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This article is paid for by Bridging Newcastle Gateshead
Bridging NewcastleGateshead is working to create great places to live in parts of Newcastle and Gateshead. Want to know more? Visit www.bridgingng.org.uk, email info@bridgingng.org.uk or call 0191 277 2666.
Bridging NewcastleGateshead gets top government rating
The Bridging NewcastleGateshead (BNG) partnership has been given the top rating in a review by government watchdog the Audit Commission. Rated as ‘performing strongly’, it is the second time running that BNG, which is a partnership of Newcastle and Gateshead councils and other public and private sector organisations, has been given the top mark.
BNG was praised for its work to come up with plans for different areas which include housing as well as shops and other services. In addition, BNG’s work on consulting residents, and supporting communities, was rated highly.
Anne Mulroy, BNG’s Director said: “This top rating shows that we are making great progress in our work to create great places to live. We are committed to improving the local housing market, benefiting thousands of residents.”
What’s happening in the West End?
Youngsters in Scotswood have been having a big say on the play space planned for their area. Supported by the Scotswood neighbourhood wardens and the Play Service, the children took part in a weekend field trip at Whithaugh Park in Northumberland. During the trip, the children worked to come up with creative ideas on the type of play space they would like to see. They then carried out a model making exercise to build the play space area they want.
A week of action in the High Cross area of Benwell in October saw residents and officers working together to improve the area. Many different activities took place throughout the week, including neighbourhood wardens and police community support officers distributing window and door alarms. The graffiti team was also on hand, clearing graffiti from back lanes along with the rapid response teams clearing rubbish from the area.
During the week, the Benwell Neighbourhood Management Initiative, who organised the week, spent time asking local residents about their views of the area. The week was a huge success and a big thank you to everyone who took part.
What’s happening in the East End?
Walker Riverside staff have been working to raise pupils awareness of building site safety. Pupils from St Anthony’s, Wharrier Street, St Vincent’s, Tyneview and West Walker Primary Schools, went on a visit to Safety Works.
The children also took part in a competition to design posters reminding others of the dangers on building sites. Hundreds of poster designs were entered and one winner and one runner-up were selected from each school, winning vouchers. The winning posters have gone on display around Walker, to continue the promotion of site safety.
The new show home at Hibernia Village in Walker Riverside has opened.
143 new homes are due to be built in total; prices start from £145,000 for a three bedroom house. There are schemes and incentives to help people afford to buy the homes, available for first time buyers and those wanting to move up the ladder.