Music legend
Lindisfarne drummer joins village protesters
Lindisfarne founder member Ray Laidlaw opposes the cycle hub plan MUSIC legend Ray Laidlaw hass joined a campaign to stop developers building a new cycle hub at a coastal beauty spot.
The star, who shot to stardomm in the 1970s with Tyneside bandd Lindisfarne, is among those protesting against plans to transform a piece of land at Spanish Battery, in Tynemouth.
If the proposals by the Northern Property Group are given the go-ahead, the new Watch House Garden could include a cafe area, shop, rooftop garden and viewing terrace, as well as facilities for cyclists such as showers, lockers and service points.
The plans, which have been submitted to North Tyneside Council, have split opinion and have attracted numerous objections, as well as messages of support.
Those in favour of the scheme believe the hub would be a great facility, offering a good resting and meeting place for cyclists, including those riding the Coast to Coast (C2C) route.
However, objectors say the location is wrong for a cycling hub and believe it would take away the “last of the quiet places” left in Tynemouth.
They also fear it would lead to increased traffic and noise noise, and result in disruption during the construction period.
More than 2,100 people have signed a petition organised by the Friends of the Spanish Battery.
Ray, who was the drummer and one of the founders of Lindisfarne, was born in Tynemouth and still lives there. As he joined a protest gathering ata Spanish Battery this week, he said: “This is the wrong place for something like this. It’s a residential area, quiet and unspoilt, and should be left that way.
“There are plenty of bars, restaurants and places for refreshment in the village which are fantastic.
“I don’t think it’s the right place, in fact I’m convinced it’s the wrong place, and we should not let it happen. I object strongly.”
Sandy Kerr, a resident and one of the campaign leaders, added: “We are not anti-cyclist but think this is the wrong location.
“There are plenty of restaurants, cafes and pubs just minutes away in Tynemouth village for everyone to enjoy and the developers need to look for another site if they want special facilities for cyclists.”
The team behind the plans are brothers Josh Boyle and Mark Maitland, and their friend Gareth Reece.
They came up with the idea