LABOUR MAKES 'EMPTY PROMISES' OVER SHOPPING CENTRE

Labour Councillors must not raise false hopes for a new shopping centre in Newbiggin Hall.

Ron Beadle, Lib Dem spokesman for Newcastle North, says: "It has been 10 years since the former Labour-run Newcastle City Council promised residents a new shopping centre.

"The Woolsington Liberal Democrats have also worked for this but there are only two ways to fund it.

"Either a private developer will build it or the council would have to borrow millions of pounds to do it.

"The truth is that neither Labour nor the Liberal Democrats have yet found a way to do this.

"The current financial crisis only makes things worse and more difficult to find a solution.

"Raising false hopes and playing party politics is not fair to residents or the existing shop keepers."

Bill Shepherd, the councillor responsible for regeneration in the city, adds: "If anyone comes forward with a workable, financially viable scheme we will pursue it."