Saturday's Straw Poll

On Saturday Oct. 27th many members of 'Save Gypsies Geen' group set up a table under the bridge in Kings Street. Members if the public were asked to sign our petition and at the same time were asked if they would like to take part in a 'straw poll'. 793 members of the public took part. The votes were counted by a Gazette reporter. The result was:-
780 votes against the building of the proposed hotel with 13 votes for building the proposed hotel.
This was a huge majority in our favour so we feel that it is a worthwhile project to proceed with. We hope that people of South Tyneside will feel that they are able to support any future event to help us save our beautiful coastline and protect Gypsies Green Stadium from any further developement.

Open Meeting

An open meeting of 'Save Gypsies Green Stadium' group will be held on Thursday November 8th 2007 in the New Crown Hotel at 7.00pm. It will take place in the big room looking out on to Mowbray Road. Everyone is welcomed.

Council Press Release claims that there was 'extensive public consultation.'

A trawl of the South Tyneside website produced this result. Below is their press release announcing the hotel development.


South Tyneside Council
Press releases
9 Aug 2007
Landmark Luxury Hotel Planned For South Shields

"The regeneration of South Shields Foreshore has taken a major step forward after South Tyneside Council appointed Tavistock Leisure Ltd as its preferred developer for a £15 million luxury hotel and conference venue, which will be the largest facility of its kind in the region."

It goes on ...

"A Foreshore Working Group, chaired by the Council's Deputy Leader, Councillor Iain Malcolm, was set up three years ago to oversee any projects for the area. It carried out extensive public consultation with local residents, sports, heritage and business organisations before determining that a high-quality hotel would be the preferred development option for the stadium site." More ...


But it appears as though many signing the petition are unaware that a public consultation took place, never mind an 'extensive one.'


Perhaps Councillor Iain Malcolm can explain if this consultation was the extensive one that was referred to here ... 'Last Call for Gypsies Green Ideas' ....in 2004 ... some 3 years ago!!!

Councillor Iain Malcolm's contact details are here but he does hold surgeries where concerned constituents can go and raise matters:

"I usually hold my ward surgeries every Saturday morning 10 am – 11 am Horsley Hill Community Centre, Horsley Hill Square, South Shields and last Saturday of every month 10 am – 11 am Euryalus Court, Bamburgh Avenue, South Shields. Please check individual dates and times with Dorothy Willcock, Members Support Officer on 0191 424 7302 or at dorothy.willcock@southtyneside.gov.uk "

Democracy in action ... pop along and see him and ask about the consultation.