Chapel goers in Sunniside, Gateshead, are being reassured that double yellow lines on Gateshead Road will not be extended outside the entrance to their building.
Traffic lights are to be installed next to Sunniside Methodist Chapel on the junction of Sunniside Road and Sunniside Front Street. The original proposals included extending the existing double yellow lines in front of the whole of the chapel.
“Chapel goers were very concerned that this would make it impossible for wedding cars and hearses to pull up outside the chapel,” said Cllr Jonathan Wallace.
“We raised this with the Council’s highways engineers and we can now assure chapel goers that the existing double yellow lines on the junction will not be extended.
“That means wedding cars and hearses will be able to pull up right outside the main doors to the chapel.”
The work on the traffic lights is expected to be carried out by the end of June.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Lib Dem councillors take parking charges battle to shoppers
Liberal Democrat Councillors in Whickham, Gateshead, have launched a petition against revised plans for parking charges in the village.
Plans to introduce charges in the car parks in the centre of the village were first announced three years ago. An angry outcry by residents, businesses and Whickham’s nine Lib Dem Councillors persuaded Gateshead Council’s cabinet to suspend the plans.
The time since has been used to put together revised proposals which allow for the first 20 minutes in the short stay car park behind the Library to be free. After that, a charge of 20p an hour will apply.
The car park behind the Gibside Hotel will be used for long stay with a charge of £1 a day.
Liberal Democrat Councillors set up a street stall in Whickham on Saturday 23rd May to collect signatures and copies of the petition were also places in local shops and businesses. They were also joined by Neil Bradbury, Parliamentary candidate for Blaydon, which includes Whickham.
“Whilst the free 20 minutes is a concession, it does not go far enough,” said Councillor Peter Craig. “It is too short a time and people will barely be out of their cars before they have to pay the charge.
“There are serious concerns about the impact of the recession on local businesses,” said Neil Bradbury. “Whickham has to compete with the Metrocentre where parking is free.
“There should be no charges introduced during the recession and if the Council does introduce a charge at a later date, it should at least make the first hour free.
“That will give the small shops in Whickham, many of which are locally owned, a fighting chance to compete with the Metrocentre.”
Plans to introduce charges in the car parks in the centre of the village were first announced three years ago. An angry outcry by residents, businesses and Whickham’s nine Lib Dem Councillors persuaded Gateshead Council’s cabinet to suspend the plans.
The time since has been used to put together revised proposals which allow for the first 20 minutes in the short stay car park behind the Library to be free. After that, a charge of 20p an hour will apply.
The car park behind the Gibside Hotel will be used for long stay with a charge of £1 a day.
Liberal Democrat Councillors set up a street stall in Whickham on Saturday 23rd May to collect signatures and copies of the petition were also places in local shops and businesses. They were also joined by Neil Bradbury, Parliamentary candidate for Blaydon, which includes Whickham.
“Whilst the free 20 minutes is a concession, it does not go far enough,” said Councillor Peter Craig. “It is too short a time and people will barely be out of their cars before they have to pay the charge.
“There are serious concerns about the impact of the recession on local businesses,” said Neil Bradbury. “Whickham has to compete with the Metrocentre where parking is free.
“There should be no charges introduced during the recession and if the Council does introduce a charge at a later date, it should at least make the first hour free.
“That will give the small shops in Whickham, many of which are locally owned, a fighting chance to compete with the Metrocentre.”
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Visit Gateshead!
Liberal Democrats in Gateshead are encouraging people to visit the borough as part of a tourism drive. And they have produced this video to tell people what's on and what to visit.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Nick Clegg visits Gateshead
Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg MP visited Gateshead in early May to launch the North East European Parliament elections.
Nick in Baltic Square with Fiona Hall MEP and campaigners from across Tyneside.
Gateshead Councillor Ron Beadle greets Nick.
The Euro Team with Nick Clegg - Neil bradbury, Fiona Hall and Chris Foote Wood.
Nick in Baltic Square with Fiona Hall MEP and campaigners from across Tyneside.
Gateshead Councillor Ron Beadle greets Nick.
The Euro Team with Nick Clegg - Neil bradbury, Fiona Hall and Chris Foote Wood.Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Fewer job vacancies in Gateshead
Fewer jobs are available in Gateshead following the publication of vacancies available through Job Centres.
Vacancies in Job Centres based in Gateshead have fallen by a fifth in the year to the end of March 2009. There were 16,814 vacancies available at the Job Centres at Blaydon, Felling and central Gateshead, down 4,208.
Felling and central Gateshead have reductions of 19.5%. Blaydon has a larger decrease with a 23.1%.
Neil Bradbury, Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon, said, "The drop in the number of jobs available for residents of Gateshead is worrying but not surprising, given the state of the economy.
"The Government's VAT cut has failed to boost the economy. Gordon Brown should scrap it and use the money to invest in housing improvements and green schemes.
"And he should reform the tax system to take all those earning less than £10,000 a year out of income tax completely."
Vacancies in Job Centres based in Gateshead have fallen by a fifth in the year to the end of March 2009. There were 16,814 vacancies available at the Job Centres at Blaydon, Felling and central Gateshead, down 4,208.
Felling and central Gateshead have reductions of 19.5%. Blaydon has a larger decrease with a 23.1%.
Neil Bradbury, Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesman for Blaydon, said, "The drop in the number of jobs available for residents of Gateshead is worrying but not surprising, given the state of the economy.
"The Government's VAT cut has failed to boost the economy. Gordon Brown should scrap it and use the money to invest in housing improvements and green schemes.
"And he should reform the tax system to take all those earning less than £10,000 a year out of income tax completely."
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Scrap VAT cut to boost jobs - Bradbury
A LEADING Liberal Democrat in Blaydon constituency is calling on the Government to boost job opportunities in the area after figures showed a worrying rise in the numbe r of jobless people in Gateshead.
Neil Bradbury is battling Labour’s David Anderson at the general election to be MP for Blaydon.
He said that the rise of 2,400 people without a job and on jobseekers allowance in Gateshead over the past year shows the Government’s decision to cut VAT has not saved jobs and businesses.
6,078 people in Gateshead were on Jobseekers Allowance in March, up from 3640 in March 2008.
“6,000 people on Jobseekers Allowance is not the full picture as many unemployed people are not on this allowance,” said Neil.
“What is clear though is that the Government’s hopes of boosting the economy by cutting VAT are having no effect at all.
“The cut should be scrapped and the money put instead into real jobs. Liberal Democrats are calling for the money to be used to insulate people’s homes. This will create jobs in manufacturing and renovation.
“But it will also help people struggling with higher fuel bills this coming winter.”
Neil Bradbury is battling Labour’s David Anderson at the general election to be MP for Blaydon.
He said that the rise of 2,400 people without a job and on jobseekers allowance in Gateshead over the past year shows the Government’s decision to cut VAT has not saved jobs and businesses.
6,078 people in Gateshead were on Jobseekers Allowance in March, up from 3640 in March 2008.
“6,000 people on Jobseekers Allowance is not the full picture as many unemployed people are not on this allowance,” said Neil.
“What is clear though is that the Government’s hopes of boosting the economy by cutting VAT are having no effect at all.
“The cut should be scrapped and the money put instead into real jobs. Liberal Democrats are calling for the money to be used to insulate people’s homes. This will create jobs in manufacturing and renovation.
“But it will also help people struggling with higher fuel bills this coming winter.”
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Blaydon Lib Dems choose candidate
Liberal Democrats in Blaydon constituency have chosen Neil Bradbury as their candidate at the general election.
In a contest between five people, Neil, 33, who lives in Prudhoe, won the hearts and minds of members at a meeting on Saturday 9th May.
Neil is a manager for the Citizen’s Advice Bureaux and is married to Donna. He is a councillor for Prudhoe on Northumberland County Council. He won his seat from Labour last year and is now looking forward to the battle to take Blaydon.
“It is a great privilege to be chosen to stand for the Liberal Democrats in Blaydon,” said Neil after the meeting. “Labour’s majority at the last election was down to just 5,000. That means the seat is within reach of the Liberal Democrats.
“Having already campaigned in the Chopwell and Rowlands Gill by-election in the constituency, and spoken to hundreds of people there, I know just how unpopular Labour are.
“People are desperate for change in Blaydon and they know they can only get it by voting Liberal Democrat.”
The previous Liberal Democrat candidate for the constituency, Peter Maughan, had to stand down due to business commitment.
Peter said, “I am delighted Neil has been chosen as our candidate. I know he will work hard for the area and will make a great MP for Blaydon. I am giving him my full backing.”
In a contest between five people, Neil, 33, who lives in Prudhoe, won the hearts and minds of members at a meeting on Saturday 9th May.
Neil is a manager for the Citizen’s Advice Bureaux and is married to Donna. He is a councillor for Prudhoe on Northumberland County Council. He won his seat from Labour last year and is now looking forward to the battle to take Blaydon.
“It is a great privilege to be chosen to stand for the Liberal Democrats in Blaydon,” said Neil after the meeting. “Labour’s majority at the last election was down to just 5,000. That means the seat is within reach of the Liberal Democrats.
“Having already campaigned in the Chopwell and Rowlands Gill by-election in the constituency, and spoken to hundreds of people there, I know just how unpopular Labour are.
“People are desperate for change in Blaydon and they know they can only get it by voting Liberal Democrat.”
The previous Liberal Democrat candidate for the constituency, Peter Maughan, had to stand down due to business commitment.
Peter said, “I am delighted Neil has been chosen as our candidate. I know he will work hard for the area and will make a great MP for Blaydon. I am giving him my full backing.”
Highfield path needs urgent action - Lib Dem Ray
Lib Dem campaigner Ray Callender is calling for urgent action to prevent the path leading to the new Highfield Schools campus turning into an accident blackspot for children.
The path runs along the edge of a big drop but there are no barriers to stop anyone slipping over the edge - see the picture on the left.
"It’s a big drop and kids going to a fro from school could easily have an accident," said Ray. "Rather than waiting for an accident to happen, we are pressing for a barrier to be installed. Having spoken to many parents, I know how concerned they are about this site."
The path runs along the edge of a big drop but there are no barriers to stop anyone slipping over the edge - see the picture on the left.
"It’s a big drop and kids going to a fro from school could easily have an accident," said Ray. "Rather than waiting for an accident to happen, we are pressing for a barrier to be installed. Having spoken to many parents, I know how concerned they are about this site."
Ray Callender is pictured above at the site where a barrier needs to be installed near Highfield Schools Campus
Whickham School
The Comprehensive has been awarded a grant of £6,525 from the Big Lottery Fund to set up a range of after-school and weekend clubs catering for those not involved in mainstream sports. The aim is to help young people taking part to become fitter and healthier.
Whickham Hermitage Garden Restoration
The community group, based at the Hermitage Centre, Whickham Front Street, has been awarded a grant of £5,000 from the Big Lottery Fund. The award will be used to extend the successful Hermitage Garden restoration project and involve all sections of the community in creating and establishing a community garden for all to enjoy.
Next Gibside Farmers' Market
The next farmers' market at Gibside Estate in the Derwent Valley will be held on Saturday 16th May 2009 from 10am to 3pm.
You can get a taste of what is there with this video shot at the market held in March: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmApezipZNc
You can get a taste of what is there with this video shot at the market held in March: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmApezipZNc
Byermoor extended school project
Planning permission is being sought to put up a 2.4m high steel palisade fence, with 2 single gates and double vehicular access gate on unused land next to Sacred Heart Primary School. The site is for use by the community as part of an extended schools project.
Whickham garage site plans approved
Plans for a new development on the site of the former Whickham Motor Company have been given the go ahead by Gateshead Council’s planning committee at a meeting on Wednesday, March 18th.
This followed successful intervention by Whickham Lib Dem councillors acting on behalf of local residents. Originally the draft proposals were objected to on grounds of the height and bulk of the building, but these were withdrawn following discussion between councillors, residents and council planners.
“Following a meeting with planners, it became clear that the main height of the building was to be towards Whickham Bank and the area nearest to residents would be single storey” said Cllr Peter Craig. “The residents were satisfied with this.”
Another reason for objection was the limited amount of space available for car parking and maneuvering of refuse collection lorries. A revised version of the plans increased the number of parking spaces and introduced a turning circle for the lorries. This addressed the concerns raised by residents.
The one remaining main objection was that the proposed entrance to the development conflicted with highways engineers’ plans for a new crossing facility on Whickham Bank.
The plan for a refuge island had been prepared following requests from Lib Dem councillors concerned over the safety of residents trying to cross Whickham Bank. However, this issue was resolved after discussions between Lib Dem councillors, planners and engineers resulted in a proposed new location for the crossing.
“We have actively campaigned for a crossing at this point,” said Cllr Mary Wallace, “and we are delighted that we have been able to resolve this issue. The crossing should be installed later in the year.”
This followed successful intervention by Whickham Lib Dem councillors acting on behalf of local residents. Originally the draft proposals were objected to on grounds of the height and bulk of the building, but these were withdrawn following discussion between councillors, residents and council planners.
“Following a meeting with planners, it became clear that the main height of the building was to be towards Whickham Bank and the area nearest to residents would be single storey” said Cllr Peter Craig. “The residents were satisfied with this.”
Another reason for objection was the limited amount of space available for car parking and maneuvering of refuse collection lorries. A revised version of the plans increased the number of parking spaces and introduced a turning circle for the lorries. This addressed the concerns raised by residents.
The one remaining main objection was that the proposed entrance to the development conflicted with highways engineers’ plans for a new crossing facility on Whickham Bank.
The plan for a refuge island had been prepared following requests from Lib Dem councillors concerned over the safety of residents trying to cross Whickham Bank. However, this issue was resolved after discussions between Lib Dem councillors, planners and engineers resulted in a proposed new location for the crossing.
“We have actively campaigned for a crossing at this point,” said Cllr Mary Wallace, “and we are delighted that we have been able to resolve this issue. The crossing should be installed later in the year.”
Whickham & District May Fayre – 16th May
On Saturday May 16th, a host of local community groups and charity organisations will be coming together in Chase Park at the Whickham & District May Fayre. They will be joined by local school children competing in art and sports events, together with musicians and dancers who will be providing the entertainment.
For the 7th year, the event will be hosted and organised by 2nd Whickham (33rd Gateshead) Scout Group and they are looking for voluntary organisations, charities or crafters to join them for the event. There are very few events in Whickham district which bring together people of all ages from the local community and this is a perfect opportunity for you to raise funds, promote your activities or recruit members for your organisation.
If you are interested in taking part in the event, please contact Cllr Peter Craig on 0191 488 0787 or email him on cllr.ptcraig@Gateshead.Gov.Uk.
For the 7th year, the event will be hosted and organised by 2nd Whickham (33rd Gateshead) Scout Group and they are looking for voluntary organisations, charities or crafters to join them for the event. There are very few events in Whickham district which bring together people of all ages from the local community and this is a perfect opportunity for you to raise funds, promote your activities or recruit members for your organisation.
If you are interested in taking part in the event, please contact Cllr Peter Craig on 0191 488 0787 or email him on cllr.ptcraig@Gateshead.Gov.Uk.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Hollinside Manor
Repair work has been carried out to Hollinside medieval manor house in the Derwent Valley following the award of a grant of £14,000 by English Heritage to Gateshead Council. The video gives a bit of background on the work.
Monday, April 20, 2009
St Petersburg's Hermitage Ensemble in Gateshead
The Hermitage Ensemble from St Petersburg will be singing a mixed programme of Orthodox and Russian folk music on Saturday 25th April at 7.30pm. The Ensemble are one of Russia's finest male choirs, and we are very fortunate to have them singing in Gateshead. Tickets are 7 full, 5 for concessions and are available from Reverend Jim Craig on rev.jim@btopenworld.com.
Revd Jim Craig is Community Arts Chaplain in Bensham and Gateshead.
The Ensemble are only performing in a limited number of venues for their visit to the UK, and have specifically sought to perform in Gateshead because of its reputation for excellence in the arena of the arts.
The outstanding acoustics of St Chad's church will prove to be a fitting setting for such vocal talent, complimenting its marvellous Arts and Crafts decor. Tickets are available now, though a small number will be made available on the door.
You don't have to consider yourself a religious person to enjoy such vocal talent. Rev Craig has heard the Hermitage Ensemble perform before, and and reports that there is nothing to compare the sound to.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Comment moderation has been removed
For regular readers, you will be pleased to learn that I have removed comment moderation. That means you are free to comment without my having to check first. So feel free to comment but use the function wisely!
Jonathan Wallace
Jonathan Wallace
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Flower beds and grass cutting to be cut in Whickham area
Cuts to grass cutting, the removal of flower beds and reduction in size of others will take place over the coming months as cuts imposed by Gateshead Council on Local Environmental Services begin to bite.
There are concerns in Whickham that the village's hopes of further success in Britain and Northumbrian in Bloom competitions could be dented by the loss of flower beds.
"The cuts to the budget did not meet with out approval. The final decision on the cuts have not yet been made and local Lib Dem councillors are in discussion with officers to try to minimise the impact on our local villages," said Cllr Allison Chatto.
"However, there is the possibility that local groups and businesses could sponsor individual flower beds. They would get public recognition for their contribution and also boost Whickham's chances in Britain in Bloom. Judges are always impressed by community involvement."
Anyone interested in sponsoring a flower bed in any of the local villages should contact Councillor Peter Craig on cllr.ptcraig@gateshead.gov.uk.
A list of the proposed cuts is included below.
Border plots outside St Mary's Church are proposed for removal.
Proposed areas to be left uncut:
Area on Whickham Bank opposite escape route.
Area behind Gamekeeper Pub.
LongRigg, but one metre strip to be cut at edge.
Harry Ramsden / Riverside Way, Metro Centre - but cut strip front and side
Swalwell Park, but cut one metre strip either side of path and cut fence line
North View grassland
Marley Hill Community centre…..Field at front (wet area) 50%.
The Dene… Hole Lane sunniside.
Woods junction of Fellside road/Oakfield Road.
Woods next to Grange walk and Coachman’s Public House.
Kingsway large area to be left uncut 60%.
Kingsway small area to be left uncut 60%.Cloverhill SchoolArea to the rear/side of football pitch.(This area is next to fields which are cut once yearly.)
There are concerns in Whickham that the village's hopes of further success in Britain and Northumbrian in Bloom competitions could be dented by the loss of flower beds.
"The cuts to the budget did not meet with out approval. The final decision on the cuts have not yet been made and local Lib Dem councillors are in discussion with officers to try to minimise the impact on our local villages," said Cllr Allison Chatto.
"However, there is the possibility that local groups and businesses could sponsor individual flower beds. They would get public recognition for their contribution and also boost Whickham's chances in Britain in Bloom. Judges are always impressed by community involvement."
Anyone interested in sponsoring a flower bed in any of the local villages should contact Councillor Peter Craig on cllr.ptcraig@gateshead.gov.uk.
A list of the proposed cuts is included below.
Border plots outside St Mary's Church are proposed for removal.
The butterfly beds on Whickham Front St are set be reduced
Proposed planted areas to be removed:
Beverly Drive - remove 50% (5) flower beds
Junction Hood Street / Market Lane - remove 2 small flowebeds at side (33%)
Jubilee Terrace No 1 - remove rose bed
Whickham Bank - remove 2 rose beds
Sands Industrial Estate - corner plot T Shirt printers - remove shrubbery
Whickham Front Street - Butterfly beds - remove 4 x flower beds (at edge, not butterflies)
2 flowerbeds at St Nicholas Church in Dunston
4 beds at St Mary's Church
beds at Arthur Cook, Cedar Cres and The Drive
Marleyhill Community Centre Horseshoe Remove Flowerbed
Sunnhill APU Remove 1 x Flowebed
Marleyhill APU Bungalows Remove 1 x Rose bed
Kingsway Remove 3 x Flowerbeds
Broadway/Sunniside Road Remove 1x Rose bed
Broadway/ Sunniside Road Reduce large Rose bed
Burden Park Entrance Remove Shrubbery
Longwood Close 2 x Shrubbery to Remove
Elm Court 3 x Shrubbery to Remove
Oakfield Road Next to Supermarket Shrubbery reduce by 50%
Foxhills Side No 40 Remove Shrubbery
Foxhills covert Side No7 Reduce Shrubbery by 50%
Foxhills Covert Side/Front No 40 Reduce Shrubbery by 50%
Bryerside Close/Fellside Park Opp Entrance Reduce Shrubbery by 50%
Thistledon Ave Adj Path Remove ShrubberyFellside Road Side of 44 Remove Rose bed
Proposed areas to be left uncut:
Area on Whickham Bank opposite escape route.
Area behind Gamekeeper Pub.
LongRigg, but one metre strip to be cut at edge.
Harry Ramsden / Riverside Way, Metro Centre - but cut strip front and side
Swalwell Park, but cut one metre strip either side of path and cut fence line
North View grassland
Marley Hill Community centre…..Field at front (wet area) 50%.
The Dene… Hole Lane sunniside.
Woods junction of Fellside road/Oakfield Road.
Woods next to Grange walk and Coachman’s Public House.
Kingsway large area to be left uncut 60%.
Kingsway small area to be left uncut 60%.Cloverhill SchoolArea to the rear/side of football pitch.(This area is next to fields which are cut once yearly.)
Marley Hill’s missing miners’ banner – can you help?
Former pitmen at Marley Hill Colliery have one of the few remaining Victorian miners’ banners still in existence. But there are now great concerns about this important piece of local history as the banner has now gone missing.
The banner was kept at the National Union of Mineworkers’ HQ in Redhills, Durham, but officials there now state it has vanished.
Victorian miners banners can fetch significant four figure sums but the value of it to the people who once worked at Marley Hill and to the community generally is far, far higher.
Sunniside History Society are determined to track down the banner and return it to its rightful owners, the local community. If you have any information that can help us to track it down, please get in touch with Councillor Jonathan Wallace on cllr.jwallace@gateshead.gov.uk
The banner was kept at the National Union of Mineworkers’ HQ in Redhills, Durham, but officials there now state it has vanished.
Victorian miners banners can fetch significant four figure sums but the value of it to the people who once worked at Marley Hill and to the community generally is far, far higher.
Sunniside History Society are determined to track down the banner and return it to its rightful owners, the local community. If you have any information that can help us to track it down, please get in touch with Councillor Jonathan Wallace on cllr.jwallace@gateshead.gov.uk
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Village faces loss of business if parking charges brought in
Whickham village centre in Gateshead could be hit by a loss of business if plans to introduce parking charges are not watered down further.
The claim was made by local Liberal Democrat councillors who surveyed people in the village centre about the plans by Gateshead Council to bring in charges to parking behind the Library and Gibside Hotel.
The survey of shoppers was carried out earlier in April. People were asked about the plans to bring in a £1 a day long stay charge and 20p an hour short stay.
The charges were first proposed by Gateshead Council two years ago, but after an outcry by residents and a campaign by local Liberal Democrat Councillors, their introduction was delayed. This was to allow for further consultation.
“The Council has come back with a revised plan to allow the first 20 minutes to be free,” said Cllr Peter Craig.
“However, we feel this is still insufficient. We decided therefore to ask current users of the car park about their views. We found that nearly half the people questioned would be less likely to use the car park if the charges are introduced.
“Two out of three believe the first 20 minutes being free was too short. Most suggested the first hour should be free instead. As councillors for the area, we feel this is a reasonable compromise.
“Without a longer free period, there are concerns that shops, already hit by the recession, will see a further loss of business. Many will go instead to the Metrocentre, just down the bank from Whickham, where parking is free.
“We are continuing to consult residents and will then take up the findings with the Council.”
The claim was made by local Liberal Democrat councillors who surveyed people in the village centre about the plans by Gateshead Council to bring in charges to parking behind the Library and Gibside Hotel.
The survey of shoppers was carried out earlier in April. People were asked about the plans to bring in a £1 a day long stay charge and 20p an hour short stay.
The charges were first proposed by Gateshead Council two years ago, but after an outcry by residents and a campaign by local Liberal Democrat Councillors, their introduction was delayed. This was to allow for further consultation.
“The Council has come back with a revised plan to allow the first 20 minutes to be free,” said Cllr Peter Craig.
“However, we feel this is still insufficient. We decided therefore to ask current users of the car park about their views. We found that nearly half the people questioned would be less likely to use the car park if the charges are introduced.
“Two out of three believe the first 20 minutes being free was too short. Most suggested the first hour should be free instead. As councillors for the area, we feel this is a reasonable compromise.
“Without a longer free period, there are concerns that shops, already hit by the recession, will see a further loss of business. Many will go instead to the Metrocentre, just down the bank from Whickham, where parking is free.
“We are continuing to consult residents and will then take up the findings with the Council.”
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