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This week: I supported residents on the Quayside who were concered about noise and smell from food stalls at the Quayside Market. This is a recent issue that seemed to be caused by a change in the layout of the market and the residents had also contacted the Markets Team. The Markets Team agreed to…
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This week: I went to the October meeting of Council. I voted for the Motion of No Confidence in the Council Leader, Karen Kilgour because I think there is something very wrong about the way that the council operates:– There is a culture of secrecy – the council is refusing to say what it paid…
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This week: I was in contact with the police and local businesses before the far right demonstrations on Saturday 27 September about plans to manage the situation. I also contacted Council Leader Karen Kilgour about the use of the Crowne Plaze, which the council owns, for a far right conference which “Tommy Robinson” (his real…
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This week: I submitted a Freedom of Information request to the council asking for details of any discussions with NUFC about their use of Leazes Park. I have been trying to get answers on this for several months but the replies only discuss planning applications. This is despite me making it clear, repeatedly, that I…
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This week: I had a meeting with Zafer Saygilier, CEO of Sayturk Group and his legal representative. He wanted to talk to me about the pressures on the hospitality business in Newcastle and my decision to object to recent applications for Bar Loco, St James Cafe (in both cases I was concerned about the lack…
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This week: I went to the September meeting of Full Council. The council agreed to make the changes in governance that I am concerned will make the councl even less democratic. The council also agreed a motion to do more to end violence against women and girls, including working with survivors and services In Newcastle…
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This week: I heard back from the refuse team about the bins on Westgate Road. I’d asked for an update on the plans to relocate bins to the back lane. This would reduce fly-tipping around the bins and improve accessibility. The team will be contacting residents to confirm who has access to the back lanes…
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This week: I was in contact with Karen Madge, the police inspector for the city centre, about the ongoing issues with vulnerable people drinking and begging in the streets. I have noticed a number of people with dogs and was concerned about this because it can be intimidating. Karen updated me on the City Safe…
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This week: I raised concerns about the way Constitutional Committee works and proposals to change the way that the council operates that I think will make it less democratic. I’ve created a new Constitutional Committee page setting out the issues. I contacted the Licensing Team about two applications from city casinos to change their licences.…
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This week: I finally received some answers to my questions about Leazes Park and what the process would be for agreeing development. I have been asking about this since the first media stories about the potential redevelopment of St James Park. I wrote to nearby residents setting out the situation and I have created a…
