Car parking

I get as many complaints about car parking problems as about anything else. Sometimes I’ve been successful in getting things done; sometimes the problem remains to be solved. We got hard standings provided on Cauldwell Avenue and also the legal problems over enforcing the bad parking problems on Coronation Crescent sorted out (where a lot more needs to be done), for example.

But any amount of traffic regulations is useless unless it is enforced properly. I have some sympathy with the police and traffic wardens, because they are hopelessly overstretched, but, frankly, they have been little better than useless at enforcing traffic regulations. They have been a real disappointment to residents who suffer inconvenience in their own homes.

I am pleased, therefore, that the law now allows local Councils (who are, or ought to be, more accountable to local people) to take over responsibility for enforcing on-street parking. North Tyneside will do that in April of this year. They cannot be any worse than the present arrangements, but I will work hard to make sure that there is a considerable improvement.

When this happens there will be a heavy responsibility on whoever are your local Councillors. If they don’t do their jobs properly, we will still be in a mess.

Speaking of local Councillors, I remain angry that they are noticeable by their silence, whilst I am trying to work so hard on your behalf. Have you heard anything from them all year, since the last election? I don’t want to be too cynical, but I make a prediction. You will hear from them again in the next couple of months. Why? Well, there is an election coming up, isn’t there? In my view that takes people for granted, and is no way to do their important job.

MP Visits ward to see anti-social behaviour problems

I was particularly pleased that our local MP, Alan Campbell, was able to join me on a ward visit. He has so much to do to cover a large constituency, but I keep him in touch with local problems (in case he can help), and I thought it was important that he came himself to see and listen to residents in what, I am afraid to say, is an area of the town that has become somewhat forgotten by the Council.

Alan has taken a special interest in trying to deal with anti-social behaviour, and we picked up some concern about it in the area of the shops on Wilton Drive. We were told that a number of young people are gathering on the corner by the shops, just opposite the play area. They are seen to be drinking alcohol, and yet some of them, at least, are clearly underage. During the summer months they are there every night. There are also a number who play football there, despite the “No Ball Games” signs, which seem to have “no clout”.

We all understand that the police, and their community support officers, are hard stretched, but we picked up an unhappiness that they are hardly, if ever, to be seen. If more of you get in touch, it will be easier for Alan and myself to follow this up.

Here are just some of the issues that Ian was responsible for when serving as a Collingwood councillor.

New York Post Office saved

Councillor Ian Grayson was delighted when he heard the news that New York Post Office had been saved.

He said,

“ I am please for the residents that by us all working together we have been able to save this post office. The post office have said that the this branch will remain open as long as it is used by residents. So people must ensure they keep the Post Office open by using it”

The campaign to keep the Post Office open was supported by local residents, community groups, Councillors and Local MP Alan Campbell.

Councillor Ian Grayson added, “ This area has very low car ownership rates and is not well served by local buses therefore it was vital that we kept this service for the community”.

Allotment bid

Councillor Ian Grayson is supporting a bid to the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund to help improve the allotments behind Morwick Road in Collingwood Ward.

The improvements which will include renewal of existing allotments, land reclamation to increase the number of allotments on the site and grassed landscaping.

Councillor Ian Grayson said

“The whole scheme will greatly improve the area not only for allotment users but local residents as well. I am hopeful that the bid will be successful and that the works will be carried out during this financial year.”

Paving Renewal Work to Be Undertaken In Collingwood.

Councillor Ian Grayson is delighted to announce that the following streets have been identified for renewal work to be undertaken.

I am pleased to announce that the funding has been secured to carry out this work. The pavements will be renewed wherever necessary and the repairs will not be patch repairs but will be on a larger scale.

The work will alleviate some of the concerns that residents have raised with me over several months now. These much needed improvements will improve safety in the area and will undoubtedly improve the appearance of the area as well.

I will be strongly be pressing for other streets in our area to be improved in a similar way. I am hoping to secure more money for other streets when the money for the next financial year is allocated. If you wish to draw my attention to particular streets of concern please do so as soon as possible.

Road Safety Improvements for Morwick Road.

Councillor Ian Grayson is delighted to announce that Morwick road is to benefit from road safety improvements.

Many residents have been concerned for some time now about the access to the Cedars residential home from Morwick Road.

There have been a couple of bad accidents and many near misses from what I have been told by residents.

Following on from a site visit by Councillor Ian Grayson with some residents and a highway engineer it has been agreed that