I am calling for your support from residents and/or visitors of Birmingham Gardens to present to our Ward 3 Councillor and Newcastle City Council. This is to highlight our NEED for FOOTPATHS and PARK UPGRADE at Harold Myers Park in Birmingham Gardens. 

Footpaths - Birmingham Gardens has 2 complete streets with footpaths 5 streets with “part” footpaths which will go for a short period and then suddenly stop. There are 19 streets without any footpaths (on either side of the road). 

When querying other local development applications with little off-street parking I was advised that the targeted population for the housing would not have cars. Development Applications are being approved with this assumption, but there is no plan for the increased foot traffic throughout the suburb. People are frequently having 'near misses' with pedestrians (which includes young children) forced to walk on the road whilst cars park bumper to bumper. It is an accident waiting.

(Note Newcastle Council did provide feedback that they attended and inspected the corner of Wilkinson and Naughton Avenue and didn’t see it being an issue but this was at the beginning of covid with majority of kids staying home and university students returning to their primary residence).

My request is simply for safety – we NEED footpaths. 

Parks and Playgrounds – Birmingham Gardens has one playground in the Harold Myers Park. This was built over 20 years ago and has since endured a lot of weather and unfortunately graffiti.

Birmingham Gardens and Jesmond have a large population of disadvantaged families and apparently (according to council) a lot without cars, so this is the only park/playground available for many within walking distance.

In the past 7 years we have seen the toilet facilities disconnected and removed, the rubbish bin removed from the park and most recently fences preventing cars from driving onto the grounds.

It’s disappointing that this large open space is not able to be enjoyed more frequently by families and the wider community. It desperately needs an upgrade and is a missed opportunity for our local community and children to interact.

PLEASE SIGN TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT AND NEED FOR THE SUBURB OF BIRMINGHAM GARDENS TO HAVE FOOTPATHS AND PARK UPGRADE. 

Additional comments and support can be shown by emailing - birminghamgardensfeedback@gmail.com