19 Sep 2009
Despite the weather, this summer has been a great opportunity for me to be out and about across my constituency. One of the most rewarding moments of this came recently when I had the honour, with the Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor John Eagle, of opening a new state-of-the-art community facility at Birtley, "The Hub Resource Centre".
The event was the culmination of many years hard work from a team of local people whose vision of community is a shining example for all. Birtley Community Partnership has transformed previously derelict premises on Durham Road into a new resource centre for the whole community, including an internet and computer training suite, and a community café.
The Hub will become a permanent base for Birtley Community Partnership, which is made up of local people and a variety of organisations who work with others, including the Council, for the benefit of everyone in the town.
The centre will also provide accommodation for a range of charities and community groups, including Cestria Credit Union, Citizens Advice Bureau and North East Council for Addictions. The resource centre will also be a base the local community Police team. This will further advance neighbourhood policing in the south of Gateshead. It is vitally important that the Police are at the heart of the community.
The Hub is the first facility in the country to be opened with funding from the Government's £30 million Community Assets programme, which provided £166,755. It has attracted national and indeed international interest as a model of community development and regeneration. Amongst the first visitors to see the new facilities was the High Representative of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman.
Ian Caddy, who led the team of volunteers behind the Hub, hit the nail on the head when he said that this could not have come at a better time for Birtley - the Hub will be able to deliver help, support and hope not only to the local community and businesses of Birtley but also to the surrounding area.
I am delighted to see the Hub open to the community. Ian and his team deserve every credit for the Hub and all their work serving the people and place they care so much about.
Newcastle Chronicle and Journal
| Promoted by Paul Foy on behalf of Dave Anderson, both of St Cuthbert's Church Hall, Shibdon Road, Blaydon, NE21 5PT |