mattwi1s0n

Who Cares?

Almost all of us will know someone who requires the support of someone in a caring role, or perhaps we need that help personally. Care workers can be a lifeline to the elderly and disabled. Yet, in recent years the sector has been under a lot of pressure and solutions have been needed… In myContinue reading “Who Cares?”

Road Safety is a real issue

This week, instead of just writing an article and adding a photo I thought I would actually take you to a particular part of the ward, Billy Mill Avenue, to illustrate a point about road safety. A lot of residents get in touch with me about the speed of traffic around the ward. I’ve beenContinue reading “Road Safety is a real issue”

Cost of Living Support

All of us have been feeling the effect of rapidly rising prices throughout last year, which is showing little signs of slowing down in 2023. For many residents the pressure is becoming too much to bear. Here on Tyneside we’re known for our resilience and good sense of humour even during difficult times. This hasContinue reading “Cost of Living Support”

Next Year’s Budget Agreed

On Thursday I took my seat at the official meeting of the Full Council to debate and vote on the council’s budget for the next financial year, 2023-2024. As always, the annual budget meeting was preceded by numerous other meetings, debates and briefings stretching back months. This was the fourth time I’ve been through theContinue reading “Next Year’s Budget Agreed”

Planting New Trees

This week I’ve been dealing with a number of tree planting requests. Are there any locations you think would be suitable for new trees? As part of Mayor Norma Redfearn’s environmental plan the targets for tree-planting have been massively increased. Most of the new trees will be planted in out-of-town locations. For example, my familyContinue reading “Planting New Trees”

Update on QA College site

Last week one of the most important meetings I attended was a briefing on the future of the Queen Alexandra College site in North Shields. It was a “closed meeting” so I’m unable to disclose all that was said. However, we did agree some headlines that all involved were comfortable to be shared in theContinue reading “Update on QA College site”

New Cops for North Shields

Last week I had a catch up meeting with the Northumbria Police Inspector for North Shields. She had some good news… 3 new cops for North Shields! Our Police have my utmost respect for all the difficult work they do – seen and unseen. I’m sure most residents feel the same. You will also beContinue reading “New Cops for North Shields”

Levelling Down

This week I attended Full Council, the formal meeting where council business is conducted and political priorities are debated. As always, I was pleased to speak up for the people of the area on a number of issues. The most feisty part of the evening was the debate around the issue of ‘Levelling Up’. JustContinue reading “Levelling Down”

Education focus: Early Years + Home Schooling

This week I had my first 2023 meeting at the Children, Education and Skills sub-committee. The two main agenda items were Early Years and Home Schooling, both fascinating topics. Here’s a summary… Early Years Ambition. It’s been proven time and again that, pound for pound, investment in a child’s early years tends to outperform otherContinue reading “Education focus: Early Years + Home Schooling”

How to contact me in 2023

As a local councillor dealing directly with resident issues and enquiries is at the heart of what I do… Most people tend to contact me using my official council email address which is matt.wilson@northtyneside.gov.uk. However, some matters are a bit too complicated to convey by email, and some people don’t have access to email, soContinue reading “How to contact me in 2023”