Ahead of the North Jesmond by-election on August 28th, JesmondLocal is profiling each of the five candidates for councillor in North Jesmond. The fourth of our five days of profiles, the Green Party representative.

Shehla Naqvi

Early career

I’ve lived in Newcastle for moer than 20 years since graduating from Leeds. Much of my early career has been in the field of community engagement and tackling health inequalities across the city. I worked at the Newcastle Healthy Cities Project and led mental health service developments in the NHS and in partnership with MIND. I trained as psychotherapist and helped introduce training programmes to encourage more inclusive approaches in therapeutic work.

Why the Greens?

Because it makes personal sense. Green is about the ‘common good’ of our communities and society as a whole. I feel strongly it is a party with real integrity because it places our humanity and relationship with the world at the heart of social, environmental and economic policy. For example no other party is talking about climate change, nor promoting real policy change like the Greens. We can’t combat the adverse impact of environment damage unless we work together. Individuals can gradually change their lifestyles, and at a local level they are helped by being part of groups such as Transition, which has a branch in Jesmond and Newcastle. Working together on these questions strengthens the whole premise of community.

What’s the biggest issue facing North Jesmond, and how would you try to tackle it?

Jesmond has a fantastic community spirit and it is also not hermetically sealed from the outside world. Climate Change is one of the worst environmental hazards facing human society and the rest of the biosphere. Locally, car congestion, over consumerism, inadequate cycling and pedestrian routes plus not enough bus services is a problem. I would engage all stakeholders in our community including Newcastle Cycling Campaign and Living Streets to fulfil their ideas and build on proposals to improve the quality of our urban space and air! Also, an over development of housing in our ward is unacceptable and requires tighter regulation. Climate change is an overriding concern, more so because we can’t ‘see’ it. More than any other party, the Green’s are championing this and it’s not too late to help make a difference.

Transport is a key issue in Jesmond: what, if anything, needs to be done?

We do need to improve our public transport. In recent years, the bus companies in the North East have made cuts and changes to services that have angered many passengers. The No.33 is a prime example. The’ Quality Contracts Scheme’ would help cap bus fares, make travel more affordable and open more routes, but we could take this further and this where local businesses and universities can contribute. We could have a free ‘hop on’ bus service for students between Jesmond and the university or the Haymarket. For families, individual workers, students and our elders, cycle path routes and walkways can also easily be improved with 7 simple and sensible city wide cycle routes to counter the existing impenetrable but strangely ‘official’ city council cycle map.

What is your stance on Acorn Road? Should all of Jesmond be asked about its future?

I’m in favour of pedestrianisation of Acorn Road but also appreciate the Sustsrans scheme as a compromise. I strongly believe that all residents should be asked, not just North Jesmond residents. The Lib Dem councillors have said that only North Jesmond are stakeholders. This is incorrect. The community as whole should be consulted on both proposals. Acorn Road is at the heart of local trade and leisure and used by all our residents however they choose to travel there.

Many residents highlight issues with bin collections: what is your suggestion to deal with refuse?

I would like to see a contractual social/environmental agreement between landlords, estate agents and universities to tackle refuse left in back lanes. We cannot blame students per se! I would work closely with university student environmental officers and help ‘implement’ the student charter and publicise good work. The council should not ride rough shod about communal bins. I think its unreasonable to oppose this outright until we can gauge the impact. A few minutes away, Helmsley Road back lane in Sandyford is impeccable in following its use of communal bins! The Greens are running a door-to-door pilot in Heaton, as well as an online petition set up to be submitted to landlords and estate agents. Interestingly, a Lib Dem online petition, started 10 days after ours! Greens are used to having their good ideas appropriated, and to an extent that is a compliment, but elect us and let us see them through!

Should the interaction between older residents and students be improved? How so?

Definitely. How many of us know who are neighbours are? Half our Jesmond population are in their early twenties but we also have an ageing population who have made great contributions to the fabric of Jesmond society. We can work with the universities more closely to promote information/talks/events not just at the library but in our local cafes, at hotel venues that are more commonly used to hosting stag parties.

Are letting boards a problem? If so, how can they be handled?

They are an eye sore. I know the JRA support a complete ban and we are in favour of this as are most local residents and we await the inspectors report eagerly.

How could you support local businesses in Jesmond, if elected?

By helping them engage with local residents in an economically and environmentally supportive way. 67% of consumers don’t actually use the shops by car. North Jesmond doesn’t seem to have a business consortia unlike other parts of the city. I would introduce a league table of business contribution to their community and I’m not just talking about Waitrose and Tescos who have a global infrastructure behind them. Saints Cafe on Brentwood Avenue for example do a lot of good work with West Jesmond Primary school.

How would you improve communication between residents and elected representatives?

The existing structure of ward committees isn’t enough. How many people are politically engaged in North Jesmond? perhaps 5%. We need to create opportunities before issues become conflictual. Councillors can do much more to help create dialogue, to listen and learn. We must be unified for the common good of our community on issues such as: energy, climate change, the elderly, our streets, positively engaging with young people, gardening initiatives, landscape improvement, allotment schemes etc. I am a local resident keen and committed to serve my ward with Green heart and soul.