Have your say on a new political map for Newcastle City Council

A new pattern of wards is being developed for Newcastle City Council.

The following news release was issued by Newcastle City Council:

The Local Government Boundary Commission has decided that the number of councillors in Newcastle should be 78, the same as now.

The Local Government Boundary Commission wants to hear what residents and organisations think about their local area. A 10-week consultation inviting proposals will run until 1 April 2024.

The Commission is the independent body that draws these boundaries.

It is reviewing Newcastle to make sure councillors represent about the same number of electors, and that ward arrangements help the council work effectively. It wants to be sure that its proposals reflect community ties and identities.

The Commission is interested in views on which communities should be part of the same ward. What facilities do people share, such as parks, leisure centres or schools and shopping areas? What issues do neighbouring communities face that they have in common, such as high numbers of visitors or heavy traffic?

Have there been new housing or commercial developments that have changed the focus of communities? And are there roads, rivers, railways, or other features that people believe form strong boundaries between neighbourhoods?

The Commission will use local views to help it draw up proposals for new ward boundaries. There will be a further round of consultation once the Commission has drawn up those proposals.

Launching the consultation Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Commission, said: “We want people in Newcastle to help us.

“We are starting to draw up new wards for Newcastle. We want our proposals for new electoral arrangements to reflect communities. We also want them to be easy to understand and convenient for local people.

“Residents and local organisations can help us understand community ties and identities at this early stage of the process.

“It’s easy to get involved. Go to our website. Or you can e-mail or write to us.

“Just tell us what you think and give us some details why you think that. It’s really simple, so do get involved.”

People can give their views via our website at https://www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/newcastle-upon-tyne/feedback

People can also give their views by e-mail at reviews@lgbce.org.uk, and by post:

Review Officer (Newcastle upon Tyne)

LGBCE

PO Box 133

Blyth

NE24 9FE

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England is an independent body accountable to Parliament. It recommends fair electoral and boundary arrangements for local authorities in England. In doing so, it aims to

Make sure that, within an authority, each councillor represents a similar number of electors
Reflect the electoral cycle so that each ward is represented by three councillors
Create boundaries that are appropriate, and reflect community ties and identities

The above news story was issued by Newcastle City Council and is available to read on the Newcastle City Council website. It has been included here for information and does not necessarily represent the views of High West Jesmond Residents’ Association.

June 20, 2023October 15, 2023

Flexible plastic recycling with new blue bag trial

Newcastle City Council has joined four other local authorities across the UK in piloting the FPF FlexCollect project

The following news release was issued by Newcastle City Council:

Flexible plastic recycling with new blue bag trial

“From June 5, 5,000 homes have been able to recycle flexible plastics such as plastic bags, wrappers, packets, and film, which are currently some of the hardest items to recycle.

Residents are provided with a new blue collection bag for their flexible plastics.

This is placed in their existing recycling container in their blue bin, which is then collected and pulled out at the material recycling facility.

The eligible households received information about the trial last month.

At present, the only way for residents to recycle plastic bags and wrapping is at supermarket collection points.

Cllr Jane Byrne, Newcastle City Council Cabinet member for a Connected, Clean City, said: “Improving the quality of recycling and reducing waste are among our key priorities so I am delighted more than 5,000 homes in Newcastle will be taking part in this exciting trial.

“Residents will be able to recycle a wider range of plastics which is another step towards making our city greener and more sustainable.

“The trial will gradually expand to more homes over the next two to three years.

“The pilot supports the fantastic work we are doing to improve recycling rates in the city, from engaging with communities to highlight the importance of recycling to reducing contamination through the use of indoor recycling smart bags.

“I am also proud that the pop-up recycling centres continue to be very popular with residents, making recycling easier for those without access to a vehicle and helping to tackle on-street fly-tipping.”

With only 8% of flexible plastics currently being collected from homes, the industry is stepping up its game ahead of the introduction of compulsory kerbside collections planned for 2027 across the UK.

To tackle this issue, key players in the industry, including manufacturers and brands, set up the Flexible Plastic Fund in 2021.

The £3m FPF FlexCollect project was then launched in May 2022 and is co-managed by a consortium comprising the project co-funders, Ecosurety, RECOUP, SUEZ recycling and recovery UK and WRAP.

Newcastle and Somerset have joined South Gloucestershire, Cheltenham and Maldon in taking part in the pilot.

Gareth Morton, spokesperson for FPF FlexCollect and Discovery Manager at Ecosurety, said: “We are pleased to see the FPF FlexCollect project building steadily, with now five local authorities on board to help us gain valuable insights into how to successfully collect and recycle household flexible plastics.

“We are looking forward to share openly our learnings at the end of this year to get the UK ready for widespread collections by 2027.”

Thomas Merry, Commercialisation and Innovation Manager for SUEZ recycling and recovery UK and FPF Project Director, said “The addition of Somerset and Newcastle to the FPF FlexCollect project complements the current pilots well, with the urban inner-city area of Newcastle and Somerset’s rural population providing an interesting contrast with pilot areas already up and running.

“This will build on our learnings so far, providing valuable insight into participation rates and volumes from different communities.”

For more information about the trial and recycling plastics, visit www.newcastle.gov.uk/services/environment-and-waste/rubbish-and-recycling/recycling/recycling-plastics.

March 15, 2023March 15, 2023

HWJRA statement on proposals for possible road closures

Statement by High West Jesmond Residents’ Association regarding proposals for possible road closures in High West Jesmond

The western end of Moorfield as it meets the Great North Road, High West Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne

High West Jesmond Residents’ Association (HWJRA) is aware that, at a public meeting held in Gosforth last week, proposals for possible future road closures were shared with members of the public.

Many of these proposals, including a possible closure of the west end of Moorfield, would have a significant impact on High West Jesmond so it is of great concern to us that none of the 600 households in High West Jesmond received a letter inviting them to the meeting.

We will be taking this matter up directly with the council and insisting that High West Jesmond residents are fully involved in any consultation process.

At this stage we don’t feel it would be appropriate to comment on the specific proposals as they haven’t been properly explained to us and we haven’t had the opportunity to share them with local residents to gauge opinion.

It is now our intention to get this information from the council and share it through our usual communication forums.

We have been assured by our local councillors that the proposals were initial ideas only and that full consultation will take place before anything is implemented.

About High West Jesmond Residents’ Association

High West Jesmond Residents’ Association (HWJRA) was established to support the residents of 600 households in the local area.

You can read more on the High West Jesmond Residents’ Association page.

February 17, 2023February 27, 2023

Council to apply for new traffic enforcement powers following consultation

Proposals for council-led camera enforcement of the yellow box restriction at the junction of Christon Road and Great North Road, in Gosforth.

The following news release was issued by Newcastle City Council:

“Newcastle City Council is applying to government for additional enforcement powers covering a range of traffic regulations that are currently the responsibility of the police.

The government invited councils to apply to take over these responsibilities and, as part of the process, councils had to consult on proposals that set out how this would be beneficial and improve road safety in at least one location.

Consultation

A six-week consultation on proposals for council-led camera enforcement of the yellow box restriction at the junction of Christon Road and Great North Road, in Gosforth, has recently been completed.

The majority of those who responded supported the proposals, with some raising additional concerns about traffic issues in other areas.

A number of safety concerns had previously been raised regarding the Christon Road and Great North Road junction and the fact that the yellow box is often blocked by vehicles at peak times.

This has resulted in some drivers using the wrong side of the road to avoid having to wait to turn right out of Christon Road and travelling through the junction at times when the pedestrian lights are on green, signalling that it is safe for people to cross.

Cllr Jane Byrne, cabinet member for a connected clean city at Newcastle City Council, said:

“We’re grateful to the people who took the time to respond to this consultation to share their views on whether enforcement would help to make this junction safer.

“This is a busy junction both in terms of vehicles and the number of people using the pedestrian crossing.

“There’s been a lot of concern about safety at this junction, particularly for local school children who use the crossing on their walk to school.

“We believe that enforcement at this location will help to keep the junction clear and reduce the number of drivers carrying out dangerous manoeuvres, making it safer for everyone.”

Council to apply for enforcement powers

Following the outcome of the consultation, the city council will now apply to government for the enforcement powers.

If approved, the council will be able to install cameras and begin enforcement at the junction of Christon Road and Great North Road, although for the initial six months drivers who breach the traffic restriction will be issued with a warning letter only for a first offence.

Other areas in the city could also be considered for enforcement action where this could also lead to improved road safety.

Any further proposals would be subject to additional public consultation, although there would be no further requirement to apply again to government.”

February 15, 2023February 27, 2023

New bus priority measures for Gosforth High Street to be introduced

New bus priority measures are set to be installed on a key bus route to improve public transport.

The following news release was issued by Newcastle City Council:

“Plans are underway to extend the bus lane on the northbound section of Gosforth High Street, with the current bollards removed, within the coming weeks.

One lane of traffic from Moorfield to Salters Road

The immediate plans will see one lane of traffic each way retained through the main stretch of the high street, with bus priority measures and cycling provision where space allows.

This would see bus lane provision extended northbound along Gosforth High Street, from Moorfield towards Salters Road at its junction with Church Road, to improve journey times and bus reliability on one of the busiest routes for public transport from the city.

The plans are part of a phased approach to the High Street which would see bus priority measures installed in the coming weeks, with a second phase looking at the long-term options for this key shopping destination.

The re-allocation of road space would see cycling provision remain in place from Moor Crescent up to St Nicholas Avenue. Cycling provision from St Nicholas Avenue to Salters Road would be removed in the short-term, with longer-term plans to better connect this part of the High Street with more ‘quiet routes’ for cycling on connected side streets as part of a second phase of improvement works. Other longer-term proposals include improvements to public realm space with a parklet for the community to enjoy, improved cycle parking facilities, better-placed and improved bus stops, as well as green infrastructure to improve biodiversity and air quality in the local area.

Cllr Jane Byrne, cabinet member for a connected, clean city said:

“The plans we have put forward greatly improves bus services on a key bus route from the city, removes the bollards which people have asked us to do, as well as develops a long-term future for Gosforth High Street, to make it greener, more accessible and improves the look and feel of a key shopping area in the city.

“We’re taking a phased approach to this high street, with the immediate focus on improving bus priority measures as we want Newcastle to be a clean, connected city and having an efficient public transport network, particularly on one of the major routes from the city, is a key part of this and is part of our priorities to achieve net zero.

“Gosforth High Street is one of the narrowest high streets in the city and we want to make best use of the space available. Increasing the bus lane provision means we won’t be able to widen pavements and provide cycling along the whole of the High Street, so we’ll be looking at improving connectivity for people walking, wheeling and cycling to this important shopping area as part of the next phase of works.

“We’ll be setting out further proposals on the long-term future of the high street soon and I invite everyone to have their say.”

Using Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders (ETROs), it is intended to install the bus priority changes in the coming weeks. Public consultation would take place for the first six months of the scheme being implemented. This would allow the council to trial the scheme and gauge public feedback, as well as ask the public for their views on the long-term future of the High Street.

Journey time data, which has been collected over four years, show that there has been minimal impact on the travelling public with the traffic reduced to two lanes through the High Street. Southbound journey times have improved on the am peak, with no change on the pm peak. Northbound journey times haven’t been affected on the am peak, with a small increase on average on the pm peak.

Bus priority measures, in locations such as the Great North Road, are an essential part of the proposed Enhanced Bus Partnership across the North East region which will see improvements to bus reliability, services and bus fares.

Information for the public is being prepared, including drop-in events, which will be announced soon, ahead of the scheme being implemented in Spring 2023. The measures could be in place for up to 18 months while the council review the findings from data and public feedback on the scheme, while bidding for the funding to deliver a long-term enhancement to this area.”

January 31, 2023February 27, 2023

Traffic to be restricted through Five Admirals estate – Matthew Bank

Measures to reduce traffic cutting through some local streets in South Gosforth are set to be introduced in the coming weeks.

The following news release was issued by Newcastle City Council:

“From next month, residents living in the Five Admirals Estate near to a major commuter route, will see measures installed to restrict traffic cutting through their estate as well as junction improvements to create safer, cleaner and greener neighbourhoods in South Gosforth.

Changes include closing Beatty Avenue to through traffic where it meets Matthew Bank, and improving junctions for residents accessing Sturdee Gardens and Beatty Avenue from Jesmond Dene Road (A189).

Legal orders are being progressed to restrict through traffic as part of another trial to reduce traffic in local neighbourhoods, which will be in place from 6 February. This follows on from similar schemes which were implemented in Fenham and Heaton.

The proposals were developed over the summer, following feedback from residents as well as a drop-in event in the area and discussions with local councillors to finalise the scheme.

Cllr Jane Byrne, cabinet member for a connected, clean city said:

”The changes in Gosforth are designed to prevent traffic cutting through residential streets rather than sticking to more appropriate routes. This will certainly benefit the children going to and from school at South Gosforth First School, making it much safer and easier to walk and wheel on the school run.

“The final scheme has been developed based on residents’ feedback, which we will install from next month. We know many residents were keen to see this scheme going forward to reduce traffic cutting through their local streets, making the area much safer and more attractive for the people who live there. It will also encourage more people to walk and cycle on local journeys, which has a big impact on people’s health and wellbeing, improves air quality, as well as greatly improving safety for children getting around their local area.

“As with similar schemes, trials mean we can make changes if needed, and people can leave us their feedback on whether or not they think the changes should be made permanent.

“There has been a lot of support to reducing through traffic on residential streets, so we are drawing up more plans to create safer, cleaner and greener neighbourhoods across the city.”

Using an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO), the council will trial the closure of Beatty Avenue to motor vehicles as well as improve safety at two junctions off Jesmond Dene Road.

Under the ETRO process, this scheme can remain in place for up to 12 months, with public consultation running for the first six months of the scheme being implemented. The consultation will run from 6 February until 13 August 2023, which will be used alongside data collected, to determine whether the changes should be made permanent.

Leaflets setting out the changes and information on the public consultation are being delivered to residents living in the area, ahead of the scheme being implemented.

More information is available at www.newcastle.gov.uk/neighbourhoods “