Budget consultation Snowdogs come - Autumn 2016
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Autumn 2016
Snowdogs come FREE WiFi
Budget consultation
to town
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Welcome
from Leader of the Council,
Councillor Martin Gannon
To the Autumn
issue of Council
News. As usual
at this time, our
thoughts turn to
the budget and Free WiFi
how we allocate
the funding we
Councillor
Page 6
have in a fair and Martin Gannon
balanced way. As
in previous years,
this won’t be easy. We set out the
challenges we’re facing and how you
Budget update Snowdogs come
can help us on page 9. Page 9 to town
There’s still a lot happening to be proud
of, and to look forward to. From the
Page 32
potential of our area hosting the Great
Exhibition of the North to a round-up
of key investment projects over the last
year that will improve your quality of
life and boost the local economy in the
future. We also give you details of our
fantastic free outdoor WiFi project now
underway in Gateshead and Newcastle.
We also highlight some key sporting
and cultural events coming up such
as the Juice Festival, Enchanted Parks,
the World Transplant Games and the Family Sculpture
ever popular Family Sculpture Day
in Saltwell Park. And Snowdogs are
Day
coming to town – we’ve details of Page 33
where to find them on page 32.
There’s news about how we’ve
improved our online payment system
to make it easier and faster for you to
make payments via your phone, tablet
or laptop - which helps us to save
money at the same time.
All this plus a round-up of health news,
what’s on in the borough, a focus on
Path Head Water Mill and its volunteers, Gateshead Council News is designed and published by Gateshead Council’s Communications
what’s been going on in your local area, Service. Every effort is made to ensure that all information is correct at time of publication.
and we reveal our new school meals An online version can be viewed at www.gateshead.gov.uk
that taste as good as they look. It is distributed by The National Leaflet Company to homes and businesses across Gateshead.
For delivery queries please contact: 0191 415 5527. Printed by Acorn Web Offset Ltd.
Front cover: Snowdogs - see page 32
Different formats: If you would like to receive Council News in large print, Braille,
Martin Gannon CD or mp3, please contact Diane Brennan on 0191 433 3444 or
dianebrennan@gateshead.gov.uk
© Gateshead Council, Regent Street,
Gateshead NE8 1HH. 0191 433 3000
www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 3
NEWS
News in brief Curbing bad behaviour
College success Public Space Protection Orders can • Metrocentre retail park: measures
be put in place to prevent people to stop people driving in an anti-
The North East’s top performing behaving in a way that can have a social manner and misusing the
college has received national negative impact on local people and parking area.
recognition for the way it develops, communities. And the Council is
supports, and manages its people. Take part in our online consultation
currently considering the introduction
Gateshead College secured Investors about these orders at
of three such orders - these are:
in People Gold for the second time, www.gateshead.gov.uk/
maintaining an accreditation that • Across Gateshead: measures to consultations
only 13% of Investors in People have ensure anyone walking a dog has the
For a paper copy of the
achieved so far. means to clear up after it; and giving
questionnaire call the community
police powers to seize alcohol from
safety team on 0191 433 2168.
Simply the best anyone drinking alcohol and causing
Deadline is 13 October 2016.
anti-social behaviour in a public place.
Newcastle Airport has been named The outcome of the consultation will
as the best in the country by Mirror • Town centre: a range of measures
be available at www.gateshead.gov.
Travel and cheapflights.co.uk. including prohibiting begging and
uk/consultationspast
banning street drinking.
A poll of holidaymakers ranked
airports on a range of issues – from
cleanliness and speed of check-in to
shopping and friendliness of staff.
Helping us to help you
Metro expansion One of the great things about
A plan to expand the Metro system Gateshead is the amount of
has been approved by the North community and voluntary activity. By
East Combined Authority. It will this we mean local people coming
also see old trains being replaced together to help each other, support
and provision for more than £1bn others, improve their environment
of new investment over the next and just ‘do good stuff’. Some groups
20 years. New Metro or rail links have been around for a long time
include Newcastle’s West End, and are well known, but others are
the Metrocentre and south east small, local groups such as the local
Northumberland. bowls club, or the association who
run the local community hall.
Good Morning Britain However, cuts in government
funding have had an effect on the
Last month, ITV’s Good Morning
amount and level of support the
Britain broadcast live from Baltic
Council can now offer these groups.
Square. Laura Tobin presented the help advise groups about a range
So in order for them to receive the
weather forecast and Andi Peters of things from accessing different
help they need to thrive in the future,
gave viewers the chance to win a sources of funding, how to fill in
we’ve asked Newcastle CVS (Council
VW Camper Van against a backdrop application forms , how to run an
for Voluntary Service) to help us
of Gateshead Millennium Bridge and organisation effectively, how to
support these groups.
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. manage finances and what to do
Although based in central Gateshead, when things aren’t working.
Award winning service a team of three workers from
So if you are a voluntary or
Newcastle CVS has been out in the
community group and need
The Connexions service has achieved community attending local events
advice and support give the
the prestigious MATRIX Award for and fairs, as well as hosting ‘meet and
team a call. They are based at
Information Advice and Guidance greet’ events for local groups, raising
Age UK Gateshead, 341-343
at its first attempt. The service awareness of how they can help.
High Street, Gateshead, NE8 1EQ.
was praised for the commitment,
The Gateshead Support Team – Phone 0191 691 1111, email
professionalism and expertise of
Caroline Beckett, Mark Shilcock and information@gatesheadsupport.
its staff, its work in tracking what
Jack Summerside (pictured with org.uk or go online www.
happens to young people, and the
Manager Giovanni Spatuzzi) can gatesheadcvsnewcastle.org.uk
quality of the information it provides.
See story about the Connexions offer
on page 12.
Can I recycle FRUIT JUICE CARTONS? YES – in your blue bin!
4 Gateshead Council News Autumn 2016
NEWS
World Transplant Games
It’s been announced that the World
Transplant Games will take place
in NewcastleGateshead from 17-
24 August 2019, beating off stiff
competition from Houston, Texas.
We’ve already
hosted the most
successful British
Transplant Games
ever in 2015, and
the World Transport
Games are expected
to attract around
3,000 participants
(competitors and
supporters) from over
60 countries. It’s hoped
to hold an international
Symposium on Transplantation at the
same time bringing an estimated £4
British Transplant Games 2015
million into the local economy.
The games help to raise awareness of Council Leader, Martin Gannon said: on a superb event, not only raising the
the need to increase organ donation “This is fantastic news for the North profile of transplantation but ensuring
on a national and international stage. East, once again confirming our ability the competitors and supporters from
The competitors are unique in that to attract and host world class events. around the world have a brilliant and
each one of them is alive and well as a I know NewcastleGateshead will put memorable stay with us.”
result of a successful organ transplant.
Anyone from 4-80 years old who
qualifies is welcome to participate, Around 6,500 people in the UK are currently on the transplant waiting list and
and there are over 50 events to suit all every day around three people who could have benefitted from a transplant die
capabilities including athletics, ten pin because there aren’t enough organ donors.
bowling, swimming, racquet sports, To find out more about the NHS Organ Donor Register visit
golf, volleyball, lawn bowls and cycling. www.organdonation.nhs.uk
Respond, register, vote Tackling takeaways
Making sure your details are correct on You have a number of options - choose The Council was shortlisted for a
our electoral register is vital if you are to the easiest for you: national award for its trailblazing
vote in any local or national elections. approach to curbing the
• Go online: www.householdresponse.
obesity trend through planning
That’s why every year, we send you a com/gateshead
restrictions.
form with members of your household
• Call the helpline on 0191 433 7001
listed, for you to check and let us know Planning permission for new hot
if these are correct or not. • Complete and return the form in the food takeaways will be refused
prepaid envelope to electoral services in wards where children’s obesity
You’ll have already received your form
levels exceed 10%, or where there
and if you’ve informed us of your details If you do not need to make any changes
are a higher proportion of hot food
– thank you. you can also confirm your details are
takeaways per head of population
correct by using our automated services
If you haven’t, please do so as soon as than the national average
possible as sending out reminders or • Freephone: 0800 197 9871
The Hot Food Takeaway
having to call at your home, costs us
• Text: 80212 Supplementary Planning
(and council tax payers), money that
If you have not already responded, Document (SPD) was shortlisted
could be better spent.
house calls will take place between in the Planning and Placemaking
Remember to let us know even if your awards, in the category for best
23 September and 9 October.
details are correct. health scheme.
www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 5
NEWS
Free outdoor WiFi
Visitors and residents of Gateshead and
Newcastle can now connect to free
outdoor WiFi, thanks to GoDigital WiFi.
In a partnership between Newcastle
City Council and Gateshead Council,
as part of the Go Digital Newcastle
programme, BT is providing an outdoor
WiFi service in key pedestrian routes in
Newcastle city centre, Gateshead town
centre and both sides of the Quayside.
Providing free access to WiFi has
benefits for visitors, workers and
residents by allowing people to look up
information, book tickets, check their
emails, search for jobs and many more,
all whilst on the move.
Phil Custy, BT business development manager, Cllr Gary Haley, Cllr Joyce McCarty,
As councils and the wider public sector Newcastle Council, Simon Roberson, BT regional partnership director, Steve Smith,
are moving an increasing number of Newcastle Council, ICT solutions architect.
services online, the free public WiFi
allows residents, businesses and visitors
while they are out and about, but it support desk for users via a free 0800
to take advantage of the changes.
will also make the area an even more telephone number.
Cabinet Member for Economy, attractive place to visit, which in turn,
The Go Digital project is funded by
Councillor Gary Haley said: “This is should bring increased trade for local
the Department for Culture, Media
great news for residents and visitors businesses.”
and Sport as part of the Government’s
to Gateshead, who can now get free
The concession contract with BT is for UK-wide Super Connected Cities
access to the Internet whilst they are on
10 years at no cost to the councils, who programme.
the move.
will receive an initial upfront rental fee
Find out more about free WiFi in
“This exciting new scheme will not only and annual rent from BT for the use of
Gateshead at
allow residents to access their favourite its street furniture. BT will install and
www.gateshead.gov.uk/freewifi
websites, apps and public services operate the service and provide a 24/7
Remembrance Day Services 2016 Field of Remembrance
• Friday 11 November: Low Fell Boer War Memorial. Service will start at 10.45am For the fifth year running, there
followed by a wreath laying ceremony and a march past. will be a Field of Remembrance
in Saltwell Park. Remembrance
• Friday 11 November: Saltwell Park. Service will start at 10.45am followed by a Crosses will be available for a small
wreath laying ceremony. donation in various venues around
Gateshead including the Civic
• Sunday 13 November: Cenotaph, Prince Consort Road. Service will start at
Centre and the café in Saltwell
10.45am followed by a wreath laying ceremony and a march past.
Towers from Monday 24 October.
• Sunday 13 November: Leave Birtley Community Centre at 10.35am for Birtley It’s hoped that thousands of
Cenotaph for 10.45am service and a wreath laying ceremony. Remembrance Crosses will be
placed on Saturday 29 October
• Sunday 13 November: Meet at Fellside Road, Whickham at 10.30am and
following a dedication ceremony
proceed to the War Memorial for a wreath laying ceremony at 11am, followed by a
at 10.30am attended by the Mayor
service in St Mary’s Church.
of Gateshead, together with other
• Sunday 13 November: Garden of Remembrance, Felling at 10.45am for a short Civic Heads from the North East
service and wreath laying ceremony at 11am (if wet, please make way to St Mary’s and representatives of the Armed
Church at Heworth). Forces.
Information was correct at time of going to print, however may be subject to
slight changes – please check www.gateshead.gov.uk for the latest information,
including a full list of services taking place, or contact the Mayor’s secretary on
0191 433 2011 or email mayorsoffice@gateshead.gov.uk
6 Gateshead Council News Autumn 2016
NEWS
Great Exhibition of the North
NewcastleGateshead is in the running
to host the Great Exhibition of the
North in 2018 after being named as
one of four shortlisted destinations,
together with Bradford, Blackpool and
Sheffield.
The Government launched the
competition for town and cities in the
North earlier this year. The winning
bid will receive funding of £5 million
towards the exhibition, with a further
£15 million in the form of a legacy fund
to attract wider cultural investment.
Carol Bell, culture and major
events director at destination Turner Prize exhibit queue at Baltic
management and marketing agency
NewcastleGateshead Initiative, which NewcastleGateshead is no stranger Shortlisted destinations are being
led the development of the bid said: to hosting major cultural events - the encouraged to use social media to raise
“It’s fantastic news that we’ve made the Turner Prize 2011 saw over 150,000 awareness and enable people to voice
Government’s shortlist to host the Great people visit BALTIC, many from across their support. The NewcastleGateshead
Exhibition of the North in 2018. the UK and abroad. bid team is asking people to include
NewcastleGateshead to host
Inspiring Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and
#GreatNorthExpo2018 in tweets of
“We believe we are the perfect Leisure, Councillor John McElroy added:
support.
destination to host this event. Not only “This once-in-a-generation event gives
do we have a proven track record in a unique opportunity to showcase The bid was led by a consortium of
hosting major festivals and events, we the wealth of art, culture, design and partners including NewcastleGateshead
also have an inspiring story to tell about innovation that already exists and the Initiative, Tyne & Wear Archives
our region; one that celebrates the region is renowned for. We look forward & Museums, North East Cultural
great art, culture, design and innovation to the next phase of the process and Partnership, BALTIC and Sage
that defines the North of England feel sure that we have an engaging bid Gateshead.
today.” for the judging panel.”
Fraud watch
This Autumn the Council begins home residents, personal budgets,
its involvement in the 2016/17 blue badges, residents parking
National Fraud Initiative. Since passes, concessionary travel passes,
1996, approximately £1.17 billion electoral register, insurance claims, You and your
of fraud and overpayments have
been identified nationally by
taxi driver licenses, market trader
licenses and licenses for the supply of local area survey
matching data within, and between, alcohol. Complete our online lifestyle and
participating organisations. satisfaction survey about where
Matches found within our own
We are required to submit data on: data, and between us and other you live, your views on the Council,
housing benefits, council tax, payroll, organisations, are sent back to us to getting involved and waste and
pensions, students eligible for a loan, investigate. recycling services.
housing tenants, housing right to buy, You could win an i-Pad mini or
For further information contact
housing waiting lists, trade creditors’ shopping vouchers.
Tanya Rossington on 0191 433
payment history and trade creditors’
2192 or email tanyarossington@ To take part just go to
standing data, private supported care
gateshead.gov.uk www.gateshead.gov.uk/
viewpoint
The deadline is 30 September
Can I recycle HOLIDAY BROCHURES? 2016.
YES – in your blue bin!
www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 7
NEWS
Danger! Giant Hogweed
If you have Giant Hogweed in your
garden – you’ll know about it! This
ornamental giant is hard to miss - but
Take control
you need to be careful and take steps There are three things
to get rid of it. That’s the advice of the you can do to tackle this
Council which treats or removes any of plant pest – all of which
these plants found on council land. are best started in April
or May.
The reason for this is that this invasive
plant not only prevents native plants Use a herbicide – A
from growing, but it poses a public garden herbicide with
health problem too. It produces a toxic Glyphosate kills plants
sap which reacts to light (particularly when they are small.
sunlight) on the skin which can result Follow the instructions
in a mild rash, watery blisters or even on the packet and check
chronic dermatitis – all of which may after two weeks to make
require a visit to the hospital. sure that all the plants
This is definitely not a plant to have are dying. Re-apply if necessary.
around - especially if you find it in your Cutting – Cutting the plant back repeatedly throughout the season will stop it
garden or in a public space. So what from flowering and it will die eventually. Wear long sleeves and gloves to keep
should you do? the sap off your skin and wash everything afterwards.
If you discover Giant Hogweed on
Digging – If you have only a few plants, dig them up, making sure you cut the
council property please report it
tap root at least 10cm below ground level and shake all the soil from the root.
to us on 0191 433 7000 or email
To prevent any possible spread, do not take the plant away (and don’t put it
customerservices@gateshead.gov.uk
in your garden waste bin). Let it rot, with the roots exposed to dry out. Wear
If it’s on your property – you need to long sleeves and gloves to keep the sap off your skin and wash everything
control it. afterwards.
You can do this yourself or pay someone Whichever treatment you use, check regularly to make sure you have got them
to do it for you. Details are given all. And do the same thing next year. Be thorough and there will be less and less!
opposite on how you can do this.
Gateshead
Can you help? Awards 2016
Vandals have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage across Gateshead.
There’s still time to nominate
Graffiti has appeared over the summer in a number of locations including the someone for a Gateshead Award.
town centre, Bensham and the Shipcote area. These council-led awards are held
The damage will cost the Council thousands of pounds to repair and police are annually to celebrate volunteers,
appealing for help to identify and take action against those responsible. organisations, carers and others
who make an outstanding
Anyone who recognises any of the tags or who has any information is contribution to their community.
asked to contact police on 101 for the attention of Inspector Mick Robson. If you haven’t already nominated
you have until Wednesday 30
November to do so.
Nominate online at
www.gateshead.gov.uk/
gatesheadawards
For more information phone
the Mayor’s secretary on
0191 433 2011 or email
kathrynbreadin@gateshead.
gov.uk
8 Gateshead Council News Autumn 2016
COUNCIL BUDGET
Budget challenge continues
Every Autumn we start to plan our In the last six years we’ve had to make But this is not enough.
budgets for the year ahead. Our current savings of £130 million from our annual
We have a legal duty to set a balanced
budget is around £199 million. But budget. This means we now have £380
budget so we have no choice but to
as we continue to face huge financial per person, per year less to spend on
make further cuts and changes to
pressures, it’s getting harder and harder services than we once did. This has
services that we deliver. In the future
to set a budget that is balanced and fair led to big changes in the way services
the government intend to phase out
to everyone. are delivered and with a further £71.9
our central grant and we will have to
million to save in the next three years,
At a time when more people than ever rely on council tax, business rates and
it will be impossible to continue to give
before need our services, people living fees and charges for our funding.
you the same services we once did.
longer and more children in care, our
This year we took the difficult decision
costs are going up when our main We’ve already changed the way we do
to increase council tax by 3.9%,
source of funding from the government things to cut costs:
although an important contribution to
is going down.
• we now have over 2,000 fewer people our finances it only raises £3 million a
We now receive nearly 50% less money working for us, including half the year so we can not rely on this alone to
from the government than we did in number of senior managers close the financial gap we face over the
2010. Imagine if you lost half of your next few years. If there were no caps on
• we’re raising more money for
income, how would you manage your how much council tax could go up, we’d
Gateshead by building more homes
household budget? How would you have to raise it by 24.5% each year for
and investing in the economy
prioritise what you spent your money three years to help us meet our £71.8
on and what you didn’t? This is the • and we’re working closer with other million gap. Clearly this is not a solution
dilemma we face and it’s not an easy organisations like the NHS to provide so we have to look at all our options.
task. public services.
£130 million already saved since 2010
- what could £130 million have bought?
1,300
three bedroomed
Pay the wages of
5,000 care 5 new bridges to
cross the Tyne 866
refuse vehicles and crews
houses in Gateshead workers (we currently have 10)
We need to save another £71.9 million by 2020, that’s
25x 7x Almost the same
as we spend each year
what we what we spend looking after older
spend on on all looked people and vulnerable
our libraries after children adults
Give your views on our budget proposals
In November, we’ll ask for your views on our budget proposals for 2017/18. There’s bound to be tough choices to make
about services that are important to you so we’re urging as many of you as possible to get involved and have your say.
We want to make sure we make the right decisions for Gateshead and we can only do that by listening to the people who
use our services – you.
The proposals will go live in November, and you can find out more details by visiting www.gateshead.gov.uk/budget
www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 9
LEARNING AND LIFESTYLE
Apply online for your child’s school place
If your child is due to start at a team. You can also access a copy of
Gateshead secondary, primary, infant the admission to schools booklet on
or junior school for the first time in the council’s website which contains
September 2017, you can apply online lots of useful information about the
NOW for the schools of your choice. admissions process.
The closing dates for submitting The online system is easy to use, there’s
application forms are: no risk of your application getting lost
in the post, you receive confirmation
31 October 2016 - for secondary
when we receive your form, and email
school admissions
confirmation of which school your child
15 January 2017 - for primary, infant has been offered on allocation day.
and junior school admissions
Alternatively, you can request a paper
You can apply online at: www. application form from the school
gateshead.gov.uk/schooladmissions admissions team, Dryden Centre,
The online application form will enable Evistones Road, Low Fell, Gateshead,
you to complete your application and NE9 5UR. For more information call
send it direct to the school admissions 0191 433 2756/2757/2109.
Adopt with us Gateshead school
National Adoption Week takes place
uniforms appeal
between 17-23 October and the If your child has outgrown their
need to find families for some of our school uniform and you are having
most vulnerable children remains at a clear out after the summer
the heart of this year’s campaign. But holidays – why not recycle them
support you have
it also aims to paint a true picture of for a good cause?
given us during our
what adoption is actually like today.
adoption journey. Gateshead Council and charity
If you’ve adopted or are going You have been so professional and Changing Lives have come
through the process, or just have a honest whilst also being caring and together in a unique partnership
story to tell, the easiest way to get we have felt prepared for all stages to provide free Gateshead school
involved and show your support is of the process.” uniforms to families who need
via social media and we hope you them and who are referred by the
Adopters are needed from all walks
you’ll use #SupportAdoption to Council’s housing services.
of life to meet the needs of a wide
show that you do!
range of children. All enquiries At the moment stock is limited
In Gateshead, we have 12 children from people aged over 21 will be and demand is high, so there is an
who need your help, so if you’ve ever considered. appeal being made for any good
thought about adoption contact us quality items of uniforms from any
Call 0191 433 6388, email
today and find out more. Gateshead school to be donated
adoptionandfostering@
We’ve a proven track record and gateshead.gov.uk or visit the to the charity’s Jackson Street shop
great feedback from our adopters website www.gateshead.gov.uk/ in the town centre.
including comments such as: “We adoption If anyone has uniform items to
really appreciate all the amazing donate, please drop them into
the Changing Lives shop, Jackson
Street, or the ‘donation station’
at CWL Reception, 1st floor, Civic
Centre. Changing Lives would
Award winning club also be grateful for donations of
clothing, bric-a-brac, carrier bags
The club that keeps on winning! We’ve reported the success of Special and other items they can sell in
Olympics Gateshead many times in Council News – and they’ve done it again. their Gateshead shop.
The club has scooped the ‘Putting People First Personalisation’ award at the
Great Britain Care Awards held in May in Birmingham. Congratulations to all To find out more about the
involved. charity and its work visit
www.changing-lives.org.uk
For more information visit www.specialolympicsgb.org.uk
10 Gateshead Council News Autumn 2016LEARNING AND LIFESTYLE
Wood is good!
A Gateshead based project in Dunston The woodshed’s recent commissions
that transforms people’s lives and helps have included providing 40 timber
the environment at the same time is planters to Catchgate Horticultural and
celebrating its first year of operation. Planter Society (CHAPS) in Stanley, as
well as a number of seats and pieces
The gwk woodshed is run by social
of furniture for Gateshead restaurant,
enterprise Groundwork NE & Cumbria.
Vivere.
It takes waste and surplus timber and
turns it into unique, affordable, high Nursery
quality, indoor and outdoor furniture The gwk nursery, is also on the same
and other products. These are sold at site and open to the public who can
the on-site shop and online in order to buy a range of plants and trees as well
help the charity generate an income. as products from the gwk woodshed.
Since it opened, it has diverted more Both are located on the Gateshead
than 100 tonnes of wood from landfill Nursery site at Whickham Highway,
and achieved sales in excess of £40,000. Dunston, NE11 9RQ. Open Mon-Fri
The gwk workshop
Training 8.30am-4.30pm and Sat 12 noon-4pm.
Its main purpose is to provide training a 38-year-old gwk woodshed volunteer, For more information please
for volunteers and those on work who lives in Blaydon. He said: “I am visit: www.groundwork.org.uk/
placements to help boost their learning so many new skills including sites/northeast or phone 07895
employment prospects by increasing the use of power tools and how to 633 738/0191 460 9508 or email
their skills, knowledge, confidence and design and built a range of garden gwkwoodshed@groundwork.org.uk
self-esteem. People like Micky Stobbart, furniture.”
Golden girl Jill
History corner ST MARY’S
HERITAGE CENTRE
The Bookshop at St Mary’s Heritage “Many of those buildings still exist,
Centre boasts one of the biggest some hidden behind high walls and
selections of local history books in hedges, and the story of their former
the region. To give you a flavour of owners makes fascinating reading.
what’s on offer we asked local history
“Both South Dene Tower and The
librarian Simon Green to review one
Datcha have links to current major
of the books on offer.
players in the film industry, and Former Gateshead College student
Simon chose Bensham Grove hosted many and England and Manchester City
to review illustrious visitors when it was owned footballer Jill Scott (pictured), has
‘Gateshead’s by the Spence-Watsons. been awarded an Association of
Grand Houses Colleges Gold Award - which was
Memories
Revisited’ – this presented to her at the House of
is what he said: “Filled with photographs showing Commons.
the magnificent variety of
“A companion architecture and innovation that was The award celebrates the success
to ‘Gateshead’s brought to bear in creating these of further education students
Grand Houses’, des-res’s, what this book does best and acknowledges the vital role
‘Gateshead’s is to make you look at buildings you that colleges play in building the
Grand Houses might pass every day in a new light foundation of successful careers.
Revisited’ delves deeper into the and evokes those special memories On accepting the award, Jill said:
stately piles that emerged in parts of of the past for present and former “My time at Gateshead College
the town mostly during the Victorian residents of Gateshead.” provided the platform for me to
era.
Gateshead’s Grand Houses progress, and achieve my football
“Industrialists, philanthropists, Revisited is available now from dreams. For that I will always be
and future Mayors chose, until St. Mary’s Bookshop, St Mary’s grateful.”
then, mainly rural parts of the Heritage Centre, Oakwellgate, For more information about the
borough to live, taking advantage Gateshead, priced £4.99. Open awards visit www.aoc.co.uk
of the convenience of the newly laid Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm. For Gateshead College visit
turnpike roads.
www.gateshead.ac.uk
www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 11LEARNING AND LIFESTYLE
Cheers for volunteers New start
A big thank you to everyone who took part in our Gateshead
Volunteers’ Month held in June.
Over 60 events took place to celebrate our volunteers and raise
awareness of volunteering opportunities available across Gateshead.
The month proved a great success with:
· 60 new volunteers being recruited
· £11,691 allocated to groups from the Gateshead Volunteers Month Grant
· A total of 101,170 hours were recorded during the four-week period - equating to
an economic value of £1.3 million Left school in the summer?
You now need to stay in learning,
To find out more about volunteering visit www.gateshead.gov.uk/volunteering education or training up to the
call 0191 433 3255 or email volunteering@gateshead.gov.uk age of 18. But you don’t have to
stay in school.
Help a victim of anti-social behaviour There are a range of options
available and Gateshead
We are looking for volunteers to provide Connexions can help you. If you
a befriending and supporting role for are aged 16 or 17 years old, you
the victims of anti-social behaviour. are entitled to an offer of a suitable
As a volunteer you will receive the place of education or training by
training you need to undertake this the end of September. We call this
role, be supported throughout by a our Gateshead guarantee.
project coordinator, be matched to a Whether it’s an apprenticeship,
particular individual in a particular area, training, further qualifications at
supporting them when needed. school or college, volunteering
The training will start in October with a date to be confirmed with volunteers. or general careers advice, there’s
something for everyone whatever
To register your interest go to www gateshead.gov.uk/asbvolunteer your circumstances. You can
or for more information contact Kate Marshall, the Council’s volunteer continue learning alongside a job
coordinator on 0191 433 3255 email katemarshall@gateshead.gov.uk or volunteering and can combine
learning with responsibilities, like
caring for someone or looking
after your child.
All aboard If you still don’t have an offer
sorted, it is not too late. You
Staff and pupils at Gibside School in can contact Connexions for
Whickham received a VIP visit recently September starts right up to the
when TV star Denise Welch came to beginning of the autumn term.
the school to present it with a specially There’s space for everyone in post-
adapted coach. 16 education this September – we
can guarantee it!
The school which meets the needs
of pupils with profound and multiple To book an appointment
learning difficulties, was delighted with Connexions, call us now
to receive both Denise and the bus on 0191 433 2785. For more
– which was a gift from Variety, the information about Gateshead
Children’s Charity, thanks to a donation Connexions visit www.
from the Bingo Association. connexions-tw.co.uk/gateshead
The coach is fitted with a ramp which
allows easy access for wheelchair users.
Denise said: “This coach will make a
huge difference to these kids’ lives. And Quit for life
not just their lives, but to a lot of parents
who benefit hugely from this coach as With help and support from
well.” Live Well Gateshead, you can
quit smoking for life.
Gibside School has an ‘Outstanding’ rating from Ofsted. For more information
contact the school on 0191 441 0123, gibsideschool@gateshead.gov.uk or visit: Call 0800 014 9092
www.gibsideschool.org
12 Gateshead Council News Autumn 2016AT YOUR SERVICE
Re-cycling old bikes
If you have an old bike that’s seen better Working with our waste contractor
days and the only place it’s headed for SUEZ Recycling and Recovery, and local
is the scrap heap - give it to us and we’ll charity Recyke y’Bike, the Council aims
‘re-cycle’ your cycle! to give your bike a second chance. Social media has become very
Simply bring your unwanted bicycle popular and people of all ages
to Campground Household Waste and enjoy using it for many and varied
Recycling Centre in Wrekenton and the purposes. However, there are some
transformation process will begin. social media pages that are not quite
what they seem. Most especially,
Re-sale there are those which claim you
Firstly, it will be inspected and if it really have a chance of winning a major
is past its sell by date it will go in the prize merely by liking, sharing, and
metals skip for recycling. But if it’s still commenting. This prize could be
fairly serviceable, it will be put to one anything from an Apple I phone to a
side for Byker based Recyke y’Bike to luxury car. However, these claims can
check over to see if they can refurbish it be fraudulent. They are not giving
for re-sale. away the luxury items. The promised
Some of the sturdier bikes could even prizes do not exist and no amount of
be sent to a charity in Colchester which liking, sharing, and commenting will
Giving old bikes a new lease of life supplies projects in Africa with bicycles. give you even the slightest chance of
winning one.
Campground Household Waste and Recycling Centre is on Springwell Road, Social media pages can be part of a
Wrekenton, Gateshead, NE9 7XW. Open Mon-Sun 8am-8pm (until 30 Sept) scam known as ‘like-farming’. Their
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat & Sun 8am-6pm (from 1 Oct-31 Mar). purpose is to swiftly garner a large
For more information call 0191 433 7000 or visit www.gateshead.gov.uk/wrc numbers of ‘likes’. By specifying that
users must like, share, and comment,
the scammers responsible for the
scam ensures that their fraudulent
Care Call material is seen by an ever growing
audience. They effectively turn the
When you are alone, vulnerable and gullible public, who are taken in by
need help – who’re you going to call? these giveaway scams, into their own
Care Call that’s who – the Council’s personal band of spammers.
24/7 service that supports people After the ‘like’ count on the scam
in their own home using the latest pages becomes very large, the
technology and equipment. scammers can then use them
Irene (pictured) is a Care Call assistant tracking so we know where people to launch follow on scams, such
– although based at the Civic are – especially useful if you leave the as survey scams, this time to a
Centre, she is on hand to offer help house and then get lost or confused considerably larger pool of potential
and reassurance to people across about where you are – we can find victims. Alternatively, they may
the borough. She’ll alert a family you.” sell the now heavily ‘liked’ pages to
member, doctor, emergency services, other scammers who will, in turn,
The basic Care Call is free for six repurpose them for their own spam
or can send a Care Call assistant to months for people over 75 and gives
help you if you have a fall. or scam campaigns.
them and their families, peace of
“It’s a great service,” said Irene “people mind and reassurance that help is Scam social media pages likes these
can remain independent, confident available at any time of the day or are very common. Despite a good
in the knowledge that if they have a night. It’s available for any vulnerable deal of publicity about such scams,
fall, or feel unwell, they only have to person – young or old. they continue to find new victims.
press the button on their pendant Don’t be tempted to participate in
If you’d like more information these bogus giveaways just in case
or bracelet and I or one of my about Care Call and how it can
colleagues will respond and help they are legitimate. By doing so, you
help you or a member of your are not only aiding and abetting
them. family, details of how much it scammers, but also exposing your
“I’ve been doing this for 16 years and costs, or you would like a free friends to their fraudulent material.
in that time, the technology on offer demonstration call us on:
has improved in leaps and bounds 0191 478 7666 email For more advice contact our fair
– from the simple pendants to GPS telecarehealth@gateshead.gov.uk trading team on 0191 433 3987
www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 13AT YOUR SERVICE
Library service consultation Help stamp out
A consultation about our library service
hate crime
is currently underway, and if you’ve not Gateshead is a place where people
taken part, we’d love to hear what you from many different backgrounds
think about the options put forward. live, and we want to continue
to make the borough a safe and
It’s really important that
welcoming place, where everyone
we know what you think
feels included.
of our proposals and the
impact they may have on The Council’s community safety
you or your family. We’ve team works with a range of partner
five options for you to agencies and Council services
consider as well as a few to promote awareness of hate
questions about how incidents, including how to report
you use your local library so the service them, support for victims and
reflects and changes in line with what holding perpetrators to account.
people want in the future.
Hate incidents are crimes in which
Over 1,000 people have already people are targeted because of
responded but there’s still time to have “We know that many communities hostility or prejudice towards
your say as the consultation doesn’t end greatly value their libraries, but the that person’s religion, skin colour,
until 8 October. You can do this online Council unfortunately needs to national origin and also disability,
or, you can pick a paper copy up at your consider options for reductions in gender or sexual identity.
local library. service.”
If you believe you have experienced
Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport A series of drop in sessions about these a hate incident, or seen one taking
and Leisure, Councillor John McElroy options have been arranged - see place, you can report it in several
urged as many people as possible to advert on page 35 for details. ways: In an emergency always
take part. He said: “Residents are aware dial 999, or you can contact the
The questionnaire will be available in
of the financial pressures the Council police on 101. You can also ring
all council run libraries until Saturday
continues to face. Since 2010 we’ve had a confidential 24 hour helpline
8 October and an online version
to make £130 million in savings due anonymously on 0191 433 2648
is now available on the Council’s
to Government funding cuts, and this or call in person to designated
website at www.gateshead.gov.uk/
is one reason we need to undertake a reporting centres including
consultations
further review of the library service. Gateshead Civic Centre or The
Gateshead Housing Company
offices.
Victims and witnesses can report
Housing Benefit and Council Tax incidents of hate crime to the
Council, Northumbria Police, The
Support: tell us online Gateshead Housing Company
and Victim Support, which allows
If you want to apply, or if you A change in circumstances could information to be shared and the
currently receive these benefits and include such things as: right action taken.
there has been a change in your Further information visit
• a change in income (eg. earnings,
(or someone in your household’s) www.gateshead.gov.uk/
pensions, a state benefit)
circumstances - we need to know. safergateshead or contact the
• a change in jobs;
The easiest way you can do this is • a change in savings; or Council’s community safety
online from the comfort of your • you move, or someone moves into team on 0191 433 2701.
home at any time of the day. Or you or out of your household.
can come into the Civic Centre and
go online here. We’re offering this
You have a legal duty to tell us of any Show Racism the Red Card
changes and could be prosecuted if Anti-Racism organisation ‘Show
assisted service during September
you don’t. It may also mean you are Racism the Red Card’ is marking its
and October and staff will be on hand
not getting the right benefit or you 20th anniversary this year with a
to help you complete the forms if you
have to repay back benefit, which we variety of events to celebrate and
need it.
will actively recover. remember the achievements of the
Online www.gateshead.gov.uk/benefits organisation.
Visit our assisted service, Gateshead Civic Centre To find out more about the
organisation and what’s planned
Email benefitenquiries@gateshead.gov.uk, or call 0191 433 4646 visit www.theredcard.org
14 Gateshead Council News Autumn 2016AT YOUR SERVICE
Gateshead Dementia Centre
rated‘Outstanding’
We run regular consultations
about our services and other
issues throughout the year. Below
is a summary of the current
consultations.
· Library review
Options survey about the future
of the library service in Gateshead.
Deadline 8 October 2016 (see page
14 for more information).
· Public Space Protection Orders
Comment on proposals to
introduce three Public Space
Enjoying life at Shadon House
Protection Orders to curb bad
behaviour in areas of Gateshead
A relative of someone in Shadon House The CQC made special mention of the Deadline 13 October 2016 (see
recently said that: “The world of the levels of caring, responsiveness and page 4 for more information).
elderly would be a different place if all leadership, and praised the ‘person
care facilities were like Shadon House.” centred culture’ which was ‘firmly · Parks and Open Spaces
And it would seem the Care Quality embedded in the service’. Feedback Survey about the quality and
Commission (CQC) agrees with them. about the service from people with accessibility of open spaces like
dementia and their families was parks, play areas and nature
With only six facilities out of every 1,000 reserves in Gateshead.
found to be highly positive and that
inspected by the CQC receiving an Deadline 30 September 2016.
there was ‘a culture of mutual respect
‘outstanding’ rating, it’s great to report
between people, their families, staff and To take part and give your views
that Shadon House in Birtley is one of
professionals.’ simply visit: www.gateshead.gov.
them.
Professionals also praised Shadon uk/consulationsnew
The centre, which provides short stay
House telling inspectors that the service
assessment and respite support to
had ‘great insight and understanding
people with a dementia condition, or
about people’s needs.’ One added: “The
who have significant memory loss, is
staff are very professional and very
no stranger to awards and accolades.
person centred - day in, day out. I would
It was voted the ‘highest performing
choose this home for my relative.” Why not join over 1,300 Gateshead
care home in Gateshead’ by a leading,
national care home website and was a For more information about Shadon residents and join our online
finalist in the ‘Dignity and Respect Care House call 0191 410 2816 or visit Viewpoint consultation panel?
Home of the Year Award’. www.gateshead.gov.uk For every survey you
complete you’ll be
entered into a prize
draw with the chance
New name, same great service to win anything
from an iPad mini to
Gateshead Advice Centre now has a new name - shopping vouchers.
Citizens Advice Gateshead.
The latest survey is about
Whether you need advice on employment, housing, relationships or benefits, You and Your Local Area
or additional support to access advice services just drop in to its premises on Deadline 30 September 2016
Swan Street (behind Jobcentreplus) Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. You don’t (see page 7 for more information)
need an appointment. Or you can call the service on 0344 245 1288.
To sign up and take part visit:
For more information visit www.gateshead.gov.uk/
www.citizensadvicegateshead.org.uk viewpoint
www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 15AT YOUR SERVICE
Pay online – secure, fast and easy
Gateshead Council has improved and “The new mobile site for payments is Leam Lane, and the need to reduce
extended its online payment system incredible. It’s much easier to use when demand at the Civic Centre, it was
making it easier for you to pay for a paying on my phone” essential to have an accessible and easy
whole range of council services. to use online payments system.
“Very easy to navigate and perfect for
You can pay via your mobile phone, those of us who are often unable to get For more information on the range
laptop or tablet at any time of the day out to make payments.” of online payment services visit
or night, making it easier for you and www.gateshead.gov.uk/pay
“Clear instructions on how to pay, I like
more efficient and cost effective for us.
the scanning of debit card- very quick
And customers using the new system and simple, well done.” You will NOT be able to
say the changes have really made a pay rent, council tax or
Last year only around 26% of payments other payments at the
difference. They’ve told us:
were made online – the rest were either following housing offices
cash, cheque or through phone calls. from the dates stated.
Council Leader Martin Gannon said: Details of the options available
“We identified that we needed to to you for payment are available
improve our online payment system from the relevant office or visit
in order to encourage more people to www.gatesheadhousing.co.uk/
use this option rather than continue to pay-rent
use the more expensive options such as
cheques or cash transactions. Birtley - from 30 September
Leam Lane - from 21 October
“And with the imminent closure of
payment counters at Gateshead Blaydon - from 28 October
Housing Offices at Birtley, Blaydon and
New look school dinners Local council tax
If your child stays for school dinners in more emphasis on fresher, healthier support
Gateshead’s primary schools they’ll be ingredients. Items such as brown rice
tucking into a whole new menu when and wholemeal flour have now become Our Local Council Tax Support
they return to school. part of the menu, though it’s been done Scheme gives people on a low
in such a way that it’s unlikely that the income help towards their council tax.
Among the freshly prepared new dishes
children will even notice! We are reviewing the scheme from
on offer are creamy chicken and chick
The 2016 menu has been devised
1 April 2017 to take into account
pea curry with rice, nan and fresh raita;
loaded potato shells with mixed salad by Gateshead School Catering’s the continuing reduction in funding
leaves and cucumber and tomato salsa; development chef Marek Blonski who the Council receives from central
individual minced beef wellingtons has gone through the whole school government and national changes
with mashed potatoes and seasonal menu and identified ways to make to the welfare system. We want to
vegetables, and warm falafel flatbreads everything look and taste better – and make sure our scheme remains
with jewelled rice. provide a lot more nutrition. sustainable, continues to reflect its
underlying principles and provides
There have been subtle improvements Cabinet Member for Children and
support to the people who need help.
elsewhere in the menu too, with careful Young People, Councillor Angela
reductions in hidden sugar content, Douglas said: “We are passionate You can give your views on
more fresh fruits and salads, and about providing children with the best possible changes to the scheme
possible diet to get them through a from Thursday 15 September
busy school day, but we also think it’s at www.gateshead.gov.uk/
important to teach children that healthy benefits or email benefitsviews@
nutritious food can taste fantastic, too. gateshead.gov.uk.
The eating habits that children acquire You can also attend a focus group
at primary age will be with them for the on Wednesday 12 October from
rest of their lives so it’s essential that we 6-8pm or Thursday 20 October
help establish good habits early.” from 2-4pm at Gateshead Civic
Details of the new menu are now Centre, to book a place call 0191
available on our website 433 3168. A paper copy of the
www.gateshead.gov.uk/school survey can also be obtained from
meals this number on request.
16 Gateshead Council News Autumn 2016JOBS AND ECONOMY
Investing and improving
Despite facing financial pressures
Gateshead Council continues to
invest in a range of major projects to
improve the lives of people living in the
borough.
During the last financial year 2015-16,
our £54 million investment programme
included:
· almost £18 million of investment
in housing, including ongoing
improvements to more than 1,100
existing council properties.
· £9 million of investment in carbon
management and sustainability
including solar panels on key council
buildings including the Civic Centre.
· £6 million of investment in transport Investing in your homes
infrastructure, including highway
maintenance schemes and Council Leader Martin Gannon said: the Council and partners Home Group
sustainable transport improvements. and Galliford Try – we are constructing
We are an ambitious 67 new homes at Bensham and Saltwell
· more than £5 million of
improvements to schools. council, despite the serious and Birtley.”
Innovative
financial challenges we
Key projects include the innovative face. We continue to invest
District Energy Scheme, which will in long-term projects that
generate low-carbon heat and power
locally for supply to public buildings,
will improve the lives of our
homes and businesses in Gateshead residents and businesses,
town centre. including affordable
Our Accelerated Development Zone housing and transport
which is helping to generate economic
growth at Gateshead Quays and Baltic infrastructure.
Business Quarter has benefited from “We are continuing to encourage
£2.6 million of investment. housing growth and development in
Gateshead. During 2015/6 we provided
£2 million in loan finance to Keelman
Homes to develop new affordable
family homes. Through the Gateshead
Regeneration Partnership – involving Investing in businesses
Taste of success
Farmer Danny Turner’s farm shop and café near Crawcrook has been named as
the best start up business in the North East Rural Awards.
The business, which opened last autumn, has proved popular with both visitors
and local people and has enjoyed a very busy summer. Danny is offering
a range of food and produce using some of the 5,000 free range eggs he
produces on the farm every day.
Daniel Farm can be contacted at danielfarmwylam@aol.com
or on 07764 685 352.
Investing in our environment
www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 17JOBS AND ECONOMY
Energy Centre Get safe online
The internet can be a great place
to find out new information, shop,
bank or keep in touch with friends,
but it can also leave people open
to crime. And as statistics show
that over half of the UK has been
targeted by online criminals, it’s
important to know how to stay
safe online.
Get Safe Online are running two
events in the Metrocentre to help
people to better understand
the threat of online crime, raise
awareness of internet security and
encourage confident, safe use of
the internet.
The Great North Gateshead 10k run took the newentre into its route back in July. The events, which are supported
by Northumbria Police, will
Anyone driving along Quarryfield thermal stores which will provide hot take place in Exhibition Square
Road in Gateshead recently, not far water at the Metrocentre on Friday
from Gateshead College, might have 30 September and Saturday 1
Self-financing October between 10am and 9pm.
wondered about this futuristic looking
building taking shape. The scheme is expected to help attract Experts will be there to discuss all
new businesses to the area, thanks your needs around online safety
This is the Gateshead District Energy to low energy prices and its green
Centre, the first of its kind and scale in including shopping, finance,
credentials, using the latest low carbon social media, keeping children
the North East and the latest in a long technology. As well as ensuring homes
line of iconic buildings in the borough. safe, running a business and
and businesses see reduced energy protecting your devices. You can
The centre is an important energy bills, the project is expected to be fully even take in your computers and
project that will cut bills and carbon self-financing. mobile devices to discuss online
emissions for homes and businesses The Energy Centre will be providing safety and security and take part
in the centre of Gateshead. It will allow heat and power to its first customers in a competition to see who can
heat and electricity to be generated – one of which is nearby Gateshead achieve the best lap time in a
locally and fed directly to public College – by the end of this year. Formula 1 simulator.
buildings, businesses and local homes.
Those purple cylinders are actually www.gateshead.gov.uk/energy
Thinking about starting your own business?
Do you have an idea you want to turn Whether you are just thinking of Our advisers will help you to put your
into a business but are unsure how to working for yourself or you have already ideas on paper and plan what you want
go about it? taken the plunge, the Council’s business to do and how you can achieve it.
advisors can help with free advice and
Before you do anything, pay a visit to To talk to someone about starting
information to help you on your way.
the new business support pages of our your own business contact a
website at www.gateshead.gov.uk When you contact us we will assess business advisor on 0191 433 2037,
your needs, explain how we can or email economicdevelopment@
You’ll find lots of information on all
help and, if necessary, direct you to gateshead.gov.uk
aspects of starting and running a
other organisations that can provide
business including:
additional support.
· Writing a business plan
Advisors
Can I recycle
· Finding premises
Even if you don’t yet have a business
MARGARINE TUBS?
· Researching the market
· Dealing with HMRC idea, we can work with you to explore YES – in your blue bin!
· Keeping records your strengths and your interests.
18 Gateshead Council News Autumn 2016You can also read
