Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats

Lemington Ward

Your Liberal Democrats councillors are always happy to hear from you, whether with a query, concern or suggestion. Please contact us via the 'Contacts' page.

You can also speak to us in person at our surgeries. Surgeries are held at the Lemington Centre on Tyne View on the 1st Thursday of each month, between 10.30am to noon, and the 2nd Saturday of each month, between 10.30am and noon. A third surgery is held on the 3rd Thursday of each month at Waverley Primary School, Maple Close, between 6pm and 7pm. There are no surgeries during August or Bank Holidays

• Dec 3, 2010:
  • Lemington Action File
    Lemington Councillors Lawrence and Liz have been responding to residents concerns about neighbourhood problems. Highlighted problems include overgrown shrubs; wheelie bins left out for days on end, plus badly parked vehicles, are an eyesore affecting people's lives. Some of our action includes:- Sending letters from the Council to some residents in Fernwood Ave, Denton Ave and Union Hall Rd asking them to trim trees, shrubs or hedges in their garden. These overhanging trees or shrubs have caused obstructions to pavements, roads or back lanes. Letters to Residents in Shipley St, Beanley Ave and other streets in Lower Lemington asking them to take their wheelie bins in whenever they've been emptied. Bins left out have been set alight and the fire quickly spreads to homes. Burglars have also used bins to climb over walls to get into people's properties. Having a new fence installed in front of the car park at Ellington Close, to prevent people from falling over the wall. Having handrails installed at steeply sloping footpaths on Medburn Rd and from the Hadrian Cycleway to the rear entrance of Sugley Church, to prevent pedestrians from falling in wet or icy conditions. The Council and Police taking action around the Avalon Rd area to make sure that people park their vehicles considerately. Lawrence Hunter said, "In some cases, vehicles have been parked in a way that prevents ambulances or fire engines from getting along the street. This can endanger life or property. Residents want to feel that help can reach them quickly if it's needed, so we'll always take action to sort it out." Published and promoted by Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats, 3 Bloomsbury Ct, Newcastle, NE3 4LW Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 2, 2010:
  • Local Voluntary Groups' Success
    At a meeting on 23rd Nov, seven local groups in Lemington told of their recent successes. Their work has been supported by grant aid from the Lemington Ward Committee. Representatives from the Lemington Centre, Rainbows, Brownies and Guides, Sea Cadets, Over 60's Club, Snowy Owls and Junior Football Club described their work and the events and activities they have provided. If you want to get involved in a local group, please call at the Lemington Centre for more information and the contact details of a group that would interest you. Published and promoted by Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats, 3 Bloomsbury Ct, Newcastle, NE3 4LW Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 1, 2010:
  • Helping our Heroes
    Concern about the needs of service personnel has prompted Lemington Councillor Laurence Hunter to take positive action. He explains "We must also remember the needs of the living. I serve on the City Council's Health and Well-being Scrutiny Panel and have raised concerns about ensuring our returning ex-service personnel are given the support they need. This is especially important for those who have suffered physical or psychological trauma." This has resulted in a co-ordinated programme by Councils across the Region coming together to examine the problems and find ways they can contribute to a better quality of life for our brave service personnel and their families. Liz Langfield adds 'Residents may interested to hear that the Liberal Democrat Councillors have made donations to Help For Heroes instead of sending Christmas Cards' Published and promoted by Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats, 3 Bloomsbury Ct, Newcastle, NE3 4LW Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Nov 30, 2010:
  • Making our Roads Safer
    Work has now started at the roundabout at the junction between the A1 and A69 to install traffic lights on slip roads. The traffic will now stop in sequence to allow pedestrians and people using mobility scooters to cross the road safely. Over the last few years the amount of traffic on the roundabout has increased dramatically. People who want to go to Denton Burn have had great difficulty in crossing this major road junction safely. As part of the upgrade of major road junctions in the City, the improvement work is now being done. Lemington Councillor Lawrence Hunter said, "We have responded to residents concerns, and this work will help improve road safety for our area. I have been campaigning for several years to get this work done, so that the junction meets disabled access standards." Road and Pavement Improvements Despite the weather our programme to improve and replace worn out roads and pavements will carry on. By careful management of the City's finances your Lib Dem Council continue to keep their promises by allocating millions of pounds for road Repairs. During November and early December work is planned to be carried out in the following streets and residents will be notified by letter: Maud Street - Replace road surface Centurion Road - Reconstruct Footpath Waverley Crescent - Resurface footpath Fernwood Road - Resurface Footpath More road and pavements are planned for next year - we'll keep you informed of progress. Published and promoted by Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats, 3 Bloomsbury Ct, Newcastle, NE3 4LW Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Nov 29, 2010:
  • True Grit
    Last winter saw the worst snow and ice for over 30 years. Council staff worked flat out to deal with icy roads and pavements. Though fully prepared for a "normal" winter, very severe weather caused some difficult problems. Since then, your Lib Dem Councillors have worked closely with Council staff on plans for this winter. Lemington Councillors Lawrence Hunter and Liz Langfield have highlighted areas which gave residents concern last year. These included Woodburn St, Claremont Ave, Norwood Rd, Leabank, Southway, Union Hall Rd and a number of other roads in Lemington. Residents' comments have been passed on and places identified for installing our new grit bins. Newcastle has 620 miles of roads and 1,000 miles of pavements. Crews grit main roads and priority footpaths whenever ice is forecast. The City has around 500 grit bins in places like steep banks, sharp bends and difficult junctions where there might be problems. In Lemington we now have an extra supply of roadside grit bins, and we have around 50 in place around the Ward. These bins are not there to provide grit for private footpaths and drives. Please only use them for public footpaths and where there is a problem on the road. Last year some local residents experienced real difficulties because some people stole the grit or used it inappropriately. Published and promoted by Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats, 3 Bloomsbury Ct, Newcastle, NE3 4LW Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Nov 9, 2009:
  • THREE CHEERS AS NEWCASTLE PUB RE-OPENS
    Pub regulars are saying three cheers as a Tyneside boozer re-opens its doors this week. Drinkers at The Vallum, in Lemington, Newcastle, are celebrating after the pub - which closed in June - re-opens for the first time on Thursday November 12. With the support of pub regulars and local Liberal Democrat councillors, landlord Richard Simpson, and his wife Danielle have re-opened The Vallum. A local businessman bought the pub and leased it to Danielle and The Vallum is now throwing open the doors to celebrate on Thursday. Lemington Liberal Democrat Councillor Liz Langfield said: "I am absolutely delighted The Vallum is re-opening. "Thanks must go to Richard and Danielle who worked so hard to save it. "The Vallum is a popular local pub and I am sure residents will be pleased it has been saved. "Before the pub closed it served a very useful function as a place for people to meet and chat. I am pleased it's back." Published and promoted by Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats, 3 Bloomsbury Ct, Newcastle, NE3 4LW Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 21, 2009:
  • YOUR VIEWS ARE IMPORTANT TO US, SAYS LIB DEM TEAM
    Throughout the summer the Lemington Lib Dem Team has been surveying local residents to find out what you think. Councillor Liz Langfield explained: "It is very important to the Lib Dems to find out what Lemington residents think on a whole range of issues - from roads and pavements to local transport and anti-social behaviour. "From speaking to people it is clear the number one issue is bus services. "Whether it's travelling to the General Hospital or West Denton Shopping Centre, people find it hard. "We will be taking people's concerns to the bus companies with the aim of improving services locally." Published and promoted by Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats, 3 Bloomsbury Ct, Newcastle, NE3 4LW Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Aug 19, 2009:
  • COUNCILLOR CONDEMNS FLOWER BED VANDALS
    A Newcastle councillor has hit out at vandals who have damaged a flowerbed for the third time in a week. Councillor Lawrence Hunter said yobs had ripped out plants and kicked off the heads of flowers, which have been planted on a roundabout in Lemington. The latest incident took place last Thursday night (August 13) on the roundabout at Combe Drive and Burnham Avenue on West Denton Park - and was the third time in a week that this had happened. Liberal Democrat Councillor Lawrence Hunter, who represents Lemington Ward, said: "The city council spends a lot of money planting flowers to brighten up our communities. "And residents say they like seeing the flower beds during the summer and want to see more planted across Lemington. "My ward colleagues and I were thinking of making the display on the roundabout bigger and better next year. "But it is now getting to the stage of saying 'why bother?' if vandals are just going to do this wanton damage. "This is the third time in a week that this flower bed has been vandalised. The council is just wasting its money if these sort of incidents are happening every week." Published and promoted by Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats, 3 Bloomsbury Ct, Newcastle, NE3 4LW Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Aug 3, 2009:
  • MORRISON'S STORE OFFICIALLY OPENS
    The new Morrisson's store at West Denton opened it doors to the public for the first time today. The supermarket was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Newcastle Mike Cookson, Sir Kenneth Morrison and general manager Malcolm Rennie. The store, which employs 300 people, forms part of the regeneration of the West Denton Shopping Centre. A health centre opened last year, as has a new Boots chemist and several other shops have also moved in, including a Post Office. Published and promoted by Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats, 3 Bloomsbury Ct, Newcastle, NE3 4LW Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jan 7, 2009:
  • LIB DEMS INVEST IN THE FUTURE
    Millions of pounds look set to be spent on Newcastle's communities during the economic crisis. The Lib Dem-run city council plans to invest £21 million into energy efficiency, regeneration and boosting the economy. The cash will be borrowed, but council tax will still have to go up by 2.9% to cover the loan, meaning a rise of 65p per week for a family living in a Band D household. The Lib Dem council leaders are sticking to their pledge to keep the rise below the rate of inflation for the fifth year running - even though the amount Newcastle has been given by the Government has increased by only 1.75%, the joint lowest in the country. The three-year investment will secure jobs in the face of the credit crunch. Councillor Peter Allen, executive member for resources, said: "We've kept to our original election pledge when we took control of the council - bills down at or below the rate of inflation - and we're now delivering for the fifth year running. "At the same time we've invested extra in the services people have told us are most important to them, such as our hugely popular rapid response teams, improving the environment in every ward round the city. "We've achieved all this because we run an efficient operation, and we'll be tightening our belts further next year to the tune of £20 million plus, whilst still protecting frontline services." The council is saving around £20 million by cutting 500 posts - many of them managers and administrative staff. Front line jobs will be protected. The £21m investment will be spent on projects people in the city have raised as a priority, including: :: £7m extra spending on road and pavement repairs and improvements. :: £1.4m extra on grants for disabled facilities to make improvements in people's homes. :: £75,000 extra on Newcastle WarmZone, helping those facing fuel poverty. :: £800,000 extra on works at Walker Quay. :: £4m extra in a new regeneration fund to support various schemes across Newcastle. By using local external contractors for building work, jobs will be secured and no manpower will be taken away from frontline services. A scheme to help low-income first-time buyers with shared equity loans and cash from the Government and developers is on the cards, and more staff to help homeowners avoid repossessions. The council is also pledging to work with developers to help them out as the demand for homes drops, to increase the amount of affordable social housing in the city and to offer support packages for small businesses. Council leader John Shipley said: "As well as keeping council tax bills down, and protecting frontline services, there is much that the council can do to help businesses and individuals survive the economic recession. "Our budget proposals includes an extra £21 million of spending on infrastructure and regeneration projects - which will help keep many people in work in the construction industry locally. "We're also continuing with a package of interventions to help people in debt crisis, to help housebuilders and homebuyers alike, and to help small businesses. "Without this extra spending package, our council tax bills would have been even lower, but we think that supporting the city's economy through this crisis is simply the right thing to do." The council's draft budget proposals will go out for consultation before being put to councillors in March. Published and promoted by Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats, 3 Bloomsbury Ct, Newcastle, NE3 4LW Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 22, 2008:
  • IMPROVE THE NO10 BUS SERVICE, SAY LIB DEMS
    Local Liberal Democrat councillors have called on Stagecoach to improve the Number 10 bus route. Councillor Lawrence Hunter said he had received many calls from local residents demanding action on the service, which connects West Denton Park to West Denton shops, the General Hospital and the city centre. Councillor Hunter says: "I have been inundated with complaints. Passengers have reported lateness and cancellations. "The other big problem is the age of the buses. There are no low liners on the route and lots of elderly people have only this service as a way into Newcastle." Ron Beadle, Lib Dem spokesman for Newcastle North, adds: "I have written to Stagecoach about the complaints and we hope they will respond positively." Published and promoted by Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats, 3 Bloomsbury Ct, Newcastle, NE3 4LW Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 18, 2008:
  • PARK AND RIDE RULED OUT
    There will not be a park and ride scheme on the former Lemington Middle School site, the council has said. Local Lib Dem councillors Lawrence Hunter, Liz Langfield and Joanne Park were opposed to the proposal. This was because: :: The Middle School is too far from the Western by-pass. :: Difficulties accessing the site. :: The impact upon local residents of increased traffic. Councillor Lawrence Hunter says: "We are in favour of park and ride but always felt the Middle School was the wrong location. "It would have caused massive traffic problems locally - especially at peak times. "Local residents have rightly expressed concern at the proposal and therefore we we are pleased that the Middle School will not be used for park and ride." Published and promoted by Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats, 3 Bloomsbury Ct, Newcastle, NE3 4LW Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 1, 2008:
  • SORT OUT THE NUMBER 10 BUS, SAY LIB DEMS
    Liberal Democrat councillors have called on Stagecoach to improve the Number 10 bus route. Lemington Councillor Lawrence Hunter said he had received many calls from local residents demanding action on the service, which connects West Denton Park to West Denton shops, the General Hospital and the city centre. Councillor Hunter said: "I have been inundated with complaints. Passengers have reported lateness and cancellations. "The other big problem is the age of the buses. There are no low liners on the route and lots of elderly people have only this service as a way into Newcastle." Ron Beadle, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary spokesman for Newcastle North, added: "I have written to Stagecoach and Nexus about the complaints we have been receiving and we hope they will respond positively. "Our councillors are also inviting the bus company to meet directly with local residents in January." Published and promoted by Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats, 3 Bloomsbury Ct, Newcastle, NE3 4LW Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Sep 11, 2008:
  • LEMINGTON MISSES OUT ON NEW MEDICAL CENTRE
    The new multi-million pound medical centre that will be built in Newcastle will not be located in Lemington. The centre will instead be built in the Blakelaw and Cowgate area, the NHS North of Tyne organisation said. The two new GP practices, which were part of the scheme to improve health inequalities across Newcastle, will be established in Walker and Benwell & Scotswood. The Lib Dems had campaigned for the new medical centre or one of the practices to be set up in Lemington. Instead a branch surgery, operated by local GPs, is expected to begin at the Lemington Centre later this year. Councillor Liz Langfield says: "We are disappointed with the decision but we will continue to campaign for a purpose-built GP surgery in Lemington. "Our campaign has been well supported by local people and it is interesting to note that the health charity Community Action on Health also proposed that the new medical centre or a GP surgery should be built in Lemington." Published and promoted by Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats, 3 Bloomsbury Ct, Newcastle, NE3 4LW Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jul 10, 2008:
  • SUCCESS FOR GP SURGERY CAMPAIGN
    The local Lib Dems are campaigning to bring a GPs surgery to Lemington Two GP practices have agreed to set up a new doctor's surgery in Lemington. Local people have been without a local GP for almost nine years following the retirement of their doctor. More than 1,000 residents signed the Lib Dem petition to get GP services restored. Now the Newcastle Primary Care Trust (PCT) has agreed to bring doctors to the Lemington Centre. Councillor Liz Langfield has been working closely with ward colleagues, Newcastle North Parliamentary spokesman Ron Beadle and local residents to get a local GP surgery. "The decision is certainly going in the right direction," she said. "People in Lemington have been in short supply of a local GP for a long time and, so far it's a good outcome. "However we will have to see how it goes within the next three to four years and assess then whether things have worked out or not. "We need to be sure the level of provision offered does meet the needs of the local people. "It may well be that we need to look again at the situation if things are not working out. "We must be certain the PCT has taken on board the health needs of those living in the west of the city." The Primary Care Trust is hopeful the new service will begin in the autumn. Published and promoted by Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats, 3 Bloomsbury Ct, Newcastle, NE3 4LW Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jun 24, 2008:
  • JOHN AWARDED MBE FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE
    Community stalwart John Dawson has been awarded an MBE in The Queen's Birthday Honours List in recognition of his work at the Lemington Centre. Mr Dawson receives the accolade after more than a quarter of a century of selfless devotion to the much-loved community centre, which provides everything from youth clubs to fitness classes. In the 1970s the Lemington Community Association was based in nothing but an old Portakabin and the £2 million centre that stands today is a tribute to John's years of fundraising. Councillor Liz Langfield says: "The MBE is fantastic recognition for John's selfless devotion to the people of Lemington over the last 30 years. "He really deserves it." Published and promoted by Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats, 3 Bloomsbury Ct, Newcastle, NE3 4LW Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jun 4, 2008:
  • GP SURGERY BREAKTHROUGH
    The campaign to set up a GPs surgery in Lemington has taken a leap forward. Health bosses have short-listed Lemington as a possible location for a new health centre or doctor's surgery. A three-month consultation has been launched and local people have until the beginning of August to have their say. Councillor Liz Langfield says: "I am really pleased that the primary care trust has taken notice of the views of local people that a doctor's surgery is needed here vitally. "However, the fight has only just begun because we now have to convince the trust to set up the surgery or health centre here." For more information about contributing to the consultation please contact the Lib Dem team on 264 6738 or email liz.langfield@newcastle-libdems.org.uk Published and promoted by Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats, 3 Bloomsbury Ct, Newcastle, NE3 4LW Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Nov 27, 2007:
  • Primary Care Trust must bid for new surgery in Lemington
    Local Campaigners fight for a Lemington surgery Liberal Democrats in Newcastle are stepping up their campaign for a GPs surgery in Lemington. This follows the North East Strategic Health Authority's confirmation that Newcastle's PCT can bid for one of 100 new surgeries in under-resourced areas across the country. Local Lib Dem leader Ron Beadle, who is running the campaign said: 'Hundreds of residents have signed the petition for a new GPs surgery so far. We will be sending this to the PCT and to the City Council soon to help persuade them to bid for a new GPs surgery in Lemington.' Lemington (population 10,000) has been without a GP service for a number of years. Local resident and mother of three, Karla Cowie said: 'A new GPs surgery would be fantastic. I would love to see a new GP practice built here. There is such a demand.' Published and promoted by Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats, 3 Bloomsbury Ct, Newcastle, NE3 4LW Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Sep 27, 2007:
  • Booze ban hits Lemington's streets
    Councillors Joanne Park and Lawrence Hunter welcome the new on-street booze ban for Lemington After a long campaign by Coun Lawrence Hunter, an on-street booze ban has been introduced on Lemington's streets. It now means police have the powers to crack down on underage drinking across Lemington. The ward is now subject of an Alcohol Exclusion Zone, which came into force in August. Under the terms of the tough ban it is an offence for anyone to drink or carry alcohol on the street within the zone. Police can seize drink and pour it away or dispose of it later. Those who refuse to hand over the drink face arrest. After the zones were introduced in other parts of Newcastle, police have confiscated hundreds of cans and bottles from lawbreakers. Lawrence, pictured left with ward colleague Joanne Park, took action after local people raised concerns. He says: "Often alcohol is associated with anti-social behaviour and so by cracking down on on-street drinking, it should make Lemington's streets safer for everyone. "I am pleased this ban is now in force." Published and promoted by Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats, 3 Bloomsbury Ct, Newcastle, NE3 4LW Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
  • News round up from Lemington - Sept 2007
    Local residents are supporting a council measure scheme to install speed humps on Mapperley Drive, Councillor Joanne Park reports. The Lib Dem-run city council carried out a survey of residents on Mapperley Drive and local people backed the plan. Lemington councillors will now meet to discuss the funding of the scheme. Residents in Malvern Court contacted Lawrence Hunter about local environmental work. Several trees have now been trimmed, a footpath has been cleared and manhole covers have been repaired. On Hartside Lawrence got the council to cut back some overgrown trees after being contacted by one elderly resident. Unsightly graffiti at the community centre on Valley View has also been removed. A litter bin and sign board have been installed at the bus terminus on Combe Drive. Later this year the council will resurface the pavements on Lockerbie Gardens, Bridgewater Close, Aldeburgh Avenue, Tedham Road and Medburn Road. Published and promoted by Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats, 3 Bloomsbury Ct, Newcastle, NE3 4LW Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY