Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats

West Gosforth Ward

West Gosforth Ward has been represented by Lib Dem councillors for a number of years. We will be very pleased to assist you with any queries or problems - simply contact us via the 'Contacts' link on the left.

You can also meet us personally at our surgeries:

Gosforth Library, Regent Farm Road - 3rd Thursday of each month - 6.30pm to 7.30pm

Gosforth High Street Street Surgery (directly outside main entrance to shopping centre) - 1st Saturday each month (except Bank Holidays) - 10.00am to 12 noon

• Nov 26, 2010:
  • Car Club Bay
    The Council is consulting on the installation of a single parking bay for a car club in Ivy Road, West Gosforth. Common Wheels Car Club is a social enterprise and allows members to rent cars for a period of as little as an hour. Members of the club can collect and return the car from the designated bay. This business operation might be useful for occasional car users and could be a means of helping to promote environmental protection and control of congestion. 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 25, 2010:
  • Flood prevention investigations taking place
    The Council is undertaking some investigations to assist residents with their on-going concerns about flooding to their property along Devil's Burn adjacent to Montagu Avenue, Moor Court, Westfield and Moor Crescent, following intervention from local councillors. Funding has been applied for to investigate drainage systems in the area so that informed judgements can be made for the future policy. Residents are also being advised about how they can look after the stream as it runs through their gardens, particularly where it runs underground. 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 24, 2010:
  • Major Swimming Pool Revamp
    A major refurbishment of Gosforth Swimming Pool is planned between now and the Spring. The programme, financed from £0.5 million of Council funds, will include new changing facilities, a refurbished sauna and steam room and a new activities space for a range of purposes including dance, pilates and yoga. A new improved air handling system will be installed. The Pool is expected to reopen in April. Negotiations for retaining sauna Users of the sauna and steam room facilities had been concerned to hear that the facilities might have had to close as part of the refurbishments to make room for the activities space; however, Council plans were altered following discussions with West Gosforth councillors who wanted the facilities to be retained. Cllr Nick Cott said: 'It's been good to be involved in ensuring that the swimming pool facilities are modernised and increased. We're so pleased about the sauna. It has been good that the Council has listened to the views of users, and this means no-one loses 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
• Nov 23, 2010:
  • Cooperative idea popular
    Residents attending a recent meeting, organised by the West Gosforth Ward Committee following representations, have shown interest in developing a cooperative business or another similar type of social enterprise in Gosforth. One possibility is to try to develop a business which could be located in Ashburton Road, where residents would like to see an anchor store, but some residents are also interested in similar projects in other parts of Gosforth. Residents are working together to develop their ideas into more detailed proposals. Councillors have offered further advice and support should it be required. 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 22, 2010:
  • High Street 'Business Improvement District' Idea
    West Gosforth Councillors are working alongside representatives of business and Trinity Church to investigate the possibility of a Business Improvement District (BID) similar to one which has been introduced in the City Centre. In a BID, 1% of the business rates for units in the area can be ring-fenced for improvements which meet the objectives of the BID. These could include measures to invest in better parking and environmental projects. The BID would be accountable to a board and could even employ its own staff. Businesses in the area would have to vote on the proposals before anything could go ahead. Cllr Bill Shepherd said: 'The BID in the City Centre has demonstrated some clear benefits, particularly at a time of economic downturn. A BID for the High Street might help with the regeneration of shopping. It's early days, but we hope that further discussions will yield support from businesses.' 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, 2009:
  • CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED AGAINST HEALTH BOSSES A&E PLANS
    The Liberal Democrats have launched a campaign against plans that may see sick Newcastle patients requiring emergency treatment being rushed by ambulance to a hospital near Cramlington. Newcastle North campaigner Ron Beadle has launched a petition against a decision that might see patients taken to a new hospital being built in Northumberland instead of going to the Freeman or Royal Victoria Infirmary hospitals in Newcastle. A petition features in Ron Beadle's latest newspaper Newcastle News, which is being delivered across Newcastle North during November, and online at www.newcastle-libdems.org.uk The decision by the NHS North of Tyne could see thousands of residents living in Gosforth, Kingston Park, Hazlerigg, Brunswick and Dinnington taken to Cramlington in an emergency. Ron Beadle, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary spokesman for Newcastle North, said: "I would urge local residents to sign the petition. "The more people that sign the petition the stronger the case we can present to NHS North of Tyne to get the decision reversed. "Local people in the north of Newcastle who are really angry at this announcement, which was taken without consultation - and came totally out of the blue." "This decision was taken by an unelected and unaccountable body, without offering the opportunity for full comment on the detail of the proposals." The new accident and emergency hospital is being built off the A19, close to the Moor Farm roundabout. The Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is opposing the plans, citing the close proximity of the new hospital to the Royal Victoria Infirmary. The Trust also said the new hospital threatened development of the Great North Children's Hospital at the RVI because of proposals for paediatric care at Cramlington. The £100 million Great North Children's Hospital is due for completion in spring of next year and will be centre of excellence for the North East. 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 12, 2009:
  • HEALTH BOSSES' A&E PLANS ARE 'WRONG'
    Newcastle residents requiring emergency medical treatment face being rushed by ambulance to a hospital near Cramlington under plans approved by health bosses. Instead of going to hospitals in Newcastle, people may be taken to a new hospital being built in Northumberland. The decision by the NHS North of Tyne could see thousands of residents living in Gosforth, Kingston Park, Hazlerigg, Brunswick and Dinnington taken to Cramlington in an emergency. And so far none of them have been consulted about the move. Ron Beadle, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary spokesman for Newcastle North, has launched a campaign with other Liberal Democrats to reverse the decision. "It is quite wrong that gravely ill patients should in an emergency be rushed by ambulance to Cramlington instead of being taken to their nearest hospital in Newcastle," Ron Beadle said. "Residents I have spoken with in the north of Newcastle are really angry at this announcement. "They don't want to be treated in Northumberland - they want to be treated in their local hospital." Mr Beadle, who is fighting to win Newcastle North from Labour at the next General Election, said there were also transport issues to consider, which appear to have been overlooked by NHS North of Tyne. "How does a Newcastle pensioner, who does not drive, get to a hospital near Cramlington easily to visit a loved one?" he asked. "Most residents in the north of the city can at least get a bus to the Freeman or the RVI." Under the proposals any patient being transferred from Cramlington to another hospital might go to hospitals in North Tyneside, Wansbeck or other parts of Northumberland. "If Newcastle residents must be treated in Cramlington in the first instance, why can't they then be transferred to a hospital in Newcastle?,"said Ron Beadle. The new accident and emergency hospital is being built off the A19, close to the Moor Farm roundabout. The Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is opposing the plans, citing the close proximity of the new hospital to the Royal Victoria Infirmary. The Trust also said the new hospital threatened development of the Great North Children's Hospital at the RVI because of proposals for paediatric care at Cramlington. The £100 million Great North Children's Hospital is due for completion in spring of next year and will be centre of excellence for the North East. Councillor Liz Langfield, Executive Member for Adult Care and Health at Newcastle City Council, said: "It would be an absolute disaster if the new hospital at Cramlington undermined this flagship project before it even opens. "Of course we support anything that will improve the health of our neighbours in Northumberland but his should not at the detriment of people in Newcastle. "The fact that these decisions are being taken by an unelected and unaccountable body, without offering the opportunity for full comment on the detail of the proposals, is a disgrace." 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
  • LABOUR 'CLASS WAR' CONDEMNED
    A furious row has erupted between the Lib Dems and Labour in Newcastle. A Labour leaflet being distruibuted in Fenham accuses the Lib Dems of only buying the Northern Rock Tower because "we can't have empty buildings in Gosforth!" But last month Business Secretary Lord Mandelson praised the partnership that has seen the Tower re-open after being mothballed. Lib Dem Ron Beadle, who is challenging Labour in Newcastle North at the forthcoming General Election, said: "It appears the Labour Party in Newcastle is at odds with its own Government. "Only last month Lord Mandelson officially opened the building and praised the partnership that is creating jobs for local people. "However, Newcastle Labour have ignored that an instead resorted to cheap point scoring. "What Labour is doing in Fenham is the worst kind of class politics. "Labour is trying to build resentment in Fenham towards people who live in Gosforth. "It shows how desperate they are. People living in Gosforth will be rightly angry and disappointed when they hear about this." The Northern Rock Tower, which has been re-named Partnership House, was officially opened by the Business Secretary. The building was bought from Northern Rock by the city council, who have leased part of it to energy firm eaga as their new HQ. They have now formed The Real Partnership to work together to exploit opportunities in the public sector. Unveiling a plaque to mark the occasion, Lord Mandelson told staff: "I think you are all doing a magnificent job. "I love what you're doing and I love where you're going. It's a win, win, win. "It's a private enterprise solution to public service needs. We cannot do everything in the public sector and nor should we try. "That's exactly what I want to see in the economy... new business, new jobs, public need met." Bill Shepherd, the Lib Dem-run council's regeneration chief, said: "The Labour Government sacked 600 people from Northern Rock when they nationalised it, these people live all over Newcastle. "The Tower, saved from mothballing, is the new home to businesses from across the region. "This is creating real new jobs. Apparently Labour would rather have it lie empty because it happens to be in Gosforth." 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 19, 2009:
  • MORE SHOPS FOR THE HIGH STREET
    The Co-op is set to open in the High Street, taking the former premises of Woolworths, which will provide a second major food store. On the other side of the High Street, a new coffee shop has opened as Great Coffee @ Sanderson Young, in a renovated building on the corner of Hawthorn Road and the High Street. A further coffee shop, Costa Coffee, will open in the Shopping Centre, in the former Transcend premises. 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 16, 2009:
  • WORKING TO REGENERATE THE HIGH STREET
    Further meetings have taken place between representatives from Trinity Church, the Shopping Centre, and the Council to discuss ways of improving Gosforth High Street. High on the agenda is securing additional funding to install a community square outside the Trinity Centre and improvements to the frontage of the Shopping Centre. This year additional floral displays were installed to brighten up the High Street, but there is more work to do. The Council is looking at the possibility of a design code for shop premises signs, which it hopes local business would be prepared to support. A Council-sponsored business forum is talking to businesses in the High Street about issues related to trade, which it hopes can help to shape future developments. The ward councillors in Gosforth have agreed to set up a regular joint meeting so that residents can learn about future developments and offer their views. 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 14, 2009:
  • MAJOR TRANSPORT PLAN FOR GOSFORTH
    A Council proposed transport plan is out for consultation in the area. The plan includes traffic management alterations to the Blue House roundabout, the junction of Church Road and Salters Road and along the High Street. Priorities for the High Street area include improved traffic flow for public transport, safer crossings for pedestrians, and additional short-term parking to improve access to local shops and services. Consultation events have been held across Gosforth and responses from residents will influence the development of the proposals which are due to be submitted to the Department for Transport in a bid for funding. Councillor Bill Shepherd, speaking about the High Street aspects, said: "More needs to be done to improve the environment of the High Street to encourage shopping and use of services there. "It is important for residents to let the Council know what they think about the ideas." 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
• 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
• Sep 14, 2007:
  • Tories want to divide Newcastle
    A senior Liberal Democrat has hit out against the Newcastle Conservatives over a leaflet being distributed in Gosforth. The Conservative 'In Touch' leaflet claims that the "Lib Dem target ward of Denton has had £187,360 more spent in repairs than East Gosforth and High West Jesmond since the Lib Dems took power". In fact, millions of pounds of investment has been spent in Gosforth in the last three years. A new multi-million pound Customer Service Centre and library is being built on the site of the former library on Regent Farm Road . In addition hundreds of thousands of pounds have been spent across Gosforth repairing roads and pavements since 2004 following years of Labour under-investment. The Lib Dem-run council's new licensing policy also means that Gosforth High Street - a popular local night spot - has been protected from anti-social behaviour. And the council is also working closely with business to regenerate the High Street. Ron Beadle, the Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesman for Newcastle North said: "The Tories are claiming that the council spends its money to serve party political interests. This is a lie. "What is even worse is the attempt to set parts of the city against each other. "Politics should be about trying to find the common good, not trying to cause divisions between people. "If the Tories are trying to win their first seat in Newcastle for 15 years then this is not the way to do it. "The Tories want to see a Newcastle divided. We want Newcastle united." Denton is in fact a Tory target ward currently held by two Lib Dems and an Independent. Ron said: "Today I publicly challenge the Tories to tell the people of Denton why they want less spent on their area. "Under the Lib Dems, Denton 's main shopping area is being regenerated, new homes are being built, the swimming pool is being updated and local schools such as All Saints are being transformed. "How can the Tories be against this?" 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