LIBERAL Democrat campaigners Peter Andras and Councillor Peter Maughan have welcomed the decision to reject a plan to replace a phone mast at the top of Lobley Hill in Gateshead.
Councillor Maughan, whose Dunston Hill ward includes part of Lobley Hill, spoke at Gateshead Council’s planning committee today, Wednesday 30th January, to ask for the application to be thrown out.
“The plan by 02 to replace the existing mast with one with three antennae was causing concern with residents,” said Councillor Maughan. “I am pleased it has been rejected.”
Peter Andras said, “The mast would have been an eyesore right next to people’s homes if it had been given permission.
“Now that it has been rejected, I am hoping 02 decide not to appeal to get the decision overturned.”
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Lib Dem candidate challenges MP to debate on Northern Rock
LIBERAL Democrats in Blaydon constituency on Tyneside have chosen Peter Maughan as their candidate for the general election.
And in the opening shot of his campaign to be Blaydon’s MP, Peter, who represents Dunston Hill and Whickham East as a councillor in the constituency, has challenged the sitting Labour MP David Anderson to a public debate about nationalising Northern Rock.
“I am delighted to have been chosen by fellow Liberal Democrats as the candidate for Blaydon,” said Peter.
“For the past few years, Labour MP David Anderson has postured as the friend of nationalisation. He has called for coal mining, water and train operating companies to be renationalised.
“In economic terms there is little to justify wasting billions of pounds of taxpayers’ money on buying up companies that are operating well in the private sector.
“Over the past few years, Mr Anderson has also attacked his own government’s decision to consider privatising the probation service, search and rescue services, civil service jobs, defence training and British Waterways.
“And in November last year, Mr Anderson in Parliament congratulated trade unionists who were fighting privatisation of services.
“Given the record of Mr Anderson, I find it bizarre that he attacked the proposal for the temporary public ownership of Northern Rock when the issue was debated in Parliament in December.
“The government has now put at risk tens of billions of pounds of taxpayers’ money by effectively handing it over to the shareholders and directors of Northern Rock. If the business fails, the taxpayer carries the losses.
“And if Northern Rock is returned to prosperity, the taxpayer gets only a minimal share of the success. The temporary nationalisation of the bank will ensure the benefits go to the taxpayer when it is returned to the private sector in the future.
“Mr Anderson now needs to explain why he has for years been saying one thing, and in the last few weeks has been arguing the exact opposite.
“I am therefore challenging him to a public debate about temporarily nationalising Northern Rock. I have written to him and I am looking forward to his accepting the challenge.”
And in the opening shot of his campaign to be Blaydon’s MP, Peter, who represents Dunston Hill and Whickham East as a councillor in the constituency, has challenged the sitting Labour MP David Anderson to a public debate about nationalising Northern Rock.
“I am delighted to have been chosen by fellow Liberal Democrats as the candidate for Blaydon,” said Peter.
“For the past few years, Labour MP David Anderson has postured as the friend of nationalisation. He has called for coal mining, water and train operating companies to be renationalised.
“In economic terms there is little to justify wasting billions of pounds of taxpayers’ money on buying up companies that are operating well in the private sector.
“Over the past few years, Mr Anderson has also attacked his own government’s decision to consider privatising the probation service, search and rescue services, civil service jobs, defence training and British Waterways.
“And in November last year, Mr Anderson in Parliament congratulated trade unionists who were fighting privatisation of services.
“Given the record of Mr Anderson, I find it bizarre that he attacked the proposal for the temporary public ownership of Northern Rock when the issue was debated in Parliament in December.
“The government has now put at risk tens of billions of pounds of taxpayers’ money by effectively handing it over to the shareholders and directors of Northern Rock. If the business fails, the taxpayer carries the losses.
“And if Northern Rock is returned to prosperity, the taxpayer gets only a minimal share of the success. The temporary nationalisation of the bank will ensure the benefits go to the taxpayer when it is returned to the private sector in the future.
“Mr Anderson now needs to explain why he has for years been saying one thing, and in the last few weeks has been arguing the exact opposite.
“I am therefore challenging him to a public debate about temporarily nationalising Northern Rock. I have written to him and I am looking forward to his accepting the challenge.”
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Plan for phone mast opposed
PLANS to replace a phone mast in Lobley Hill, Gateshead, have met with opposition by the area’s Liberal Democrat Action Team.
Team members Councillor Peter Maughan, Susan Craig and Peter Andras have been contacted by residents concerned that the replacement mast will be a worse eyesore than the current mast.
Councillor Maughan, whose Dunston Hill ward includes part of Lobley Hill, has written to Gateshead Council objecting to the plan by mobile phone operator O2.
The company wants to replace the mast at the top of Lobley Hill Bank, one of the most prominent locations in the area.
“The new mast will have three antenae,” said Cllr Maughan. “Residents have raised concerns that this is an eyesore too close to people’s homes.”
Team members Councillor Peter Maughan, Susan Craig and Peter Andras have been contacted by residents concerned that the replacement mast will be a worse eyesore than the current mast.
Councillor Maughan, whose Dunston Hill ward includes part of Lobley Hill, has written to Gateshead Council objecting to the plan by mobile phone operator O2.
The company wants to replace the mast at the top of Lobley Hill Bank, one of the most prominent locations in the area.
“The new mast will have three antenae,” said Cllr Maughan. “Residents have raised concerns that this is an eyesore too close to people’s homes.”
Monday, January 21, 2008
Roads in Tyne and Wear more congested than ever before
FIGURES uncovered by the Liberal Democrats in Parliament show that over the past decade, the number of vehicles on roads in Tyne and Wear have increased by 10%.
It means that congestion on local roads has gone up since Labour came to power in 1997, despite promises to reduce the number of people relying on cars to get about.
Councillor Peter Maughan, Liberal Democrat campaigner in Blaydon Constituency, said, “These figures show a worrying increase in the amount of traffic on roads in Tyne and Wear. The reality of the situation is that travelling by public transport is now more expensive but relatively speaking, the cost of travelling by car has fallen.
“When Labour came to power in 1997, John Prescott, who was then deputy Prime Minister, said, ‘I will have failed if in five years’ time there are not many more people using public transport and far fewer journeys by car. It’s a tall order but I urge you to hold me to it.’
“The rise in traffic in Tyne and Wear and across England generally is clearly a huge failure by the Government who promised so much but have delivered more congestion, pollution and more expensive buses and trains.
“The Government needs to look seriously at how to provide better buses and Metro at an affordable price before Tyne and Wear grinds to a halt.
“A Transport Bill is now being debated by Parliament and there are a number of plans in it that will give powers to councils to improve bus services. This is a welcome move but it is a pity that Labour have taken over a decade to get this far.
“Yet even now there is a danger that the powers to improve bus services will be watered down by the Government. Liberal Democrats will be pressing the Government hard to make sure this doesn’t happen.”
It means that congestion on local roads has gone up since Labour came to power in 1997, despite promises to reduce the number of people relying on cars to get about.
Councillor Peter Maughan, Liberal Democrat campaigner in Blaydon Constituency, said, “These figures show a worrying increase in the amount of traffic on roads in Tyne and Wear. The reality of the situation is that travelling by public transport is now more expensive but relatively speaking, the cost of travelling by car has fallen.
“When Labour came to power in 1997, John Prescott, who was then deputy Prime Minister, said, ‘I will have failed if in five years’ time there are not many more people using public transport and far fewer journeys by car. It’s a tall order but I urge you to hold me to it.’
“The rise in traffic in Tyne and Wear and across England generally is clearly a huge failure by the Government who promised so much but have delivered more congestion, pollution and more expensive buses and trains.
“The Government needs to look seriously at how to provide better buses and Metro at an affordable price before Tyne and Wear grinds to a halt.
“A Transport Bill is now being debated by Parliament and there are a number of plans in it that will give powers to councils to improve bus services. This is a welcome move but it is a pity that Labour have taken over a decade to get this far.
“Yet even now there is a danger that the powers to improve bus services will be watered down by the Government. Liberal Democrats will be pressing the Government hard to make sure this doesn’t happen.”
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Big Top plan withdrawn
A PROPOSAL to erect a big top style tent for a ten week period seating up to 8,000 people next to a busy suburb in Gateshead has been withdrawn.
Christian group “NE1” submitted the application to Gateshead’s planners last month to install the giant tent to house a weekly gathering on the site of Gateshead Central Nursery, next to Lobley Hill and Dunston Hill.
But residents expressed their opposition to the plan, fearing the area could not cope with the additional traffic for such an extended period. Signatures on a petition were being collected against the proposal.
Local Liberal Democrat Councillor Peter Maughan, who ran the petition on behalf of local residents, said, “Residents were very concerned about the impact on the area.
“The site is used for the Gateshead summer flower show but this lasts only a few days and measures are put in place to reduce parking by visitors in neighbouring streets.
“Using the site for ten weeks was too long so I am pleased the applicants have withdrawn their plan.”
Christian group “NE1” submitted the application to Gateshead’s planners last month to install the giant tent to house a weekly gathering on the site of Gateshead Central Nursery, next to Lobley Hill and Dunston Hill.
But residents expressed their opposition to the plan, fearing the area could not cope with the additional traffic for such an extended period. Signatures on a petition were being collected against the proposal.
Local Liberal Democrat Councillor Peter Maughan, who ran the petition on behalf of local residents, said, “Residents were very concerned about the impact on the area.
“The site is used for the Gateshead summer flower show but this lasts only a few days and measures are put in place to reduce parking by visitors in neighbouring streets.
“Using the site for ten weeks was too long so I am pleased the applicants have withdrawn their plan.”
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Big top plans opposed by residents and councillors
RESIDENTS of Lobley Hill and Dunston Hill are fighting plans for a big top to be installed by a religious organisation on the site of the Central Nursery in Gateshead.
And local Liberal Democrat Councillor Peter Maughan has taken a stand against the plans which are due to go before Gateshead’s Planning Committee in the near future.
Councillor Maughan has launched a petition against the proposal for the 8000 seat big top which he will present to the Planning Committee when the decision on the application is taken.
The application is by “NE 1” and if granted will see the big top in place for 10 weeks, hosting a weekly gathering of up to 8,000 people.
Councillor Maughan said, “The Central Nursery is used for one off events such as the Summer Flower Show, but these last for only a few days.
“The police and council do everything possible to cut down on congestion, prevent visitor parking in local streets and arrange for additional public transport.
“This application however is for an 8 week period and the impact on neighbouring Lobley Hill, Dunston Hill and High Grove Estate could be very large.
“I have therefore launched the petition so that local residents, many of whom have already been in touch with me, can put their concerns on record.
“When the applicaiton comes before the Planning Committee, I will be speaking against it.”
And local Liberal Democrat Councillor Peter Maughan has taken a stand against the plans which are due to go before Gateshead’s Planning Committee in the near future.
Councillor Maughan has launched a petition against the proposal for the 8000 seat big top which he will present to the Planning Committee when the decision on the application is taken.
The application is by “NE 1” and if granted will see the big top in place for 10 weeks, hosting a weekly gathering of up to 8,000 people.
Councillor Maughan said, “The Central Nursery is used for one off events such as the Summer Flower Show, but these last for only a few days.
“The police and council do everything possible to cut down on congestion, prevent visitor parking in local streets and arrange for additional public transport.
“This application however is for an 8 week period and the impact on neighbouring Lobley Hill, Dunston Hill and High Grove Estate could be very large.
“I have therefore launched the petition so that local residents, many of whom have already been in touch with me, can put their concerns on record.
“When the applicaiton comes before the Planning Committee, I will be speaking against it.”
Friday, January 04, 2008
Concern over opencast go ahead
LIBERAL Democrats in the Whickham area are warning residents to be ready to fight hard if proposals for opencast mining are resubmitted to Gateshead Council.
The warning was made following the decision by Labour minister Hazel Blears to force through a giant opencast scheme next to Cramlington in Northumberland even though the County Council had rejected the plan.
Ms Blears took the decision to overturn the Council’s rejection of the application in November.
An application for an opencast scheme at Skons Park between Whickham and Rowlands Gill was handed in to Gateshead Council in 2005. Local Liberal Democrat Councillor Jonathan Wallace led the campaign to have the plans thrown out.
Gateshead Council rejected the plan but the applicants, Halls of Spennymoor appealed to government inspectors to allow the opencast scheme to go ahead. Shortly before the appeal was due to be heard, Halls withdrew it. The company stated however that they would return with a new planning application.
“The new application has not yet been submitted,” said Councillor Wallace. “My hope is that Halls will give up.
“However, if they do apply again and are rejected a second time, I am very worried the government will overturn the decision and allow opencast mining to go ahead.
“That is what has happened in Northumberland. The council rejected the plans, and a government minister has now overturned that decision.
“In a debate about opencast mining initiated by Blaydon Labour MP Dave Anderson in Parliament in July 2005, Labour energy minister Malcolm Wicks suggested more opencast mining is needed.
“I am concerned that Labour are set to ruin our countryside and disrupt our towns by backing more openast mining in the North East.
“Hazel Blears’ decision is a green light to mining firms to put in more applications for new opencast schemes as they will feel more confident about support from the government for their plans.”
The warning was made following the decision by Labour minister Hazel Blears to force through a giant opencast scheme next to Cramlington in Northumberland even though the County Council had rejected the plan.
Ms Blears took the decision to overturn the Council’s rejection of the application in November.
An application for an opencast scheme at Skons Park between Whickham and Rowlands Gill was handed in to Gateshead Council in 2005. Local Liberal Democrat Councillor Jonathan Wallace led the campaign to have the plans thrown out.
Gateshead Council rejected the plan but the applicants, Halls of Spennymoor appealed to government inspectors to allow the opencast scheme to go ahead. Shortly before the appeal was due to be heard, Halls withdrew it. The company stated however that they would return with a new planning application.
“The new application has not yet been submitted,” said Councillor Wallace. “My hope is that Halls will give up.
“However, if they do apply again and are rejected a second time, I am very worried the government will overturn the decision and allow opencast mining to go ahead.
“That is what has happened in Northumberland. The council rejected the plans, and a government minister has now overturned that decision.
“In a debate about opencast mining initiated by Blaydon Labour MP Dave Anderson in Parliament in July 2005, Labour energy minister Malcolm Wicks suggested more opencast mining is needed.
“I am concerned that Labour are set to ruin our countryside and disrupt our towns by backing more openast mining in the North East.
“Hazel Blears’ decision is a green light to mining firms to put in more applications for new opencast schemes as they will feel more confident about support from the government for their plans.”
Friday, December 21, 2007
Post Office appeals against planning decision
A VILLAGE post office in Gateshead is calling on residents to back an appeal against a decision by the Council to block a proposal for an automatic cash machine to be installed.
Sunniside Post Master Paul Mein, and the village’s local Liberal Democrat Councillor, Jonathan Wallace, are urging residents to back the appeal to ensure the branch remains open.
Gateshead Council rejected the plans for the cash machine in June, claiming the road was too busy. The planning committee also said it was not appropriate to put the cash machine in the post office as it was next to a pedestrian crossing.
But over 200 residents signed a petition backing the application and there was widespread surprise in Sunniside when the plans were thrown out.
Mr Mein said, “We have a petition in the branch so that people can show their support for the Post Office.
“The cash machine is important to securing the future of the branch and it will be a boost to the village as it will be the only free to use, 24 hour cash machine in Sunniside.
“Customers have been coming into the branch to tell us how surprised they are at the Council’s decision and we have already collected hundreds of signatures.”
Councillor Jonathan Wallace said, “This was a very odd decision by the planning committee to reject the application. There are many busy front streets on Tyneside and many have cash machines in them, next to pedestrian crossings.
“The cash machine will also help Sunniside’s branch survive. This is especially important at a time when the government has taken away so much business from the Post Office network.
“The decision taken in June defies logic. So I am pleased to be able to support the appeal and will be doing all I can to show to Planning Inspectors that the decision should be overturned and the machine installed.”
Attached: photo of Post Master Paul Mein and Councillor Jonathan Wallace outside Sunniside Post Office holding a banner backing the Post Office appeal.
Sunniside Post Master Paul Mein, and the village’s local Liberal Democrat Councillor, Jonathan Wallace, are urging residents to back the appeal to ensure the branch remains open.
Gateshead Council rejected the plans for the cash machine in June, claiming the road was too busy. The planning committee also said it was not appropriate to put the cash machine in the post office as it was next to a pedestrian crossing.
But over 200 residents signed a petition backing the application and there was widespread surprise in Sunniside when the plans were thrown out.
Mr Mein said, “We have a petition in the branch so that people can show their support for the Post Office.
“The cash machine is important to securing the future of the branch and it will be a boost to the village as it will be the only free to use, 24 hour cash machine in Sunniside.
“Customers have been coming into the branch to tell us how surprised they are at the Council’s decision and we have already collected hundreds of signatures.”
Councillor Jonathan Wallace said, “This was a very odd decision by the planning committee to reject the application. There are many busy front streets on Tyneside and many have cash machines in them, next to pedestrian crossings.
“The cash machine will also help Sunniside’s branch survive. This is especially important at a time when the government has taken away so much business from the Post Office network.
“The decision taken in June defies logic. So I am pleased to be able to support the appeal and will be doing all I can to show to Planning Inspectors that the decision should be overturned and the machine installed.”
Attached: photo of Post Master Paul Mein and Councillor Jonathan Wallace outside Sunniside Post Office holding a banner backing the Post Office appeal.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Councillors’ walkabouts a success
LIBERAL Democrat Councillors representing Sunniside and Swalwell on Gateshead Council have carried out walkabouts in the two villages to look at issues and concerns raised by residents.
The councillors advertised the walkabouts in their regular ward newsletters and their email newsletter, and asked residents to send in their ideas on what should be visited on the walkabouts which were carried out on Saturday mornings on 10th and 17th November.
“We carried out a similar exercise in June in Whickham village which went very well,” said Councillor Mary Wallace. “So we wanted to extend them to Sunniside and Swalwell.
“As a result of the suggestions that came in from residents, we had a long list of issues to look into. We therefore had full mornings looking into issues such as blocked paths, unsafe structures, flower beds and so on.
“We are currently taking up the issues raised with the Council’s officers.”
The councillors advertised the walkabouts in their regular ward newsletters and their email newsletter, and asked residents to send in their ideas on what should be visited on the walkabouts which were carried out on Saturday mornings on 10th and 17th November.
“We carried out a similar exercise in June in Whickham village which went very well,” said Councillor Mary Wallace. “So we wanted to extend them to Sunniside and Swalwell.
“As a result of the suggestions that came in from residents, we had a long list of issues to look into. We therefore had full mornings looking into issues such as blocked paths, unsafe structures, flower beds and so on.
“We are currently taking up the issues raised with the Council’s officers.”
Residents of Gateshead throwing away twice war time food rations!
LIBERAL Democrats in Gateshead are backing a campaign to encourage people to cut food waste after learning that 22,000 tonnes of food are thrown away each year by local residents.
Most of the food is usable but instead of ending up on the dinner plate, it ends up in landfill sites.
Environmental campaign group Waste and Resource Action Programme (WRAP) revealed that the UK bins 6.7 million tonnes of food a year – 112kg per person.
“The figures for the amount of perfectly good food we throw away are quite shocking,” said Councillor Jonathan Wallace. “They show that most people throw away more than their own body weight in perfectly good food each year.
“Liberal Democrats did some calculations to illustrate just how wasteful society now is with food. Sixty years ago, at the end of the 2nd World War, most foods were rationed.
“An adult was entitled to 200 grams of sugar, 100 grams of preserves, 200 grams of fats, 50 grams of cheese, 100 grams of bacon and 50 grams of tea a week. The total weight was 700 grams though that excludes 2 other products that were rationed but not weighed – one egg and 2 pints of milk a week.
“In a year, basic weighed rations were 36kg. That means we now throw away more than twice the basic rations people survived on sixty years ago.
“WRAP has found that nine out of ten people are currently not aware of the quantity of food they throw out but when it is brought to their attention, most want to do something about it.
“There are some basic ways to avoid food waste which WRAP recommend people adopt. For example, work out what food you need and write a shopping list, rather than making choices when going around the supermarket. People can also make more use of their fridge, freezer or air tight boxes rather than leaving food out in the open where it goes off quicker.
“Residents of Gateshead spend £133 each on food that is thrown away each year. That’s £133 each person on average throws into a landfill site.
“The amount of waste people produce is a growing problem. It costs council tax payer a large amount to collect and then dispose of the waste. And in landfill sites, waste food rots and gives off methane, a strong greenhouse gas that is causing global warming.
“We each have to play our part in protecting the environment. By avoiding wasting food, we can save money as well!”
Liberal Democrats have produced a handy list of ideas on how to cut food waste and reduce kitchen waste going to rubbish dumps. The list includes:
1)Plan what you need and make a shopping list – that way you buy what you need and avoid buying too much of what you don’t need (assuming you keep to your shopping list).
2)Store food in air tight containers or in the fridge, rather than out in the open.
3)Make meals from left over vegetables such as soups or broth. These can be frozen for later use if necessary.
4)Use unused fruit to make jams, chutneys and relishes.
5)Some left over foods can be used to make puddings, such as fruit and bread.
6)Left over cooked vegetables can be reused in meals such as vegetable curries or bubble and squeak.
7)Put peelings, cores and other waste foods that can’t be cooked into a compost bin.
MP for Blaydon denies people a vote on Europe
Liberal Democrats in Blaydon are calling on Labour MP David Andersonto explain to local residents why he voted to stop the people having their say on Europe.
Labour and the Conservatives voted together on Wednesday 14th November to deny the public a crucial vote on whether or not the UK should remain in the European Union. A Liberal Democrat amendment to the Queen's Speech laid out proposals for a referendum on the UK's continued membership of the European Union.
Local Liberal Democrat campaigner Jonathan Wallace said, “Labour and the Tories have rejected our call for the public to vote on the UK's membership of the European Union. David Anderson joined with the Labour and Conservative leadership to block the people from having their say.
“Membership of the European Union is hugely positive for Britain. Cheaper goods, better environmental protection, increased freedom to work and live abroad, and a stronger framework for tackling international crime are just some of the benefits. But the EU has changed beyond recognition since we last had a referendum in 1975. No member of the public under the age of fifty has had the opportunity to vote on the crucial cumulative changes that have taken place over the last few decades.
“The case for a referendum to endorse, or reject, Britain’s membership of this very different European Union is overwhelming and the Liberal Democrats will be proud to lead the pro-Europe case."
Councillor Peter Maughan said, “It is disappointing that Labour and Conservatives joined forces to defeat the call for the people to have a referendum. David Anderson must now explain to the people of Blaydon constituency why he has denied them a say.”
Labour and the Conservatives voted together on Wednesday 14th November to deny the public a crucial vote on whether or not the UK should remain in the European Union. A Liberal Democrat amendment to the Queen's Speech laid out proposals for a referendum on the UK's continued membership of the European Union.
Local Liberal Democrat campaigner Jonathan Wallace said, “Labour and the Tories have rejected our call for the public to vote on the UK's membership of the European Union. David Anderson joined with the Labour and Conservative leadership to block the people from having their say.
“Membership of the European Union is hugely positive for Britain. Cheaper goods, better environmental protection, increased freedom to work and live abroad, and a stronger framework for tackling international crime are just some of the benefits. But the EU has changed beyond recognition since we last had a referendum in 1975. No member of the public under the age of fifty has had the opportunity to vote on the crucial cumulative changes that have taken place over the last few decades.
“The case for a referendum to endorse, or reject, Britain’s membership of this very different European Union is overwhelming and the Liberal Democrats will be proud to lead the pro-Europe case."
Councillor Peter Maughan said, “It is disappointing that Labour and Conservatives joined forces to defeat the call for the people to have a referendum. David Anderson must now explain to the people of Blaydon constituency why he has denied them a say.”
Monday, November 12, 2007
Whickham Remembrance Day Parade and Service - more photos
Our thanks to Nigel Evans for sending us these photos for inclusion on Gateshead News.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Call on Labour to "clean up" their act!
Anyone remember the story that did the rounds earlier this year that Whickham School was about to be replaced with a brand new school?
It came about because Labour in the local elections claimed a new school was about to be built. No plans have been put into place yet for a new school!
Or how about the claim Labour opposed building flats on the site of Fellside Road garage? A few weeks later they voted to give planning permission for housing there.
Maybe you remember the claims that the Labour Party are supposed to be opposed to car parking charges in Whickham? (Labour made the claim after having voted to bring in the charges!)
And in the past few weeks, Labour have completely made up a story about Lib Dem run Newcastle Council, claiming a recycling scheme was introduced, immediately abandoned and millions wasted. The whole claim was a work of fiction.
These are some of the growing number ridiculous of Labour's claims in the Whickham area. So local Lib Dem councillors are calling on Labour to "clean up their act". Complete with brooms, mops, pinnies and feather dusters, Councillors Chris Ord, Peter Craig and Mary Wallace have dressed up to give Labour the clean up message!
"We thought we would give a light hearted response to Labour's unbelievable claims," said Peter. "But there is a serious point as well. Labour spin is out of control. Their claims just get more and more extreme.
"When we read the story they had made up about Newcastle's Lib Dem Council's recycling plans (see opposite) we felt it was time for them to come clean.
"So come on Labour, clean up your act now and stop making ridiculous claims!"
Whickham Police and Community Forum
The next meeting of the Police and Community Forum will be held on Tuesday 20th November at 7pm in Whickham Library. Residents are welcome to attend to raise crime and policing issues with the Area Commander and other senior police officers.
Fellside Road, Whickham
The tragic accident earlier this week on Fellside Road has focused attention again on the dangers of this road and how they can be reduced.
The accident, on the evening of Tuesday 6th November, happened between The Woodmans and the entrance to the Golf Club.
The road currently has national speed restrictions (60mph) in place from the edge of Whickham to the Pack Horse at Burnopfield.
The accident record of the road - 22 accidents involving injury over the last 5 years, 4 of which resulted in a fatality – had already led Gateshead Council to review the road conditions.
A traffic and speed management review of Fellside Road has been underway for several months. Proposals being looked at include extra signing and roadmarking to raise awareness of the Golf Club and farm entrances and better warning signs of bends. Where possible it is also intended to install reflective verge marker posts to mark out the edge of carriageway around the outside of certain bends.
The review is also looking at the existing speed limit, taking into account national guidelines, the character of the road, the traffic and speed survey information and the accident history.
In recent years various measures have been introduced along the road including renewal of roadmarkings, upgrading of bend warning signs and the introduction of two sections of anti skid surfacing onto bends which were considered particularly vulnerable.
Your local councillors have raised on a number of occasions (including by Councillor Marilynn Ord in October) the need to look at safety on this road and the introduction of a lower speed limit. We are continuing to raise this matter and will keep residents in touch with progress.
If you have any concerns you wish to raise with us about this road, please feel free to do so by replying to this email.
The accident, on the evening of Tuesday 6th November, happened between The Woodmans and the entrance to the Golf Club.
The road currently has national speed restrictions (60mph) in place from the edge of Whickham to the Pack Horse at Burnopfield.
The accident record of the road - 22 accidents involving injury over the last 5 years, 4 of which resulted in a fatality – had already led Gateshead Council to review the road conditions.
A traffic and speed management review of Fellside Road has been underway for several months. Proposals being looked at include extra signing and roadmarking to raise awareness of the Golf Club and farm entrances and better warning signs of bends. Where possible it is also intended to install reflective verge marker posts to mark out the edge of carriageway around the outside of certain bends.
The review is also looking at the existing speed limit, taking into account national guidelines, the character of the road, the traffic and speed survey information and the accident history.
In recent years various measures have been introduced along the road including renewal of roadmarkings, upgrading of bend warning signs and the introduction of two sections of anti skid surfacing onto bends which were considered particularly vulnerable.
Your local councillors have raised on a number of occasions (including by Councillor Marilynn Ord in October) the need to look at safety on this road and the introduction of a lower speed limit. We are continuing to raise this matter and will keep residents in touch with progress.
If you have any concerns you wish to raise with us about this road, please feel free to do so by replying to this email.
Remembrance Day Parade Whickham November 2007
The Remembrance Day Parade and Service in Whickham was held on Sunday 11th November. Wreathes were laid by Councillors Jonathan Wallace, Allison Chatto and Peter Craig, and by various uniformed organisations.
Elysium Lane housing plans
Gateshead Council have received a planning application to build 20 houses on the site of the former Social Club on Elysium Lane in Bensham.
Bensham’s historic church sold
The landmark St Cuthberts Church on Bensham Bank has been sold by the Church Commissioners to the American based St Stephen The Great Charitable Trust.
The historic landmark has been sold for £100, reflecting the state of the building which is suffering from structural problems and vandalism. The building needs considerable investment to bring it back into use.
The nineteenth century church was designed by the famous Victorian North East architect John Dobson.
The Church Commissioners were keen to see the building continue to be used as a church. Work on restoring the building is expected to take a year.
The historic landmark has been sold for £100, reflecting the state of the building which is suffering from structural problems and vandalism. The building needs considerable investment to bring it back into use.
The nineteenth century church was designed by the famous Victorian North East architect John Dobson.
The Church Commissioners were keen to see the building continue to be used as a church. Work on restoring the building is expected to take a year.
The sale of the church has been wlecomed by local Liberal Democrat campaigners Susan Craig and Peter Andras.
Photo: Peter Andras and Susan Craig outside St Cuthbert's Church in Bensham. They have welcomed the sale of the church as a way of saving the landmark.
Friday, November 09, 2007
Tyne View School to become children’s centre
Gateshead Council’s decision-making cabinet has agreed to convert Tyne View Primary School into a children’s centre.
The centre will include early years services, play facilities, family centre staff, a food co-op and an adventure playground.
It will also provide services for disabled children including pre-school childcare for children with special needs.
The work to convert the building will cost £1.3 million. Closure of the school was controversial in the Teams but the new facility is expected to open by the end of 2008.
The centre will include early years services, play facilities, family centre staff, a food co-op and an adventure playground.
It will also provide services for disabled children including pre-school childcare for children with special needs.
The work to convert the building will cost £1.3 million. Closure of the school was controversial in the Teams but the new facility is expected to open by the end of 2008.
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