Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats

Westerhope Ward

• Nov 19, 2010:
  • Westerhope Round-up
    The new Knoplaw School opened in September. The environment of the school is being improved to prevent anti-social behaviour for example, the small hill behind the school is being fenced in. There are also plans being considered for a wildlife pond, and a school safety zone has been brought in as a response to problem parking. Refurbishment of Milecastle Primary School will be finished by December 2011 and opened by Easter 2012.Milecastle has also been awarded the Eco Schools Green Flag for their work on environmental issues such as recycling, reducing their carbon footprint, planting and growing vegetables. "No Council in the country of our size has had as much investment in new and improved schools as Newcastle, thanks to the ambition of the Council taking advantage of nationally-available funding" said Westerhope campaigner Neil Hamilton. 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 18, 2010:
  • Library reopens after refit
    Outer West is the latest library to go self-service as one of its options - improving service and availability. "The library now has many other new features" says Westerhope campaigner Neil Hamilton, "including a new relaxation area where coffee will be available and a new look children's area." "We're very proud of our libraries in Newcastle. They're among the best in the country, and our new city library keeps on winning awards". 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 17, 2010:
  • Working for the wider good of Westerhope
    Newcastle is a city that is achieving much under its Liberal Democrat Council, even in these tough times, and the Westerhope, Chapel Park and Chapel House areas have benefited from extra funds made available locally, new investment and better neighbourhood services. Positive things are happening in the area, led by the community, and residents' surveys rate the Council and the quality of services it provides very highly. It's disappointing therefore that part of the area now seems to have become divided. Ward, Committee and Partnership meetings have become hostile occasions and regular attendees are starting to stay away. Respected, non-political members of the community who have worked for the community for years are being challenged aggressively. And in May, it's sad that Neil Hamilton, a decent and hardworking Liberal Democrat Councillor, was the victim of a personal and vindictive election campaign - by a strange alliance of former colleagues, Conservatives desperate to win a seat and so called non-aligned campaigners who deliberately misrepresented the Council's position on several issues. The result was one that few expected - a Labour Councillor squeezing through the gap. Well that's the wish of the electors, which we respect, and we hope he works hard for the area. What are the Issues? Council services are highly-rated. The issue that has caused such anxiety is the use of green open spaces. These are, quite understandably, valued by people who live locally. There were never any decisions to commit all or even a part of the land at the Parkway for housing. Once it became clear that the Catholic Diocese was interested in the site for a possible expansion for the St John Vianney School then that became the priority for first consideration and it is safeguarded as such. The former Chapel Park Middle School site is still education land and the current view is that the fence around it will remain until a decision for the long-term use of the land is made. The Council has not been encouraging development on the Chadderton Drive field, which is owned by Bellway, and has recently received an application to register the land as a Town and Village Green, a proposal which is being consulted upon formally. 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 16, 2010:
  • Improving Roads and Pavements
    After years of neglect by the old Labour Council, the Lib Dem City Council has made millions of pounds available to improve local roads and pavements. Work recently completed or at planning stage includes resurfacing the footway in Magenta Crescent, Granville Drive, Grosvenor Court and Knightside Walk, plus improvements to the primary school crossing on Hillhead Road. "It will take years to catch up with the consequence of 30 years of neglect and under-investment" said Westerhope campaigner Neil Hamilton, "but we will continue to try to deal with the worst roads and pavements - many of them made worse by the weather damage of last winter and by thoughtless parkers on pavements" Consultation continues on proposals for traffic calming on Beaumont Terrace. Waiting restrictions on Bamburgh Rd near Bamburgh House have been extended. 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 15, 2010:
  • Licences Suspended after Alcohol Fraud
    Three off-licences on Stamfordham Road have had their licences suspended. Customs officers discovered warehouses in Tyne and Wear with thousands of litres of illegal alcoholic products where duty had been avoided. They had been smuggled into the UK or were counterfeit. Investigations then led them to inspect a number of stores and they seized a large quantity of spirits and wine that didn't have the UK duty markings on them. The police requested a review of the stores' licences. The Council's licensing sub-committee heard the evidence and decided to suspend the licences for the sale of alcohol. Westerhope campaigner Neil Hamilton said Alcohol-related crime and disorder can have a huge effect on the well-being and health of a community. It is a minority of Licensees who cause concern and these are the ones which customs, police and Council are working together as partners to target." If you suspect that someone is illegally importing or selling duty-free or counterfeit alcohol or tobacco products please call the hotline on 0800 595 000 and report 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
• Oct 3, 2009:
  • WESTERHOPE LAUNCHES LOCAL CHARTER
    Westerhope Ward is launching its first-ever Neighbourhood Charter. It is a local agreement between the community, the council and agencies such as police, NHS and Your Homes Newcastle. Councillor Neil Hamilton explains: "The purpose of the Charter is to help us deliver the services local people think are important. "We want residents to have a much greater say over education, employment, health, housing and policing in Westerhope. "We have produced a draft charter with six themes but we now need local people to have their say." A series of consultation events are being held throughout October. Local people have until November 2 to comment on the draft Charter. For more information, please contact the Westerhope Lib Dem Team. 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
  • DENTON INTERCHANGE SET FOR £1m OF IMPROVEMENTS
    A £1 million scheme is to be carried out early next year to improve the Denton interchange. Traffic signals will be installed on A69 and A1 exit slip roads and there will also be improved signs and road markings. The aim of the scheme is to improve traffic flow and make journeys for motorists travelling to and from the city centre at rush hour quicker. Pedestrian crossings will also be installed to make it easier for people to cross the junction. It is expected there will be a 40% cut in accidents. Councillor Neil Hamilton said: "I am pleased the Highways Agency has agreed to fund this work. "This scheme will also make it easier for pedestrians, especially the disabled who find it difficult to use the underpass." 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
  • LIB DEMS INVEST IN THE FUTURE
    The Lib Dem-run city council is transforming the way it works in order to save £20 million and protect front line services. The transformation programme sees a huge change in the way the council operates by cutting management and administration jobs. This will make it more efficient and quicker to respond. Council leader John Shipley said: "Protecting front-line services is our top priority in making these changes and we're also committed to handling job reductions sensitively. "As well as saving money, these changes will lead to real and important service improvements in some areas - not least in better supporting people who need care in their own homes to help them gain more independence. "It will also help the council meet its promise to keep council tax increases at or below inflation, which we know is an important priority for residents." 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
  • YOUR VIEWS ARE IMPORTANT TO US, SAY LIB DEMS
    Throughout the summer the Westerhope Liberal Democrat Focus Team has been surveying local residents to find out what you think on local issues. Councillor Neil Hamilton explained: "It is very important to the Liberal Democrats to find out what Westerhope residents think on a whole range of issues - from roads and pavements to local transport and anti-social behaviour. "From speaking to local people this summer it is clear the number one issue is of poor bus services. "Whether it's travelling to the General Hospital, connecting to the Metro or just getting between Chapel Park and the Hillhead Estate, people find it difficult. "We will be taking people's concerns direct 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
  • NEWCASTLE'S STREETS ARE BLOOMIN' MARVELLOUS, SAY JUDGES
    Newcastle has won a regional award for its floral displays. Northumbria in Bloom awarded Newcastle a gold medal for the best floral displays in a large city. Judges singled out the street flower boxes and hanging basket displays around Central Station, the statue of Cardinal Basil Hume, the Monument, Saint Thomas' Church and at the Civic Centre for special praise. Councillor Neil Hamilton said: "I am delighted the council's staff have been recognised for the excellent job they do. "Simple things like floral displays makes a real difference on making people feel proud of Newcastle. I know local people really enjoy the displays as well." 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
  • MORE NEWS IN BRIEF FROM WESTERHOPE WARD
    :: CEREMONY MARKS BIRTH OF NEW SCHOOL Councillors from Westerhope and Denton Wards attended a 'silver spade' event to mark the start of work on building the new Knoplaw Primary School. Construction started earlier this summer and will be completed by September 2010. The new school occupies the site of the former Thomas Bewick and Chapel House Middle schools. :: MEDICAL CENTRE PLANS TO CHANGE Plans for the new medical centre at Chapel House are changing. Unfortunately one of the partner organisations developing the scheme has been forced to withdraw. Two revised planning applications will be submitted and it is hoped that there will only be minimal delay to the project. A community group event to explain these changes is planned for the middle of October. :: PARK'S CAR PARK PLANS REVEALED Plans have been drawn up for the conversation of Westerhope Park's redundant tennis courts to a car park. The scheme will also see traffic calming measures installed on West Avenue and a roundabout installed at the North Avenue and West Avenue junction. :: RESIDENTS CONSULTED ON FLATS SCHEME A consultation is taking place on plans to replace obsolete PVC external cladding with an insulated render system for the flats on Naworth Drive. 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 7, 2009:
  • STAMFORDHAM ROAD JUNCTION IMPROVEMENTS CARRIED OUT
    Work has been carried out to make it much easier and safer to cross Stamfordham Road at Cobbler's Corner. Dropped kerbs and centre islands have been installed by the city council. Woolsington Focus Editor James Kenyon says: "With this work completed it should be much easier for pedestrians, the disabled and those with young children and pushchairs to cross the 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
  • WHEEL PLAQUE UNVEILED
    A new plaque has been erected at the Miners' Wheel in Westerhope village. This plaque, which sites on a stone plinth, was produced with help from Newcastle Community Heritage Project and designed by members of the Westerhope Community Partnership. 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
  • NEW SIGNS INSTALLED ON STAMFORDHAM ROAD
    New road signs have been installed along Stamfordham Road, from North Walbottle Road to Callerton village. Focus Editor James Kenyon explains: "These signs remind drivers that the speed limit on this stretch of road has been reduced to 40mph." 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:
  • WEST DENTON SHOPPING CENTRE MAKES PROGRESS
    Work on building the new West Denton Shopping Centre is continuing. The new health centre opened in November, as has a new Boots chemist outlet. Several other shops have also moved in, including a Post Office. The old health centre has been knocked down and the framework for the new Morrisons store has been erected in its place. Councillor Graham Middleton says: "This is really good news that the shopping centre is taking shape. "What has opened so far looks excellent and I know local residents are pleased with 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
• Dec 12, 2008:
  • BUS SERVICE MAY BE EXTENDED
    Transport bosses are considering extended a vital bus service to Westerhope residents. Stagecoach said that "serious consideration" was being given to trialling an extension of the No 6 service. It would mean that the bus would turn right out of Newbiggin Lane and then left onto Hillhead Road. Councillor Pat Hillicks explains: "It also means that a bus would run the whole length of Hillhead Road from Stamfordham Road. "This would allow many more residents to access Sainsbury's, Tesco, the Freeman Hospital and the Metrocentre by a single bus journey. "The No 6 does not run at all times but we are hopeful that if it is introduced, passengers will use this extra service and make it worthwhile to keep the service running after the trial period ends." 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 7, 2008:
  • RESIDENTS FIGHT ALCOHOL LICENCE BID
    The Westerhope Ward Lib Dem team is supporting residents in opposing a booze application at a store in Downend Road. Local residents have signed a petition against the application. Councillor Pat Hillicks explains: "There has been an application for a licence to sell alcohol, which is proving to be controversial. "Many local residents have signed the petition against the application and this petition will be submitted to the council with the help of the Lib Dem team." 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 6, 2008:
  • PLAN TO TACKLE UNDERAGE ALCOHOL SALE
    Off-licences across Westerhope Ward are being encouraged to take part in a BottleWatch scheme. The scheme makes it more difficult for children to buy alcohol from shops. Each bottle of alcohol is marked with a sticker unique to the selling store and police can then trace which outlet sold the drink. Councillor Neil Hamilton says: "Much of the anti-social behaviour in Westerhope is alcohol-related. "The Lib Dem team has regular meetings with the police to discuss these problems. "We are pleased that the police are encouraging all off-licences in the area to take part in the scheme." 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