Work starts on community green project

Work has started recently on the redevelopment of Shieldfield Green in Shieldfield, Newcastle.

The £150K project will turn a tired 1960s concrete-based area into a green and vibrant space, with new paths and landscaping, a community space at the centre, new benches and 'heritage' style lighting. Fencing will also be provided around the full perimeter to prevent the ongoing incursion of 'commuter parking' vehicles onto the grass. A derelict hut will also be demolished.

The new Green was designed by local people through an extensive consultation process in 2010, using the Council's award-winning 'U-Decide' process, set up under the former Lib Dem administration.

Local Lib Dem councillor Stephen Psallidas commented: "The start on site has been delayed for some months due to legal issues, which has been frustrating. However I have continued to push for a resolution, and I am pleased that the project has now started. This has been an excellent project, whose design has been led by local people, and I am looking forward to the new Shieldfield Green being completed in about 6-8 weeks."