Focus on Results: Tackling the Issues That Matter Most Across the Ward

Over the past 12 months, the Fawdon and West Gosforth Focus Team has continued to take action across the ward to tackle the everyday issues that affect residents most. Whether it’s fixing damaged roads and pavements, cutting back overgrown hedges, or dealing with fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour, the team has been on the ground, making sure problems are raised, chased up, and resolved.

A newly released summary map and bar chart highlight the range of requests handled across the ward, showing how active the Focus Team has been in responding to local concerns. 

The most frequent reports have involved the maintenance of shrub beds and hedges, repairs to potholes and pavements, and responses to fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour. Other regular areas of focus include street furniture, trees, parking problems, traffic signals, and drainage, this is  essential for keeping Fawdon and West Gosforth safe, clean, and easy to navigate.

These efforts have not only improved the look and feel of the area but have also helped make local streets more accessible for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike. By reporting issues quickly and working closely with council teams, the Focus Team has ensured that small problems are dealt with before they become bigger ones.

“We’re proud of what’s been achieved this year,” said Cllr Peter Lovatt. “Our approach is simple: listen to residents, take action, and keep pushing until something is done. Every issue raised matters. The feedback we get from local people is what drives us to keep going.”

The Focus Team’s work doesn’t stop once a report is made. Your councillors continue to follow up on every issue, liaising directly with council officers, community groups, and residents to make sure concerns aren’t just logged but properly addressed. This hands-on approach has built strong working relationships with council departments and strengthened accountability across local services.

In addition to responding to reports, the team has also been proactive, identifying areas that need attention before residents even have to ask,  such as uneven pavements, damaged street signs, and overflowing bins. This proactive mindset ensures that maintenance keeps pace with the needs of a growing and busy community.

“It’s about being visible, approachable, and persistent,” said one member of the team. “We know how much these day-to-day issues matter because we live here too. When something needs sorting, we’re on it.”

As the team looks ahead to the next year, their message to residents remains the same: keep getting in touch. Every report helps the Focus Team make the case for more investment, better maintenance, and stronger local services across Fawdon and West Gosforth.

Residents are encouraged to continue reporting local problems  from potholes and overgrown trees to damaged benches or blocked drains so that the Focus Team can keep building on this progress and ensure the ward remains a great place to live.