Castle Ward Liberal Democrats

25/06/2026

It is a privilege to represent Newcastle City Council as its Armed Forces Champion. My first taste of the armed services' way of life was when in the Combined Cadet Force of the Southern Grammar School in my home town of Portsmouth. Fast Forward to 2019. It was a proud moment when the Royal Artillery Association gave me Honorary Life Membership in recognition of the support given to its Tyneside Scottish Branch when Deputy Lord Mayor and then Lord Mayor. Like everyone else, I'm looking forward to Saturday's Armed Forces Day.

25/06/2026

Cllr David Down, chair of the Newcastle Armed Forces Forum, is leading the city's celebration of Armed Forces Day for the first time in 4 years after the Labour administration binned it. The Union Jack (as it does every day now) and Armed Forces flags both flying at the Civic Centre.

Armed Forces Champion for Newcastle City Council, Cllr David Down, invites residents to come along and join in at the Civic Centre

24/06/2026

Request for School Bus to the Great Park Academy and Havannah First School for Students from Hazlerigg and Dinnington

Parents have approached Ward councillors to lobby for a school bus for students travelling to the Great Park Academy and Havannah First School from September. Such a bus has not been factored into Nexus's budget for the coming year because it doesn't meet the criteria. However, Cllrs David Down (Castle), Mohammad Farsi and Barbara Down (Kingston Park and Dinnington) had an online meeting with Nexus officers this week. The request is now being considered as a matter of urgency.

20/06/2026

The fourth LibDem Cllr surgery this month in the ward will be at Hazlerigg Community Centre on Thursday, 25th June from 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm. No appointment needed.

20/06/2026

Residents of Elmwood Park will be aware of an ongoing problem of inconsiderate parking on roads near Esh Plaza. The other day, I was made aware that it was not possible for an important delivery to be made in Aspenwood Grove due to vehicles being parked on both sides of the road. I have learnt that if drivers who work in Esh Plaza are unable to park on site, they required to use the Park and Ride facility and walk to work from there. This requirement is now being recirculated to the businesses in Esh Plaza.

With regard to the inconsiderate parking, although the Newcastle City Council as highways authority has not yet adopted the roads in the area, it does have discretionary powers to regulate parking for relieving or preventing traffic congestion and maintaining safety. In the circumstances, I have asked Parking Enforcement that this be considered for this part of the Newcastle Great Park and will report back.

18/06/2026

Energy is not a luxury. It is essential.

That's why we have a plan to halve energy bills in the long term, and to help make sure everyone can afford their essential energy needs today.

18/06/2026

⏰ It's a crucial time for the campaign for Proportional Representation.

Tomorrow, Makerfield is facing a crucial by-election which might well determine the future not just of the constituency, but of the country.

With rumours of an upcoming Labour leadership challenge, we must be ready to make sure electoral reform is front-and-centre of the debate.

With your help, we can brief MPs and cabinet ministers, produce high-quality research and build up local activism in key areas. This is a crucial time for the campaign, and we can't afford not to make the most of it.

That’s why, with the support of our major donors, we are launching a match fund that allows any donation you make over the next week to be doubled.

That’s right: for the next week, for any pound you donate, we’ll get two.

So if you haven't contributed yet to our crowdfunder, now is a great time to do so.

👉 DONATE HERE: https://makevotesmatter.org.uk/2026-wake-up-westminster/

18/06/2026

Get Set for September ✨

Are you a Year 11 leaver or aged 16–19 and still unsure about your next step this September?

Join us and Newcastle Careers Team at our Get Set for September event and explore your options in one place.

What’s on offer:
✅ Careers advice & guidance
✅ Support with applications and next steps
✅ Speak directly with:
• Local colleges
• Training providers
• Sixth forms
• Re-engagement programme providers

Plus support from:
• DWP (Child Benefit queries)
• Newcastle Carers
• PFA Team (SEND queries)
• Mental health support organisations

📅 When: Tuesday 23rd June 2026
🕒 Time: 3:00pm until 6:00pm
📍 Where: Banqueting Suite, Newcastle Civic Centre

Drop in anytime, no booking required.

Parents and carers are welcome to attend.

16/06/2026

This certainly applies to Great Park and Hazlerigg and Brunswick. Have there been any recent attempts to form Neighbourhood Watch in your area? If not, it's certainly worth considering getting one set up.

Could be useful with sadly far too much antisocial behaviour in Kingston Park and Dinnington Ward:
Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) Awareness Week webinars
ASB Awareness Week 2026 takes place from Monday 29 June to Sunday 5 July across the UK. It highlights the impact of antisocial behaviour. We are hosting two webinars to provide some practical advice on what to do if you, or your neighbours, are having issues.
ASB reviews with Mark Johnson
You may be aware of recent changes in the law relating to ASB and the process for requesting a review of your case. Mark Johnson from the charity ASB Help will host a session on best practice. Monday 29 June, 10–11am, Online. Register at https://s-url.co/n_YwAA
Reporting ASB is everyone’s business with John Hayward-Cripps
It can really help to know where and how to report ASB. Join our Chief Executive, John Hayward-Cripps to learn more about reporting ASB. Tuesday 30 June, 2–3pm, Online. Register at https://s-url.co/oPYwAA
We also have information and resources, including an ASB diary and a downloadable guide, on our website at https://s-url.co/ofYwAA