This week I:

• Sent a statement to planning committee about the application for a new development at M&S Motorcycles on Westgate Road. There have been a number of concerns raised about the impact on the local area. My biggest concern is that the company that owns the site already has permission for other projects on Westgate Road that have not been finished. I am concerned that the same thing will happen with this project.
• Wrote to the Leaders of the Green, Labour, Lib Dem and Newcastle Independents Groups asking them to commit to consulitng residents on any changes to the late night levy, a fee paid by licensed premises that serve alcohol after midnight and is used to fund extra public safety and cleaning measures. NE1 and the NE1 Hospitality Group have been lobbying to have it removed.
• Reported badly managed trade waste in the city centre. Waste is supposed to be securely bagged and put into bins otherwise it attracts rats and pigeons. Fed’s Chicken had a left a bag beside a bin and they had also blocked one of the Grey Street benches with their bins.
• Support residents concerned about anti-social behaviour in their area.