This week:

• I submitted a statement to the licensing committee about my objection to an application to extend the operating hours of Whiskey Down beyond the agreed hours for the city centre. It’s my role to speak up for residents’ interests and I regularly object to applicatons that I think will have a negative impact on people who live in the city.
• I contacted the City Centre Police Team about some suspicious activity in the city centre. (If you have anything you would like to report you can do it here )
• I spoke to Newcastle City Council’s external auditors about my concerns about the Crowne Plaza Hotel – we need to be sure residents interests are protected and that the council learns from its mistakes.
• I chased up responses to questions I’ve asked. Getting replies from the council can be a challenge and I’d like to see rules on response times. If you are having problems getting answers to an issue that you’ve raised, let me know and I will support you.
• I was interviewed by two students for assignments they are working on. I think that many people don’t realise how valuable local government can be. So it’s nice to see young people taking an interest in the impact we can have.