In July 2012 a group of young Palestinian teenagers and their teachers from Shatila Refugee Camp in Beirut, Lebanon, visited North Tyneside. During their time in the area, working in collaboration with two local artists Faye Oliver and Anthony Downie and supported by North Tyneside council, they created a large friendship mural (https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/shatila-children-finally-start-tour-1368800.amp). This friendship mural was put on display on a platform wall at Tynemouth Metro station - where it remained for over a decade without issue or incident. The friendship mural was a significant part of the local culture and heritage and it was seen as an example of the role art and culture play in bringing different cultures and communities together and part of a long-term project between the Shatila refugee camp and North Tyneside , which promoted various cultural exchanges. Refugees in their day-to-day lives endure conditions and hardships that many of us cannot imagine. Hence, this creative outlet was not just a piece of art, but also an emblem of solidarity, representing the plight and resilience of Palestinian refugees across the world. According to UNRWA, as of 2023 there are over 5.9 million registered Palestine refugees globally (source: https://www.unrwa.org/palestine-refugees). One of the main purposes of art is to provide an outlet and create a space for as many voices as possible. Encouraging children who endure horrific conditions and hardships as refugees to engage in creative works has a marked positive impact on their development and wellbeing. The mural was taken down by North Tyneside Council in October 2023, citing an undisclosed threat made to deface the art piece. Since then, there is no stated plan for returning it to public view, which seems counter to what it hopes to achieve. The mural is not overtly political, but by its very existence raises awareness about the Palestinian & refuges plight – not the culture of power, but the power of culture as the Palestinian academic Edward Said put it. As such, the act of removal is a direct attack on Palestinian & refugees arts and culture and fundamental principles of freedom in the arts. This has removed Palestinians from the view of the public in North Tyneside, an area proud of its cultural exchanges with people from many parts of the world. We urge North Tyneside council and all other authorities responsible for the removal of the friendship mural, at the earliest possible time, to reinstate this important piece of artwork at Tynemouth Metro Station or at the very least seek an alternative secure public place to put it back on display in the community.

Old Chester Rd is currently not a through route due to building works closing off a section of the road. It has been noted by residents how this has improved the safety of our rds as predominantly only residents are now using it. The Lidl / New Medical Centres / Scout hut / Village Hall / Car Park will attract additional visitors and worsen the traffic on our local road and we propose that vehicular access be prohibited after the entrance to the new car park to prevent this. It would not affect the pending Lidl as the plans indicate a pedestrian only access from Old Chester Rd. Given the aged population overall for Old Chester Rd, this does not seem reasonable. Environmental noise levels, pollution, rd crossing risks without crossings all make this proposal preferential to ensure that Great Sutton Village remains a village environment. Implementation of the 20mph speed limit has had zero impact and cars flying down the road are disruptive to sleep and put people and animals at risk. Having 2 access routes and no through access would also increase the safety of businesses and residence on Old Chester Rd, making it less likely that armed robbery attempts would be made given the reduced access to escape.

This is an important heritage issue and millions of people who come to the Island will lose an amazing feature. Islanders will love it to be kept open as it is a key road and keeps traffic out of tiny villages. Help us!

"We’re here, in person, for the people who rely on us” is a Post Office mantra. But not in Clapham where they have put forward a plan to close it down, in February 2024, despite the branch being constantly busy. It is as if they do not know how busy this branch is - which cannot be true - and clearly they do not care about how inconvenient, expensive, and for some people impossible, it will be to use one of the alternatives that they are advising us locals we will be able to use "with ease" in the future.

Threat 
Melvin Hall Community Group rent the Hall from Bromley Council.  Bromley Council are proposing a large rent hike (114%) £27,500 to £58,835 per annum or £1131.44 per week. The Community Group will also be responsible for all maintenance and repair costs, all utility bills and all insurances.
 The lease:
1.4 'Permitted use means the use of the property as a venue for the benefit of the residents of Penge# The work carried out By Melvin Hall 
: Clothes Washing for homeless, Mini Athletics, Sign and Sing, Narcotics Anonymous, Penge Gateway, Learning Difficulties Christmas Parties, Diabetes Classes, Monday Lunch Club, Thursday Warm Space, National Childbirth Trust Classes, National Traffic Management Classes, Penge Forum Meetings. Children's Weekend Birthday Parties, Polling Station,
In the event of an emergency only for the London Borough of Bromley to require
the use of the property or so much of the property as may be considered necessary for the purpose of emergency shelter where a major incident has been declared pursuant to the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 Penge Forum

Nevill estate has over 700 homes, and a larger than average proportion of older people. Almost all residents have to use one of four steep roads to and from their home. These are treacherous in icy weather. Every snowy spell sees cars sliding into each other, roads blocked with accidents and people slipping over and being hurt. The bus can’t use its ungritted route, so people are trapped at home. Equally, essential services can’t reach homes.

Our safety as pedestrians are important and the risk of accidents needs to be prevented

The idea of homeless shelters will provide people living in poverty with a purpose, and an improved quality of life. This will ensure they do not go a day without nourishment, will give them a chance to socialise and relate with other people in their position, and to make our streets a happier place for both inhabitants and the public.

Football fans are agreed that VAR is a complete shambles and is wrecking our national game. It is time for action - let's get something done about it.

Dear LCDS Family, The Place Café, a cherished haven for 28 incredible years, now faces uncertainty as it potentially heads for re-tender. The higher-ups are considering changes, but we're resolute in our desire to preserve this vital hub. Mustafa, with his unwavering support and nurturing spirit, has turned The Place Café into a home away from home for many of you. This petition is our collective plea to The Place: Let's preserve Mustafa's Café and avoid putting it up for re-tender. If you've ever found solace within its walls or felt the genuine warmth of Mustafa's care, let's unite to ensure our dance family's hub remains intact. Sign, share, and let's convey to The Place that Mustafa's Café is not just a business; it's an integral part of our LCDS School experience, weaving unforgettable moments into the fabric of our community. In unity, The Place Cafe

Our Sainburys local store is the heart of our village and a vital part of the community. People stop off from all the villages around ryton to do a little shopping or pick up a parcel from argos. The store is very community based and is a vital lifeline for the people and smaller businesses around the area being the only late night and sunday evening store in the area. We ask you to reconsider our stores closure as we value the stores presence in Ryton and the service the people that work there provide.

The Parish Hall has suddenly been closed for safety reasons and all events and hiring in the run up to Christmas have been cancelled. During this year a working group, under the auspices of the Meads Community Association, has been doing due diligence and having discussions with the church authorities to take over the building and restore it to modern-day standards. The detailed work on this project has revealed that parts of the hall need immediate safety work and shorter-term remedial work, as well as longer-term investment - all of which is achievable. The future of the hall is at serious risk without intervention, which is why we need your support to reopen it as soon as possible. If closed over the winter (other than a short period to make it safe) it will be left empty and unheated, and will deteriorate further, possibly to the extent that it will be permanently closed. This hall is the centre of the local community, it has good access, with public transport nearby and is regularly used by local community groups with a wide range of activities. Envisioned improvements will make it the 'go-to' venue for even more. Closure, for other than a short term, will mean local groups who regularly use the hall will be forced to find alternative venues, which will impact finances at such a critical time. Please sign to show your support for the preservation and running of this well-known and much-loved community space by a community-led group to form a Meads Community Centre. [email protected]