Newcastle North - Current Campaigns:

These are the campaigns Ron is currently working on. For up to the minute news about these and other campaigns go to www.newcastle-libdems.org.uk

Lemington Needs GPs

Ron Beadle has launched a petition for a new GPs surgery in Lemington. Ron said: ‘For years now residents in Lemington haven’t had a local GP. Residents have to travel to see a doctor and the situation is even worse now following cuts to local bus services. Its not good enough and this petition will enable people to tell the Primary Care Trust that a local surgery is necessary.’

The Government is making money available for surgeries in under-resourced areas, including Newcastle and Lemington must be at the top of the list.’

If you want to sign the petition on-line please go to: campaigns.libdems.org.uk/LemingtonGPs

Newcastle Business Survey Launched

Liberal Democrats in Newcastle are carrying out a survey of small businesses in the area. Local spokesman Ron Beadle, who is a Principal Lecturer at the Newcastle Business School said: ‘Small business is the lifeblood of the city and its right that decision makers should listen to what they say. We are asking businesses a range of questions about how we are running the city and about government and European laws.’ The results will be used by Lib Dem councillors on Newcastle City Council to help develop policy and sent to Lib Dem MPs and MEPs.

The survey follows the Lib Dems’ launch of an on-line magazine for business people in the City, Business Matters. If you want to join Business Matters please e-mail: nick@north-house.com

Lib Dems condemn 101 Service Funding Withdrawal

The Home Office announcement to withdraw funding for the 101 service from March 2008 has been condemned. The service allowed residents to report non-emergency criminal activity and had been piloted in five areas nationwide, including Northumbria. It was working so well in the North that it had been nominated for a national award by the Home Office.

In November when Newcastle North Liberal Democrat Spokesman Ron Beadle raised his concerns about the future of the service on BBC1's 'The Politics Show'. Labour MP Doug Henderson referred to this as 'gimmick opposition'.

Ron Beadle said:

'It isn't 'gimmick opposition' that Mr Henderson needs to worry about but the gimmicks of his own government, making announcements in the full glare of publicity and then quietly removing them in the hope that no-one notices. We will make sure that people do notice. The 101 service was working well, his government isn't'

Airport Noise

Ron is in touch with Newcastle Airport about the increased noise residents are reporting in Throckley since the Airport began to trial a change the route of westward flight paths. The airport have conducted a noise survey and made some changes to information on their website in respect of these issues. Ron has asked the airport to conduct a formal evaluation on the trial route and for this to involve proper public consultation.