Jesmond News

Letting Boards Latest

Regular readers will know that we have been campaigning for some time to stop the streets of Jesmond being defaced by the scourge of multiple letting boards, left up for months on end - and that the council is finally taking steps to deal with the matter.

Councillor Breakey attended the most recent meeting. He comments: "I was grateful to those residents, student representatives and local landlords who took the time to attend. We were able to make it clear - and this was supported by representatives from all of the relevant groups - that the preferred solution is to have no letting boards unless planning permission has been granted. This is the option which council officers are now working on.

If they can come up with a viable proposal, it will then be submitted to the government, who have to approve any such scheme. I think I may be able to see a small shaft of light at the end of this lengthy tunnel."

Student Positives

It was uplifting, at the most recent ward committee meeting, to hear two Northumbria students describe the voluntary work which they have been doing throughout the city. Amongst a host of activities, they have arranged tea dances for older people, worked with deaf children, prepared housing advice leaflets for students and 'made over' gardens in a number of locations.

Councillor Peter Andras comments: " I was really impressed by what I heard. These volunteers deserve an enormous amount of credit. We are pleased to have strengthened our links with the student reps and we will be working with them to try to increase their involvement in the North Jesmond community."

All change at the Metro

A major refurbishment of West Jesmond Metro station, costing around £1m, is expected to start in June. Work is likely to continue for at least three months. New barriers and ticket machines will be installed and there will be significant improvements to the landscaping on the eastern side of the station.

We have some concerns about the barriers, which are intended to help prevent fare-dodging. We have been told that the station will be staffed from 7am to 7pm. and that the barriers will always be open when the station is unstaffed.

Traffic Problems at the School

Traffic and parking problems have got worse around West Jesmond school. Some parents have ignored the school's advice and created dangerous situations. Peter Breakey said: "I have asked the Head Teacher to give me further details so that I can see what additional help the council can provide.There are plenty of Parking Enforcement Officers on patrol in Jesmond. They should be able to help out here."

Better Biking in Jesmond

The Better Biking in Jesmond consultation is now live on the Letstalk website at http://www.letstalknewcastle.co.uk/consultations/index/27

On this site you can complete a survey and leave any comments you have on how to improve cycling in Jesmond. Alternatively you can request a paper copy of the survey from the council. Councillors are planning a special joint ward meeting with South Jesmond in May or June to consider the results of the consultation and to discuss possible ways forward.