Gateshead News

Ryton and Crawcrook residents reject greenbelt building plans

2012-01-24T13:47:00.001Z

Residents of Crawcrook, Greenside and Ryton have rejected proposals to build hundreds of houses on local greenbelt, according to a survey by local Liberal Democrat Councillors.Gateshead Council have published proposals for 1,000 houses on countryside around the villages but local Lib Dem Councillors are battling against the building plans. They decided to carry out a survey of residents to test

House-building threat to historic site

2012-01-24T13:46:00.001Z

Proposals to build 800 houses on greenbelt between Whickham, Dunston and Lobley Hill in Gateshead could destroy important historic sites as well as the countryside, claims a local historian.Dr Jonathan Wallace, who is also a Liberal Democrat Councillor in Gateshead, said the site being considered for the new housing is next to the Washingwell Roman fort which was discovered in 1970.The only

North East Liberal Democrats welcome scheme to tackle metal theft

2012-01-01T16:12:00.001Z

North East Liberal Democrats have welcomed a new scheme to tackle metal theft. From Tuesday 3rd January a news scheme will be introduced requiring anyone selling scrap metal to a dealer to provide proof of identity and address. The scheme is being trialled in the North East and all 240 registered scrap merchants are expected to sign up to the scheme.Cllr Frank Hindle said “Metal theft has been a

Residents reject building plans by massive majority

2011-12-17T16:17:00.001Z

Residents of Dunston Hill and eastern Whickham in Gateshead have overwhelmingly rejected proposals to allow building on the local greenbelt.Gateshead Council’s Strategic Land Review is considering proposals to allow around 800 houses to be built on land to the south of Whickham Highway, between Dunston and Whickham.Local Liberal Democrat Councillor Peter Maughan, who is leading the battle against

Changes planned at Gibside Estate

2011-12-17T16:14:00.002Z

Gibside Estate has submitted plans to Gateshead Council to remove the over-flow car park within the walled garden and to restore it to garden use. The replacement parking will be provided within the West Wood (main car park) and at the Warren Haugh (over-flow car park). Both these areas are located on the left of the main drive up to the estate from Busty Bank. The West Wood area is currently

Parking charges to start in January

2011-12-17T16:10:00.000Z

As expected, Labour-led Gateshead Council have pushed through their plans for car park charges in Whickham, despite strong resistance from local residents, businesses and councillors. However, a last minute objection by your local Lib Dem councillors has meant a delay in implementing the scheme and also some success in gaining some concessions.To support the Safe Routes to School scheme at Front

Residents views sought on house building

2011-11-14T14:01:00.001Z

A LIBERAL Democrat Councillor in Gateshead is carrying out a survey of residents of Dunston to find out their views about Gateshead Council’s proposals to build houses on local greenbelt.Gateshead’s Labour Council are carrying out a “Strategic Land Review” under which local landowners have been invited to put forward bids to have their land used for house building.One of the sites is to the south

Alcohol Awareness hits the road

2011-11-14T10:58:00.001Z

Gateshead residents will be able to get information, advice and support for alcohol related issues as a road show marks Alcohol Awareness Week (14 – 18 November).Advice will be provided to residents on their doorsteps as the Safer Gateshead Partnership - consisting of Gateshead Council, Gateshead PCT, Northumbria Police, The Gateshead Housing Company and the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service

Redheugh Bridge closure

2011-10-27T10:11:00.001Z

The Redheugh Bridge will be closed for maintenance works on Sunday 30th October 2011 between 06:00 and 18:00.Go North East Service 10/10A/11 inbound services will divert via Team Street, Centrelink, Swing Bridge and Forth Banks (as per Mon-Fri am journeys), omitting Clockmill Road and Derwentwater Road and rejoining the normal route on Clayton Street West.Other Go North East services affected by

Whickham building plans dropped

2011-10-25T23:36:00.002Z

A PROPOSAL to allow house-building to the south of Fellside Park in Whickham has been abandoned by Gateshead Council following strong opposition from local Liberal Democrat Councillors.The proposals were considered as part of Gateshead Council’s “Strategic Land Review” which is looking at building thousands of houses in Gateshead over the next two decades. The vast majority of the areas being

Swalwell Park developments

2011-10-18T20:16:00.000Z

The Swalwell Park Development Group has been successful in obtaining £50,000 funding from SITA to start the second phase in the Park’s redevelopment.The Group, made up of local residents, works in partnership with local councillors, Gateshead Council and Tyne & Wear Play Association to improve the park facilities.This funding, together with money from Swalwell councillors’ Local Community Fund

Terraces consultation under way

2011-10-18T19:31:00.000Z

In March Gateshead Council approved the introduction of a licensing scheme for private landlords in the Swalwell Terraces subject to necessary consultation. This followed discussions between local councillors, the Council Leader and the Chief Executive of the Council when they visited Swalwell at the end of last year.A full ten week consultation exercise is now under way, with the current plan to

£360,000 for Whickham and Dunston schools

2011-10-13T12:30:00.001Z

Schools in Whickham and Dunston in Gateshead are set to receive an additional £360,000 this year thanks to the Pupil Premium which is being introduced by the Government.The Pupil Premium is an additional payment to schools for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The policy was one of the top four general election manifesto commitments by the Liberal Democrats last year.Dunston and Whickham

Swalwell street surgery

2011-10-12T09:14:00.002Z

Liberal Democrat Councillors in Swalwell will be holding a street surgery for local residents this weekend.It will be held on Saturday 15th October at The Oaklands estate, (next to the postbox on Beverley Drive), between 10:00 and 11:00 am. We hope to see you there.All residents are welcoem to come along if they have issues to raise with their local councillors.

Mayor in Marley Hill to celebrate coal heritage

2011-10-12T09:03:00.003Z

Mayor of Gateshead, Joe Mitchinson, was in Marley Hill on Thursday 6th October to celebrate the unvieling of restored coal tubs that form part of a floral display.The coal tubs were formerly outside Marley Hill Primary School. When the school was closed in December, there was general consensus that the coal tubs should be retained as part of the heritage of the village whose mine closed in 1983.

Delight as Emmaus pulls out of Dunston

2011-09-29T19:26:00.001Z

Homeless charity Emmaus have decided not to go ahead with their plans to convert Dunston Hill School into a centre for homeless people. And the decision not to proceed has been welcomed by the local Lib Dem Councillor, Peter Maughan, who helped residents fight the scheme.Councillor Maughan, who organised the public meeting for residents about the plan to change the school to a centre to house and

Opencast campaign goes on-line

2011-09-16T08:45:00.000Z

A campaign fighting to stop plans for an opencast mine has gone on-line to reach more people.Gateshead Council will decide in October whether or not to accept an application by Halls Construction to opencast 225,000 tonnes of coal from Birklands, near Kibblesworth.A group has been set up to fight the plans and Liberal Democrat Councillor, Jonathan Wallace, has been helping the campaign to have

Whickham phone masts rejected

2011-08-17T10:48:00.002Z

Two phone masts planned for Whickham in Gateshead have been rejected by the Council’s planning committee after campaigns by local Lib Dem councillors and residents. Vodaphone and 02 wanted to put the masts at the junction of Broom Lane and Whaggs Lane and at the top of Leasyde Walk in Fellside Park. Both locations were close to people’s homes. Councillors on the planning committee rejected

Sun Hill residents call for home to be kept open

2011-08-15T22:16:00.002Z

Residents of Sun Hill, Sunniside, rallied outside their home on Saturday 13th August, calling for the aged persons' home to be kept open.

Residents battle to keep open aged persons’ home

2011-08-12T16:34:00.000Z

Residents of Sun Hill in Sunniside, Gateshead are to rally together and launch a petition opposing proposals that could see their aged persons’ home close without a replacement. Sun Hill is a popular location and has been home to Sunniside’s senior citizens for the last forty years. But the Council is considering closing the home as it does not come up to modern standards. There are fears that

Gateshead School closures due to weather

2010-12-01T11:20:00.001Z

The following schools are closed on Wednesday 1st December due to weather conditions:Birtley East NurseryAll Saints Pre-School, Lobley HillBarley Mow PrimaryBill Quay PrimaryByermoor Sacred Heart RC VACaedmon PrimaryCardinal Hume RC SecondaryChopwell PrimaryColegate PrimaryDryden Special SchoolDunston Hill PrimaryLingey House PrimaryDunston Riverside PrimaryEslington PrimaryGibside

“End delays and sort parking” - Lib Dems tell Council

2010-08-01T23:18:00.001Z

Businesses and their customers in Low Fell have complained about the time it is taking the Council to sort out parking restrictions on Durham Road in Low Fell. Over two years ago they asked the Council to allow some short stay parking at the shops, so that people could stop and collect their shopping without getting a parking ticket.Councillor Ron Beadle said “Gateshead Council is letting

"Get Carter" gets demolished

2010-08-01T22:47:00.002Z

WORK has restarted on pulling down an eyesore landmark building in Gateshead. Demolition teams moved back on to the site of the “Get Carter” car park in the town centre following the suspension of work last year.Liberal Democrat Councillor Frank Hindle has welcomed the news that the building should be gone by the end of September. It was made famous by the 1970s classic film “Get Carter” starring

Green policies “will boost Gateshead jobs” say Lib Dems

2010-08-01T22:44:00.000Z

GREEN policies on which the Liberal Democrats fought the general election have been included in the Agreement that led to the creation of the Coalition Government. And Liberal Democrats say the measures will boost the local economy as well as save Gateshead households on energy bills.Policies agreed by the Government include the setting up of a green investment bank and a reform of the banking

Euro MP welcomes Metro upgrade

2010-08-01T22:41:00.001Z

FIONA HALL, Liberal Democrat Euro MP for the North East of England, has welcomed the announcement by the Coalition Government that an upgrade to the Metro system will go ahead, costing up to £350 million.In a message to residents of Gateshead, Fiona said, “The upgrade of the Metro system will lead to significant improvements for users of the service.“Money is very tight at the moment. The new

Review of Marley Hill and Sacred Heart Primary Schools

2010-08-01T22:39:00.000Z

Gateshead Council’s consultation with parents about the future of Marley Hill and Sacred Heart RC Primary School in Byermoor has now ended.A report will be brought to Gateshead Council’s Cabinet in September once the results of the consultaiton have been considered.Since the option of closing Marley Hill was first raised last year, many parents have decided to move their children to Washingwell

Solution found to unfinished house in Whickham

2010-08-01T22:38:00.000Z

Gateshead Council has resolved a long-running planning dispute that left the large house on Swalwell Bank, Whickham, unfinished for 5 years.In 2005 Gateshead Council’s Planning Committee authorised the removal of the third storey because of the impact on neighbouring homes. However, almost 5 years to the day later, the Committee discussed new proposals for the building which will see the

Welcome for Washingwell Woods restoration

2010-08-01T22:30:00.002Z

A woodland in a local country park is to be restored to its natural state. Washingwell Woods is popular with residents of Whickham, Sunniside, Dunston and Lobley Hill.Over the next 5 years Gateshead Council are to work with the Forestry Commission and Natural England to restore the woods. Conifer trees will be harvested to allow the natural woodland plants to recover and trees to re-establish

Welcome for “Get Carter” demolition

2010-07-15T13:30:00.002Z

A LEADING Liberal Democrat Councillor has given the thumbs up to the news that a date has been set to restart the job of pulling down the infamous “Get Carter” car park in Gateshead.Low Fell Councillor, Frank Hindle, who is also Deputy Leader of the Opposition on Gateshead Council, welcomed the news that Tesco have submitted a planning application for Trinity Square in Gateshead and that

Pelaw housing plan sparks concerns

2010-06-27T18:08:00.001Z

A PLAN to develop the site of the former shirt factory on Shields Road, Pelaw, Gateshead, has sparked concerns from a local Liberal Democrat Councillor.The Co-operative Group, which owns the site, applied for planning permission to demolish the factory and have the site made available for housing. Outline permission was granted by Gateshead Council’s Planning Committee on 16th June.But Councillor

Council petition plan welcomed

2010-06-09T11:36:00.000Z

Gateshead residents will soon be able to petition the Council to debate specific local issues. And the petition plan has been welcomed by a leading member of the Liberal Democrat opposition.All councils have been required to introduce a scheme that will give people the right to petition for debates on issues of local concern. 2000 signatures on a petition will trigger a debate at a subsequent

Care home road too narrow

2010-06-09T11:09:00.000Z

Following concerns raise by local Lib Dem councillors about the access to the new care home on Whickham Bank, Whickham, officers from the planning department visited the site. It was found that the access road was too narrow and informed the agent for the developer accordingly. As a result, the issue is being taken up with the contractor to ensure the access road conforms to the agreed plans.

Sunniside traffic lights

2010-06-09T11:08:00.001Z

The long running saga of the Sunniside traffic lights has hit another last minute hitch. Work on installing the lights, first promised three years ago, on the Sunniside Road/Sunniside Front St junction, were due to start in May and were then put back to the start of June.It now looks like another short delay as utility companies complete the work needed to relay some of their services. The work

Whickham Schools review

2010-06-09T11:07:00.001Z

The next stage in the review of primary schools in the Whickham area has now been reached. Gateshead Council’s Cabinet formally agreed on the options for closure which will be put out to consultation over the summer.The proposals include the closure of Marley Hill and Sacred Heart (Byermoor) Schools, both of which have experienced falling pupil numbers and have surplus places.Since the issue of

Dog fouling in Swalwell Cemetery

2010-06-06T09:55:00.001Z

Residents have complained to your local councillors and the police about a small number of inconsiderate dog owners who are letting their dogs run wild without cleaning their dog’s mess up after them, especially in the Swalwell Cemetery.One resident has told councillors that it is happening on a large scale. As a result, visitors are having to watch where they walk and feel uneasy whilst visiting

Swalwell War Memorial restoration

2010-06-06T09:53:00.001Z

Liberal Democrat Councillors in Swalwell have welcomed the restoration and clean up of Swalwell War Memorial. "This is welcome news for the village," said Cllr Chris Ord.

Swalwell Park play area official opening

2010-06-06T09:47:00.002Z

The official opening of the new play area in Swalwell Park will take place on Saturday 12th June between 11:00 a.m. to 03:00 pm. There will be lots of fun activities, games, arts and crafts and stalls and all are welcome to come along to the park help to celebrate the opening.The new play area is the first part of a phased plan to improve Swalwell Park and has been brought about by the work of

Go-ahead for Birtley hot food takeaway

2010-05-26T14:48:00.001Z

Permission has been granted by Gateshead Council for the conversion of 22 Harraton Terrace in Birtley into a hot food takeaway. Plans were also approved to convert the first floor into a flat. The ground floor area had previously been used as a printers. The plans will see a new shop front installed.---Sent via BlackBerry

Eslington Park plans agreed

2010-05-26T14:40:00.001Z

Eslington Park on Bolam St in Teams has been given the go-ahead to install new facilities. Plans for the park were agreed at Gateshead's Planning Committee on 26th May.The plans involve the demolition of the single storey sports club which will be replaced by a 3G sports pitch, two court sports hall, a cafe 4 five-bed accommodation units and parking and landscaping.---Sent via BlackBerry

Rowlands Gill funeral parlour - new shop front

2010-05-26T10:51:00.001Z

Gateshead Planning Committee has granted planning permission for a new shop front at 32 Station Road, Rowlands Gill. The premises have been taken over for use as a funeral parlour by Co-operative Funeralcare. It was previously used as a shop called Simply Drinks.Issues were raised at the Planning Committee on 26th May, when the application was approved, about the change of use from a shop to

Broom Lane house plan renewed

2010-05-26T10:28:00.002Z

Plans to demolish the former Coop building on Broom Lane, Whickham, and to build a bungalow and 2 houses on the site have been renewed by Gateshead's planning committee.The plans were originally passed in 2007 but not implemented. Under planning laws, an approved application expires after three years if it is not carried out.The planning application was renewed at the meeting of the Planning

Glebe mast plan rejected

2010-05-26T10:16:00.001Z

Plans by Vodaphone to site a phone mast on Rectory Lane, Whickham, have been rejected by Gateshead's Planning Committee.The company wanted to install a mast that would have been 19.8 metres high, nearly twice the height of nearby street lights.Cllr Peter Craig, who led the battle against the plans, said, "Phone companies are required to look at alternatives such as mast sharing. There are already

Enforcement action against Whickham shop

2010-05-26T09:32:00.001Z

Gateshead Council is to take enforcement action against a shop whose air conditioning units are disturbing neighbouring households.The shop is at 94 Oakfield Road in Whickham. The enforcement action notice does not require the removal of the units but it will require either that they are switched off or that the are used in a way so that the noise generated does not exceed prescribed limits.---

Winlaton hot food takeaway plan rejected

2010-05-26T09:23:00.001Z

A plan to convert a former office and shop into a hot food takeaway has been rejected by Gateshead Council's planning committee. The application to convert the premises on Park Avenue, Winlaton, was refused because the building was next door to housing and parking was not suitable. The site is also next to Blaydon Cricket Ground and some opposing the application raised this as a concern.Cllr

Blaydon will be too close to call – Lib Dems

2010-04-06T10:23:00.000Z

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

Phone mast plan opposed in Whickham

2010-03-29T23:21:00.002Z

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

Residents unhappy with Lobley Hill Bank changes

2010-03-29T23:16:00.001Z

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

2010-03-27T16:22:00.002Z

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

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

2010-03-27T16:18:00.002Z

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

Closure of Durham Road

2010-03-24T10:28:00.000Z

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

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

2010-02-07T19:44:00.000Z

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,

A1 in “slow lane” plan attacked by Lib Dems

2010-01-29T00:07:00.001Z

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

Council spending consultation “remote and inaccessible for many”

2010-01-26T23:25:00.000Z

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

Liberal Democrats choose Tom for Jarrow

2010-01-26T23:21:00.002Z

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

Welcome for creamery takeover

2010-01-26T23:21:00.001Z

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

Blaydon Liberal Democrats demand fairness for local people

2010-01-13T13:39:00.000Z

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

Opencast company pays up in Gateshead

2010-01-13T13:38:00.000Z

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,

MP accused of being “asleep on the job”

2010-01-08T11:31:00.001Z

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

Lib Dems in Blaydon launch appeal to Labour voters

2010-01-08T00:08:00.000Z

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

Carbon cut decision welcomed in Gateshead

2009-12-16T23:19:00.000Z

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

Gateshead Millenium Bridge bollard removal welcomed

2009-12-16T23:16:00.001Z

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

Christmas Fayre in Whickham

2009-12-02T20:32:00.001Z

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

2009-12-02T19:53:00.002Z

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

Keep East Coast in public hands for now – Bradbury

2009-12-02T19:52:00.000Z

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

Gateshead residents asked to give views on road changes

2009-12-02T19:51:00.000Z

RESIDENTS of a suburb of Gateshead plagued by road problems are being asked by local Liberal Democrats about highway changes recently brought in by Gateshead Council.Residents of Lobley Hill have raised a string of concerns about difficulties they face driving onto Lobley Hill Bank since controversial changes to the road were brought in by Gateshead Council this year.The changes included the

Fellside Road improvements

2009-10-26T23:39:00.000Z

Changes to the Fellside Road/Front Street junction in Whickham and resurfacing of Fellside Road should make life easier for the travelling public, say your local Councillors.Work is being carried out at Focus goes to print. Pressure censors are bing placed in the road to better detect traffic and improve flows of vehicles at the junction.Though some disruption is unavoidable, the road will be

Petition launched to keep Brown Ale brewing in Dunston

2009-10-25T17:56:00.002Z

LIBERAL Democrats in Blaydon constituency have launched a petition to Scottish and Newcastle in a bid to get the company to keep Brown Ale production on Tyneside.Members agreed to launch the petition when they discussed the brewery’s plans at their meeting held in Ryton on Saturday 24th October.“Newcastle Brown Ale is as much an emblem of Tyneside as the Eiffel Tower is of Paris,” said Neil

Vince Cable speaks at Gateshead Conference

2009-10-18T17:03:00.001Z

Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Vince Cable MP was the guest speaker the the party's North East regional conference held in Gateshead Civic Centre on Saturday 17th October.You can see his full speech on this link.

Basketball victory for Front St

2009-10-16T23:12:00.000Z

The Year Six Basketball Team from Front Street Community Primary School in Whickham, Gateshead has scooped the ‘National Champions’ title in the Hoops for Health basketball competition at the NIA in Birmingham.Front Street’s eight strong team won both their local and area finals which involved hundreds of North East schools.In the national final they won by 12 points to 8 against Hoole Primary

Parking Progress in Whickham

2009-10-16T23:08:00.001Z

Many residents of Whickham have signed petitions or completed our surveys from Lib Dem councillors about parking in the St Mary’s Green car park. The surveys were used to compile a 49 page report which was sent to Nick Clennet, Head of Transport and Highways at Gateshead Council.This was followed up with a meeting attended by Nick Clennet and Councillors Peter Craig and Chris Ord who were there

Primary School review proposes 3 school closures in Whickham area

2009-10-16T22:56:00.004Z

The long awaited review of primary schools in the Whickham area is now underway. The review has come about because of a fall in the number of children living in the area. As a result, there are many more places in local schools in total across Whickham and surrounding villages than there are children to fill them.Whilst some schools are full, others have places available which continue to cost

Whickham wall repaired

2009-10-16T22:40:00.002Z

The wall next to the grassed area at the top of Coniston Avenue on the Lakes Estate, Whickham, has been repaired.Local councillors asked Gateshead Council to carry out the repairs even though the ownership of the site was not clear. Pictured above - the wall before the repairs

Move to set up Friends of Chase Park

2009-10-16T22:35:00.003Z

Plans to set up a “Friends of Chase Park” group are taking shape. Interested members of the public met at Whickham Community Centre on Thursday 8th October to discuss setting up the group which it is hoped will help win more investment for the historic park.Councillor Peter Maughan, who chaired the meeting, said, “Chase Park is a great community asset for Whickham but it needs greater investment.

Lib Dem Shadow Chancellor to visit Gateshead

2009-10-15T18:37:00.000Z

VINCE Cable, Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor, is to visit Gateshead on Saturday 16th October. He will be speaking at the party’s regional conference which is being held at Gateshead Civic Centre.Mr Cable, who is credited with predicting the recession, will be speaking at 2.30pm at the conference.Neil Bradbury, Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for Blaydon, is delighted Mr Cable is coming to

Sunniside History Society Book and DVD Launch

2009-10-15T08:55:00.003Z

The successful Sunniside History Society has launched a book and DVD about the historic Tanfield Railway and mining in the Whickham/Sunniside area. The book/DVD, which costs £9.99, was launched by the History Society at two different events recently and is already a best seller!The authors, pictured above, left to right, are Colin Douglas, Nick Neave, Francis Newman and Noel Adamson.For more

Councillors hold street surgery

2009-10-08T11:37:00.000Z

LIBERAL Democrat Councillors in Whickham, Gateshead, will be holding a street surgery on Oakfield Road, in the Grange Estate, at 10am on Saturday 10th October.The decision to hold the surgery comes hot on the heals of a proposal to extend opening hours of a shop at 94 Oakfield Road.If granted by Gateshead Council, the shop will be able to open 6am - 9pm Monday-Sunday and bank and public holidays.

Meeting to set up “Friends” of historic park

2009-10-06T11:11:00.002Z

Residents of the Whickham area of Gateshead are being invited to help set up a “Friends” group for the village’s historic Chase Park.The initiative comes from Whickham’s local Liberal Democrat Councillors who believe that a Friends of Chase Park group could help to win improvements and investment for the much loved facility.The meeting to set up the group will be held at 7pm on Thursday 8th

Tanfield Railway Steam Gala Weekend September 2009

2009-10-03T23:38:00.001Z

Tanfield Railway hosted a steam gala weekend on 12-13th September. Amongst the exhibits were Alfred and Judy, two unusually small steam engines built for use in Cornwall and in low tunnels.

Northern Liberal Democrats at Bournemouth Conference, Sept 09

2009-10-01T23:17:00.001Z

Gateshead Councillor Jonathan Wallace interviews a number of Lib Dems at Bournemouth about what they have been saying and doing at Conference

Gateshead Council Call for High Speed Rail

2009-09-15T18:58:00.000Z

LIBERAL Democrat Councillors in Gateshead are to press the Council to urge the Government to back a high speed rail link for the North East.The call is being made following the announcement that Network Rail will build a high speed rail link from London to Scotland but will by-pass the North East by taking the route through the North West instead.In a motion to be debated on Thursday 17th

Survey on anti-social behaviour in Whickham

2009-09-15T15:47:00.000Z

Liberal Democrat Councillors in Whickham have carried out a survey of residents’ concerns about anti-social behaviour.The survey focuses on the area around the Whickham School playing fields and the school site.“Residents have raised problems with us that a small minority of youths are causing problems outside school hours on the playing fields and close to the school site itself,” said Cllr

Gateshead Liberal Democrats head to Conference

2009-09-15T15:45:00.000Z

A TEAM of Liberal Democrats from Gateshead will be heading to Bournemouth later this week to attend the party’s annual Conference. 6 will be attending the gathering from the local party.Leading the team will be Neil Bradbury, Parliamentary Candidate for Blaydon. “This is the last autumn Conference before the General Election so it will be a very important meeting for the Party,” said Neil.“In

Lib Dems choose Frank as candidate for Gateshead

2009-07-25T23:06:00.000Z

Liberal Democrats have chosen experienced local Councillor Frank Hindle to fight the Gateshead Constituency at the coming general election.Frank said “I am delighted to have the backing of our party members, and am looking forward to taking the battle to Labour and to speaking up for local people.“People are tired of Gordon Brown and of being let down by Labour, but know that the Tories won’t be

Flower power petition continues in Whickham

2009-07-15T10:51:00.001Z

Residents of Whickham, Gateshead, are continuing to protest against cuts to flower beds in the village. Over the weekend, another 70 residents signed the petition organised by local Liberal Democrats which calls for an end to the cuts

Swalwell Park Consultation

2009-06-17T14:17:00.000Z

Residents of Swalwell, Gateshead, are being encouraged by local Liberal Democrat Councillors to give their views about how best to develop the village’s park as a popular, local facility.Councillors Peter Craig, Chris Ord and Mary Wallace want residents to go to a consultation event in the park on Saturday 20th June, from 11am to 3pm. Proposals for improvement of the park will be on display.“We

Fiona Hall re-elected as Gateshead's Member of the European Parliament

2009-06-09T16:28:00.002Z

It was no change in the representation of the North East in the European Parliament following the elections on 4th June. The results were declared in Sunderland for the region and Stephen Hughes (Labour), Martin Callanan (Conservative) and Fiona Hall (Liberal Democrat) were all re-elected.The votes cast in Gateshead for the parties contesting the three North East seats were:Labour: 13,196Lib Dem:

Sunniside double yellow lines not to be extended

2009-05-28T14:31:00.001Z

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

Lib Dem councillors take parking charges battle to shoppers

2009-05-27T11:26:00.000Z

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

Visit Gateshead!

2009-05-23T06:12:00.001Z

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.

Nick Clegg visits Gateshead

2009-05-22T18:07:00.003Z

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.

Fewer job vacancies in Gateshead

2009-05-19T16:58:00.002Z

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

Scrap VAT cut to boost jobs - Bradbury

2009-05-14T16:59:00.000Z

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

Blaydon Lib Dems choose candidate

2009-05-13T18:07:00.002Z

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

Highfield path needs urgent action - Lib Dem Ray

2009-05-13T17:37:00.002Z

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,"

Whickham School

2009-05-13T17:32:00.001Z

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

2009-05-13T17:31:00.001Z

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

2009-05-13T17:29:00.002Z

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

Byermoor extended school project

2009-05-13T17:28:00.001Z

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

2009-05-13T17:26:00.000Z

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

Whickham & District May Fayre – 16th May

2009-05-13T17:24:00.000Z

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