This week:

• I had my monthly advice session at the City Library – residents raised issues about noise from licensed premises and keeping local areas safe.
• I was contacted by a resident about road safety on North Terrace.
• I objected to an application to change the former Chicken Coop restaurant on Collingwood Street into a cafe bar that would be open until 2:30am. I think this risks creating more disturbance in what is already a challenging area.
• I also objected to a pavement cafe outside Lady Grey on Shakespeare Street. I think pavement cafes are a good idea but only if they don’t obstruct pedestrians.
• I met with Acorn, the tenants’ union, about their campaign to get Newcastle City Council to make better use of its powers to challenge bad private sector landlords. They’d like to see a citywide licensing scheme for Newcastle and I agree.
• I have also been in contact with Newcastle UCU about the strike at Newcastle University over job losses and the impact it will have on staff and students.