NEWS IN BRIEF FROM FAWDON WARD

:: THE BIG LUNCH - A BIG SUCCESS

Among the many great new ideas at Fawdon Communtiy Centre was the Big Lunch idea in July.

Around 40 people, many of them new to the area, were invited for Sunday lunch and family entertainment.

Most important of all they got to know their new neighbours.

"The funding came from the council but the work was done by volunteers at the community centre," said Councillor Ron Clark.

"Well done to them."

:: VIEWS SAUGHT ON GOSFORTH TRANSPORT CHANGES

Residents should have received information about proposals to improve traffic flows and help pedestrians, public transport, cyclists and car/van users in the Gosforth area.

If agreed, proposals for Gosforth High Street, the Blue House and Haddricks Mill roundabouts and for the Church

Road/Salters Road junctions will be submitted for Government funding. Information is available at www.newcastle.gov.uk/gti

:: CHANGES TO ROUTE OF BUS NUMBER 10/11

After concerns raised by residents, Brenda Hindmarsh raised route changes with the operations Director of Stagecoach.

Service 10/11 has been changed from Kenton to the Great North Roadvia the Blue House roundabout to running via the Cowhill and Claremont Road.

Stagecoach explained that usage on the Great North Road/Grandstand Rd East section was very low and users had alternatives such as the 30 and 31.

The new routing is better used and gives new access to the RVI and the University.

It also avoids the considerable delays at the Blue House roundabout that disrupted service reliability at rush hours.

:: WARD COMMITTEE GRANTS

Recent meetings have agreed funding for Mountfield Play group (equipment); summer activities for young people at Shandon Way and Fawdon community centres; design fees for the proposed extension to Kenton Park Sports Centre; Fawdon Park sports development project; community activities at Lea Green Court Tenants Association and North Kenton Vets; Fawdon Music Appreciation Group; a project offering computer training to older and disabled people in their homes.

:: NEW WARD CO-ORDINATOR TAKES OVER

Each ward in the city has a nominated ward coordinator, who liases between the council and other agencies and community groups.

For the last few months our regular ward co-ordinator Rob Gillie has been on secondment to another role.

Chris Mason has been carrying out the job and is now moving on to another ward - many thanks for your work in the area Chris.

Replacing Chris until Rob finishes his secondment will be Helen Hindmarch.