Thursday October 24, 2013

What would happen if Government decided to regulate a tin of beans? To put the burden on manufacturers to ensure Fair Trade ingredients, the product of ethical labour, that the tin and label were made from sustainable sources. Whatever the effect upon the beans, one outcome is certain. The price of beans would rise. A […]

Monday October 7, 2013

It is always nice to see an area of town enjoy a bit of a renaissance, especially if you live and work there. For too long Heaton has been overshadowed by its glamorous sisters, Jesmond and Gosforth but of late the area has emerged with its own distinct style and vibrant atmosphere. Heaton is fast […]

Tuesday August 13, 2013

Hands up everyone who is a fan of fortnightly bin collections. No? Thought not. But for landlords, tenants and letting agencies an apathetic attitude to cooperation and overzealous enforcement have created a problem that has become far worse than it could be. Worse, the Newcastle City Council interpretation of their responsibilities is costing us all […]

Tuesday July 30, 2013

Newcastle City Council is currently applying to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Erik Pickles for a blanket ban on the display of lettings boards in Gosforth, Jesmond, Heaton, Spital Tongues, Shieldfield and Sandyford. While the resident in me wishes to see our streets cleaned up of multiple boards, the professional lettings […]

Tuesday July 2, 2013

Newcastle City Council has decided that the root cause of noise complaints and anti-social behaviour in Heaton, Sandyford, Jesmond and South Gosforth is multi-occupancy houses with the finger of blame being pointed straight at students. The knee-jerk reaction from our Council was to impose Article 4 Directions, meaning any development requires planning permission. Despite significant […]