Cllr Richard Ross - Reform UK North Tyneside

29/10/2026

🗳️ STANDING UP FOR FREE SPEECH & DEMOCRATIC DEBATE IN POLITICS 🗣️

Local government should always be about open debate, accountability, and standing up for the residents who elect us. Unfortunately, across the country, and myself lately, we are seeing a growing trend where people are targeted, bullied, or intimidated simply for expressing their political views or challenging the status quo. This is happening to me as i type this...

A North East resident, Andrew Vickers, has launched an important UK Parliament petition calling for political motivation to be made an aggravating factor in sentencing for offences, extending legal protections to everyone targeted with violence or hostility because of their political beliefs, regardless of party.

I have formally signed and supported this petition.

💬 MY POSITION ON FREE SPEECH & LOCAL SCRUTINY:
• Democracy Requires Debate: Whether you are an active campaigner, a resident asking tough questions, or an elected councillor, you should be able to speak up without fear of personal harassment, smear tactics, or intimidation.
• Standing Firm Under Fire: In local politics, when you challenge multi-million-pound budget overspends, push back against flawed plans, or expose administrative failures, you inevitably catch heat from those who would prefer you kept quiet.
• I Won't Be Silenced: Some would rather play political games or launch personal attacks than address the hard facts. But my duty is to the residents of Weetslade Ward, and I will always stand up for transparency, free speech, and robust democratic scrutiny—no matter the pressure.

👉 SUPPORT THE PETITION:
If you believe politics should be about ideas and service rather than intimidation, please consider signing and sharing the official Parliament petition here:
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/780559

Let’s keep our local democracy open, honest, and focused on delivering for our communities! 🤝

Introduce legislation to make political motivation an aggravating factor in sentencing when determining the seriousness of an offence, including a violent crime or an incitement to violence. We are concerned inflammatory political labels are being increasingly used to incite hatred and violence.

28/10/2026

⚡ KEEPING OUR WEETSLADE HOMES & COMMUNITY SAFE: FREE ELECTRICAL SAFETY ADVICE 🔌

As autumn turns colder and we all start using extra heating, electric blankets, and appliances at home, keeping our electricals safe is a top priority.

Leading charity Electrical Safety First has reached out to local councillors with free safety guidance and resources.

I wanted to share a few quick safety reminders for all residents across Weetslade, Wideopen, Dudley, Hazlerigg, Brunswick Green, and Seaton Burn:

💡 QUICK ELECTRICAL SAFETY CHECKS AT HOME:
1️⃣ Don't Overload Sockets: Avoid plugging multiple high-wattage appliances (like heaters or kettles) into a single extension lead.
2️⃣ Check Cables & Plugs: Look out for frayed wires, scorch marks, or loose plugs on portable heaters and electric blankets before turning them on for winter.
3️⃣ Charge Safely: Never charge phones, e-bikes, or laptops on beds or sofas where heat can build up, and always use official chargers.
4️⃣ Smoke & Heat Alarms: Test your home smoke alarms monthly to ensure early warning in an emergency.

📢 FREE PRINTED MATERIALS FOR LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS:
Electrical Safety First is also offering free printed posters, flyers, and safety guides
for local community centers, libraries, and public venues.

I am contacting local groups across Weetslade Ward to help get these free safety packs distributed to venues like Wideopen Library and the John Willie Sams Centre.

If you run a local venue or community group in Weetslade and would like a pack sent out, drop me a message and I'll arrange it for you! 🤝

28/10/2026

🏠 COUNCIL TENANT DROP-IN SESSIONS COMING TO DUDLEY & NORTH TYNESIDE 📋

Are you a council tenant with questions about housing repairs, rent support, Homefinder allocations, or neighbourhood safety? North Tyneside Council has arranged a series of dedicated, face-to-face drop-in sessions with specialist housing teams.

This is a great opportunity to speak directly with officers under one roof, get practical advice, or get assistance with ongoing tenancy issues.

📍 KEY DATES & LOCAL VENUES:
1️⃣ Thursday 26 November (10:00am – 12:00 noon):
👉 John Willie Sams Centre, Dudley (NE23 7HS) — Right here in Weetslade Ward!
2️⃣ Tuesday 24 November (3:00pm – 5:30pm):
👉 Battle Hill Library (NE28 9JE)
3️⃣ Wednesday 2 December (10:00am – 12:00 noon):
👉 Whitley Bay Big Local (NE26 2LY)
👥 SPECIALIST TEAMS ON HAND TO HELP: Representatives from across the Housing and Property Service will be present, including
: 🛠️ Housing Repairs & Maintenance
🏡 Homefinder & Housing Allocations
🏘️ Neighbourhood Management
🛡️ Community Protection
💳 Income & Rent Support (if you are struggling with payments)

If you plan to attend the Dudley drop-in at the John Willie Sams Centre on the 26th, or if you need help escalating an urgent housing repair or enquiry before then, please drop me a message and I’ll gladly look into it for you! 🤝

27/10/2026

⚡ NEW ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING POINTS PROPOSED FOR WEETSLADE 🚗🔌

News for local drivers, Following a technical review across North Tyneside funded by the Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund, three new public EV charging points have been proposed for our ward.

This scheme is specifically designed to support residents who do not have driveways or easy access to off-street parking.

📍 PROPOSED WEETSLADE LOCATIONS:
1️⃣ Russell Square, Seaton Burn (NE13 6HR)
• Position: Parking area near No. 33
• Spec: 1 Standard Charging Unit (1 Socket)

2️⃣ Great North Road, Wideopen (NE13 6LH)
• Position: On-street opposite 25 Park View
• Spec: 1 Standard Charging Unit (1 Socket)

3️⃣ Canterbury Way, Wideopen (NE13 6JQ)
• Position: Parking bays near No. 31
• Spec: 1 Standard Charging Unit (1 Socket)

🗓️ HAVE YOUR SAY BY 30 OCTOBER 2026:
Have feedback on these sites? If you have comments on any of these three proposed locations, you can email the project team directly at [email protected] by 30th October 2026.

Want to suggest another location? If you'd like to put forward additional street locations across Seaton Burn, Wideopen, Hazlerigg, or Dudley for future funding rounds, email [email protected]

Officers will engage directly with affected households before delivery, which is expected during 2027, with charging prices set in line with standard market rates.
Let’s ensure Weetslade gets the modern infrastructure our community needs! 🤝

27/10/2026

🏠 HELPING KEEP OUR HOMES WARM & DRY THIS WINTER 🧣❤️

As the autumn weather turns colder, keeping our homes warm, dry, and healthy is a top priority for all of us, especially for our older residents and those living with health conditions like COPD.

I’ve recently been supporting a local family dealing with persistent damp issues. Following up on that casework, I want to make sure all residents across Wideopen, Hazlerigg, Dudley, Seaton Burn and Weetslade know the official support, advice, and direct reporting channels available through North Tyneside Council.

💡 WHAT TO DO IF YOU NOTICE DAMP OR CONDENSATION IN YOUR COUNCIL HOME:
1️⃣ Report It Early: If you suspect persistent damp, mould, or a structural leak, contact the Council’s Housing Repair Team directly on 0345 2000 102 or email [email protected] so a technical inspection can be arranged promptly.

2️⃣ Access Practical Council Advice: The Council provides helpful guidance on managing indoor moisture, improving ventilation, and accessing energy efficiency support. You can read the official guide online here:

👉 https://www.northtyneside.gov.uk/reducing-condensation

3️⃣ Get Councillor Support: If you have already reported an issue to Repairs and need assistance following up on progress, please reach out to me directly—I am always happy to look into it, escalate cases, and help get repairs moving for you.

🌐 EXTRA RESOURCE:
For residents interested in broader research on home energy retrofits and tackling fuel poverty, check out the upcoming Unlocking Warmer Homes national report webinar here:

👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/webinar-unlocking-warmer-homes-report-tickets-2002066173820

Let’s look out for one another as winter approaches. Please don’t hesitate to drop me a message, send a DM, or pop into my ward surgery if I can assist you or a neighbour! 🤝

24/10/2026

📰 YOUR WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE: WEETSLADE & NORTH TYNESIDE 📰

Welcome to our weekly ward and borough news briefing! From holding Council leadership to account for multi-million-pound deficits, to exposing flaws in the Draft Local Plan and protecting our local schools, here is this week's full update.

🚨 TOP STORY: LABOUR REPORT £11.6m BUDGET DEFICIT – TAXPAYERS LEFT TO FOOT THE BILL FOR MISMANAGEMENT

North Tyneside Labour leadership has reported a staggering £11.6 million budget deficit for the current financial year. Under Deputy Mayor Carl Johnson (see photo), who oversees finance and resources, council deficits continue to spiral, leaving local residents to foot the bill through higher Council Tax and reduced services.

This financial crisis is the direct result of political incompetence and a lack of strategic vision. We have seen this play out at Monkseaton High School, where over £8.6 million in debt was allowed to accumulate prior to its closure, alongside multi-million-pound overspends across council departments.

While hard-working council officers continue to deliver day-to-day services under extreme pressure, the political decision-making from Labour cabinet leadership has created a systemic fiscal mess. Local families deserve far better financial stewardship.

🏫 HAZLEWOOD PRIMARY: BARRISTER ACTIVELY ENGAGED
A quick update for all Hazlewood parents, staff, and supporters: our legal team and barrister are now actively engaging on our pre-action legal challenge against the Council’s flawed closure consultation process. We are working through the evidence dossier and legal grounds to protect our top-performing primary school. More details will follow shortly—stay strong team!

🗺️ DRAFT LOCAL PLAN: WEETSLADE & BOROUGH ANALYSIS UNDERWAY
As we continue unpacking the Council’s Draft Local Plan, major spatial and educational contradictions are coming to light across Weetslade. We are carefully documenting these discrepancies alongside our legal team as part of our formal submission to protect local infrastructure and community assets. Full breakdown to be released shortly.

📰 BOROUGH & REGIONAL NEWS BRIEFING
🏠 Tynemouth Metro Station Housing Bid: Plans have been submitted for a new residential development near Tynemouth Metro Station, sparking interest and local debate over housing density and transit links.
🚆 Metro ASB & Loud Music Crackdown: Metro bosses have issued a firm warning and crackdown against anti-social behaviour and loud music disruption on trains, urging passengers to report nuisance behavior via text.
👶 Action for Children Expansion: Charity Action for Children is expanding its support services across the North East to help vulnerable local children and families.

📲 Community action:
Weetslade, when a local shopkeeper needed you, you acted! Police are now actively involved with me and Schools and shop keepers, and I can confirm all parties are now known to Northumbria Police.
I can also confirm that one active parent brought their son directly to apologise to the shop owner in person. This is exactly what we like to see: real community action, strong parenting, and taking responsibility. Prevention is always better than cure!

23/10/2026

More labour led budgetary bad news.

What do you think?

The financial position has worsened since June

22/10/2026

🚨 MET OFFICE WEATHER WARNING: STORM BOELO HITTING NORTH TYNESIDE THIS WEEKEND 🚨

The Met Office has officially issued a Yellow Weather Warning for Wind as Storm Boelo tracks across northern parts of the UK, bringing severe gales and heavy rain to North Tyneside and the wider North East this weekend.

📅 WARNING WINDOW:
Starts: 6:00 PM on Saturday, 24 October
Ends: 9:00 PM on Sunday, 25 October

💨 WHAT TO EXPECT:
High Winds: Widespread gusts of 55–65 mph, reaching 70–80 mph on exposed coastal areas (Whitley Bay, Tynemouth, and Cullercoats).

Heavy Rain: Spells of persistent heavy rain accompanying the high winds throughout Saturday night and Sunday.
Coastal Hazards: Large waves and sea spray throwing beach material onto coastal roads, promenades, and properties.
Travel & Power Disruption: Potential impacts on road transport, Metro and rail services, along with possible localized power cuts.

🛡️ ADVICE & SAFETY TIPS FOR RESIDENTS: 1️⃣ Secure Loose Items: Please secure wheelie bins, garden furniture, trampolines, and hanging pots before Saturday evening.

2️⃣ Coastal Caution: Take extreme care along coastal footpaths and seafront promenades during high tide.
3️⃣ Travel Planning: Check Metro and highway updates before travelling over the weekend.
4️⃣ Fallen Trees / Emergency Contacts: To report fallen trees or urgent council highway hazards, call North Tyneside Council Emergency Out-of-Hours on 0345 2000 102. For power emergencies, call 105.

Please share this warning with neighbours, friends, and elderly relatives across Weetslade and North Tyneside so everyone can prepare and stay safe! 🤝

21/10/2026

A follow up to a story in Cramlington - long before I was elected.

Shame the local authority handled this so badly and i had to step in, supporting a fantastic community asset.

20/10/2026

Please take some time and respond to how your 3 x Weetslade NTC councillors are performing for you.

That's myself Reform Cllr Richard Ross, Labour Cllr's Anthony McMullan and Cllr Sarah Burtemshaw.

🗣️ 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗜𝗡𝗚: 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗥, 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗦𝗔𝗬

Let’s be honest: many people have lost faith in local politics. Some feel politicians don’t listen, that nothing changes, or that it’s difficult to know what their elected representatives actually do.

But a lot of them do a lot of really good work.

For the past couple of months, we’ve been digging into the work of North Tyneside’s councillors - looking at the data, asking questions and trying to build a clearer picture of what our elected representatives do.

As many of you will know, we’ve been working on this for a while now, and we’re nearly at the end of our data gathering.

We’ve now received figures on Member Enquiries submitted by councillors, alongside data showing their attendance at council meetings.

The numbers make for an interesting picture, but they don’t tell the whole story.

Member Enquiries are just one way councillors help residents, and attendance figures don’t explain the circumstances behind every absence.

We’re now giving the councillors featured in our data the opportunity to speak to us, explain the figures and put their side of the story.

📩 𝗛𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗛𝗔𝗗 𝗔 𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗥?

Has a North Tyneside councillor helped you sort out a problem, get an answer from the council or make a difference in your community?

We’d love to hear about it.

Email [email protected] with a brief description of what happened and which councillor helped you.

We’re specifically looking for positive experiences for this piece, not complaints about councillors. We believe hearing from residents who have been helped is an important part of the overall picture.

This is 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗿, 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝘆 - a ShoutAbout Local initiative to look beyond the numbers, hear both sides and give local people a voice.

Because rebuilding trust starts with asking questions, listening and being willing to look at the full picture.

📩 Get in touch and have your say.

PLEASE NOTE - THIS IS REQUEST IS FOR POSITIVE FEEDBACK ONLY. THE COUNCIL HAVE A COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE IN PLACE FOR ANYONE WHO IS UNHAPPY WITH THE SERVICE PROVIDED BY THEIR COUNCILLOR.