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This week I: was contacted by a resident concerned about homeless people camping in an underpass near Newcastle University wrote to city centre residents to ask what impact licensed premises have on them – Karen Kilgour, the council leader, has recently said she is ‘reviewing’ the late night levy on licensed premises after they complained…
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This week I: raised three planning enforcement cases with the planning team – we have multiple issues in Monument of people going ahead with projects without planning permission and of others ignoring the conditions that come with permission supported residents with housing issues discussed the application by Mojo to remove the food, drink promotion and…
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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…
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This week I: Held my monthly surgery at City Library. The main concerns raised ASB and drug dealing in residential areas, which I raised with the police and community safety teams. Asked officers, again, about why Blackett Street remains open to cars and vans when it is supposed to be restricted to buses Objected to…
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This week I: Attended a briefing on the council’s use of AI. There were some positive examples (e.g. an AI image used to help a person with autism visualise an appointment that they were concerned about) but I remain sceptical about its potential and the claims that it will contribute to a £2m saving. Asked…
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This week I: Contacted the trading standards team about the number of convenience stores opening in the city centre. Residents are concerned that some of them seem to be open late at night and may be selling illegal items. The trading standards team is taking action against shops selling illegal vapes and I collected some…
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This week I: Attended Constitutional Committee. Sadly, the only issues on the agenda were nominations for honours. While this is part of the committee’s role, I think we should also be making time to discuss governance issues. Submitted two questions for January Council: “How do the leader and cabinet prioritize the allocation of council resources?…
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This week I: Supported residents affected by road closures on the Quayside. I am concerned that there is not enough consideration given to the impact on residents when events are planned Asked for more information from officers about the problems caused by cars continuing to use Blackett Street. I am told that this is because…
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This week: I held my first surgery of the year at City Library Supported residents who were having problems with their landlords Helped residents concerned about break-ins at an empty property in their street – the council’s environmental health team was able to help get the owner to secure it properly
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This week I: had a meeting with the Head of Housing about the Cedars leasehold issue supported residents who are having problems with repairs to their home continued discussions about the licensing application for Daveys and the potential for a noise management plan objected to an application for Voodoo Doll at The Gate to remove…
