SURE SUCCESS

9.25.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 27th May 2009

After expressing concern for some time at the dilapidated state of the closed down former High Heaton Tenants Association building near the Spinney, the Lib Dem Focus team are delighted to announce that plans are being made to clear the site and replace it with a brand new Sure Start children's centre for under 5's.

There are several Sure Start centres across Newcastle but none in our part of the city to date.

Councillor Greg Stone says: "We are therefore delighted that the city council is supporting efforts to create a new community facility offering childcare, nursery education, and support for parents on the site of the HHTA, which should be open by late 2010/ early 2011.

"This will help to remove the existing derelict eyesore and will complement the refurbished library facility.

"We are also investigating feasibility of getting extra funding to add a 'community room' extension to the new building, and want to ensure that the traffic and parking impact is minimised.

"This is great news and shows that the Lib Dems are continuing to invest in the regeneration of our area."

Meanwhile a new "support hub" is being established by Newcastle Futures at the East End Customer Service Centre on Shields Road to support people with financial advice, job search help, and advice and guidance to help people find work.