously rejected the application.
---
Sent via BlackBerry
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)