What kind of city do we want in the future?
NEWCASTLE’S roundabout saga should spark a debate on the city’s future, a leading Labour MP said.
Chi Onwurah said change need to be made so the city avoids having to build infrastructure designed mainly for cars.
Her call came at a meeting in Gosforth’s Trinity Church after the council announced it was scrapping its proposal to chop down trees on nearby Dukes Moor and Little Moor to make way for a bigger Blue House Roundabout.
Ms Onwurah, Newcastle Central MP, was keen to stress the aim was to encourage people to change the way they travel.
The roundabout plans were drawn up to reflect Newcastle’s transport habits, which include large numbers of car journeys between Gosforth, Jesmond and the city centre.
If the city is to avoid more “mega-roundabouts” in the coming decades, then people need to cut car journeys, she said. She asked: “How can we make sure we are the kind of Newcastle that we want in the future?” Ms Onwurah said she took up cycling again 18-months ago. She invited the audience to consider what kind of city they want and how they can help make that happen. Catherine McKinnell, Labour MP for Newcastle North, said the council needs feedback if it is to build a transport system sustainable for the future. “Clearly that can not just be imposed on local residents or local areas. It is really important we all have the opportunity to feed into what happens in our area.” Coun Ged Bell, told the audience Blue House style roundabout extensions will be essential if the residents keep making so many car journeys. He said: “This roundabout would be required if we meet everyone’s needs - but we can actually change that.”