This week I:

• Contacted the refuse team about the bin problems on Westgate Road. The bins are collected from the front of the properties and this causes a number of issues: they are used as waste bins by other people so they end up over-filled and attract rats; and they take up valuable space on the pavement.
• Had my monthly surgery at the City Library. – there are continuing issues with e scooters and delivery cyclists. I will be contacting Neuron to ask for stricter controls on parking areas for their e-scooters. Residents would like a registration system for delivery cyclists, This would need national legislation and I have asked Chi Onwurah MP to raise this.
• Asked the council’s Licensing Manager for clarification on the policy on managing outdoor noise from premises. Outdoor speakers aren’t allowed at pavement cafes but it is possible for bars with their own land to have them unless there are conditions restricting this. Bar Loco on Leazes Park Road recently applied to remove noise conditions for its outdoor area and the Licensing Manager did not object. (I did.)
• Withdrew my objection to an application for a new cafe on Grainger Street after they agreed to close at 1am. (The original application was for a closing time of 5am)
• Continued to support Mather and Waverley tenants to get the repairs they need on their estate and Cedars residents to get answers to their leaseholder questions.
• Helped individual residents with housing issues
• Reminded Council Leader Karen Kilgour that I am still waiting for a response to the questions I asked her about her report to Council in June.