Cllr Richard Ross - Reform UK North Tyneside

22/05/2026

It’s been a productive first week — getting set up with my IT equipment, councillor phone, and social media accounts to make sure I’m as accessible as possible to residents.

Encouragingly, I’ve already been contacted about a number of local issues, which shows just how important it is to be visible, available, and responsive.

As part of that, I want to ensure that speaking to your councillor is straightforward and works around people’s day-to-day lives.
I will be attending the existing monthly ward surgeries:
📅 First Saturday of each month:

Wideopen Library: 09:15 – 10:00
John Willie Sams Centre: 10:15 – 11:00

Alongside this, I’m exploring whether we could introduce an additional evening drop-in session for those who can’t attend during the day. One option could be:
📅 Second Friday of the month (proposed)
⏰ 5:00 – 6:30pm
Rotating between locations across the ward, for example:

Month 1 → Seaton Burn (local venue such as a pub)
Month 2 → Dudley (local venue such as a pub)
Month 3 → Wideopen (local venue such as a pub)
(Locations would be subject to discussion and availability)

The aim would be to offer a more informal and accessible way for people to raise issues after work, without the need for appointments.
Before progressing anything further, I’d really value your input:
👉 Would an evening drop-in session be useful to you?
👉 Is this the right time and approach?
Let me know in the comments or drop me a message 👇

20/05/2026

📢 Update: Annitsford Pond (Planning Ref: 23/00480/OUT)

Hi everyone,

I wanted to provide an update regarding the proposed development at Annitsford Park (Planning Application 23/00480/OUT).

As many residents will be aware, this application was originally due to be considered by the Planning Committee on 14 May 2026. That meeting was adjourned, and the application has now been deferred to a future meeting, currently expected in June 2026.

Alongside colleagues, we submitted a detailed representation (see photos) raising a number of significant planning, legal and technical concerns, including:

* The presence of a Scheduled Ancient Monument on site
* Ground stability risks linked to historic coal workings
* Outstanding highways and infrastructure conditions
* The need for further environmental and habitats assessment

Following this, I have now received confirmation from the Council that:
✅ Our representation has been formally recorded
✅ Our concerns will be reported to the Planning Committee
✅ An updated officer report will be produced before the application is reconsidered
✅ We will be formally notified ahead of the next committee meeting

Importantly, this means the application cannot simply proceed as originally proposed without these issues being addressed and properly considered.

🤝 Acknowledgement
I would like to thank John Falkenstein (Reform UK) and Councillor Brian Smith for their work on this submission.
This representation was submitted before our opposition group was formally structured, and we are pleased it has already contributed to ensuring the application receives proper scrutiny.

📍 What happens next?

* The Council will prepare an updated report addressing all representations
* The application is expected to return to Planning Committee on 10 June 2026 (tbc)
* Objectors, including ourselves, will be notified and can engage further

🧭 My position
I will continue to monitor this closely and ensure that residents’ concerns are properly represented throughout the process.

If you’d like to stay updated or share your views on the application, please feel free to comment or message me directly.

Thanks,
Cllr Richard Ross

19/05/2026

An update from one of our new councillors and neighbouring wards. I aim to get an update in due time for Weetslade as a few key topics developing (Annitsford park and Hazlewood School).

The first ward update from one of our newly elected councillors.

Let us show the others how Reform UK keeps in touch with residents all year round and not just at election time!!