This week I:

• Attended the joint Audit / Constitutional Committee that signs off the council’s accounts. This meeting was adjourned following issues raised by the auditors https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/confusion-north-east-council-blasts-33407329
• Agreed to withdraw an objection to a licence form Insomnia Cookies after they agreed to reduce their opening hours to 1am and agreed operating conditions with the police and the counci’s environmental health and licensing teams
• Objected to the application from Greggs for a 5am closing time at their new Pilgrim Street branch. There are restrictions on takeaway opening hours due to the risk of crime and disorder. Proposed conditions included the installation of panic alarms and a member of security staff with a body worn camera…
• Reported concerns about the safety of some of the properties on Westgate Road. The exits at the back are blocked and there are overgrown trees and bushes and flammable objects left unsecured.
• Asked for some surplus bins on Westgate Road to be removed and for traders to be reminded not to use public and residential bins for their waste.