Gosforth eFocus No 29 - 24th Feb 2015
YOUR VIEWS HELP US DETERMINE POLICY
We're carrying out door to door surveys to find out what you think about local and national issues. If you've missed it, you can complete one on line at http://newcastle-libdems.org.uk/en/survey/gosforth-liberal-democrats-residents-survey-february-2015
What you think and how you see problems matters to us, so please take a few minutes to complete it.
RED HOUSE FARM FC - planning application
In a victory for local residents, the application by Red House Farm FC to fence off over 70% of the field north of Kingston Park Road (Parklands/Fawdon Wards in Newcastle) has been deferred unanimously by a meeting of the City's Planning Committee, which a large number of residents including Sea and Royal Marines cadets attended. It's down to the club to decide upon its next move, but the committee gave a strong steer that while an all weather pitch with floodlights and a fence might be acceptable, 10 foot high fences enclosing most of this public open space wouldn't be. Councillors, council and club officials will sit down together FOR THE FIRST TIME on Thursday...a bit late, we think!
If you want to read the full submissions by local councillors, you can find them here http://newcastle-libdems.org.uk/en/article/2015/1018051/fences-and-floodlights-kicked-into-touch-for-now-as-football-planning-application-defeated
And how the Evening Chronicle is reporting the story here http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/battle-lines-drawn-over-red-8694895
RED HOUSE FARM FC - next steps
WE think that local people should be allowed to have their say on what happens next. So we've set up a petition at http://newcastle-libdems.org.uk/en/petition/red-house-farm-fc-long-lease-asset-transfer-plans
PETITION TO NEWCASTLE CITY COUNCIL ABOUT PUBLIC OPEN SPACE TO THE NORTH OF KINGSTON PARK ROAD NE3
We, the undersigned residents of Newcastle upon Tyne, are concerned that Red House Farm FC will be given a long lease or asset transfer on all or part of this public open space which is detrimental to the interests of the whole community.
We therefore request that no change to the present status, including landlord's consent for any development, should be permitted unless
1. The interests of all residents and users in this area are recognised and accommodated
2. The short and long term impact on the local environment are properly taken into account
3. Residents are represented on the governing body of any entity acquiring new rights to this land
If you agree, please sign the petition online.
LIBERAL DEMOCRATS ANNOUNCE CANDIDATE FOR NEWCASTLE NORTH
The Liberal Democrats have announced that Cllr Anita Lower will contest the General Election on Thursday 7th May in the Newcastle North constituency, which includes the East Gosforth and Parklands Wards. Cllr Nick Cott will contest Newcastle Central and Cllr Wendy Taylor Newcastle East. Anita and Wendy are respectively Leader and Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Newcastle City Council
NEW ROAD RULES IN GOSFORTH
Gosforth Moor Rd area Traffic Regulation Order. Potential "No Entry" signs and parking changes can be found at http://ow.ly/IsGlN http://ow.ly/IsGlO
WARM UP NORTH
A new gas boiler offer is available from Warm Up North for residents with inefficient boilers who claim eligible benefits. The council has sent a letter to 5000 residents, but if you've missed it go to http://warmupnorth.com/
UNCOLLECTED BINS ON MELBURY
Cllr David Down is hopping mad about this, the terse explanation he had: "Chipchase Mews and Barmoor Drive were unable to be collected due operational problems these will be collected as soon as possible" and the advice given to residents by Envirocall. He's "kicking butt" as the Americans say, and has asked for a better explanation and assurances from a senior Council official.
SMALL BUSINESSES
John Shipley recently spoke in the House of Lords about business rates, public procurement policies and problems caused by late payment. You can read what he said here http://newcastle-libdems.org.uk/en/article/2015/1020214/small-businesses-business-rates-public-procurement-policies-and-problems-caused-by-late-payment
NOISE AT NIGHT
When people are disturbed by late night noise, who are they going to call? Newcastle City Council are scrapping the quick response to complaints - now they'll turn up some time later, during office hours. We don't think that's good enough, so we've started an on-line petition to ask the Council to think again. You can make your views known by signing it here http://newcastle-libdems.org.uk/en/petition/night-time-noise-service
BRUNTON PARK FLOOD ALLEVIATION SCHEME latest
As usual, there's a regular update at www.bruntonparkfloodalleviation.co.uk
THE ECONOMIC VALUE OF HERITAGE
A report 'Heritage Counts 2014' focusing on the social and economic impact of the historic environment has recently been published. The North East and Newcastle itself are particularly well blessed with heritage sites and over 7,000 jobs are supported by heritage organisations in the North East. More detailed information is available on the website www.heritagecounts.org.uk
…AND FINALLY….
It's OUR National Health Service, not Labour's or Trade Unions
A letter from Cllr Robin Ashby giving his personal experience of the NHS has been published in The Journal (on Monday) and this week's Courier. You can see the unedited text of what he wrote at http://newcastle-libdems.org.uk/en/article/2015/1018337/it-s-our-nhs-not-labour-s-or-its-trade-union-paymasters