Before I sign off for the next week I’d like to take a minute to wish all the canny folk of Shields a very very Merry Christmas. And a special thanks to those of you who won’t be getting much of a break because of the important work you do keeping things ticking over forContinue reading “Merry Christmas one and all”
Category Archives: Community
Icy Weather Issues
As the cold ‘snap’ has dragged on into something longer the challenges for local people and for the council have increased. North Shields has been stuck in freezing conditions for over a week now, recognised by the triggering of cold weather payments to those eligible. We all face the challenge of keeping our homes warm,Continue reading “Icy Weather Issues”
Christmas Markets Success
It was great to see so Northumberland Square and Howard Street full of hustle, bustle and merriment yesterday. The Christmas Markets are back in North Shields town centre this weekend and yesterday I went along with my wife to buy some Christmas gifts for family members. It was lovely to see the newly regenerated heritageContinue reading “Christmas Markets Success”
Stop Press! No really!!
This week was the first time I’ve ever had to literally call “Stop Press” in the middle of a print job… Three times a year, together with my ward colleague Cllr Cath Davis, I produce a local newsletter called the ‘Preston Press’. It’s another part of our commitment to keep local residents in the loopContinue reading “Stop Press! No really!!”
New-look Northumberland Square opens
It’s great to see the completion of the council’s regeneration of Northumberland Square in North Shields town centre. The new-look square re-opened just in time for the August bank holiday weekend, with the first event being held on Monday. Hundreds of local people enjoyed a range of musical acts and stalls as part of theContinue reading “New-look Northumberland Square opens”
Weed Treatment Overdue?
Keeping our area looking its best involves the council’s environment team undertaking quarterly spraying of weeds. I need your help to tell me if your area has been done yet. This week I’ve been following up on local concerns that some streets are seeing excessive weed growth that has become quite unsightly. I was providedContinue reading “Weed Treatment Overdue?”
Is impatience a virtue?
This morning I went into Gateshead to listen to Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer give a speech about his vision for Britain. There was a lot of great content in the speech and the headlines are already being run on the news, so I won’t dwell on them. It was actually a small pointContinue reading “Is impatience a virtue?”
Ward Walkabout with Council + Capita
In this edition of Wilson’s Weekly I’ll be updating you on my recent ward walkabout with senior managers from North Tyneside Council and their contracted partners, Capita. When it comes to helping others to understand what’s going on in our community I think the best way to is simply to show them. That’s why periodicContinue reading “Ward Walkabout with Council + Capita”
Improving the Parking Strategy
On Monday of this week I attended the council’s “Overview and Scrutiny” committee. For those unfamiliar with the internal workings of the council this is a cross-party group of 15 elected councillors. Our task is to look closely at the implementation and impact of the practical things the council is doing and the policy decisionsContinue reading “Improving the Parking Strategy”
Community Spirit shines for the Queen’s Jubilee
What a great weekend it’s been as around the ward street parties have been held to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Official street parties organised by groups of neighbours took place over Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The occasion proved a fantastic opportunity for neighbours who might not usually get beyond a “hello” inContinue reading “Community Spirit shines for the Queen’s Jubilee”