LOCAL NEWS FROM HEATON
April 22, 2009 4:15 AM
::RAPID REACTION TO ETHERSTONE ENCAMPMENT
The local Lib Dem FOCUS Team has commended rapid action by the police and council staff following another incident at the vacant showroom plot on Etherstone Avenue.
Squatters broke in and quickly moved in a convoy of caravans and vehicles.
However, after residents alerted Councillor Greg Stone, prompt action was taken by police and council environmental protection staff who issued a notice to quit and moved the squatters on within a couple of hours.
Sainsbury's will shortly be submitting a planning application for a new bigger store that will extend onto this site.
"We will be insisting on junction improvements on Benton Rd and Etherstone Ave as a condition," says Greg Stone.
:: ROTHBURY RESIDENCES REJECTED
Councillor Greg Stone has welcomed the decision by the council's planning department to refuse permission for a scheme to build six flats in the ward.
The plan was to turn an office on upper Rothbury Terrace, near the Debdon Gardens junction, into flats.
Greg Stone says: "Nearby residents had raised concerns about over-development and overlooking of their properties.
"This is the second time proposals for flats for this site have been rejected.
"We don't oppose appropriate redevelopment of the site but it's clear a rethink is needed."
Meanwhile, plans have been submitted to convert the long-vacant cottage at 1 Park Head Road into a family residence.
"We very much hope the site is brought back into appropriate reuse soon but are concerned to ensure any renovations are in keeping," says Greg Stone.
:: GARDEN PLANS START TO FLOWER
Councillor Karen Robinson recently visited residents at the Spinney to view the latest plans for a community garden.
Your Home Newcastle promised to fund a garden for use by residents but work had been held back until after the completion of the library.
"Plans are well developed and it is hoped work will start in the summer," says Karen Robinson.
Meanwhile, GREG has asked for our ward environmental team to carry out a "spring clean" in Spinney Park, including bulb planting, action against dog fouling, path clearing, and grounds maintenance to start when the weather improves.
:: TAKEAWAYS TAKEN ON
Good news bad news....
Councillors Doreen Huddart and Greg Stone successfully lobbied on behalf of Cochrane Park residents who opposed the proposed opening of a new takeaway at Red Hall Drive shops, and the council has refused planning permission for this scheme.
However, a previous refusal of permission by the council for another takeaway on upper Newton Road near the former bus garage - just over the Dene ward boundary - has been overturned on appeal to the Government's planning inspector.
"We are very disappointed that a democratic local decision has been overturned by an unelected bureaucrat hundreds of miles away in Bristol," says Councillor Huddart.
:: SLIPPERY SLOPE
In response to requests from residents during the recent cold snap, Councillor Doreen Huddart and Karen Robinson have arranged for new "self-serve" grit bins to be installed in the ward.
The bins will be installed in the St Gabriels area at Broxholm Road and Holderness Road that can be difficult in icy conditions.
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- Liberal Democrats
- Facebook:
- Liberal Democrats
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats