Photo by Quan Ha, under Creative Commons licence

During the weekend of the 28^th and 29^th of January, bikes were stolen from the rear yards of houses on Lonsdale Terrace and Osborne Road, while another bike was stolen from a garden in Ashleigh Grove. The cycle-thieving spree continued on Monday 30^th January, when at 2:30pm the police received another report of a bike being stolen outside a house on Hazelwood Avenue.

A further bike was stolen between 12:45pm and 1pm on the same Monday, when a bike secured in the street on Hutton Terrace had its bike lock cut through.

The offenders in the Hutton Terrace theft are described as both being white and thought to be wearing bulky clothing with hoods. What might have seemed unusual was that they would have probably been carrying the bike, which is black in colour with red and white graphics - the entire seat had been removed from the bike by the owner before leaving it secured on the street.

The offenders left the scene at Hutton Terrace and walked towards Portland Terrace. The police are appealing for any information and reminding cyclists to be vigilant.

Neighbourhood Inspector Louise Cass-Williams said: "It is vital bike owners make sure their property is secured. This includes locking it to an immovable object, even if leaving it only for a few seconds, and using a D-lock rather than a chain.

"Bikes are often stolen from people's gardens and yards, so when it's unattended around their own property people should still lock it, even when it's inside the shed or garage. Unfortunately opportunist thieves will take advantage if they see a bike insecure and unattended. It is important people follow advice to keep their property safe.

"We've been running an operation to ensure cyclists have security information to prevent further offences and to identify suspects and make arrests. This operation will continue to target those responsible and have them dealt with appropriately."

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 ext 69191, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The school is aiming to gain an eco-school classification which consists of three awards, with the ultimate being gold. To achieve this, the school must fulfil a nine-topic action plan that includes energy, water, biodiversity, school grounds, healthy living, transport, litter, waste and global citizenship.

For the global citizenship topic, the school is focusing on climate change, with the concept that everyone can do their part to reduce their carbon footprint. As for waste the school has a reinforced recycling policy, alongside fruit composts which the students manage. In the same way the school runs a gardening club to complete the topic of school grounds. To reduce transport emissions the school encourages both cycling and walking with a newly established cycle path. The school is reinforcing healthy living by prohibiting chocolate in packed lunches, and providing fruit in afternoon class.

Amy Henderson, an eco-group volunteer, says that "Ultimately, the school is aiming to achieve the gold award, and is working very hard to do so. Both students and staff attend weekly eco-group meetings in an attempt to reduce the school’s eco-footprint, and so far it has been a great success."

Members of staff say they are hoping that forthcoming events will be as successful as Eco-Week last summer term. Activities the school have previously pursued include trips to a recycling plant, an assembly on water given by Oxfam and a bicycle recycling day where pupils had the opportunity to sell their unwanted bike or exchange with others.

The school is currently working towards a "Green Day" planned for the 25^th May, and hopes it will have been granted gold by the end of the school year.

Written by Catherine Laidler and Graham Rutt, and dedicated to the memory of Peter Rooney, the panto is based on Charles Perrault’s Le Maistre Chat, ou Le Chat Botté – more famously known as Puss in Boots.

Image credit with thanks: St George's Church

The plot revives Perrault’s fairy tale about a cat’s unusual abilities to manipulate minds, orchestrate conspiracies and employ trickery in order to obtain wealth for his poor master. The story portrays the four legged protagonist's determination and the way he plans, pursues and ultimately accomplishes his goals of finding a wealthy royal bride for his master. His only request in order to accomplish his mission: a pair of boots.

Graham Rutt, co-writer and co-director of Cat in Wellies told JesmondLocal: “As always, the writers of the annual St George's and St Hilda's pantomime have used their imagination to its fullest extent.

"It is an amateur production in which anyone who wants a part is given one. The humour and the obvious fun the cast themselves have are infectious”.

The pantomime will be performed at the Church Hall on Friday 3^rd of February at 7.30pm and on Saturday 4^th February at 3.00pm and 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5 and can be purchased from the parish office of St George’s Church between 9.30am and 12.30pm, from  Monday to Friday.

“This is a show that will warm up those cold winter nights, even if, by the time it is performed, the plot has several twists and turns that poor old Perrault never intended...” adds Rutt.

For more information, contact St George’s office on 0191 281 1659 or email at office@stgeorgesjesmond.org.uk

A number of concerns have blighted the proposed development, which is still under consideration by the council’s Planning Committee. Foremost among these is the presence of a Grade II * listed building – Jesmond Towers – on the site. Jesmond Action Group has pointed out that this rating puts Jesmond Towers in the same category as the gardens surrounding Buckingham Palace.

Residents have argued that the development would contravene Statement 5 of the government’s Planning Policy Statements, specifically policies HE9 and HE10. Under these guidelines, planning authorities must favour the preservation of heritage assets and consider the effect of any development on the surrounding area.

The building would be preserved under the plans and converted into 10 apartments; however the development would involve significant encroachment onto the curtilage of the listed building and would have a significant effect on its surroundings.

Furthermore, the site of the proposed development is within the Jesmond Dene Conservation Area and is therefore protected under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. The council must consider the area’s character statement when assessing any planning application and residents have argued that Shepherd Offshore’s proposals do not fall in line with the character of the area.

The proposals do not include a social housing element. By the council’s own planning policy, any new development involving the construction of 15 or more homes must include a 25 percent social housing provision, although on occasion a financial contribution may be made in lieu of this. However, in this case Shepherd Offshore has stated that there are no funds available for a financial contribution and the council will bear this in mind when making its decision.

Supporters of the development say it will create jobs, encourage families to move to the area, regenerate the site and help support the upkeep of Jesmond Towers.

Monday night’s meeting saw numerous points raised by local residents. Some, including a member of Jesmond Action Group, expressed the concern that the initial plans might represent a tactical move by Shepherd Offshore to propose a relatively large development, expecting it to be rejected, before returning to the table with a reduced proposal, hoping residents would not fight it a second time.

Several residents raised concerns about the effects the plans would have on traffic in the local area. SAJ Transport Consultants, operating on behalf of Shepherd Offshore, said their research indicated that traffic volumes would be less in the morning than when the site was a school, but greater in the evening. The research they undertook did not take into account the impact on pedestrians.

Jesmond Action Group urged people to make their views known to the council in writing and praised the articulate contributions of all those who attended the meeting. The council’s Development Management officer Billy Browell encouraged people to make representations and said that if they justified their support or objections with reasoned arguments, their views would have a significant bearing on the council’s decision.

The official period for the public consultation ends 27^th January, but the council will accept written representations for another 10 days at least. It is hoped the final decision will be made by the Planning Committee before 6^th April.

The land was originally bought by Shepherd Offshore in 2009 after La Sagesse school closed. As the owners of a listed building, they are obliged to maintain it and argue that the development is necessary to finance this.

The number of offences committed in Jesmond from September to December last year rose considerably, prompting Northumbria Police to implement Operation Tailback - an initiative that has resulted in dozens of arrests and the recovery of stolen property.

But another strand of the campaign is to ensure residents, including students, are given advice on the prevention of further thefts, as many have occurred because of doors or windows simply being left open.

Neighbourhood Inspector Louise Cass-Williams told JesmondLocal: "Burglars know student homes have equipment in them and with everyone returning from their winter break they may have new items they were given for Christmas as well.

"It's absolutely vital students don't advertise their property to thieves. Tips include making sure doors to their room and house are locked, windows are secure and timer lights are set to come on during the afternoon and night when they might be out, so it looks like someone is in.

"They shouldn't leave any empty boxes in the garden or yard and should make sure no valuable items are left in view or reach of windows and doors, this is particularly relevant if the student lives in a ground floor room.

"The operation includes undercover and high profile patrols at key times, property marking events and the use of posters, leaflets and Bluetooth to get the security message across.

"We're also working hard to trace burglars and have them dealt with appropriately to prevent offences from happening and we've had some good success in relation to this."

For more information about crime prevention advice, or to get your property marked, contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101 ext 69191.

Image courtesy of www.asyoulikeitjesmond.com

As Newcastle’s "restaurant week" draws to a close, Jesmond diners have a couple of days left to take advantage of offers at one of the area's better-known restaurants, As You Like It, where food lovers have the chance to dine out for £10 pounds per person. The deal includes two courses from As You Like It’s "restaurant week" menu.

As You Like It manager Murray Greer told JesmondLocal that the restaurant has a strong relationship with the Alive After Five initiative, which has led to the city centre’s shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues staying open past five o’clock in the evening.

As You Like It participated in last year's restaurant week, and Greer says that this year has been even more successful.

The number of participating restaurants has increased since last year - more than 20 Newcastle restaurants have taken part in 2012.

Aside from "restaurant week", other restaurants in Jesmond are currently offering other meal deals:  Scalini’s, the Fat Hippo, Louis and Sale Pepe each offers a selection of one, two, and three course meals at discount prices. Student and Jesmond resident Lucy Waltho, 23, who has taken advantage of some of these deals, told JesmondLocal that they enable her to dine out without breaking the bank. “It’s good value for money,” she said.

Follow these links for more information:

http://www.newcastlegateshead.com/whats-on/ne1-restaurant-week-p582551

http://www.get-into-newcastle.co.uk/Restaurant-Week

The standards will relate to various aspects of community life - from crime and safety to waste disposal and tidiness of public spaces.

Details of whether each ward is meeting the required standard will be published on at least an annual basis, so that citizens can hold the council to account.

The plans also include new ways of gathering the relevant information, such as "walkabouts" with local councillors and residents to help identify which areas need improvement.

The proposals come as part of a move to devolve more responsibilities and funds to ward level and increase local participation.

Claire Hodgson, the council’s community engagement empowerment officer, addressed the North Jesmond ward committee meeting last week (Wednesday 18th January), outlining the purpose of the exercise and encouraging residents to contribute their views.

However, North Jesmond councillor Peter Breakey questioned the value of trying to establish standards. He said people know intuitively what constitutes a decent neighbourhood, but that the difficulty lies in the practicality of delivering it.

The meeting heard residents' concerns about bins blocking the street behind the shops on St George's Terrace, a lack of lighting outside West Jesmond Metro station and the absence of traffic calming measures on Queen's Road: all matters that might be relevant to the consultation.

The council has been noncommittal on much of the detail of the initiative, seemingly relying on residents’ input. The document that outlines the proposals contains numerous questions for those wanting to contribute their views.

The next step will be for Hodgson to meet with the ward committee and establish the best way to engage the largest number of local people. Residents at the ward committee meeting were supportive of letters and street surveys as a means of achieving this.

The consultation is likely to go on for three months, but may take longer if necessary. Anyone wishing to contribute their ideas should email letstalk@newcastle.gov.uk or write to FREEPOST, Let’s Talk Newcastle.

Photograph by Alex Liivet under Creative Commons Licence

A council representative addressed residents at this week’s South Jesmond ward committee meeting, saying their views are being sought to help decide where the money can be saved.

The council has produced a set of proposals for cuts, charges and efficiency savings, which are under consultation until March when councillors will vote on them. Cllr David Hardman called on South Jesmond residents to contribute their views, so that councillors can make the right decisions when coming to vote.

One proposal includes devolving more of the council’s functions to ward level, meaning Jesmond residents could be in a better position to provide input to decisions affecting their area.

As a result, ward funding would increase by 45%, although this would be offset by the cost of having to provide more services.

The council does not intend to close local libraries, but the mobile library service would be scrapped under the proposals.

Representatives of the Vale House Tenants Association expressed their disappointment at the plans, pointing out the difficulty of accessing library facilities from Jesmond Vale. Councillors mooted an outreach scheme from Jesmond Library as a possible solution.

The council also intends to save £6.2 million in the provision of social care, its biggest expenditure. This will mean imposing upper limits on high-cost care and seeking greater efficiency through integration with the NHS and the commissioning of alternative providers.

Other proposals include introducing an annual charge of £20 for garden waste collection, reductions in senior management at the council and more efficient use of council buildings.

Residents can contribute to the consultation through the website Let’s Talk Newcastle, by emailing letstalk@newcastle.gov.uk, or by writing to FREEPOST let’s talk Newcastle. There will also be a consultation event at Ouseburn Community Centre between 6 and 8pm on 31^st January.

The relevant documents are available on the council’s website, including the draft budget proposals and A fair budget for a fairer city, which outlines the financial context of the cuts and the proposals being put forward. Paper copies are also available in Jesmond Library.

The need for £30 million of savings comes as a result of a £13.3 million cut in the council’s Formula Grant from central government, and various other pressures including reductions of income, greater demand for services and high inflation driving up costs.

The cuts come on top of a £44 million reduction in this year’s budget.

Photo by by smlp.co.uk under Creative Commons Licence

Over the festive period there was a spate of arrests linking men to burglaries committed during late December and early January.

On 30^th December, a 30-year-old man was arrested for a burglary in North Tyneside and it is believed he may be linked to recent burglaries in the Jesmond and Heaton areas. Also on the 30^th of December, police stopped a man at Heaton Grove in Heaton after he was found in a rear lane carrying bags which had inside a DVD player and other items.

The 36-year-old was arrested on suspicion of theft and has been bailed while enquiries continue. Enquiries are being made to see if the property is linked to any recent offences in the area.

Another man was arrested in connection with five burglaries which happened on Thursday 5^th January, at Saint George's Close, Thornleigh Road, Forsyth Road, Brentwood Gardens, and Eskdale Terrace, all in Jesmond.

He was arrested after being pro-actively stopped by police who saw him on a bike at Brentwood Avenue. The police recovered a games console and jewellery which had been stolen in the burglaries.

The burglary operation - codenamed Tailback - has seen dozens of arrests made and property recovered since it began in September.

Neighbourhood Inspector Louise Cass-Williams said: "Operation Tailback was launched in response to an increase in burglaries in the east of Newcastle, particularly the Jesmond and Heaton areas.

"It involves high profile and covert patrols, operations, and work to identify and arrest suspects and recover stolen property. It's also aimed at preventing burglaries from happening in the first place by tackling those responsible and ensuring residents have the appropriate crime prevention advice.

"Residents should make sure their homes are safe and secure at all times with doors and windows locked and should, during the darker afternoons and evenings, have timer lights to come on.

"They should ensure they report anything unusual or suspicious in their neighbourhood to police as soon as possible.

"While the operation has reaped some success we are aware that one burglary is still one too many and this pro-active operation will continue."

Anyone with information about burglary in their neighbourhood is asked to contact police on 101 ext 69191 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111