Newcastle is a city that is achieving much under its Liberal Democrat Council, even in these tough times, and the Westerhope, Chapel Park and Chapel House areas have benefited from extra funds made available locally, new investment and better neighbourhood services. Positive things are happening in the area, led by the community, and residents' surveys rate the Council and the quality of services it provides very highly.
The Lib Dem Minister for LGBT Equalities, Lynne Featherstone MP, has made a video as part of the Stonewall 'It Gets Better... Today' campaign - itself a response to the "It Gets Better" YouTube campaign in the USA.
As we mark the anniversary of last November's devastating floods in Cumbria, South Lakes MP Tim Farron is reiterating his call for local Mountain Teams to be exempt from paying VAT and vehicle excise duty.
Conservative blogger Iain Dale has made the case (http://iaindale.blogspot.com/2010/11/why-ive-donated-to-phil-woolas-appeal.html) that Phil Woolas, the disgraced and hopefully soon to be ex-MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, has been unreasonably treated by the law. He's even sent £100 towards Mr Woolas' legal costs to mount a Judicial Review.
Following a meeting of the County Councils cabinet, Cllr Bill Boulter has reiterated his opposition to the closure of the Breaking the Barriers and other employment services currently provided by the County Council for adults with learning difficulties.
By Robert Woodthorpe-Browne