Copy
View this email in your browser
Welcome to edition 124 of Lib Dem eFocus for Whickham, Sunniside, Swalwell, Dunston, Teams, Lobley Hill, Marley Hill and Byermoor. In this edition we report on:
  • Tour of Britain race
  • Plans to tax buses could lead to more pollution
  • Greenhouses at the former Central Nursery to be demolished
  • £620 for a meal for two at a plush London hotel - at council taxpayers' expense
  • Back to the 1940s at the Tanfield Railway
Please feel free to forward to others who may find the contents useful.
Tour of Britain races through Sunniside, Whickham and Swalwell
Tour of Britain passes through Sunniside at high speed.
On Tuesday 10th September, over 100 professional cyclists raced through Sunniside, Whickham and Swalwell on the 4th leg of the Tour of Britain cycle race. Hundreds of residents lined the route to cheer on the competitors. You can see the race and supporting convoy travel through Sunniside on the above video.

Local Lib Dem Councillor Sonya Hawkins said, "This was a great event that brought money into our local economy. It would be great if Gateshead could host more events to boost our tourism economy."
Bus tax could lead to more pollution
Lib Dem campaigner Jonathan Mohammed has warned that plans by Labour to tax buses to drive in central Newcastle will lead to fewer services and more pollution.
Plans by Labour to slap a £50-a-day charge on buses using central Newcastle could result in fewer services, higher fares, more congestion and more pollution.

The bus tax is part of revised plans put forward by Labour run Newcastle, Gateshead and North Tyneside Councils after initial proposals earlier this year to charge nearly every vehicle to drive across bridges over the Tyne to tackle air pollution were widely slammed as unworkable.

The new plans being put out to consultation include charging older buses £50 a day to drive in central Newcastle, though the charge would not apply to new, clean buses. Lorries and vans will also be required to pay. Charging cars to enter central Newcastle is not proposed but there will be an option to do so in the future.

Lib Dem campaigner and regular user of local bus services, Jonathan Mohammed, said, "The proposal to charge buses could lead to fewer services, higher fares and more people travelling by car instead. This will add to congestion and more pollution, not less.

"Labour need to rethink their plan to charge buses to drive in central Newcastle or otherwise their plans will lead to more pollution, not less."
Streetgate temporary traffic lights
Streetgate roadworks Sept 19
Temporary 3-way traffic lights are in place on Gateshead Road and Pennyfine Road for the next four weeks while Northern Gas Network carry out essential reinforcement work.
Central Nursery demolition
Gateshead Council are seeking to give themselves planning permission to demolish the greenhouses at the former Central Nursery on Whickham Highway. These are the largest remaining buildings on the site which Labour have allocated for house building.

The planning application will need to be approved by the council's planners within the next few weeks.

Lib Dem Councillor Peter Maughan, who has taken a leading role in fighting the house-building plans, said, "Gateshead's Labour Council want the site cleared as they have decided to build 580 executive houses to the south of Whickham Highway next to Lobley Hill and Dunston Hill. Like so many residents, we are saddened to see this facility flattened by bulldozers.

"Many of us visited the greenhouses when the spring and summer flower shows were held there. Unfortunately, Gateshead Council are now rushing to get rid of them and replace them with upmarket houses."
Anger over £620 council meal at plush London hotel
Labour-run Gateshead Council have blown £620 on dinner for two at a fancy awards ceremony held at the plush, upmarket Grosvenor Hotel in London.

Lib Dem campaigner Leanne Brand said, “Many local residents are now relying on food banks yet Labour think it’s acceptable to waste money on fancy dinners in London. Most council taxpayers in Gateshead can only dream of enjoying a £620 meal for two. Yet their hard earned cash is being spent in this way.

Lib Dem Councillor John McClurey said, “Between 2015 and 2018 the Labour Leader of Gateshead Council claimed £5,003.64 from the taxpayer for his meals. Clearly, Labour aren’t listening or learning”.
Beggars Wood office demolition
Planning permission is being sought to demolish the pre-fabricated office building on Beggars Wood Golf Course and Driving Range. The Council's planners will decide on the application in the near future.
Gibside exercise equipment
The National Trust are seeking planning permission for four sets of timber exercise equipment in West Wood and replacement play equipment south of the walled garden, Gibside.
Back in time to the 1940s at the Tanfield Railway
The Americans are coming! US Army jeeps at the 1940s weekend at the Tanfield Railway.
The Tanfield Railway went back in time to the 1940s on the weekend on 21-22 September. Exhibits included US army jeeps, Home Guard weapons and food rations which can be viewed on the above video. Well done to everyone who took part.
Twitter
Facebook
Website
Copyright © 2019 Gateshead Liberal Democrats, All rights reserved.


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp