Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats

Walkergate Ward

Your Walkergate Ward Lib Dem FOCUS Team work hard in your ward, and would be happy to hear from you with any problems, queries or suggestions. Please see the 'Contacts' page to get in touch.

You can also raise your query in person at our monthly surgery. This takes place at Walkergate Primary School from 11:00am until 12:00 noon, on the first Saturday of every month apart from August and Bank Holidays.

• Dec 2, 2010:
  • Anger at More Walkergate Bus Route Changes
    Once again a bus company has ignored the views of local residents and passengers. Go North East have changed the route of the No 1 & 2 services from Sutton Street to Coutts Road. This may stop buses blocking traffic as they turn onto Shields Road and Fossway - but it is no safer as the route still goes by Walkergate School. It is also no more logical as the bus shelters on Shields Road by the Metro will still be left unused - and passengers will have further to walk. The Focus Team have objected to these latest changes, and have restated their objections to the 22 Stagecoach service using Valentia Avenue. Along with local passengers and residents we will continue to press Nexus and the bus companies to see sense - running the 22 along Fossway and the 1 & 2 along Shields Road - just like they used to! You can help by signing the petition online today - just click the Sign our Petitions button on the left of the page and follow the instructions. 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
  • Fight to Improve Metro Station Access
    The new Coalition Government has given Nexus the money it needs to improve the Metro - including refurbishment of Walkergate Metro Station. Over the last few years, many residents have told the FOCUS Team that the biggest problem they have is in using the existing steps and ramps. The steps are too steep, the ramps are too slippy in wet weather and there is only a handrail on one side of the ramps and steps. The FOCUS Team have started a campaign to get Nexus to sort out these access problems alongside the other work planned at the Station. Cllr Pauline Allen (pictured) said: "Now Nexus has the money to improve the Metro, they have no excuse not to make access to the Station safe for everyone to use." To sign up for the petition online just click the Sign our Petitions button on the left of the page and follow the instructions.. 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
• Sep 2, 2008:
  • LABOUR AXES NINE POST OFFICES IN NEWCASTLE
    Newcastle Liberal Democrats are angry that Labour has closed nine of the city's Post Offices despite residents' protests The axe today fell on nine of Newcastle's Post Offices despite hard-fought campaigns by local residents to keep them open. Thousands of people held public meetings, signed petitions and wrote letters protesting at the decision by Post Office Ltd to close the local branches. The closures in Newcastle are part of the Labour Government's programme to shut 2,500 Post Offices nationwide. There was also shock at the announcement that a six-week consultation has begun on the future of St Anthony's Post Office in Walker. This Post Office is facing closure because a branch has been saved in Blaydon. Newcastle's Labour MPs, Doug Henderson, Nick Brown and Jim Cousins, had the chance to halt the closure programme during a vote in the House of Commons but instead supported the Government and rejected the opposition motion. Ron Beadle, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary spokesman for Newcastle North, said: "More than 1,000 people signed a Liberal Democrat petition to keep our Post Offices open. "But yet again the Labour Government is showing how is has stopped listening to local people in Newcastle. "The loss of these nine branches will hit communities in Newcastle hard. "Post Offices are vital assets for many local people and these closures will cause difficulties, particularly for older people and those with mobility problems." Under Labour, thousands of Post Offices have already closed, while under the Conservatives 3,500 post offices were axed. Ron Beadle added: "Newcastle's Labour MPs had the perfect opportunity in Parliament to show their support for Post Offices. "Instead they put the Labour Party before the people of Newcastle and voted with their Government to back the closure programme." The Liberal Democrats have a plan that would save the Post Office network. "We would invest £2 billion through public shared ownership, which would revitalise the network and keep open a vital local service for millions of people across the UK," said Ron. The Post Offices that will close are: :: Clayton Road :: Howard Street :: Kenton Road :: Union Society :: Walkerville :: Brunswick Village :: Garden Village :: Walbottle :: West Denton 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 8, 2008:
  • SAVE OUR POST OFFICES: THE LAST PUSH
    Lib Dem campaigners, including Newcastle MEP Fiona Hall, Ron Beadle and Greg Stone, gather outside Walbottle village Post Office in a final push to save nine of Newcastle's post offices from closure Liberal Democrats from across Newcastle have come together for one final push to save nine of Newcastle's post offices - just days before their future is decided. The Lib Dems gathered at Walbottle village Post Office - one of the nine threatened with the axe - having collected more than 1,000 signatures from local people opposing the closures. At Walbottle the petitions and many letters of protest - all collected since the nine closures were announced six weeks ago - were posted in order that they reach Post Office Ltd by August 11, the deadline for the end of the public consultation. Newcastle MEP Fiona Hall, who was among the protestors gathered at Walbottle, said: "Posting these 1, 000 signatures today has been an appropriate way we can show Post Office Ltd that people in Newcastle want their post office services to stay open. "Many local people need, and in some cases depend on their post offices." Ron Beadle, Parliamentary spokesman for Newcastle North, added: "The way the consultation works is that at the end of all this, even if one of the 'Newcastle nine' post offices are saved, another post office - not necessarily on the current target list - will be forced to close in its place. "It is a frustrating catch 22 and just shows that the past six weeks have been nothing more than a sham consultation." The branches facing closure are: :: Clayton Road :: Howard Street :: Kenton Road :: Union Society :: Walkerville :: Brunswick Village :: Garden Village :: Walbottle :: West Denton Under the Labour Government plans more than 2,500 post offices across the country face being shut - despite public outcry - and many more closed under the Conservatives. The Liberal Democrat plan to save the Post Office network would see £2 billion invested. Recently a motion was proposed in the House of Commons demanding the Government halt their plans to make 2,500 branches shut up shop. Newcastle Labour MPs Doug Henderson, Nick Brown and Jim Cousins voted against the motion and backed the closure programme. :: To contact Post Office Ltd please see www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange or telephone 08457 22 33 44 or email consultation@postoffice.co.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
• Jul 31, 2008:
  • LIB DEMS CALL FOR ACTION ON BYKER AND CHILLINGHAM ROAD METRO STATIONS
    Newcastle East Lib Dem councillors and campaigners have called on NEXUS to give priority to improvements to Chillingham Road and Byker Metro stations. The call comes after it was confirmed that the Government has approved a £300 million upgrade programme for the Metro network. The funding allocation has been welcomed by the Lib Dems, but campaigners have called for action to be taken to improve Chillingham Road and Byker Metro stations as a priority, following previous calls to improve safety at these stations. North Heaton Lib Dem Councillor Greg Stone, who is a member of the Opposition on the Tyne & Wear Passenger Transport Authority, said it was good news that Metro will get a much-needed cash injection. However, he wants to see NEXUS bring forward plans for improvements to these stops. "Clearly this investment is very welcome, though it remains a fraction of the investment delivered in London including billions of pounds spent on Crossrail and £800 million on new ticket halls at Kings Cross underground station," he said. "It seems the Government have recognised that North East Labour seats are under threat and have finally got out their chequebook. "It is great news that stations and rolling stock are to be upgraded over the next decade. However, residents in the East End of Newcastle want assurances that local stations will not have to wait years for improvements." The Lib Dems are calling for action to reclad the 1970s era stations, which are looking increasingly tired and shabby, to install anti-graffiti measures, and to improve passenger safety following concerns over poor lighting and anti-social behaviour in on these stations. Cllr Stone said: "I know that many people find it intimidating to use Byker and Chillingham Road stations at night. "Although some stations on the network are to receive major upgrades, there has been no word on these particular sites as yet. We feel that with investment, more people will use these stations. "Chillingham Road in particular could become a catalyst for regeneration of adjoining sites on the Fossway." South Heaton Lib Dem campaigner Henry Gallagher added: "We would particularly like to see a partnership with the nearby Newcastle Retail Park to improve connectivity and access at Chillingham Road, as has worked successfully with Tesco at Kingston Park station." 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
• Apr 12, 2008:
  • Buses shock for Newcastle primary school - Councillors taking action
    Walkergate Liberal Democrat councillors have expressed their shock today that Go North East are sending buses past a busy primary school. They are concerned about the dangers to children arising from this decision. Recently the bus company decided to change the route of their 1 and 2 buses. These buses now go past Walkergate Primary School. The company have said that the change is needed for them to serve Brough Park Stadium, Shopping City and B&Q. However, Councillor Peter Allen said, "There are other routes for the buses to use which aren't near the school and narrow residential streets. Sutton Street isn't designed for this sort of service. It has traffic calming measures precisely because of problems with traffic. Many local people have contacted us saying that there is an accident waiting to happen because of these changes. Residents are concerned, the school is concerned and we're concerned. We're working with council officers to make the bus company see sense." Local councillors are writing to the Chairman and the Chief Executive of Go Ahead Group on behalf of local residents asking them to reverse the changes. 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
• Mar 24, 2008:
  • Recycling To Get Greener - Walkergate Councillors support recycling improvements
    Lib Dem councillors have agreed plans to improve the Council's household recycling service over the coming year. The weekly bin collection service will remain. However, the black boxes will be replaced with wheelie bins and the garden waste scheme will be extended to most houses with gardens - both collected fortnightly by the Council. The special recycling wheelie bins have a greater capacity than the black boxes and also have an internal caddy for glass. They will take cardboard as well as existing recyclable materials. Having a lid will also mean less mess on collection days. Before the scheme is introduced, residents will be contacted to sort out any difficulties they might have with more than one wheelie bin. Neighbourhood recycling points will also be expanded for homes where wheelie bins are not suitable - like multi-storey flats. Walkergate Cllr Peter Allen said: "These proposals should make it easier for us all to recycle more - with your help the city will meet its ambitious targets for recycling even more of our waste." 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 20, 2005:
  • Community Drop-In Centre opens
    A daily drop-in centre has now opened at Walkerville Community Association in Pinewood Close. The centre is open, Monday to Friday from 9 until 1, to all residents across Walkergate. It offers computer and digital camera classes, Internet access and a stock of 200 library books for loan that are changed on a monthly basis. It is also a friendly place to call in to meet friends and catch up on local news. The centre is run by Walkerville Community Association, but is the result of a partnership built up between the Association, Benfield School and Newcastle's Library service, which was supported by your local Lib Dem councillors. Cllr Peter Allen welcomed the opening saying: "Many local people missed the library following its closure by the previous Labour-run Council. Now, thanks to everyone working together, we have a great new facility for the whole community. We wish it every success." Meanwhile, the old Walkerville library building will continue to be used by the photography collective, Punctum, for at least another year. 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