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

Gerry Keating

Early career
I moved to the North East from Derbyshire when I was 10. Subsequently, I was educated at St. Cuthbert’s School, Newcastle, and Cambridge University. By the age of 23, I had also worked for two years on opencast and building sites.

Appointed to Newcastle Royal Grammar School aged 25, I taught Politics and Latin for the next 33 years, and coached some outstanding athletes and cross country runners. I was also an elected member of Newcastle City Council for 26 years, during which time I developed particular interest and expertise in transport, education and planning, as well as dealing with thousands of items of casework.

Why the Lib Dems?
Democracy needs to be constitutionally constrained by individual liberty, otherwise we have to endure the tyranny of the majority. More practically, I was influenced by the campaigning activities of John Shipley and David Faulkner in Newcastle.

What’s the biggest issue facing North Jesmond, and how would you try to tackle it?
The proposal to install communal bins in the terraced streets without increasing the frequency of collections is very unpopular. A well-organised, street-by-street awareness-raising campaign is essential, and I am willing to play a leading role.

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

The situation is arguably better than 10 years ago, because parking permits have reduced the number of cars. In general, linked, rather than piecemeal solutions are needed, which is why, for example, I’m very concerned about the Forsyth Road plans. I’m in favour of encouraging walking and cycling wherever possible.

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

I do not have a personal stance on this issue, but I certainly agree that Jesmond residents should be consulted on the options, and that consultation should not subsequently be misrepresented.

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

The household bin collections are generally good, although too infrequent. I’m also following up the disappearance of some street bins. We need effective action against fly-tipping, especially during the summer. The communal bins pilots in South Jesmond show that this proposal will be a disaster if implemented.

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

My impression is that inter-generational interaction in Jesmond is much better than in the past. Various communal activities, ranging from churches to the weekly parkrun on the Town Moor help, as well as student-led initiatives, but there is also a greater disposition to engage in the day-to-day courtesies of life.

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

Lettings boards are often used as advertisement sites, and this remains a problem in the terraced streets. Local residents and councillors attended the hearing into the Council’s proposed policy to restrict boards, and we are now awaiting the outcome, which should be very soon.

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

I called on all the businesses on Acorn Road last week. Support must be based on thorough knowledge of their varying needs and viewpoints, so I would assemble the evidence first and then work out how to give the support needed, rather than make sweeping generalisations. As a Jesmond resident, I am of course, allso a customer of many local businesses.

How would you improve communication between residents and elected representatives?