Gosforth eFocus No 37
TIM FARRON ELECTED LEADER OF LIBERAL DEMOCRATS
Both Tim Farron and Norman Lamb ran distinctively liberal, strong campaigns that spoke to party members across the UK. At numerous hustings and meetings with members, including at the Royal Station Hotel in Newcastle they spoke of their liberal values, the direction they think we should go, and how to best rebuild the party over the coming months and years.
The final result was Tim Farron 56.5%, Norman Lamb 43.5%
Tim, who was educated at Newcastle University, has declared that one of his main aims is to help local Liberal Democrats regain control of Newcastle City Council.
BUSINESSES STEP IN TO HELP KEEP GOSFORTH TIDY
McDonald's Restaurant and Gosforth Racecourse have agreed to supply and empty litter bins in the vicinity of Rotary Way and the racecourse. This public spiritedness of theirs is a great example to other business and organisations in Gosforth to step up to replace the retreat of Labour-controlled Newcastle City Council from providing such basic services to our community
LAST CHANCE TO SAVE WOOLSINGTON WOODS
Newcastle Council's planning committee meets this Friday, July 17th, 9.15 a.m. in the Civic Centre to resolve a previously deferred application. Developers Cameron Hall want to fell over a thousand trees to make way for seventy-two super-luxury homes. They claim that this will pay for the refurbishment of Woolsington Hall, which they have owned for over twenty years and allowed to fall into disrepair. This proposal is an unacceptable erosion of the green belt and a threat to a key wildlife corridor.
John Urquhart, the Co-ordinator of Save Gosforth Wildlife writes : Using the Freedom of Information Act, we have uncovered a letter that reveals the extent of discussions about Woolsington Hall, over the past four years. This letter was from Martin Lowe of English Heritage to Newcastle City Council, dated 31st August 2011. It is clear from this letter that discussions between English Heritage, the developers, and the planning department of Newcastle City Council, about a proposed enabling development at Woolsington Hall were in parallel to but separate from the creation of the One Core Strategy. The systematic concealment of these discussions from both the public and ordinary councillors must be a matter of grave concern, and we urge you to investigate why they were not part of the One Core Strategy proposals.
Mr Lowe's letter refers to 31 units to be developed in the park, and yet three years later, the proposal is for 72 units. This underlines the need for closer scrutiny of the financial aspects of the proposed Woolsington Hall development, which at the moment have been denied to the members of the planning committee.
WHILE YOU ARE SLEEPING?
The next phase of resurfacing around and on approach/exit to Broadway Roundabout : The planing will be carried tonight off peak while resurfacing will be carried out on Sunday 19th July
NEWCASTLE'S LABOUR COUNCIL PLANS TO BORROW £45 MILLION TO REFURB AND CONVERT PARTS OF THE CIVIC CENTRE - SIGN THE PETITION BELOW
At a time when Newcastle City Council is cutting jobs and services and is unwilling or unable to fund libraries, pools, parks, street cleaning, and pavement repairs, it is unacceptable and inappropriate to significantly increase the council's debt to fund refurbishment of the Civic Centre and its offices - it is madness to borrow £45 million to make £32 million in long term savings. The residents and council taxpayers of Newcastle City Council demand that the council leadership rethink this unnecessary, ill-considered, and out of touch plan.
Here's what the Liberal Democrats had to say about it in the Evening Chronicle tonight
MEANWHILE, A1 PLANS…..
Your councillors have asked about the timing/works related to increasing capacity and reducing the speed limit between the Kingston Park Road and Rotary Way turn-offs of the A1
Highways England Major Projects Directorate has taken over these works. The scheme is in the early stages of development and they are currently reviewing the evidence for all feasible options, so that "we can make an informed decision on the most suitable option". They tell us their new webpage http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/road-projects/A1-Scotswood-to-North-Brunton will be updated regularly to provide the latest position.
CARE HOME DEVELOPER HAS ANOTHER GO AT EXPANSION
Malhotra Care Homes Ltd has appealed against refusal of planning consent by Newcastle upon Tyne City Council for the Erection of 2/3 storey 70 bedroom care home (Class C2) with associated car parking, landscaping and boundary treatment on the site of the old Northumberland Records Office on Melton Park. (That's after it was granted permission for 67 bedrooms)
They have also put in a planning application for 70 bedrooms again, this time with 3 added car park spaces. Email your views to robin.ashby5@yahoo.co.uk and you can also comment online here https://publicaccessapplications.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/caseDetails.do?caseType=Application&keyVal=NP3KQ9BSJNI00
GOSFORTH CENTRAL PARK - EVENTS
ParkFest on Friday July 31st 12-3pm is organized with Active Newcastle to encourage healthy exercise in the Park. Activities will include an Under 8's section, Crazy Golf, Tennis coaching, Football and Rugby Inflatable, Kwick Kricket & Rounder's .
There's a Family Fun Day Saturday 15th August 1 - 4pm. It's a chance to let off steam just when the school holidays are driving you demented! A family event with many activities, stalls and general fun. Round off a visit to local shops by letting your hair down and joining in.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY WITH GOSFORTH BOHEMIANS FC
Andy Parkinson, the Club Secretary, writes : Building on the momentum of our completed renovation work at Benson Park we're looking for a couple of volunteers to help us on match days. Ideally we're looking for someone who is interested in community sports and who has the time to help out with a range of tasks on match days including selling of refreshments to spectators from our clubhouse kitchen and generally helping us to maintain the facility.
The club is predominantly run by players but we are looking for volunteers to help ensure we can provide a quality experience for teams we host and generally help with running of the site before, during and after scheduled games. There's an opportunity which is open to anyone that can commit to coming along on match days and we probably had in mind someone that lived locally and had the time and interest in community sports. The club would provide the volunteer(s) with branded apparel and a chance to be part of a growing, well-run and friendly club.
You can contact Andy on 07713 357386 or andrewparkinson68@hotmail.com
http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/bohemianfc/Home
AUTOMATIC NUMBER PLATE RECOGNITION CAMERAS ON BRUNTON LANE
Software and payment systems are still being tested but there's a possibility they will go "live" on Monday
GOSFORTH RUGBY CLUB
This clubis looking to expand its youth squads. If you have children aged 5-10 and they want to try their hand at rugby, contact Head Coach Steve Coombs on 07985474278 or email: gosforthrfcminijuniors@gmail.com