A North Tyneside Reform councillor has been accused of “fanning the flames” of violent disorder in Meadow Well, sparked by false rumours of a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO).
Last night, a building on Waterville Road was subjected to violent disorder in what Northumbria Police believe to be a “pre-arranged” attack related to “misinformation in the community.” The force stated last night that a building was incorrectly believed by some to become a House of Multiple Occupancy; it was, in fact, planned for use as a supermarket. Flats were also planned for above the supermarket, but self-contained one- or two-bedroom properties, not an HMO or HMOs.
Facebook post draws condemnation
Now, a Facebook post by Reform UK Chirton and Percy Main councillor Steven Robinson has drawn anger and condemnation from Labour Mayor Karen Clark, saying such posts were “fanning the flames” of the disorder. The Green and Tory parties have also condemned the post published last night.
In a statement to the LDRS, Coun Robinson states that he arrived at the scene and posted order had been restored to the area.
Coun Robinson’s post, seen by the LDRS, after thanking emergency services at the site and hoping those affected are “safe”, went on to state: “Separately, I oppose the Labour government’s approach to asylum accommodation. If the government wants to use buildings in our community for that purpose, residents deserve to be told what’s planned and given a chance to have their say.
“Reform has listened to those concerns. I’ll keep pressing for answers locally, and I support Reform’s Operation Fortress to tackle illegal immigration and restore control of Britain’s borders.”
Political responses and calls for leadership
Labour councillor for Chirton and Percy Main, Rebecca O’Keefe, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that Councillor Robinson had also attended a previous meeting with the property’s developers, during which those present were informed about the nature plans for the building.
Mayor Karen Clark said: “I’m disgusted by the violence in Meadow Well last night. A minority of thugs caused fear and disruption for local families. Residents deserve to feel safe in their own homes, and nothing justifies this behaviour. Reform politicians need to take responsibility for fanning the flames.
“Their representative attended a community meeting last week where the developer clearly told him that the plans for the site were for a supermarket and nine self-contained one- and two-bedroom flats for rent, not asylum accommodation. They should be correcting misinformation. Spreading it has real consequences for our communities.
“Thank you to our council staff, Northumbria Police and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service for their work to keep residents safe. They deserve our support and respect. Those responsible for this violence must be held to account.”
Green councillor for North Shields Martin Osborne added: “The police have been very clear in their communication about this but coun Robinson has chosen to not share their posts and instead stoke division in our communities with an ambiguous post. The planning application is clear about what the building is going to be and he should be countering misinformation rather than reinforcing it.
“He has said he is “pushing for answers locally” despite already being told by the developer that these apartments are aimed at local people and with a supermarket creating local jobs below. It is time for coun Robinson to show some leadership on this matter, and be honest with the public about the facts.”
Conservative group leader coun John Johnson said: “At times like this, elected representatives need to show leadership and choose their words carefully. What we say can help reassure people or add to fear and tension.
“Residents deserve to have their concerns heard and addressed calmly and responsibly. We should be working together across party lines to support the community and help restore calm. This is a time to bring people together.
“There must be no place for exploiting fear or division for political gain; the safety and wellbeing of residents must come first.”
Councillor Robinson's response
Coun Steven Robinson stated: “I condemn the violence directed at police officers last night. I have friends in the police, and many of the Royal Marines I served alongside went on to join the local fire service.
“Some of them could have been on duty last night, and I hope everyone got home safely to their families. By the time I arrived on Waterville Road, order had been restored.
“I spoke with residents and the officer in charge and did what I could to help keep things calm. The officer told me that no injuries had been reported at that point. It was only later that I saw the videos showing violence against police officers.
“Kim McGuinness and Karen Clark commented the following day. I was there that evening, speaking directly with police and residents. If they’re going to comment on what happened, they should get the basic facts right, the property was not a supermarket but a supermarket with flats above.
“The residents don’t have concerns regarding the supermarket. The police and fire crews were doing their jobs and have my full support. My criticism is directed at the Labour government.
“The residents I’ve spoken to have made clear that they oppose using HMOs and hotels to house refugees in their community. Labour needs to listen to those concerns and be open with residents about decisions that affect their neighbourhood.
“Immigration should be managed fairly and in the interests of local communities and Britain as a whole. Reform UK has listened to those concerns. When Nigel Farage becomes Prime Minister, we will implement Operation Fortress within the first 100 days and achieve negative net migration during his term.
“Thank you to Northumbria Police and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service for their work to keep residents safe. They deserve our respect and support.”
