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NEWS HEADLINES	NOWHERE TO SPEND A PENNY \| MPs TAKE ON THE CISTERN PUBLIC LOOS TO BE FLUSHED AWAY \| CINEMA TO BE REDEVELOPED WHAT NEXT FOR THE GARAGE? \| GARAGE CAN BE USED FOR LIVING PURPOSES SAYS COUNCIL \| REGIONAL PLANNING WORRIES \| CLAYTON ROAD POST OFFICE TO CLOSE STAGECOACH UNWILLING TO ENTER INTO WIDER CONSULTATION ON '33 BUS 33 'BUS PUBLIC MEETING FULL REPORT: RESIDENTS AIR THEIR VIEWS STAGECOACH AGREES TO RETAIN 33 'BUS SERVICE LANDLORDS MUST MAKE PROPERTIES MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT COUNCILS MAY BE FORCED TO MAKE COMPENSATION PAYMENTS FOR FAILED SERVICES COUNCIL ADOPTS VOLUNTARY CODE OF PRACTICE FOR "TO LET" BOARDS PIZZA EXPRESS LICENSING APPEAL ALLOWED

NOWHERE TO SPEND A PENNY	The JRA has submitted evidence through the National Organisation of Residents Associations to the Department of Community and Local Government about the dearth of public toilets in the Newcastle area. There are plans to "hire" toilets by local authorities in private and public premises to allow the public to have free access to toilet facilities. There are only 12 public toilets in Newcastle! BBC News - 10th June 2008 Closing toilets 'could save cash' Shutting five public toilets in part of Warwickshire could save the taxpayer more than £600,000 in the long-run, council bosses have said. Officials at Nuneaton and Bedworth Council said shutting the "super loos" could save the cash over eight years. Councillors were discussing the plans on Wednesday. The toilets could go from Nuneaton's Abbey Street and Riversley Park, The Green, Attlebrorough, Leicester Street, Bulkington, and Miners Welfare Park. A report sent to councillors showed that the toilets were only used by a handful of people and each produced a revenue of less than 50p each day. Officers are recommending that the authority stops leasing the toilets from next month. The council said it was reviewing alternative facilities and was talking to Sainsbury's in Riversley Park to allow people to use its toilets. In Bedworth, it has recommended using the toilets in the Bedworth United Football Club.

MPs take on the cistern	By Brian Wheeler - BBC News political reporter With public lavatories fast disappearing from Britain's High Streets, spending a penny is not as simple as it used to be. All too often it involves a cringe-making visit to a pub or a cafe with a big sign outside saying toilets are for customer use only. "Everybody knows you kind of sneak in, sidle in, looking around and make a beeline for them, hoping nobody will say 'Oi, what do you think you are doing?' as you go in," says Labour MP Phyllis Starkey. It is even worse when you have children, she adds. "Any mothers of young children know that even if you go to the loo before you leave there is always one child who wants to go as soon as you get to the playground." But it does not have to be like this. 'Horrible' loos In Richmond, south-west London, pubs, restaurants and supermarkets are paid £600 a year to open their facilities to non-customers. The borough used to be like many other parts of the UK; its public lavatories were difficult to find and - in the words of one council officer - in a pretty "horrible" condition. “We've all done it - ducked into a pub, thinking will anyone notice me? And we don't get that any more. People can walk in, bold as brass and help themselves” - Frank Dupree, Pub landlord But the public has access to 75 clean, well-maintained loos in prime locations around the borough, thanks to its Community Toilet Scheme. The facilities are clearly labelled with a badge in the window and some are even signposted from the street. The scheme costs less than keeping the old public conveniences open - or replacing the widely disliked automated ones that used to litter the Lib Dem-controlled borough. 'Expensive' Just 3% of local people ever used these Tardis-like contraptions, the council says, which added up to "£8 per pee". On Tuesday, Ms Starkey toured some of Richmond's community loos with MPs from the communities and local government select committee, to find out how the scheme works. "The big issue is that upgrading existing facilities or building new ones is very expensive and it's not a legal obligation on councillors to provide public conveniences, so if they are economising this is one of the areas in which they economise, regardless of political control and this community toilet is a lot better value for money. Phyllis Starkey is on a mission to solve Britain's loo shortage "You get a lot more loos, more widely spread, and of course, they are all overseen because they are in businesses where there are people who are running the business. "The council needs to do more work in informing its residents so that they know what the badge means and I guess if you were someone from outside the area you wouldn't necessarily." 'Extra customers' Frank Dupree, landlord of The Cabbage Patch pub - one of the venues on the MPs' itinerary - says it is a "win-win" situation. "From the council's point of view, this scheme is less than what they used to spend on pretty grotty public toilets. From our point of view, we get a fee and we get a possibility of extra customers." He says families with children are welcome to use the facilities and he has even installed nappy-changing facilities. The local branch of Waitrose says it is also happy to take part in a scheme which benefits the local community - although the supermarket says it spends more than the council grant on extra toilet rolls and new facilities. A small number of businesses have turned down a request to join the scheme - and there is concern about its viability in areas which attract a lot of visitors. Richmond council sets up temporary toilets when there is a rugby match at Twickenham. But the council says at least 100 other boroughs have expressed interest in following its community toilet idea and a number have already set up such a scheme. And with cash for new public toilets likely to be thin on the ground, the select committee is likely to recommend extending the scheme even further when it reports later in the year. It has already changed one aspect of pub culture forever, according to Frank Dupree. "We've all done it - ducked into a pub, thinking will anyone notice me? And we don't get that any more. People can walk in, bold as brass and help themselves."

PUBLIC LOOS TO BE FLUSHED AWAY	SKY NEWS Updated:10:28, Saturday February 23, 2008 Public lavatories could become a convenience of the past under government plans to transfer provision of toilet facilities to the private sector. Public facilities going down the drain The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) is encouraging councils to pay restaurants and pubs to let non-customers use their facilities. According to the Financial Times, the Government has swung behind the plan following the success of the Community Toilet Scheme in Richmond upon Thames. Sixty-six venues in the Surrey town were each paid £600 a year to allow the public access to their lavatories. Well-known chains including Pizza Express, KFC and the Slug and Lettuce bar took part in the scheme. The FT says the DCLG will express "growing public concern" at the declining number and standard of public conveniences next month and urge other councils to follow suit.

CINEMA TO BE REDEVELOPED	20^th June 2008 Newcastle Council has approved plans for the redevelopment of the former Jesmond Cinema. The present building will be demolished and a new building incorporating two retail outlets on the ground floor and office accommodation on the upper floors. The cinema, which has been closed for over 15 years had its interior stripped by the previous owners and become dilapidated. Three public consultation meetings were held by the developers for residents to make comments and suggestions with the result that the majority opinion was one of approval. The design of the new building is reminiscent of the 1920s and will replace what had become a sad eyesore. Whilst it is sad that a part of Jesmond that had been a place of enjoyment to many in their younger days will disappear, the new building will add character and a revitalisation to the area.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE GARAGE?	Since the Osborne Garage on Osborne Road closed, it, too, has become a rather run-down eyesore. However, it is understood that the property is once again on the market. Hopefully, some enterprising developer will turn it into something which will be an asset to the area.

GARAGE CAN BE USED FOR LIVING PURPOSES SAYS COUNCIL	It seems that there is nothing to stop the conversion of a garage to living accommodation. Despite residents concerns that a garage in Grosvenor Place was being converted slowly to living accommodation, the Council's Monitoring Enforcement Team have decided that this is not a breach of planning regulations. Planning permission was granted conditionally in 2004 for the erection of detached triple garage to rear, following demolition of a existing single garage. The building work commenced in 2005, and on completion of the garage, residents informed the Monitoring and Enforcement Team that the three garage doors on the rear elevation had been bricked up internally and the garage had undergone some internal alterations. A site inspection confirmed that the garage doors had been bricked up, internal partitions erected, mezzanine floors created and a door inserted to allow access internally from the garage to the ground floor flat. The Council's response has been that they do not consider that planning permission is required for the internal alterations to the garage and therefore the internal works do not constitute a breach of planning control. Over a two year period further complaints were registered but it was found that that the garage was being used for the storage of materials incidental to the adjoining flats. The use of the garages for the storage of materials incidental to the use of the adjoining flats does not constitute a breach of planning control. However, the owner has said that he may wish to use the garage as additional sleeping and living accommodation for the ground floor flat in the future. The Council now says "Following careful consideration by planning and legal officers, it appears that should the owner implement the use of the garage as residential accommodation this would not constitute a breach of Planning Control. In this regard, should the owner implement the alleged use, the Local Planning Authority would have no control over this development. Therefore <it draws the> conclusion that, as the present use or the intended use would not contravene planning controls, the case file be closed." The JRA thinks that this is a dangerous precedent and has asked the Council for more specific information and the authority on which it has based its decision. It thinks that landlords will use this as an excuse to increase the number of bedrooms, especially in HMOs. What do you think?

REGIONAL PLANNING WORRY	Major decisions on jobs, housing, transport and the environment should be made by elected council leaders not undemocratic quangos, the body which represents England's Regional Assemblies has argued. That's the view of the English Regions Network (ERN) which is concerned over the Government plans to shift assembly planning powers to the unelected Regional Development Agencies. Ministers have decided that the RDAs will in the future be responsible for single regional strategies covering land use and economic strategies. The ERN backs the idea of a single regional strategy but has argued that the work should be led by a forum of council leaders. A spokesperson for Communities and Local Government said: "Local councils will have more say and scrutiny powers over housing and planning once assemblies are abolished in 2010 but until then they will remain the accountable body. "We are improving the planning system to better link up new jobs with new homes but regional plans still have to go through exactly the same public consultation process." Read the English Regions Network press release.

CLAYTON ROAD POST OFFICE	Royal Mail has announced that Clayton Road Post Office has been placed on a list for closure. More details will be posted...

STAGECOACH UNWILLING TO ENTER INTO WIDER CONSULTATION	John Conroy, Managing Director of Stagecoach North East has said that discussions are ongoing with Nexus regarding the impact of a number of service changes they propose to introduce from the end of August 2008. These discussions involve Nexus, Newcastle PTA members and cabinet and these should result in a number of options for the way forward being established over the next two weeks, which will then be subject to consultation/information provision through Nexus. Until this point is reached, he does not feel wider consultation will be appropriate. (9th July 2008)

33 'BUS PUBLIC MEETING 16th July 2008	A Public Meeting was held at the Quaker Meeting House, Archbold Terrace, Jesmond, on the 15^th July. Approximately 80 residents attended. A representative of Nexus explained to residents that he was unable to make specific comment on the ongoing consultation process which Stagecoach had initiated. He also said that Stagecoach was under no legal obligation to make any consultation with the general public. Residents raised the following comments and observations: · That there was a clear need for a ‘bus service along Osborne Road · The loss of the service would have an impact on the wellbeing of the older members of the community, which would prevent them from carrying out normal day-to-day tasks. These tasks would include not being able to get to local shopping centres and also those in the city centre. · Additionally, the majority of doctor’s surgeries are situate at the north end of Osborne Road and are not within practical walking distance for most elderly residents. · Elderly residents would also find it difficult to get to a Post Office, especially since the Clayton Road Post Office is under threat of closure. In this, one of the reasons why the Post Office has decided to close the Clayton Road office is that there is a regular ‘bus service allowing residents to get to the remaining Post Office in St. Georges Terrace. If the ‘bus service was discontinued, then residents who would normally have used Clayton Road would become effectively isolated since many of the community buildings are situated near to key shopping areas. · Residents also made comment about why the service was not used more. These were: (a) Poor quality and uncomfortable ‘buses used on the route (b) As “Low Liners” were not used, and resident who used a walking stick or similar aids found it extremely difficult to get on and off. (b) The ‘buses often ran early and fail to adhere to the timetable. This often meant that ‘buses and subsequent connections were missed. Residents therefore, often had to make alterative arrangements, such as taxis, to keep appointments. (c) It was pointed out that residents and visitors to the area were unable to find out ‘bus schedules as many timetables were not displayed at stops. Those that are displayed refer to the 88 service but do not include the 33. Residents were therefore unwilling to use the service since they were not able to determine how long they might have to wait for a ‘bus. (d) The service does not serve the needs of those using it, by taking them to where they want or need to go. The route no longer terminates at the Central Station, which point provides a link to the Metro. This means that residents can no longer use public transport for the entire journey. Generally, the ‘bus network is now so restrictive that it is not possible to access areas where they would wish to go to. Again, this restriction requires the use of taxis. · Residents suggested that (a) Service to the Central Station should be reinstated. (b) Low liners should be used on the route (c) Timetables should be clear and should be posted at every stop across Jesmond. (d) Reconnection with the Metro service should be made. (e) The services should be extended to links with locations that residents need to access. These included the Freeman Hospital and Interchanges allowing travel to Newcastle Airport. (f) A question was raised that, if the 33 service was discontinued, could neighbouring services be included to cover the area? (g) Could other operators be invited to provide a service on the route? (h) Could not Stagecoach link the 33 route with another more viable one? (i) Why had Stagecoach not consulted with residents to find out why the service was not being used to its capacity? Stagecoach declined an invitation to attend the meeting, citing a prior awards ceremony on the night for its senior management. A comment was made that, at the very least, a responsible member of its staff could have attended, if only to take note of the comments that residents made. Anyone who was unable to attend the meeting could email their comments to the General Manager of Stagecoach, John Conroy at john.conroy@stagecoachbus.com

STAGECOACH AGREES TO RETAIN 33 SERVICE 17th July 2008	Stagecoach have agreed to retain the 33 'bus service. After extensive discussions with Nexus, they have agreed that that they will continue to operate the service 33 between the City Centre and Hollywood Avenue on a half hourly basis. The service will be provided commercially by Stagecoach North East with no subsidy requirement from Nexus until 31st March 2009 when the position will be reviewed again. They will be seeking discussions with Nexus well in advance of the end of March 2009 and will be happy to engage in consultations with the residents of the area in relation to the future of this bus service. This means that, if the service still proves to be unviable then, the service may again be under threat. It will be for residents to prove that they support the service by using it more... Read the Evening Chronicle report

LANDLORDS FACE £200 FINE IF THEIR PROPERTIES ARE NOT ENERGY EFFICIENT Source: Daily Mail	LANDLORDS of rented accommodation must obtain an Energy Performance Certificate from October 2008. The EPC outlines the energy efficiency and environmental impact of a home and will also list ways in which the property could be made more efficient. These Certificates will run for ten years and can be re-used each time a property is rented out. Landlords will have to employ the services of a qualified energy assessor and the cost of a certificate will be from about £80. Those who fail to obtain an EPC or flout the rules will face prosecution and fines of up to £200 a time.

COUNCILS MAY HAVE TO MAKE COMPENSATION PAYMENTS FOR FAILED SERVICES Source: Daily Mail 20 August 2008	Councils may be forced to make compensation payments to householders If they fail to deliver key services. Government plans, to be unveiled later, would mean that payments will be made to householders if, for instance, refuse bins were not emptied or street repairs carried out on time. Communities Secretary Hazel Blears will also set out details of a "radical right to redress" consultation that will look for ways to compensate taxpayers frustrated by relentless council tax rises. The intention is for councils to enter into contracts that would promise a certain level of service in exchange for the tax that is paid to them. Legislation to introduce these changes could be introduced in 2009. The proposals have not met with universal acclaim. Council chiefs fear that they could be landed with pointless bureaucracy which will cost more than the compensation paid, as well as nuisance claims and "ambulance-chasing" lawyers helping to increase the compensation culture. The Communities in Control White Paper, published last month, sets out ways in which the Government proposes to revive interest in local government.

CITY COUNCIL ADOPTS VOLUNTARY CODE OF PRACTICE FOR "TO LET" BOARDS	The Voluntary Code of Practice on Letting Boards was approved at the meeting of the Development Control Committee on 22^nd August. It applies to the Area of Housing Mix, as defined in the SPD on Shared Housing. This means that it covers all the student areas in North Jesmond. At the September meeting of the Shared Housing Working Group, proposals for policing the scheme will be presented. VOLUNTARY CODE - as amended after consultation 1. ‘To Let’ boards must be removed not later than 14 days of the tenancy being granted or when the property is otherwise effectively taken off the market for the next academic year. 2. Slips with ‘Let’, ‘Let By’ or similar wording may be used but must be removed along with the main board as under item 1 above. 3. Boards should be mounted on buildings and should not be placed on posts in the gardens or the grounds, with the exception of premises where the distance from the outer dwelling door to the back edge of the pavement is more than 5 metres or where a restrictive covenant in the freehold or the lease between the freeholder and leaseholder precludes attachment to the property. 4. ‘To Let’ boards that have been taken down under item 1 shall not be re-erected until the first full working week in the following January. Boards for properties that are new to the market for the following academic year shall not be put up until the same time. Signs may remain up for properties that are either unoccupied and immediately available or where they are being marketed other than on an annual let coinciding with the academic year, for example ‘executive’ lets. 5. Boards should be no more than 0.25m²in area (equivalent to 50cm by 50cm) and vertically aligned, e.g. 60cm high by 40cm wide. Progress towards this aspect in the 2008-09 academic year will be very welcome, but it will not be brought in fully until 2009-10 to allow for replacement of existing stock. In parallel to introducing the Code it is proposed ask that agents do not ‘kick-start’ the student letting board season in earnest too early. Discussions are underway with “New Student” advertising paper on its date of publication and this issue was covered in the consultation with agents. Whilst the period from September to January without most boards is proposed here mainly on amenity grounds, it would also assist in pushing back the start of the student letting season. And in addition it would reduce the number of boards up over the Christmas period and hopefully reduce the number of burglaries targeted at empty homes.

PIZZA EXPRESS LICENSING APPEAL ALLOWED	Magistrates sitting at Gosforth today allowed the appeal against the refusal of the City Council Licensing Sub-Committee to grant a premises license. The license will be subject to the same conditions as the planning application granted earlier. More...