Success, opportunity and anger form this week's column.
The good news is that the St. Mary's 'All in the Centre' project in Whickham won £50,000 worth of lottery funding in a phone vote on the television. I know many constituents voted for the centre which is used by many local people - from babies to centenarians. This funding will improve current facilities and create new ones. Landscaping will create a new sensory garden for community use alongside a new seating area with disabled access and toilet facilities as well as a lobby area.
I began my own working life with a four year apprenticeship as a colliery fitter but apprenticeships have faded in recent years. The promising news is that North East businesses can boost their growth by taking on an apprentice, according to a recent survey.
The survey finds that the vast majority of companies agreed that apprenticeships are a good return on investment, supply their businesses with practical skills and qualifications needed for the future, are a cost effective recruitment solution and they would recommend them to others.
Apprenticeships are the way forward and can supply our community with a talented, skilled workforce. Gateshead Council and Nissan are leading the way in the use of apprentices.
Businesses can find out more about Apprenticeships at www.apprenticeships.org.uk or via 08000 150 600
The bad news is that the government has decided to clobber rail passengers hard from January. Many commuters will see eye-watering hikes of more than 10% on some routes, at the same time as VAT goes up to 20% and energy prices soar as well as wage freezes and cuts to tax credits and child benefit.
There's even worse to come the year after because the government has decided to increase fares by 3% above inflation every year.
The Tories used to say that an increase in rail fares of this amount would price people off the railways and the Liberal Democrats promised to cut fares. It's a shame they have ratted on their words but more importantly these rises will cause more congestion as commuters take to their cars.
This is citizens paying the price for the most cack-handed of all the Tory privatisations with no light at the end of this particular tunnel.
Newcastle Chronicle and Journal
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