Residents protest against demolition plan

Oct 8 2007 by Susan Taylor, The Journal

GATESHEAD residents staged an ‘Independence Day’ protest against plans to demolish their homes.

Saltwell and Bensham Residents Association held a demonstration on Macadam Street on Saturday, attended by around 50 people. The protesters say they are trying to protect their community.

They say they are angry about plans to knock down 440 homes on their estates, which the authorities say are failing.

Demolition is due to take place as part of a huge regeneration project under the Pathfinder scheme to revitalise housing markets on Tyneside.

Nancy Bone, Secretary of the Tenants Association said: “We wanted as many people as possible to join us to show the level of opposition to plans to sell of our houses, and we were pleasantly surprised at the turnout, especially as the event took place on a Saturday afternoon.

“I’m sure people have many things to do at the weekend, so it just goes to show how much they care about this issue.”