LIBERAL Democrats in Gateshead have attacked Labour for siding with phone company giants rather than local residents in a row over the power of communities to stop inappropriately sited phone masts.
At present phone masts up to 15 metres in height don’t need full planning permission, often making it difficult for councils to refuse permission for controversial proposals.
Liberal Democrat MPs in Parliament recently moved an amendment to the Planning Bill. It aimed to tightened up the rules and make phone companies get full planning permission for their masts.
This would have meant that they would be considered in the same way as applications for new buildings or change of use of existing ones.
But Labour MPs voted against this and most Conservative MPs did not bother voting at all. The proposal was therefore thrown out.
“Gateshead’s MPs had the opportunity to side with local communities or with giant phone companies,” said Lib Dem Councillor Frank Hindle. “It is extremely disappointing so see that they decided to back big business.
“Lots of us use mobile phones, but that is no reason why the phone companies shouldn’t have to apply for planning permission in the same way that every other business has to.
“This change would have encouraged companies to do more to share masts and to site them better, so that residents didn’t have to put up with so many masts - but Labour seem more interested in phone companies than with what local people want.”
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Local hero chosen for by-election battle
LIBERAL Democrats in Blaydon constituency have chosen a local hero as their candidate in a crucial council by-election.John McClurey will fight the Whickham South and Sunniside ward to fill the vacancy caused by the death of the party’s deputy leader on Gateshead Council, Councillor Alan Ord.
John, who lives in Sunniside village, shot to fame in May when he helped to rescue a young mum and her four year old daughter from a house fire near his shop in Blakelaw, Newcastle.
“I was working in my shop and someone rushed in asking us to call the fire service,” said John. “When I went out, I could hear screaming from the house.
“I just did what I had to do, broke in and helped the mum and her daughter to escape the flames. Only afterwards did I think about my own safety. It only dawned on my how big a story this was when the Evening Chronicle ran a big feature on it.”
The by-election is taking place in the heart of Blaydon constituency where a close battle is looming with the Liberal Democrats fighting hard to take the seat from Labour. They need to overturn a Labour majority of only 5,000 from the last general election.
Peter Maughan, who is Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon, said, “John is just the sort of person we want on our local team, representing people on Gateshead Council.”
The by-election will take place on Thursday 31st July.
Pictured above: Peter Maughan (Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon), Councillor Jonathan Wallace, Councillor Marilynn Ord and John McClurey.
For further information on John McClurey and the house fire, please see: Evening Chronicle
Friday, July 04, 2008
Blaydon “has not benefited from Brown’s first year as Prime Minister”
Blaydon has not benefited from Gordon Brown’s leadership, claim local Liberal Democrats in a message to residents.
Labour MPs unanimously made Mr Brown party leader last year and on 27th June, they marked his first anniversary as Prime Minister.
But local Liberal Democrats are unhappy about Mr Brown’s leadership and have argued strongly that Blaydon has failed to benefit from his year as Prime Minister.
Peter Maughan, Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon Constituency Liberal Democrats, said, “Gordon Brown has been in office for a year and I am still looking for any significant improvements here in Blaydon.
“Instead of the strong leadership claims Labour spun last year, we have endured months of dithering, indecision and a chaotic government under Prime Minister Brown. He seems more like a rabbit frozen in the headlights rather than a person giving leadership to the country.
“Having failed to sort the improvements that are badly needed on the A1 Western Bypass, thousands of local residents on low incomes continue to be worse off under Gordon Brown’s 10p tax grab, despite the recent panic concessions.
“Thousands are being forced to pay more council tax and many local residents are forced to live in overcrowded conditions because of the credit crunch and the failure of Labour to build sufficient affordable homes.
“As I go around Blaydon speaking to residents, I find more and more anger as matters get worse under Gordon Brown rather than better.”
Labour MPs unanimously made Mr Brown party leader last year and on 27th June, they marked his first anniversary as Prime Minister.
But local Liberal Democrats are unhappy about Mr Brown’s leadership and have argued strongly that Blaydon has failed to benefit from his year as Prime Minister.
Peter Maughan, Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon Constituency Liberal Democrats, said, “Gordon Brown has been in office for a year and I am still looking for any significant improvements here in Blaydon.
“Instead of the strong leadership claims Labour spun last year, we have endured months of dithering, indecision and a chaotic government under Prime Minister Brown. He seems more like a rabbit frozen in the headlights rather than a person giving leadership to the country.
“Having failed to sort the improvements that are badly needed on the A1 Western Bypass, thousands of local residents on low incomes continue to be worse off under Gordon Brown’s 10p tax grab, despite the recent panic concessions.
“Thousands are being forced to pay more council tax and many local residents are forced to live in overcrowded conditions because of the credit crunch and the failure of Labour to build sufficient affordable homes.
“As I go around Blaydon speaking to residents, I find more and more anger as matters get worse under Gordon Brown rather than better.”
Thursday, June 12, 2008
100s gather to say goodbye to Alan
Hundreds of local residents gathered at Whickham’s St Mary’s Church on Wednesday 11th June for the funeral service of Councillor Alan Ord.
Alan had been admitted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in mid May for an operation.
Everything seemed to be fine after the operation and he was able to go home at the end of the month. But a couple of days later, with complications setting in, he had to be readmitted to hospital. He passed away on Monday 2nd June.
Alan’s wife, Councillor Marilynn Ord, their two sons Andrew and Arran, and their five grandchildren are devastated by the loss.
Alan was chairman of Marley Hill School Governors and of Marley Hill Community Centre. He was also a governor of Fellside Primary School.
He was first elected to Gateshead Council in 1988 and has since been re-elected by local residents five times, the most recent being last month.
Alan was also deputy leader of the Opposition on Gateshead Council and had previously led the Opposition on Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority.
The great number of letters, cards and emails of support sent in response to Alan’s death, and the huge number of people who attended his funeral, are testimony to his popularity and hard work as a councillor.
Councillor Jonathan Wallace said, "Alan was my colleague representing local people on Gateshead Council for 20 years. He was a great friend and I am deeply shocked and saddened that he is no longer with us.
"He was a hard working councillor who had dedicated the last twenty years to serving the people of Whickham, Sunniside, Marley Hill, Byermoor and Streetgate. He will be greatly missed."
Alan had undergone an emergency operation in October 2005 following a serious case of food poisoning. He bounced back to health and was back into his council duties three months later.
Tributes have been paid from across politics. Labour Leader of Gateshead Council Mick Henry said, "I know I speak for everyone on Gateshead Council when saying he will be greatly missed."
Councillor Noel Rippeth, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Gateshead Council, said, "Alan was a larger than life figure who loved making people smile and laugh. Yet at the same time he was a dedicated public servant and worked tirelessly for his constituents."
Whickham house plans rejected
A planning application to demolish a large Edwardian house on Grange Lane, Whickham, and replace it with one detached and four terraced houses has been rejected by Gateshead Council’s planning committee.
The decision to refuse was taken at the meeting held on 11th June. Liberal Democrat Councillor Jonathan Wallace called for the application to be rejected because of concerns about the impact on local roads, the loss of privacy for neighbouring properties and the loss of one of the few historic houses in the area.
Residents also attended the meeting and spoke against the application.
“The five new houses would have been build off Grange Nook, a small cul-de-sac,” said Councillor Wallace. “There were concerns this small street could not cope with a doubling in the number of houses on it.
“Furthermore, all the existing homes around the site are bungalows but the proposed houses were two-storey. There were fears that many residents would lose their privacy.”
The decision to refuse was taken at the meeting held on 11th June. Liberal Democrat Councillor Jonathan Wallace called for the application to be rejected because of concerns about the impact on local roads, the loss of privacy for neighbouring properties and the loss of one of the few historic houses in the area.
Residents also attended the meeting and spoke against the application.
“The five new houses would have been build off Grange Nook, a small cul-de-sac,” said Councillor Wallace. “There were concerns this small street could not cope with a doubling in the number of houses on it.
“Furthermore, all the existing homes around the site are bungalows but the proposed houses were two-storey. There were fears that many residents would lose their privacy.”
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Liberal Democrats in Blaydon back Carers’ Week
A leading Liberal Democrat in Blaydon has given his backing to Carers’ Week to show support for the thousands of local residents who carer for dependent relatives and friends.
Carers Week is a partnership of 10 UK-wide charities (Carers UK, Counsel and Care; Crossroads Caring for Carers, Help the Hospices, Independent Age, Macmillan Cancer Support, MS Society, Neurological Alliance, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and WRVS) to promote the unpaid work done by the six million people in the UK who support and care for others.
Carers Week starts on 9th June and runs until 15th June.
“I decided to back Carers’ Week as I have seen how hard many people work to support relatives and friends with illnesses or conditions which make them dependent on others,” said Councillor Peter Maughan, Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon.
“One in ten people cares in some way for another person. That is a huge army of people who by their efforts help others to live as normal a life as possible at home, rather than being dependent on health services and other groups for support.
“Many carers work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and too often, the contribution they make is not recognised by society generally. By supporting Carers’ Week, I hope to highlight the work carers do and hopefully raise awareness amongst the general public of their importance.”
Carers Week is a partnership of 10 UK-wide charities (Carers UK, Counsel and Care; Crossroads Caring for Carers, Help the Hospices, Independent Age, Macmillan Cancer Support, MS Society, Neurological Alliance, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and WRVS) to promote the unpaid work done by the six million people in the UK who support and care for others.
Carers Week starts on 9th June and runs until 15th June.
“I decided to back Carers’ Week as I have seen how hard many people work to support relatives and friends with illnesses or conditions which make them dependent on others,” said Councillor Peter Maughan, Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon.
“One in ten people cares in some way for another person. That is a huge army of people who by their efforts help others to live as normal a life as possible at home, rather than being dependent on health services and other groups for support.
“Many carers work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and too often, the contribution they make is not recognised by society generally. By supporting Carers’ Week, I hope to highlight the work carers do and hopefully raise awareness amongst the general public of their importance.”
Friday, June 06, 2008
Call for North East to be world leader in offshore wind power
A LEADING Liberal Democrat campaigner in Gateshead has called on North East companies ot take a lead in developing offshore wind power.
Councillor Peter Maughan, who is Parliamentary spokesman for Blaydon constituency, made the call after the New and Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC) in Blyth said the region could create thousands of new jobs in the wind energy sector.
NaREC is a respected organisation which has a high level of expertise in renewable energy.
“The North East has the engineering history to be able to build the turbines,” said Peter. “But as a region we have to have the determination to be the best in green energy production.
“Putting turbines off shore in the North Sea would help us cut our carbon emissions. It’s a windy location and the North East is well placed to take advantage of it.
“If businesses seize the initiative now, we will be able to create many new jobs and be a powerhouse for much of the rest of the country.”
Councillor Peter Maughan, who is Parliamentary spokesman for Blaydon constituency, made the call after the New and Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC) in Blyth said the region could create thousands of new jobs in the wind energy sector.
NaREC is a respected organisation which has a high level of expertise in renewable energy.
“The North East has the engineering history to be able to build the turbines,” said Peter. “But as a region we have to have the determination to be the best in green energy production.
“Putting turbines off shore in the North Sea would help us cut our carbon emissions. It’s a windy location and the North East is well placed to take advantage of it.
“If businesses seize the initiative now, we will be able to create many new jobs and be a powerhouse for much of the rest of the country.”
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Conference to be held in Gateshead
LIBERAL Democrats will be holding their North East Regional Conference in Gateshead on Saturday 14th June. Members will gather in Gateshead Civic Centre to debate issues and listen to speeches.
Councillor Noel Rippeth, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Gateshead Council, said he was delighted the conference was coming to the town.
“Gateshead is a popular venue for the Regional Conference so I am very pleased it is coming again to the borough.
“After the local election successes which saw big gains for the Liberal Democrats across the North East, the conference will also be a bit of a celebration.”
Councillor Noel Rippeth, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Gateshead Council, said he was delighted the conference was coming to the town.
“Gateshead is a popular venue for the Regional Conference so I am very pleased it is coming again to the borough.
“After the local election successes which saw big gains for the Liberal Democrats across the North East, the conference will also be a bit of a celebration.”
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Councillor Alan Ord
Many thanks to everyone who has sent messages of condolences to Councillor Marilynn Ord on the death of her husband, Cllr Alan Ord. Many messages have been sent via Cllr Jonathan Wallace in response to the email bulletin that was sent to residents of Whickham South and Sunniside ward on Tuesday 3rd June.
At this point, the date for the funeral has not yet been fixed. We will keep you informed.
At this point, the date for the funeral has not yet been fixed. We will keep you informed.
Liberal Democrats in Blaydon welcome transport plans
TRAVEL and transport will improve in Blaydon constituency and on Tyneside if new Liberal Democrat transport policies are put into operation, claim local members of the party.
The policies were launched on 3rd June by Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg. The proposals include improving bus services by putting them under the control of local councils where bus companies have failed to provide improvements themselves; improving local rail services; introducing strong environmental criteria for new roads and building a high speed rail network to cut journey times for longer distance travel.
“There are radical policies which will help address some of the transport problems on Tyneside,” said Councillor Peter Maughan, who is Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon.
“I am very pleased about the proposals to build a dedicated high speed rail service. Current transport links between the North East and the South East and London are not good enough. It is vital for our regional economy that we have better links to the capital.
“By building a high speed rail link, we will cut journey times to London. With the current East Coast Line virtually fully used, we will need the additional high speed link if more people are to travel to and from the North East.
“If we don’t build the high speed link, the inevitable result is that more people will have to travel by car instead, leading to more congestion and pollution.
“Transport is now high on people’s lists of concerns. Despite lots of talk by Labour, public transport is expensive and plagued by problems of decades of failure to invest in it by both Labour and Conservative governments.
“With the cost of driving shooting up, bus and rail services on Tyneside desperately need a boost. Our proposals will help to create a modern local transport system fit for the decades to come, rather than for decades ago.
“The policy proposals will be debated at our conference in September and before then, members in Blaydon will be discussing them at our regular meetings. We are looking forward to a good debate.”
The policies were launched on 3rd June by Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg. The proposals include improving bus services by putting them under the control of local councils where bus companies have failed to provide improvements themselves; improving local rail services; introducing strong environmental criteria for new roads and building a high speed rail network to cut journey times for longer distance travel.
“There are radical policies which will help address some of the transport problems on Tyneside,” said Councillor Peter Maughan, who is Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon.
“I am very pleased about the proposals to build a dedicated high speed rail service. Current transport links between the North East and the South East and London are not good enough. It is vital for our regional economy that we have better links to the capital.
“By building a high speed rail link, we will cut journey times to London. With the current East Coast Line virtually fully used, we will need the additional high speed link if more people are to travel to and from the North East.
“If we don’t build the high speed link, the inevitable result is that more people will have to travel by car instead, leading to more congestion and pollution.
“Transport is now high on people’s lists of concerns. Despite lots of talk by Labour, public transport is expensive and plagued by problems of decades of failure to invest in it by both Labour and Conservative governments.
“With the cost of driving shooting up, bus and rail services on Tyneside desperately need a boost. Our proposals will help to create a modern local transport system fit for the decades to come, rather than for decades ago.
“The policy proposals will be debated at our conference in September and before then, members in Blaydon will be discussing them at our regular meetings. We are looking forward to a good debate.”
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Liberal Democrats in Gateshead back National Recycling Week
A UK-wide campaign to encourage people to recycle more of their household waste has been backed by Liberal Democrats in Gateshead.
National Recycling Week is being held on 2nd – 8th June. This is the fifth year it has been held. It is run by Waste Resources Action Programme (WRAP), a national organisation set up to help people produce less waste and advise on how best to deal with rubbish in an environmentally friendly way.
Councillor Peter Maughan said, “In Gateshead each person is on average producing 406kg of waste a year that is not recycled or composted. Three quarters of this ends up in landfill.
“Unfortunately, figures released last week show Gateshead Council is bottom of the league for recycling and composting in the North East. Though recycling has been increasing in the borough, Gateshead Council still has a long way to go.
“Liberal Democrats in Gateshead are delighted to be able to back National Recycling Week. We are encouraging as many residents as possible to make small changes in their lifestyles which will make large strides to ensuring we do not wreck our environment.
“We waste a huge amount of food each year – on average we throw away 112kg of food each, most of which is still usable. People can avoid this waste by doing simple things such as producing a shopping list of what food is needed, rather than wandering around the supermarket buying what takes your fancy!
“Last year in the UK, it was estimated that we spent £8 billion on food that was still fit to be used when it was thrown away. Being green can save money!
“There is a limit to how much rubbish we can throw into holes in the ground. There comes a point when we have to say that we cannot go on getting rid of waste in this way.
“I am therefore delighted that National Recycling Week is underway. I hope it will be a great success and will help residents of Gateshead to cut waste and live greener lifestyles.”
National Recycling Week is being held on 2nd – 8th June. This is the fifth year it has been held. It is run by Waste Resources Action Programme (WRAP), a national organisation set up to help people produce less waste and advise on how best to deal with rubbish in an environmentally friendly way.
Councillor Peter Maughan said, “In Gateshead each person is on average producing 406kg of waste a year that is not recycled or composted. Three quarters of this ends up in landfill.
“Unfortunately, figures released last week show Gateshead Council is bottom of the league for recycling and composting in the North East. Though recycling has been increasing in the borough, Gateshead Council still has a long way to go.
“Liberal Democrats in Gateshead are delighted to be able to back National Recycling Week. We are encouraging as many residents as possible to make small changes in their lifestyles which will make large strides to ensuring we do not wreck our environment.
“We waste a huge amount of food each year – on average we throw away 112kg of food each, most of which is still usable. People can avoid this waste by doing simple things such as producing a shopping list of what food is needed, rather than wandering around the supermarket buying what takes your fancy!
“Last year in the UK, it was estimated that we spent £8 billion on food that was still fit to be used when it was thrown away. Being green can save money!
“There is a limit to how much rubbish we can throw into holes in the ground. There comes a point when we have to say that we cannot go on getting rid of waste in this way.
“I am therefore delighted that National Recycling Week is underway. I hope it will be a great success and will help residents of Gateshead to cut waste and live greener lifestyles.”
Friday, May 30, 2008
IGNORANCE OF LIFE THREATENING CONDITION PUTS MORE DIABETICS AT RISK – LIB DEMS
Liberal Democrats in Gateshead are calling for greater screening for diabetes after worrying new figures revealed that there has been a steady rise in the number of emergency admissions to local hospitals for a life threatening condition which develops if diabetes remains undetected.
Councillor Peter Maughan, Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon, said that many people were not aware they were diabetic. Early detection could save lives by preventing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life threatening form of the illness.
Figures show that in 2002 there were 18 emergency admissions to hospital for DKA in the area of Gateshead Primary Care Trust (PCT). In 2006/7, this had risen to 75.
The release of the figures comes after a national service framework was set up to ensure that all PCTs offer screening to those most at risk from developing diabetes. Currently, only 57% of PCTs are offering such screening.
Councillor Maughan said, “Diabetics are increasingly being put at risk, often because they don’t know enough about their condition.
“Too many people don’t realise they have diabetes in the first place. We need better education to warn diabetics of the life-threatening dangers of DKA, and also a greater awareness campaign so that people can spot the symptoms of diabetes early. The government simply isn’t doing enough.
“Gateshead PCT must do all it can to ensure people benefit from the National Service Framework. I strongly feel that local health services should highlight the need for individuals to watch out for any symptoms of diabetes and encourage people concerned they are developing the illness to be screened.
“Early detection will certainly help to save lives.”
Councillor Peter Maughan, Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon, said that many people were not aware they were diabetic. Early detection could save lives by preventing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life threatening form of the illness.
Figures show that in 2002 there were 18 emergency admissions to hospital for DKA in the area of Gateshead Primary Care Trust (PCT). In 2006/7, this had risen to 75.
The release of the figures comes after a national service framework was set up to ensure that all PCTs offer screening to those most at risk from developing diabetes. Currently, only 57% of PCTs are offering such screening.
Councillor Maughan said, “Diabetics are increasingly being put at risk, often because they don’t know enough about their condition.
“Too many people don’t realise they have diabetes in the first place. We need better education to warn diabetics of the life-threatening dangers of DKA, and also a greater awareness campaign so that people can spot the symptoms of diabetes early. The government simply isn’t doing enough.
“Gateshead PCT must do all it can to ensure people benefit from the National Service Framework. I strongly feel that local health services should highlight the need for individuals to watch out for any symptoms of diabetes and encourage people concerned they are developing the illness to be screened.
“Early detection will certainly help to save lives.”
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Ferry axing sparks visitor worries
LIBERAL Democrats in Blaydon constituency are to write to ferry operator DFDS to ask them to think again about axing the North East route to Norway.
On 1st September, the MS Queen of Scandinavia will cease operating between the Tyne and Stavanger, Haugesund and Bergen. The loss of the route will lead to the loss of 300 jobs in Denmark and the UK.
Councillor Peter Maughan, Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon, said, “The ferry routes to Scandinavia are important for the North East’s tourism industry.
“Many Scandinavians, and especially Norwegians, visit the Metrocentre as well as our main tourist centres. Many jobs therefore indirectly depend on the North Sea routes continuing to operate.
“I appreciate that the Queen of Scandinavia service has been loss making since DFDS took over from Fjordline in 2006. Nevertheless, I am hoping that the company can at least run a reduced service.
“I am therefore writing to the company to ask them to consider other ways of keeping the service partly going.
“At a time when the economy is slowing down, we need to fight hard to keep our businesses and job prospects afloat.”
On 1st September, the MS Queen of Scandinavia will cease operating between the Tyne and Stavanger, Haugesund and Bergen. The loss of the route will lead to the loss of 300 jobs in Denmark and the UK.
Councillor Peter Maughan, Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon, said, “The ferry routes to Scandinavia are important for the North East’s tourism industry.
“Many Scandinavians, and especially Norwegians, visit the Metrocentre as well as our main tourist centres. Many jobs therefore indirectly depend on the North Sea routes continuing to operate.
“I appreciate that the Queen of Scandinavia service has been loss making since DFDS took over from Fjordline in 2006. Nevertheless, I am hoping that the company can at least run a reduced service.
“I am therefore writing to the company to ask them to consider other ways of keeping the service partly going.
“At a time when the economy is slowing down, we need to fight hard to keep our businesses and job prospects afloat.”
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
A1 improvements "kicked into long grass"
A leading Liberal Democrat Councillor in Gateshead, whose ward borders the A1, has attacked the government over the failure to improve the A1.
Hopes that the A1 Western By-pass could be improved to cut congestion (and therefore pollution) and to make traffic flow more easily have been put on hold yet again following recent comments by Labour’s Transport Minister.
Rosie Winterton MP told the region earlier this month that no work on improvements to the road will be carried out for the time being as the Highways Agency was studying options for the road.
“This is a classic case of kicking an issue into the long grass,” said Councillor Peter Maughan in the Liberal Democrats’ email newsletter to residents of Whickham and Dunston.
“We are being told that any short term improvements will be very minor, such as clearing accidents more quickly.
“This is not a solution to the problem of a road that is completely inadequate for the job it has to do.
“Every day, my constituents in Dunston have to put up with thousands of slow moving vehicles stuck in a traffic jam going through the heart of the village. This means more noise and pollution endured by residents.
“Whilst there is cross party support here in the North East for the view that major improvement to the A1 is vital for the future of the region’s jobs, businesses and environment, that message just isn’t getting through to ministers in London who prevaricate about the future of this road.”
Councillor Maughan, who is also Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Blaydon, is writing to Rosie Winterton to urge her to back improvements to the A1 and to set a timetable for the work to be carried out.
A1 advertising tower plan rejected
Plans to build an 18 metre high advertising tower on land next to the A1 in Swalwell, near the Metrocentre, have been rejected by Gateshead Council’s planners.
Had the plans been approved, the tower, which would have been internally illuminated, would have carried panels for advertising hoardings measuring 7.5metres by 5 metres.
“I am pleased this has been rejected. Had this gone ahead it would have been huge,” said Councillor Peter Craig.
“It would have dominated the roadside, distracted drivers at a very busy stretch of the A1 and would have been an unwelcome addition to the Swalwell skyline.”
Planners to see controversial housing site
Gateshead’s planning committee is to visit the site where a controversial planning application is stirring community unrest.
An application has been lodged with Gateshead Council to demolish the 100 year old house at 59 Grange Lane, Whickham, and replace it with one detached and four terraced houses.
Access to the four terraced houses will be off Grange Nook, a small street next to the site that is already tightly packed. The application has received 27 letters of objection from residents.
Planning permission has been granted in the past two years to demolish two other old houses on Grange Lane and replace them with larger numbers of smaller homes.
When the plan was presented to the planning committee today (21st May) it was agreed that a site visit by the committee was needed before any decision should be taken.
Local Liberal Democrat councillor Marilynn Ord, who opposes the plan, welcomed the decision to carry out a visit.
“There is a danger that this area will split at the seams,” said Marilynn. “The access to four of the new houses will be through a narrow street. Grange Lane itself is very narrow but is already a busy access road to the large Grange Estate.
“Furthermore, the homes around the site are nearly all bungalows and many people are concerned about the loss of privacy.
“The existing house is a good example of one of the old houses of Whickham and it would be a pity to see it demolished.
“I am hoping that the visit by the planning committee will help to show the problems that will arise by putting too many new houses here.”
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Whickham May Fayre May 2008
Congratulations to everyone involved with the Whickham May Fayre on Saturday 17th May. The weather may have been a bit damp but spirits remained high. As usual, Cllr Jonathan Wallace went along with his video camera and shot a bit of footage. He got there at the start and had to leave early for another appointment so the video didn’t catch the crowds that arrived later on.
However, he did manage to catch a slightly embarrassed Cllr Peter Maughan winning too many prizes on various tombolas!
Welcome for Post Office appeal win
An attempt by Gateshead Council to stop a post office from installing a cash machine has ended in defeat.
Sunniside Post Office had applied for the machine to be installed in 2007. A petition signed by 200 residents of the village backed the plan, as did Sunniside’s Liberal Democrat councillor, Jonathan Wallace. But despite this, the planning application was kicked out by Gateshead Council’s Planning Committee.
Labour councillors claimed the cash machine would be a danger to traffic as the post office is on Sunniside Front Street. This is despite the fact that most cash machines are already installed on city, town and village front streets throughout the UK.
Now planning inspectors have now overturned the decision and the machine will now be installed.
“This application should not have been rejected,” said Councillor Wallace, who backed the appeal.
“I find it remarkable that Labour councillors took the decision that Sunniside should be denied this service.
“Labour’s original decision to reject the application could not be believed by Sunniside residents when they first heard it.
“At a time when post offices are under threat, the cash machine will boost the branch in Sunniside and help to ensure it survives. We are now looking forward to the machine being installed. It will be the only 24 hour, free to use cash machine in the village.”
Councillor Peter Maughan, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon, which includes Sunniside, said, “The government are pushing through the closure of a further 2,500 post offices throughout the country.
“Ministers claim the closures are needed as there is not enough business to keep them open. And here we have an example of Labour councillors actually trying to block additional business going to a post office branch.
“Thankfully, the attempt has failed. However, we are still waiting for the list of branches on Tyneside Labour want to close. When published, we will fight hard against the closures.”
Sunniside Post Office had applied for the machine to be installed in 2007. A petition signed by 200 residents of the village backed the plan, as did Sunniside’s Liberal Democrat councillor, Jonathan Wallace. But despite this, the planning application was kicked out by Gateshead Council’s Planning Committee.
Labour councillors claimed the cash machine would be a danger to traffic as the post office is on Sunniside Front Street. This is despite the fact that most cash machines are already installed on city, town and village front streets throughout the UK.
Now planning inspectors have now overturned the decision and the machine will now be installed.
“This application should not have been rejected,” said Councillor Wallace, who backed the appeal.
“I find it remarkable that Labour councillors took the decision that Sunniside should be denied this service.
“Labour’s original decision to reject the application could not be believed by Sunniside residents when they first heard it.
“At a time when post offices are under threat, the cash machine will boost the branch in Sunniside and help to ensure it survives. We are now looking forward to the machine being installed. It will be the only 24 hour, free to use cash machine in the village.”
Councillor Peter Maughan, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon, which includes Sunniside, said, “The government are pushing through the closure of a further 2,500 post offices throughout the country.
“Ministers claim the closures are needed as there is not enough business to keep them open. And here we have an example of Labour councillors actually trying to block additional business going to a post office branch.
“Thankfully, the attempt has failed. However, we are still waiting for the list of branches on Tyneside Labour want to close. When published, we will fight hard against the closures.”
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Promise of jam tomorrow is not enough – Ron Beadle
Liberal Democrats on Tyneside have attacked Government offers to compensate low income earners losing out under tax changes as “vague promises of jam tomorrow”.
The doubling of the 10p income tax starter rate was announced last year but was put into operation at the start of April after Labour MPs voted for it in March. Since then, Labour MPs have suffered a backlash from low income people whose tax rates were doubled by Gordon Brown.
“Tens of thousands of residents of Tyneside have been hit hard by Labour’s decision to double the 10p income tax starter rate,” said Councillor Ron Beadle, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Newcastle North. Ron is also Councillor for Low Fell in Gateshead.
“Labour MPs, having only just voted to put this tax rise into operation, suddenly started shouting about how terrible it was.
“It is disappointing that they have caved in and agreed to back the Government’s last minute offer of vague promises of compensation. All that is on offer is jam tomorrow. There are no details of how the compensation scheme will work.
“Having previously been told there was no money in the kitty to reverse the tax rise, the Government has failed to explain how they will pay for the compensation scheme.
“And as is so often the case with this government, we should believe it when it happens. In the meantime, those on low incomes on Tyneside continue to lose out whilst Gordon Brown’s tax rises bite into pay packets and pensions.
“It is staggering that in the same week as vague concessions for some of the lowest paid people in the country were dragged out of the Government, Gordon Brown’s door to Downing Street was wide open for bankers to visit him and successfully argue for £50 billion bailout from the taxpayer to keep the banking system afloat.
“There is something seriously wrong when a Labour Government turns its back on ordinary people.”
The doubling of the 10p income tax starter rate was announced last year but was put into operation at the start of April after Labour MPs voted for it in March. Since then, Labour MPs have suffered a backlash from low income people whose tax rates were doubled by Gordon Brown.
“Tens of thousands of residents of Tyneside have been hit hard by Labour’s decision to double the 10p income tax starter rate,” said Councillor Ron Beadle, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Newcastle North. Ron is also Councillor for Low Fell in Gateshead.
“Labour MPs, having only just voted to put this tax rise into operation, suddenly started shouting about how terrible it was.
“It is disappointing that they have caved in and agreed to back the Government’s last minute offer of vague promises of compensation. All that is on offer is jam tomorrow. There are no details of how the compensation scheme will work.
“Having previously been told there was no money in the kitty to reverse the tax rise, the Government has failed to explain how they will pay for the compensation scheme.
“And as is so often the case with this government, we should believe it when it happens. In the meantime, those on low incomes on Tyneside continue to lose out whilst Gordon Brown’s tax rises bite into pay packets and pensions.
“It is staggering that in the same week as vague concessions for some of the lowest paid people in the country were dragged out of the Government, Gordon Brown’s door to Downing Street was wide open for bankers to visit him and successfully argue for £50 billion bailout from the taxpayer to keep the banking system afloat.
“There is something seriously wrong when a Labour Government turns its back on ordinary people.”
Friday, April 18, 2008
Christmas isn’t coming early to Dunston
There may still be 8 months of shopping days left to Christmas but there is one small corner of Gateshead where Christmas won’t be arriving early this year.
A request by Liberal Democrat Councillors in Dunston Hill for festive lights to be installed in the few weeks running up to Christmas in The Crescent, Dunston, has been turned down by Gateshead Council.
The request was spearheaded by Councillor Peter Maughan who had been contacted by shop owners whose businesses are in The Crescent.
“Four years ago we had some lights in The Crescent,” said Peter. “But since then, there has been nothing. A small investment will boost this shopping area in the heart of Dunston.
“I am disappointed that Gateshead Council has turned down our request for Christmas lights. Local shops are being squeezed by big retail chains and we need to attract shoppers from the nearby Metrocentre and Newcastle City Centre to small centres such as Dunston.
“Having an attractive display at Christmas is one way to achieve that. Unfortunately Christmas will not be coming early, or indeed at all, to The Crescent.”
A request by Liberal Democrat Councillors in Dunston Hill for festive lights to be installed in the few weeks running up to Christmas in The Crescent, Dunston, has been turned down by Gateshead Council.
The request was spearheaded by Councillor Peter Maughan who had been contacted by shop owners whose businesses are in The Crescent.
“Four years ago we had some lights in The Crescent,” said Peter. “But since then, there has been nothing. A small investment will boost this shopping area in the heart of Dunston.
“I am disappointed that Gateshead Council has turned down our request for Christmas lights. Local shops are being squeezed by big retail chains and we need to attract shoppers from the nearby Metrocentre and Newcastle City Centre to small centres such as Dunston.
“Having an attractive display at Christmas is one way to achieve that. Unfortunately Christmas will not be coming early, or indeed at all, to The Crescent.”
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