New jobs as £1.2m invested in Newcastle's neighbourhoods

As part of the 2022/23 budget, the council is investing a further £1.2m to enhance cleaning and maintenance programmes across the city.

Cllr Ged Bell, cabinet member for development, neighbourhoods and transport, said: “Our brilliant neighbourhoods are a top priority for us and we know residents take great pride in where they live in the city.

“We want to keep our neighbourhoods safe, clean and green so that’s why we are investing in their future.

“Neighbourhoods should be places where residents can socialise and exercise, children can play out and walk or cycle to school and where everyone feels safe.

“The funding will help improve the look of our neighbourhoods and continue to make our city such a great place to live.”

As part of the investment plans, the council aims to recruit 19 new operational staff and one supervisor, and lease or purchase new vehicles and equipment.

The investment will also deliver:

• Improved citywide strimming programme to enhance appearance of neighbourhoods
• Enhanced cleaning programme for key routes into the city, central reservations, traffic islands and crossings
• Improved weed treatment, shrub maintenance and grass cutting programmes
• Develop new bulb planting sites
• Develop new wildflower meadow sites
• More neighbourhood activities in partnership with residents and Your Homes Newcastle

The investment follows the council’s pledge to spend a further £130m on capital projects to improve economic conditions across the city.

This includes new employment opportunities, homes, roads, making the environment cleaner and tackling climate change.

Among the projects are plans to invest £14.2m to create football and community hubs at Blakelaw and Bullocksteads and £2.9m to improve roads and footpaths.