Blaydon will be too close to call – Lib Dems

LIBERAL Democrats in Blaydon have said that the election result in the constituency is too close to call between Lib Dems and Labour.

Launching his campaign to become the new MP for Blaydon, Liberal Democrat Neil Bradbury is aiming to build on the strong result the party achieved at the last election to close the gap on Labour’s David Anderson and to move ahead on polling day.

“Liberal Democrats were only 5,000 votes behind Labour last time. Since then we have continued to win council seats from Labour in the constituency. We have outpolled Labour in recent local elections.

“Everyone knows that the Conservatives, whose candidate lives in Tunbridge Wells in Kent, cannot win here. But for the first time in generations, Labour cannot afford to take Blaydon for granted.

“We will be fighting the election calling for a fair deal for Blaydon and to give our area a strong voice in Parliament.”

The votes cast for each party at the last general election in 2005 were:

Labour 20,120 (51.5%)
Lib Dem 14,785 (37.9%)
Conservative 3,129 (8%)
UKIP 1019 (2.6%)

Since then, boundary changes have brought fully into the constituency the Liberal Democrat held ward of Dunston Hill and Whickham East.

Phone mast plan opposed in Whickham

A planning application for a phone mast on a prominent location in Whickham, Gateshead, has sparked opposition from local Liberal Democrat Councillors and campaigners.

The Glebe Sports Ground has been the location for a number of masts in recent years but local Liberal Democrats are saying, “Enough is enough.”

Local Lib Dem Councillor Peter Craig said, “I have objected to the application on the grounds it is visually obtrusive, is close to the Whickham Conservation Zone and other masts in the area could be shared.”

The phone mast, if given planning permission by Gateshead Council’s planning committee, would be built next to Rectory Lane, one of the main roads in Whickham.

The plans can be viewed on-line at www.gateshead.gov.uk. Observations about the planning application can be made in writing to Iain Armstrong, Development Control, Gateshead Civic Centre, Gateshead, NE8 1HH. You will need to quote reference number DC/10/00242/TELFUL.

Photo: left to right Cllr Peter Maughan, Cllr Neil Bradbury, Cllr Peter Craig, Cllr Mary Wallace and Sonya Hawkins)

Residents unhappy with Lobley Hill Bank changes

Residents of Lobley Hill, Festival Park and the top of Dunston Hill in Gateshead are unhappy with traffic changes on Lobley Hill Bank, according to a survey carried out by local Liberal Democrats.

In 2009, Gateshead Council brought in a series of changes on Lobley Hill Bank including traffic lights at the bottom, changes to access from side roads and a longer bus lane.

But residents very quickly contacted local Lib Dem campaigners about growing problems they had, especially driving onto the road from Beechwood Gardens, Oakfield Rd and Whickham Highway.

“We carried out the survey to find out how people were coping with the changes,” said Michael Ruddy from the Liberal Democrats’ Lobley Hill Focus Team.

“We found the overwhelming view of respondents was that they had been inadequately informed of the changes, the changes had made traffic conditions worse, and they did not support the changes.

“Many people commented that they felt the changes had made travel more dangerous and increased the risk of accidents.

“Even amongst those travelling mainly by public transport two thirds of people were strongly opposed to the changes.”

Lib Dem Councillor Frank Hindle is asking the Council’s traffic engineers what analysis they made of the effect of the changes, and what actions they are proposing to take to reduce the congestion and inconvenience that has been created.

Photo: Michael Ruddy and Frank Hindle on Lobley Hill Bank

The system of recycling across Gateshead is about to be changed with the introduction of new wheelie bins.

The new blue bin will take all the material currently put out for recycling. In addition, it will take cardboard and plastic bottles.

A box that goes on the inside of the bin will be used to hold paper. The bins will be emptied fortnightly, on the same cycle as currently in place. The first bins will be provided in May.

Recently, Gateshead had one of the worst recycling rates in the region. Lib Dem run Newcastle has a recycling rate far ahead of the Labour run council on this side of the Tyne.

Photo: Councillor Noel Rippeth with one of the new wheelie bins and paper boxes.

We need a fair budget, not Labour's let-down: Bradbury

Prospective Liberal Democrat MP for Blaydon, Neil Bradbury, has attacked the Budget as a "let-down that will do nothing to create a fair society."

In a message to local residents he said, "Like many other local residents I watched the Chancellor present his Budget wondering whether Labour would come clean on the chaos over which they have presided and the cuts they know they will have to bring in if the nation’s books are to be balanced.

"What we got was a Chancellor who is incapable of coming clean about where spending cuts will have to fall. And the Budget did nothing to make Britain a fairer society.

"People on low and middle incomes pay too much income tax. That’s why Liberal Democrats are campaigning for fair taxes, lifting millions of people out of income tax altogether. We will ensure no one pays tax on the first £10,000 of income.

"Labour however have gone in the opposite direction. In the Budget, the Chancellor froze personal allowances, meaning everyone will see a real increase in their income tax bill.

"The Chancellor didn’t mention this tax increase in his speech to Parliament. We had to read Labour’s small print to find out what they were doing.

"Meanwhile, the recent call by the Labour MP for Blaydon, who I hope to defeat in the general election, for a further increase in VAT will hit family budgets even more."

Photo: Neil Bradbury with Vince Cable on a recent visit to Gateshead. Neil said Labour's Budget would do nothing to create a fairer society.

Closure of Durham Road

Part of the main A167 Durham Road will be closed to traffic on Sunday 28 March to enable a pedestrian footbridge over the road to be dismantled.

A section of the road between Shipcote Lane and the start of the Gateshead flyover will be closed to all traffic in both directions from 6.00 am to enable engineers to dismantle and remove the footbridge at the junction of Durham Road and Whitehall Road.

The metal bridge dates from the 1970s and is being removed because it does not meet the legal requirements for disabled access. Its stepped construction makes it extremely difficult for cyclists and people with pushchairs to use, and almost impossible for wheelchair users. The bridge is being replaced with a light-controlled pedestrian and cycle crossing which will be activated as soon as the bridge has been removed.

A clearly-marked diversion route will be in operation throughout the day, with traffic being directed along Prince Consort Road, Arthur Street and High West Street.

North East’s voice needs to be stronger for local business

A LEADING Liberal Democrat Councillor in Gateshead has called for the North East to have a stronger voice in London to get a better deal for the region and for business.

Dr Jonathan Wallace made his comments to a meeting of the Confederation of British Industry which was holding a meeting for young business people from the North East in the Baltic Art Galley on the Gateshead Quays.

Dr Wallace, Councillor for Whickham South and Sunniside, said it was easy for the North East to be overlooked when major transport investment is decided.

“The problem with our region is that it has too many safe Labour seats,” said Jonathan. “Even in a bad year for Labour, they will win most seats here.

“At the last election in the region, Labour took 28 of the 30 seats in the North East. That effectively means that in Parliamentary representation, our region has been something of a one party state, even though Labour does not command an overwhelming majority of votes.

“Labour can therefore take the region for granted. The Conservatives have only very limited interest in the region because their chances of winning more than a small number of seats here is remote.

“The Labour one party state in the North East has therefore served us badly and both Labour and Conservative governments pay more attention to other regions with more marginal seats.

“We need to turn the safe seats into marginals. That’s why voting reform and fair votes will benefit our area of the country far more than any other. It will put us back on the political map.

“And we need reforms to the House of Lords so that members are elected under a fair votes system and can speak for the whole region.

“This package of change and reform will make politics more relevant to the people of our region and make governments of all colours take note of the North East.”

A1 in “slow lane” plan attacked by Lib Dems

A PLAN by the Government’s Department for Transport to cut traffic speeds on the A1 from Birtley to Blaydon have been slammed by Liberal Democrats as putting the area into “the slow lane”.

The plans to cut the speed limit from 70mph to 50 mph are being put forward by the Government as the alternative to investing in upgrading the road.

Neil Bradbury, the Liberal Democrats’ prospective MP for Blaydon, described the plans as little more than a joke that will do nothing to solve the serious congestion on the road.

Neil said, “The A1 from Birtley to the bridge over the Tyne at Blaydon is one of the most congested in the North East. It carries far more traffic than it was designed to take.

“In rush hour, the road slows to a snail’s pace, so the idea that congestion will be solved by lowering the speed limit to 50mph is laughable.

“This stretch of road has room for a third lane. Changes are also needed to create a better flow of traffic into and out of the Metrocentre.

“The plan by Labour to solve the problems of this road by cutting the speed limit is nothing more than a window-dressing exercise on the cheap. It will have very little practical benefit.

“The A1 in Gateshead is a strategic road and congestion there damages our local economy. It needs real investment, not daft and irrelevant plans that put us in the slow lane.”

Council spending consultation “remote and inaccessible for many”

Liberal Democrats in Blaydon constituency have slammed a consultation process by Gateshead Council into spending cuts as “remote and inaccessible.” And they have compared it to Northumberland’s consultation which they describe as “open and in touch.”

Gateshead Council are currently looking at cuts of up to £60 million over the next three years, caused by Government ministers slashing the amount of cash given to councils to support local services.

Gateshead held two consultation meetings for residents but Neil Bradbury, a leading Liberal Democrat campaigner in Blaydon has attacked the Council for holding both sessions in Gateshead town centre.

Neil, who is hoping to be elected as the MP for Blaydon in the general election in a few weeks’ time, said, “Gateshead is a large borough. Blaydon constituency covers the western half of the borough and is made up of small towns and villages.

“Gateshead’s decision to hold both consultation meetings in the town centre will make them inaccessible for many of the people I hope to represent after the general election.

“It seems to me that the views of people from the west of the borough are being ignored by Labour. This is not on. Labour must rethink its consultation and hold meetings in towns such as Birtley, Whickham, Blaydon, Ryton and Rowlands Gill.

“The contrast with Liberal Democrat run Northumberland County Council is remarkable. There we have held 12 meetings around the county. In Gateshead, people will only be let in to the meetings if they apply in advance. In Northumberland they are open to all residents.

“The difference in approach between Lib Dem Northumberland and Labour Gateshead is remarkable. All councils are having to face up to huge cuts as Labour are slashing the amount they are giving to councils to spend on services.

“But in Northumberland we have made it much easier for people to come along and give their views. Labour in Gateshead have a great deal to learn from us.”

Liberal Democrats choose Tom for Jarrow

Liberal Democrats in Jarrow Constituency have chosen Tom Appleby as their candidate for the general election.

The constituency includes parts of eastern Gateshead such as Pelaw and Heworth as well as Hebburn in South Tyneside.

At 25 years old, Tom will be one the youngest Parliamentary candidates in the North East. He currently works as a supervisor for a major retail chain but is also studying for a law degree at Northumbria University.

“I am looking forward to the campaign, even though it will be a big challenge!” said Tom.

“We already have councillors in Pelaw and Heworth in Gateshead and Hebburn in South Tyneside. I will be working with them to ensure the Liberal Democrat message of fairness is heard in the coming election.

“I will also be fighting hard to stop Labour taking the area for granted and to end their decades of complacency.”

Welcome for creamery takeover

A creamery in Blaydon that closed during the recession with the loss of 300 jobs is to get a new lease of life.

The closure last year of the plant in the town owned by Dairy Farmers of Great Britain was a shock to the local economy.

Now, Medina Dairies, Britain’s largest, independent dairy group, has bought the plant and will begin production again. 50 jobs will be created initially.

Liberal Democrat Neil Bradbury, who hopes to be elected the town’s MP in a few weeks’ time, said, “This is good news for the economy of Blaydon and hopefully lead to more jobs in the future.

“Losing the Dairy Farmers of Great Britain creamery was a blow for local people. Hopefully the plant will prosper under its new owners.”

Blaydon Liberal Democrats demand fairness for local people

The battle between Liberal Democrats and Labour for Blaydon constituency has hit the ground running with Liberal Democrat candidate Neil Bradbury declaring that fairness for local people is at the top of his election bid.

In a message to local residents, Neil said that Blaydon has suffered because Labour and the Conservatives have created an unfair Britain.

“Under both Labour and Conservative Governments, people on low and middle incomes pay a higher share of their income in tax that the most wealthy do,” said Neil. “That simply is not fair.

“Under Liberal Democrat tax plans, no resident of Blaydon will pay tax on their first £10,000 of income. That will go a long way to making the tax system fairer.

“We will make the tax system fairer. Tax cuts for people of low and middle incomes will be paid for by ending the unfair tax loopholes used by the richest people to avoid paying their fair share of tax.

“Labour and the Conservatives allowed the banks to get too powerful. They created an unfair economy which has been a poor deal for Blaydon.

“Liberal Democrats will make the economy fairer, helping hundreds of unemployed residents of Blaydon back into work who have unfairly had to pay to price for the Government’s mismanagement of the economy.

“We will do this by investing in public transport, more home insulation and new affordable housing for local families. Not only will this create jobs, it will lead to better transport, cheaper heating bills for local residents and more badly needed homes for residents. We will pay for this investment by using savings made elsewhere in Government spending.

“We will give every child in Blaydon a fair start in life by ensuring additional funding is given to those schools whose children come from the most deprived areas.

“And finally, we will scrap the unfair voting system that denies people a real choice in elections and has for decades given us Labour/Conservative Governments that are out of touch with the people.”

Blaydon Labour MP David Anderson is defending a majority of only 5,000. The Conservatives are out of the race, taking only 3,000 votes at the last election.

Opencast company pays up in Gateshead

A company that attempted to appeal against refusal to grant planning permission to set up an opencast mine near Whickham, Gateshead, has had to foot a £75,000 bill.

Hall Construction Services of Rushyford, County Durham, were all set to take the rejection of their plans by Gateshead Council to an appeal but withdrew it days before the planning inquiry was due to start in 2007.

But in the meantime, Gateshead Council had notched up a bill of tens of thousands of pounds to prepare the case in support of the decision to reject the application.

The plan to opencast the site at Skons Park, which overlooks the historic Gibside Estate, was rejected in October 2005 following a campaign led by local Liberal Democrat Councillor Jonathan Wallace.

He co-ordinated a petition which was signed by over 16,000 people – the largest ever handed in to Gateshead Council – which called on the plans to be rejected.

Residents feared the plan would lead to damage to the countryside and heavy lorries on local roads whilst damaging the growing tourism industry of the area.

Dr Wallace, who represents Whickham South and Sunniside on Gateshead Council, said, “There is no way the taxpayer should have to pick up the bill for the actions of this company.

“A great deal of officer time and council resources were put into preparing the case against the appeal. The decision by Halls to withdraw their appeal at the last minute should not lead to Gateshead residents being out of pocket.

“I am therefore pleased that the costs of £75,000 have been paid by Halls to Gateshead Council to recompense the authority and, more importantly, local taxpayers.”

The announcement that the cash had been paid by Halls was made at Gateshead Council’s planning committee on Wednesday 13th January.

MP accused of being “asleep on the job”

LABOUR MP for Blaydon, David Anderson, has been accused of being “asleep on the job” after he called on fellow MPs to turn up for a debate that was scheduled to take place nearly a year earlier.

Mr Anderson decided to sign an out-of-date Early Day Motion in Parliament on 11th November 2009 which called on MPs to back the Employers' Liability Insurance Bureau Bill on 13th March 2009, 8 months previously.

However, despite Mr Anderson’s call for action 8 months after the event, it turns out Mr Anderson himself was not present for any of the votes held on 13th March 2009.

And to add to Mr Anderson’s embarrassment, the bill itself was abandoned by its sponsor, Andrew Dismore MP, before it was even due to be debated on 13th March!

Now Liberal Democrats in Blaydon constituency are demanding that Mr Anderson explain himself.

“I wonder if Mr Anderson has been asleep in the job,” said Dr Jonathan Wallace, a Liberal Democrat Councillor in Blaydon constituency. “He seems to live by the saying ‘Better late than never’.

“It is bizarre that he demanded other MPs should attend a debate even though 8 months had passed since the debate was supposed to be held. It is even more bizarre that he demanded his colleagues be present even though he himself wasn’t present that day.

“But the most ludicrous point is that the bill was abandoned before the debate he asked other MPs to attend could take place! He is therefore asking MPs to attend in the past an event that did not happen to support a bill that did not see light of day.

“I think Blaydon deserves representation that is far more on the ball than Mr Anderson appears to be.”

Lib Dems in Blaydon launch appeal to Labour voters

Liberal Democrats in Blaydon constituency are urging disillusioned Labour voters to switch to Nick Clegg’s party, following the latest failed attempted by Labour MPs to get rid of Gordon Brown.

Former Cabinet members Geoff Hoon MP and Patricia Hewitt MP launched a failed bid to topple Mr Brown on Wednesday 6th January, the latest in a series of attempts by Labour MPs to dump their leader.

Neil Bradbury, who hopes to be elected as the Lib Dem MP for Blaydon in the general election in just a few weeks’ time, said that people in the constituency who have normally voted Labour were now “fed up to the back teeth with Gordon Brown and his squabbling party.”

In a message to constituents on his blog, Neil writes, “I have lost count of the number of people who have voted Labour for years who now want nothing to do with their traditional party.

“In Blaydon, people are fed up with this failed Prime Minister. They are fed up with a Labour Party that is more interested in fighting itself rather than getting on with the task of sorting out the economic mess.

“People want a government that is putting the country back on the road to recovery and they are simply not getting that from Labour. They don’t believe David Cameron’s shallow, bland promises and they know he can’t deliver for Blaydon.

“My message to those people is to vote Liberal Democrat in Blaydon. The constituency is my priority and as MP for the area, I will fight hard for a fair deal.

“But staying at home rather than voting is a recipe for no change and the same old, failed business-as-usual under Labour.

“That’s why I am making a special appeal to former Labour voters to vote for a new MP and real change in Blaydon by voting Liberal Democrat.”

Neil’s hopes in Blaydon are high because the Labour majority is only 5,000, one of the lowest in the North East. The Conservative vote last time was only 3,000, making Blaydon one of the most unwinnable seats for David Cameron anywhere in the UK.

Carbon cut decision welcomed in Gateshead

A decision by Gateshead Council to aim to cut carbon emissions by a tenth in 2010 has been welcomed by Liberal Democrats in Gateshead.

The party’s councillors had planned to move a motion calling on Gateshead to sign up to the 10:10 Campaign but decided not to press the move when it was revealed that the Leader of the Council, Mick Henry, had agreed to the Council becoming part of the campaign.

Carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels such as coal and petrol are know to be leading to climate change and global warming. The effect has been extreme weather, such as the floods last year in the Derwent Valley.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Ione Rippeth, who planned to move the motion before it was withdrawn, said, “This is a decision we were pressing for so we are delighted Gateshead is now to join the 10:10 campaign.

“The work of cutting our carbon starts now. We can all as individuals help to achieve this. The Council, as the biggest employer and owner of buildings in Gateshead, however, can have a big impact on the overall emissions produced by the area.”

Gateshead Millenium Bridge bollard removal welcomed

The decision by Gateshead Council to remove the grey bollards placed in the River Tyne next to the Gateshead Millenium Bridge has been welcomed by a leading Liberal Democrat Councillor.

The bollards were originally installed as a requirement for the bridge to be built to protect it from collisions. But many people believe they are unnecessary and detract from the iconic design.

The final decision to remove the bollards was taken at the Gateshead Council meeting held on 10th December.

“The bollards are no longer needed to protect the bridge,” said Councillor Frank Hindle, who also hopes to become Gateshead’s new MP in the New Year.

“The Quays area is a major attraction for tourists and we are very keen that people come here and spend their money in the local economy.

“The bollards are unsightly and make the river at this point look more like motorway roadworks!

“Their removal will boost the appeal of the bridge and help bring more visitors to the area. The cost of removing them will be less than the long term cost of maintaining them.”

Christmas Fayre in Whickham

Liberal Democrats in Blaydon Constituency will be holding a Christmas Fayre on Saturday 5th December from 10am to midday.

The fayre will be held in Whickham Community Centre on Whickham Front Street. There will be stalls selling jams, crafts, gifts and cakes.

Councillors will also be available for residents needing help or advice on local issues.

Blaydon call for better deal for our troops

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep East Coast in public hands for now – Bradbury

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

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

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

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

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

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