Plans are moving ahead for improvements to Coxlodge recreation centre. There's a steering committee, now meeting regularly, of management committee representatives, user groups, local residents and council staff and members.
Residents close to the Ouseburn have suffered the nightmare of flooding so many times. With climate change, flash storms seem more frequent, many green areas (including gardens) have been paved over, and pressure on the capacity of the Ouseburn and the water table have grown from the Western By-Pass and other developments nearby. "Two key Ouseburn bridges have been raised and new maintenance regimes published by the Environment Agency - but your councillors are pressing Northumbrian water to keep those emergency pumps on hand" said Councillor Ron Clark.
After several developers have pulled out in the past, at last the Council has been able to approve the Your Homes Newcastle development for the old Hillsview School site off Redland Avenue/Carsdale Road.
The City Council recently approved plans to try to meet the "growing demand" (pardon the pun) for allotments - by encouraging the splitting of plots, where possible, and a search for new possible sites. "Some small sites have been mentioned in Red House Farm and there will be consultations" said Cllr Brenda Hindmarch, "We'd welcome suggestions for other possible sites in the the rest of the ward" said Brenda. "Healthy food, fresh air and exercise are among the many benefits"
From its total of almost £35,000 allocated for this year, the Fawdon Ward Committee has agreed to contribute around £5,000 towards the Fawdon Park Sports Development Project. The project creates opportunities for young people in the area to be involved in sport on a weekly basis in a safe environment, with coaches and volunteers also from the local area.
Fawdon councillors and local residents are dismayed that the restaurant development on the site of the former Trap public house on Kenton Road will go ahead after a revised planning application had to be accepted. The council refused the first application in February on grounds that it was too big and out of character for the area.