North Shields consultation begins this week

22-JUN-08

Residents and businesses are being invited to help shape the future of North Shields by discussing their views on their priorities for the town.

A series of public drop-in sessions will begin later this week to gather public views to inform the Area Action Plan for North Shields - a planning blueprint that will guide future development.

All homes and businesses within the Area Action Plan area will automatically receive an information leaflet and questionnaire through the post.

"The first step in devising a new Area Action Plan is to consider the 'issues' in the area and what 'options' are available to overcome these issues," said Councillor Ray Glindon, North Tyneside Council's Cabinet member for Investment and Regeneration.

 

"It is really important that the people who live in and use North Shields have their say in the regeneration of the town"

"At the moment no decisions have been made about which are the preferred options for North Shields. This event is an opportunity for the public to find out more, discuss their views on issues and potential options and to provide the feedback that is so essential if we are to deliver a successful plan for the future"

The final Area Action Plan consider a wide range of topics:

• the quality and range of housing 
• improvements to the town centre with better shopping and more attractive streets
• revitalisation of the Fish Quay and the connections to the town centre
• provision of quality public transport and creation of streets which are safe for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
• building on the area's rich natural and built heritage and character to promote the image of North Shields.

Anyone is welcome to come along and discuss the new plan with Council officers at one of the drop-in sessions, which are being held on the following dates:

Thursday 26th June between 10am and 1pm at the Beacon Shopping Centre

Friday 27th June between 2pm and 4 pm at the Beacon Shopping Centre

Tuesday 1st July between 5pm and 7pm at North Shields Library

Wednesday 2nd July between 11am and 1pm at the Beacon Shopping Centre

Thursday 3rd July between 5pm and 7pm at North Shields Library

Saturday 5th July between 10am and 1pm at the Beacon Shopping Centre

Tuesday 8th July between 1pm and 3pm at North Shields Library

The full issues and options report can be seen online at http://www.northtyneside.gov.uk/planning.htm along with a summary leaflet to help guide you through the consultation and a questionnaire to enable you to give your opinion. Paper copies are also available at North Shields Library, the Customer Service Centre on Borough Road and in the Planning department reception at the Quadrant in Cobalt Business Park.

Anyone who is not on the internet or has difficulty getting a paper copy should phone 0191 643 2310, or write to the Planning Manager, North Tyneside Council, Quadrant, Cobalt Business Park, The Silverlink North, NE27 OBY.

We would encourage all responses by Friday July 18 to ensure that responses are given full consideration before planning officers determine which are the best options for the future development of North Shields. However, as consultation is an ongoing process comments are welcomed at any time.

 

Issued by:Jeanette Hedley