Newcastle’s Multicultural Sector UP CLOSE: Westgate Rd & Arthurs Hill

[@nimertavirdee9615]

Really loved this video and your brilliant anti-racist message, im a brown-skinned londoner who moved to Newcastle 6 years ago and whilst i actually live in Gateshead now, i feel really warm towards the westgate road and arthurs hill community. I worked as a youth worker at children north east on westgate road for a year last year and i loved it. Thanks for your channel, im loving learning about the city!

[@TynesideLife]

Thank you for your message Nimerta 🙏👍🏻

[@geordienufc3132]

We come over to Newcastle from Canada to visit family every couple of years but usually shop in the centre of the city. However last September we had the unfortunate experience of going to a massive cemetery further along the road from where you stopped and the area was appalling. The amount of garbage laying around, graffiti and boarded up buildings etc was unbelievable. It seems the vast majority of people living in that area have zero pride in their surroundings. I hope we never have to pass through that area ever again.

[@whatyeonaboot]

It costs newcastle council thousands every year tidying up Westgate road, especially the back streets

[@Laura_Suzanne]

You don't need to work for the council to pick up rubbish. Latex garden gloves,and binbaga cost £1 in Poundland and litterpicker or two for around £3 in B&M. I litterpick in my neighbourhood or surrounding areas with my neighbours once a week in South Shields. Been doing this for years as our council doesn't get a lot of funding anymore.

[@whatyeonaboot]

@@Laura_Suzanne I do the same in westerhope.

[@theotherside8258]

@@whatyeonaboot 👋

[@AbandonEarth911]

It's grim up north.

[@tigerbloodoneill8783]

Not gonna lie to you, the area looks awful these days. Filthy and uninviting. I deliver there to afew properties behind the main stretch and it's horrific. Smashed out windows and boarded up windows. Very intimidating to walk along there at night too. Went drastically downhill 👎

[@gazza1858]

@@Bereal711No why

[@J.B....]

Its a $ Hole

[@whatyeonaboot]

@@tigerbloodoneill8783 out of sight scenario. If people could actually see what those back streets are like. Its just an open bin. Needles, fridges, mattresses and open bag rubbish everywhere. So sad the council has let this pass for over 10 yrs

[@asamitchell7948]

It's an absolute shithole you would think the local culture would keep the place immaculate not turn it into where they come from

[@lil-g4879]

@PetegyuSome people can’t even write coherent sentences…

[@HugoHome67]

My beloved west end ruined , I still drive through it at least once a week and it never fails to disappoint me . I seen what was happening nearly 40 years ago and moved well away from it . Best thing I ever did !!

[@darrenheron7504]

West rd is a shithole,i live just of it and it has got worst yr on yr.

[@karengarvey7976]

Been up Westgate road once and that was enough. Dirty , tired and altogether very uninviting and unwelcoming. Was glad to get in town again. Felt unsafe

[@chrisleemidd]

It's absolutely shocking what successive governments have done to newcastle , the west end is a disgusting place ,and its spreading

[@theotherside8258]

I've always thought it a bit annoying that regeneration cash provided by central govt gets spent on prestige vanity projects while simple maintenance of areas gets no shout for the cash. Most of the evidence of being run down though is actually private properties and businesses not being maintained and it's not the responsibility of tax payers to do that, it wouldn't be fair to spend on things the owners won't.

[@JD-lp5rw]

Import savages and somehow expect them to act like civilised western people.

[@davee3897]

When you were walking up the hill I couldn't stop thinking about Mr Rahman on Metro Radio saying 'If you have a problem with a zip then come and see me, beside the motorbike shops.

[@Whiteeagle128]

There is a tunnel under the west road , it was used by the nurses to get from the General Hospital to the nurses home. I used it myself many years ago.

[@TynesideLife]

Ahh! 👍🏻

[@markillingworth1972]

That’s interesting

[@bakinghealer]

I remember that & the nurses home that was there.

[@apb3440]

Barber shops are cash businesses and, therefore, ideal sources of money laundering. Nail bars are the same.

[@whatyeonaboot]

@@apb3440 a lot is cash only around there. The Chinese love cash payments

[@TheWacoKid1963]

Swalwell, the shitehole outside of the Metrocentre is the same, there's about half a dozen barbers and hairdressers that seem to have the same invisible customers

[@DaveyToon]

Same with the eastern European shops there everywhere atm

[@theotherside8258]

lot of cash only businesses and not putting sales through tills

[@Tidybitz]

​@@theotherside8258 ... personally, I have no problem with cash only as cash is king to me, I hate the contactless shit and won't entertain it because I know what it could lead to if there was no cash. Otherwise it's the same where I live, never had so many barber shops and nail bars.

[@andyallom4357]

The Kawasaki bike shops on Westgate Road was where everybody bought their green and white Blyth Spartans scarves during their famous FA Cup run in 1978

[@harleymac6308]

Amazing video Eddy! I used to love visiting Westgate road back in the 80s & 90's. There was a great community spirit. Seeing it look so run down is a real shame. I wish we could turn back the clock...... 👍

[@thabudmaster]

your memory is faulty, it was bad then just as it is now

[@da90sReAlvloc]

​@@Occident. Was it tho, I mean the name Britain itself is Latin. It's what the Romans called us we were Albion first, . remember when Britain was 100 percent British like when we had Germany and greek royals or a half American Winston Churchill as prime minister, Or all those gurkh

[@da90sReAlvloc]

​@@Occident. Yeah the 40s like how we had Germany and greek royals, and a half American prime minister Winston Churchill, British what are you on about British and Britannia are what Latins(Romans called us and our island). We were Albion first, So you really can't have a British identity without the Romans, 100 percent Britain, no such thing thanks to the Romans and vikings,

[@YogicBarrister]

Excellent. Handles potentially "problematic" issues with balance and nuance. Thanks Eddie

[@TynesideLife]

🙏👍🏻

[@Marenqo]

​@@TynesideLifeAs a hardworking "foreigner" myself, thank you, also for the balance. My partner, also a migrant, works for the NHS.

[@TynesideLife]

@@Marenqo ☝️👊🏻👍🏻

[@UKpitbull]

I remember the Hoarde of Bikes on Westgate Rd in early 90's.

[@Marc1979nufc]

Those were the days, all the bikers used to meet up on a Saturday I was a kid and went with me dad

[@UKpitbull]

@@Marc1979nufc.Biker Heaven ,as I remember. They were all up the road pal.x

[@Marc1979nufc]

@@UKpitbull I was only a young kid about 10. We used to go to the second hand shops, the Ford spares on blanford square see what wheels they had in. The amount of bikers was unreal it was a day out for them to meet up

[@thomaslindsay1525]

I used to go with my dad every Saturday on his motorbike. Would have a look in all the bike shops, gaming shop and have gravy and chips at the chippy at the bottom of the bank. Such a shame that community got lost.

[@M44411]

70’s 80’s & the 90’s full burn outs up the hill, with chips n curry sitting on the shop roof tops Mint 😎

[@robdavies82]

You walked past the Westgate Hill cemetery (now abandoned). It’s a fascinating place, although overgrown. But it’s a little known fact that there is a Native American Indian buried there. Corsair was the infant son of Shontayiga (Little Wolf) and Okeweme. He died whilst the family were travelling around the UK in 1845 and his parents wanted him buried in Newcastle. I’ve looked for the grave but couldn’t find it, but apparently it is in there somewhere (a bit overgrown).

[@Marenqo]

@@robdavies82 comments like yours are the reason I go though the comments, many nasty. You have convinced me to have a look for myself. Thanks!

[@itmatterednot]

That’s a really interesting cemetery, used to pop in there and have a look at the old stones sometimes when I was walking down into town.

[@williamreddicliffe-qw4cj]

The grave is where elswick road meets Westgate road on the corner beside the big lamp.

[@agro1962]

My family had Robinson's fish shop for years. Arthur's Hill has completely changed. My grandfather was a miner so there before the war

[@HugoHome67]

Best fish and chips in Newcastle were Robinson's , reminiscing about the old days Robinson's always pops up . The west end is gone !!

[@dneshkp8631]

I used to stand in the queue for the last fry ❤(about 11:30pm). Yes it was the best. I used to live in Croydon Road up to 1995. You were the first to get and use a microwave to heat up the peas. Those were the days. Wingrove Road was the other chippy opposite the former fire station. This trully was a family run business of about 3 generations 👍

[@robc882]

i live about a mile further along from where you stopped Eddie, believe me its not great , really wish you walked another 5 mins and looked at the state of the place its a disgrace . the reason the "multicultural" get the stick they do is very apparent not a hope in hell the council can keep cleaning up after them . i get the area has never been a perfect place but now its horrendous . its great that all the shops are open as business but how many barber shops and take aways can one street need . i have to disagree with your comment of white English are lazy there is no way what so ever any one of white English nationality could open any business on this road or any where around it and survive . it just far to over crowded with other nationality's who have no interest in working or getting along with outsiders . great video again though but i have lived here for nearly 50 years and i honestly i hate it now .

[@markillingworth1972]

I agree with you , I knock on peoples doors and the English are very nice to you , but the foreigners don’t speak don’t say thank you and a lot of them hide behind the door and stick their hands around the door to take the delivery off you , it’s changed a lot around there

[@EpicAelflaed]

White British are not lazy like you say - it’s cultural takeover. Once many of these immigrants come into our towns, they come in such numbers that they literally take over the areas and change it into their culture. Our government are complicit on this as they give them preference over housing etc in the resettlement packages. The numbers of immigrants we receive now are so huge that I fear for our future generations. The British identity is eroding fast.

[@Marenqo]

@@markillingworth1972 as a foreigner myself I have the opposite experience

[@nickcooke5749]

@@markillingworth1972. One reason for that might be, if it's a Muslim woman, she might not have her hijab on because she's at home, and a random bloke seeing her without that is against her religious beliefs.

[@whatyeonaboot]

@@Marenqo there are areas in Newcastle that are predominantly white and the rubbish is horrendous, especially areas with poverty. I would say Benwell etc is definitely the worst in the North East. I work in removals so see all areas every week. I've seen Muslims going to pray, looking really smart, stepping over rubbish piled up around their garden entrances. The council and government have let this country fall into disrepair for years. It'll take a monumental effort to shift mindsets

[@davewilkinson7441]

I used to go to the”Hill” in the late 70’s early 80’s most Saturdays during the summer on my motorbike. There were hundreds of bikers lining the road and we’d watch all the bikes riding up and down the road, some of them just using the one wheel😂. The place was buzzing. Sad to see how it’s all gone now.

[@mb4741-n6i]

My mate who was a policeman sergeant West End including the West Road has told me enough crazy stories of the locals to conclude that this has a large smidge of unicorns and fairies attached to it. Multiculturalism is not this magical wonderland we're told by the Be Kind brigade, it's very isolationist and they seem to want to willingly be segregated from the native population to maintain their own customs and practices. The West Road looks scruffy and suffers from a distinct lack of pride and care in its appearance.

[@TynesideLife]

For balance, I have lived and worked all over the world, including three years in Hong Kong. The Brits are as bad as anyone for segregating themselves from other cultures. And when you see the barely concealed racism in some of the comments, it’s understandable why they’re wary

[@mb4741-n6i]

@@TynesideLife You're certainly entitled to your opinion and maybe there is some isolationism by the british public, it's a human instinct after all to want to protect and retain cultures and customs from degradation. I disagree though in the fact that multiculturalism (not to be confused with multiethnic) and the scale of change in a very short period of time has been anything other than a failed experiment in areas of the UK such as our own which were already in mass decline and deprivation from deindustrialisation and has only exacerbated the spiral to the bottom. More people have arrived in the UK in the last 20 years than in hundreds of years before hand, many have integrated although there are large groups who couldn't care less about the NE.

[@TynesideLife]

@@mb4741-n6i well, my opinion on this is based on vast experience and Brits are most definitely isolationist I should point out though that you’re not disagreeing with me on the effects of multiculturalism in Britain

[@dancourt4792]

I remember as a youngster traveling on a trolley bus going down Stanhope Street and the West Road onto Westgate Road. It was a lot different place then, I have to say.

[@martylawrance]

Bringing back memories for me. I used to get the 35 trolley bus from Denton Square (what is now the junction of A1 and A69) to the match. I was only 10 lol

[@ma6579]

That’s where I’m from. I spent the first 35 years of my life there and I’m the son of an immigrant who came to Newcastle in the late 50s. It was multicultural from the early 60s onwards but in the past 20 years that accelerated hugely. We did suffer a fair amount of racism growing up but most people were friendly and welcoming. Many of the local white Brits there feel like there’s been too much change and it doesn’t feel like home any more. Those with potential and who are successful leave and those left behind end up stuck and frustrated . The tunnel definitely exists and I’ve been through it!

[@EpicAelflaed]

Mass immigration is killing off our British culture. Diversity on this level is destroying our country. Multiculturalism doesn’t work. We were never asked

[@starlight6901]

I grew up off Westgate road. Was great in the 80s and early 90s but then it started to turn into Beirut. It's now so run down and dirty. The locals don't have pride in where they live and they clearly don't respect the neighbourhood like we used to. It's been renamed the Asian mile by the original locals. Such a shame. To add to your comments about the diverse cultures sticking together, British people do that too when they are not in their own country. Just look at benidorm. The problem is most white British people have been rinsed so much over the years that they can't afford a deposit for a loan to set up a business but the mosques will happily lend money out to their followers which is where the people coming in to the country get the money from to do it.

[@TynesideLife]

Thanks for your comment. You’ve misunderstood my point regarding our cultures though. I’ve been exposed to Eastern cultures through my professional living circumstances all my life and have even lived in Hong Kong for three years. I also spent a few weeks volunteering in Nepal a few years ago. There is no comparison to how their communities help each other and ours. They view family, community and the elderly completely differently to us and it’s something that helps them set up and maintain businesses and it’s (in my opinion) something we can learn from

[@starlight6901]

@@TynesideLife I get your point Eddie I think this is just a matter of perspective. I live outside the u.k and am surrounded by family and friends from the u.k who all support and help each other.

[@carlboon-nh1ey]

Just looked up Denton Gardens, on Google,in Benwell I believe. Sixty years ago, it was a nice neighbourhood. What happened? It has turned into a dump, by the looks of things.🇨🇦

[@eddieoliver5840]

Denton Gardens and many of the surrounding streets are no longer, they were demolished and the land is now awaiting redevelopment. Many of the houses in the 80s were owned by private landlords and let out to students.

[@werdnarotcorp8991]

I did the same walk in reverse last time I was back trying to follow my past having lived near the General while at Uni. Angel heights, at least in the 70s, was not a nursing home but a nurse's home, hence the tunnel across to the general. They also had 1 or 2 nice tennis courts, which I used to play on illegally. A nice walk down past Fenham barracks on a Saturday got me and my flat mate into the Leazes end stand to Watch Malcom.

[@clivecaulker]

This was excellent! I"m from Gateshead town and I've been living in Guagzhou China, teaching English for the last 15 years. I used to run the Trent House Pub on leazes lane many moons ago circa early 90's. I've just back into checking out 'Toon' youtube cites. If there's anyone out there whou used to drink at the Trent, kindly tell them Clive Caulker was asking after them. GEORDIE CAVALIERS!!!!!

[@whatyeonaboot]

The nursing home use to house students in the 90s, then asylum seekers. Great message Eddie to all of us regarding litter. Dont complain, just pick it up. Make the north east beautiful again

[@hobbyengineer1617]

Westgate Road was bikers paradise in the 70's and 80's. Harry Woods and Kens were firm favourites.

[@ianbarnes8593]

I bought a Suzuki GT250 from Kens in ‘74, and a GT380 a year later after passing my test. How I didn’t end up killing myself on one them is beyond me.

[@UnleadedApe]

I love this part of town for food shopping and takeaways. There is too much rubbish around the area which brings it down. The area feels rough and deprived but me and my family have never had any problems when visiting. Great video thanks 🙏

[@kevintodd6150]

Hi Eddie, My first job as an apprentice painter and decorator in 1968 was at the Nurses Home on West Road. I can confirm that there is (was)? a tunnel from the home to the General Hospital! What a shame to see the state of the Nurses home now 🙁

[@lindamcharie1264]

It is l was up there a few weeks ago...the nurses home is a beautiful old building gone to wreck and ruin..smashed windows..these older properties were built to last..now have been desecrated by mindless vandalism..

[@ne16region63]

I remember my dad taking me to the bike shops when I was a kid. Used to love it, the street was always full of life and the cafes always full. Looking at it now it’s such a shame that it’s become what it has.

[@Flukey_1970]

Great stuff, Westgate Rd was always the centre of the local motorbike world to me as you say sadly most of the bike shops have gone and moved to different locations around the city Saturday afternoons are not the same now up the hill now. yes I used to go to the bowling ally back in the 90s.

[@FlorenceScott-d4u]

Elswick & top end of Westgate Rd we're always poor. I grew up in Elswick so I know the area well. Used to go to Westgate Hill School. Sad to see it rundown. We were poor but the back lanes were spotless as well as the Streets.

[@psmith77271]

Need to call it Newcas-halal nowadays 😂😂

[@EpicAelflaed]

That’s our corrupt evil government for you

[@lesallen643]

😂😂😂😂

[@PodOfHeat]

To be fair to the council, they do try. They're just not equipped for the massive job of constantly clearing up after people who refuse to use bins or go to the tip. I travelled on the top of a bus to West Denton on a Saturday afternoon a few years back down the West Road and the place was like an open rubbish tip. Cans, wrappers and just all kinds of rubbish and litter EVERYWHERE. I saw people just dropping their refuse when there was a bin 10 feet away. Anyway I got the bus back to town the next morning and the place was immaculate. Someone (presuming it was the council) had been out and cleaned up all the mess. Must be a thankless and frustrating task for the workers, not to mention a huge and unnessesary drain on funds. A quick glance down the back streets and it was still filthy with rubbish mind. Such a shame as there's some lovely big old houses on those surrounding streets and the area could be quite desirable if not for the constant dumping of rubbish.

[@TynesideLife]

To clarify, I’m not taking a pop at the council, I’m criticising individuals who litter. I litter pick every day (as a lone volunteer) and see it as a responsibility on all of us to keep our communities tidy

[@whatyeonaboot]

@@PodOfHeat some of those homes were going for 15k not so long ago

[@whatyeonaboot]

@@TynesideLife well done m8, it's an easy job and quite satisfying

[@lindamcharie1264]

​@@TynesideLifethat's very true what you say...there are some beautiful houses in that area...but some people have no respect for the areas they live in and the ones that do have to suffer because of it...to me its grosley unfair and sad...

[@sicks6six]

The council should not have to clean up people's garbage they put in the streets. A few years ago I was driving along past the General hospital and a guy was taking a dump in the street at 7am. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. When I got to work other people said they saw him as well.. Why should a council worker have to clean that up..

[@martylawrance]

The Bodega used to be the Black Bull, had one of my first pints in there round about 1970. It was rough as owt, but not as bad as the Star just along the road

[@Rich.H68]

Grim looking place

[@DGardener-pu9kz]

IS THERE ANY WAY BACK FROM THIS DECLINE ?

[@JET_60]

Nope!

[@worldofwarcraftnoob254]

The state of that former nurses' accommodation made me feel so sad. Such a beautiful building, what a waste :( On the upside it's good to see people buying fruit and veg!

[@thegrumpyguy1043]

The nurses home, bowling alley, police station, all my childhood memories of that part changed. And them the General, where I and my two younger brothers were born. However, times change, things move on and us old farts just have to hope it ends up being for the better.

[@pulsenation]

Well, from what you see Eddie it’s not exactly integration, more like segregation. Suella Brevermen said it herself, multiculturalism doesn’t work. 😢

[@EpicAelflaed]

The next town to me is now practically an Islamic town. It’s got three Islamic centres and numerous mosques. Some are huge and the latest one cost millions. If you were to walk there, you would be forgiven if you thought you were in Pakistan. I’d say the immigrant population over the last three years has been so much that it doesn’t feel British in most parts of the town. They are a segregated community from English people. There is no integration with British culture. I’ll give it 5-10 years and the whole area will be muslim

[@royfontaine5526]

Import the third world...

[@petertaylor3446]

Used to work there about 15 year ago it was a relatively busy place, I went through about a year back and it was filthy, rubbish blowing all over the place they've got no respect for their surroundings, sad to see the change in a few short years

[@Lisa-Peter7875]

​@@EpicAelflaedsame in most places now. Everywhere starting to look like a 3rd world.

[@EpicAelflaed]

@@Lisa-Peter7875 It’s likely the same near you? I’m fighting back against it - London July 27th and voting reform. We have found out that over one million immigrants in England are illegal. How on earth can that happen?

[@peterchapman9076]

thing is ...what has happened to Westgate is coming for your neighbourhood soon. vote Labour and be grateful to be vibrant and diverse

[@georgedykes1033]

Vote Labour and loose your pension.

[@dneshkp8631]

Thanks Eddie for a trip down memory lane. I left the area in 1995, but it is where I grew up. Yes it has gone totally downhill, but take Hutchinsons (or Beverly’s as it was in the 70’s to 80’s) this was only a typical small shop only to expand and open up on both sides of Stanhope Street. Those were the days.

[@MyrishaEatsLife]

I’m from fenham/cowgate area, all my family is from there. When I was a child (many moons ago) the place was lovely but now not so much it’s gone down hill.

[@royfontaine5526]

I wonder why...

[@LAMF24]

After many years absence, I became a regular user of the Nos. 40 and 39 buses. Absolutely shocked at the negative change.

[@davidsingh8958]

My beloved area great in the day now more like Egypt Morocco Tunisia Albania and the rest hardly any locals around sad very sad.

[@davidsingh8958]

Walked doon the road inta toon at st James great vibes back in the day supermac

[@da90sReAlvloc]

Good video Eddie my mam used to live in arthurs hill way back in the day, Good video 👍

[@RushfanUK]

I remember when the barber shop across from Pink Lane was McKay Music, bought my first Fender Telecaster from there in 1979, The Bodega is a long favoured haunt as well starting around 1980 when if I remember right it was called the Black Bull, Durham Ox was a regular back then along with The City Tavern, Haymarket, Farmers Rest, Percy and the Jubilee, it's changed a lot since those days, the biggest shocker for me was seeing the big hole in the ground that used to be the Mayfair.

[@karinanderson116]

Haven’t been for over 20 years, memories of watching the bikes flying up and down the street lots of activity vibrant and fun. It will take one brave local investor to move in and open up an old style bike shop to turn the place around - build it and they will come !!!

[@blackadder1966]

The general hospital had nurses' accommodation just across the road. Nurses lived in it no dramas, I visited a few times. In later years it was renovated and converted into accommodation for asylum seekers. It was set on fire apparently it wasn't good enough. Yet nurses didn't do that pre renovation.

[@martingreen331]

Another great video Eddy in the 1980s I worked at 16 Westgate Road which was the gingerbread single parents Centre. There were loads of motorcycle shops all the way down Westgate Road and also loads of cafés. It was a bit of a shock for a lad from Morpeth. lol

[@chriscoombe9230]

The tunnel from the Nurse's accomodation was real. An old nurse colleague of mine was resident there when she done her training in the 1980's. Also in the petrol station at the end of the video there's a tiny mound of Hadrian's wall next to the Air Machine, very easy to miss! Great Video!

[@TynesideLife]

Ahh bugger I missed that

[@chriscoombe9230]

@@TynesideLife I'm wrong - It's the Esso garage further up towards the A1 at Denton Burn. www.google.com/maps/place/Gulf+Westgate+Service+Station/@54.9827205,-1.6852054,3a,32.9y,264.1h,81.82t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1stKOVfQOU-3rZZMK9VPUb9Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m16!1m8!3m7!1s0x487e7715ab37a6ef:0xf3e4494a9e01ab26!2sGulf+Westgate+Service+Station!8m2!3d54.975034!4d-1.651096!10e5!16s%2Fg%2F11h7s47nvj!3m6!1s0x487e7715ab37a6ef:0xf3e4494a9e01ab26!8m2!3d54.975034!4d-1.651096!10e5!16s%2Fg%2F11h7s47nvj?coh=205409&entry=ttu

[@pandadardar]

Thanks for covering this one, Eddie. Spent my teenage days as an immigrant living in the West End and so much has changed in the past 20 years. The Beacon you passed there used to be a fire station by the way.

[@MarkWeir-cr5tk]

Great video Eddy, spent many a Saturday on Westgate Hill on a multitude of bikes. Certainly this part of Newcastle in need of regeneration like other parts of Newcastle

[@HouseOldSkoolRaver]

We are being wiped out.

[@martylawrance]

Got to say Eddie, I'm very impressed. Most people confuse Westgate Rd with the West Rd. but you got where one ends and the other starts bang on. 😀

[@TynesideLife]

😅👊🏻

[@LeeStewart]

Many years ago I was a Local Heroes volunteer during the summer at the Leisure Centre on Westgate Road. Helping kids do activities, get exercise and giving their parents a break. Kids today don’t have a lot to do except for staying indoors playing computer games, which isn’t healthy.

[@ih8utoob51]

Bought my first bike on westgate road circa 84

[@christopherkerrigan9225]

Great video never been up there in years good to see the place again

[@petehandrick9408]

Great video Eddie . I always say i am an exciled Geordie . I was born in 1963 and moved down here to Doncaster around 1970 , keep coming back for football and visit family. These vids i love as they educate me and no doubt many others. I dont wish to get embroiled in Mulitcultural element as i was brought up with my fathers words " there is good and bad of everybody and good and bad of everywhere" . My word Doncaster hated us when we arrived as part of the Mining exodus from the North East in late 60;s ( dont worry we widened the Gene pool now ) 🤔

[@TynesideLife]

😃

[@leenattrass]

Spot on Eddie, never voted Tory in my life, but the 1997 Labour win was a big mistake for us all. Laziness was encouraged and the gates were opened wide. I wasn’t old enough to vote then but coming from a traditional Labour seat, I’d of probably fell into the same trap.

[@gordy3714]

Bottom of Westgate Road was the ABC cinema. Over the road was the Kard Bar which burned to the ground a few years back. Who runs Eric's Tattoo shop now. 🤔

[@gordy3714]

As far as I know Eric went to Denmark in the late 80s and his brother took it over. As far as I know he still has it 35 years ago.

[@SurfandTurfJay]

Been watching a few of ya vids and loving them. Not originally from Ncl or UK but spent 30 yrs there and brings back lots of good memories. Love your attitude so thanks 👍🏻😃

[@bonjovi7399]

You can see where the council tax money goes. Gosforth, Jesmond and even Wallsend high street. Lots of bins, always being emptied. They even have street sweepers on patrol to clear up the mess. Even in Wallsend high street. Then go to Benwell, or Westgate road etc and the council tax does not flow there. There's a park in Walker that has barely any bins for kids to put rubbish in, no seats, no flowers. Go to the Gosforth Park and bins every few steps, always being emptied. Plenty of flowers planted. It's the councils at fault. The money flows in one direction, and it's back to the rich. The council doesn't care about your skin colour. They care how rich you are. Jesmond and Gosforth cannot be generating more council tax than other areas. The houses(mansions) are too far spread compared to more squashed housing, and higher population of other areas. So why does the money flow back up to the rich again?

[@daschunddad9582]

As somebody who hasn't been home for 10 years it is very depressing to see how far Newcastle has gone downhill. The Tory's have ruined our great city!

[@HugoHome67]

I think you'll find it's Labour that have ruined the city , it's been a Labour run council for more years that I can remember. They'll build cycle lanes and CAZ instead of facing the real problems the city faces .

[@jmz1892]

Blair opened the door 👍

[@richardsales6996]

Hi Eddy yes my mother used to work in the general hospital in the 70s and I think she did say there was a body chute that went under west gate Rd from the hospital to angel heights .very interesting well done Eddy

[@musicgarryj]

In the 70s Westgate Road used to be well known for its second hand musical instrument shops. All gone now sadly.

[@TynesideLife]

Never knew that

[@65Lynchy]

Yeah regular Saturday trip over on bus from Carlisle to window shop 😂

[@H4WK6969]

Todays local headlines in Newcastle: "Disgusting state of Newcastle West End back lanes leaves locals embarrassed by their streets" I wouldnt dare eat anything from a shop in that area but most of the locals seem to feel at home surrounded by garbage.

[@TynesideLife]

I’m doing a video on this tomorrow

[@ViDEODECCA]

The UK currently has approximately 9,500,000 people classed as "economically inactive" - i.e. not working. Yes, there will be some of them who have very good reasons not to work. However, way, way too many of them have made it a lifestyle choice. These are the people who should be working in our care systems & the NHS. We should not be importing hundreds of thousands of people to do this for us. It ruins the countries they leave (by brain-drain) and also has negative impacts on communities in the UK. In addition, the average number of dependents arriving with every one NHS worker is eight people. One step forward, 7 steps back...

[@TynesideLife]

Unfortunately, the vast majority of those economically inactive are white British and I touch on this on the video

[@simonanderson6845]

Brilliant videos , I'm not far from those neck of the woods little further along , Broom ridge ave there's a roman temple ,then a little further along denhill park there's vallum crossing , I'm pretty sure a while back on the west road they were doing works on the water and they discovered parts of the roman wall

[@badofcheese]

Just to offer a different perspective, when I first moved to Newcastle from further up the Tyne Valley as an 18 year old, I spent a few years living in Arthur’s Hill and really loved it. Amazing food and takeaways for one thing! I know a lot people don’t like the changing demographics of areas in some cities and it’s easy to throw out a lot of reasons for why that might be but in my experience, everyone was friendly, helpful and caring when I lived in that area. I never experienced any issues. Though sadly saw people being racially abused fairly routinely. I think the other thing that is overlooked is that people from different ethic backgrounds tend to be very concentrated in specific areas. Newcastle isn’t a particularly diverse city. Over 80% of its inhabitants are white. Anyway, just a different take. I loved my time there. Good and bad people everywhere.

[@TynesideLife]

I’d just say that highlighting the friendliness of the people isn’t a different take on the theme of the video or what I show. Great message though 👍🏻

[@badofcheese]

@@TynesideLife It was directed more at commenters than the video itself, which I very much enjoyed.

[@emilyrose2444]

If you want to shop for groceries the west end is the place to be! Spices and fresh fruit & veg are all better quality and you get much more for your money. Halal butchers are always great value and you get to see and try things you normally wouldn’t. It takes all sorts to make a world so go explore it if you haven’t already, great vid!

[@Cliveofindia1985]

Eddy I was at at a curry shop on Stanhope street other day Absolutely, stunning and lovely food.Lovely people very welcome.What a brilliant little street thriving

[@itmatterednot]

Lived on Beaconsfield Road as a student around 2012. Jeez, it looks like the area has gone really downhill since. Shame.

[@Zharkov1969A]

I used to live in the Fenham/Arthurs Hill area in the early 90s as a student. I remember it fondly although it was a very long walk to the nearest pub! Unlike all my other mates we didn’t get burgled.

[@alancurry4161]

Love these videos as it keeps exiled Geordies like me up to date on forgotten landmarks

[@fatherted9331]

What do we pay these councillors for they should have a tour every week and get the bin men and workers out to clean it up disgusting place half the people can't speak English

[@TynesideLife]

Why don’t people put their own effin rubbish in the bin, rather than expecting the government to constantly wipe our backsides?

[@da90sReAlvloc]

​@@TynesideLifevery true Eddie if we make the mess we should pick it up 👍

[@davymedd753]

Another interesting one Eddie, well done my friend 👍

[@pablostokes]

We all know why but we to polite to say it, my grandfather would turn in his grave😢 what will great Britain be like in 30 years time? Not great Britain that's for sure.........

[@markyy3590]

It's not great now. If I had the money I'd bugger off and live in Spain

[@JD-lp5rw]

Look at Bangladesh, Afghanistan or Somalia. Exactly like that. Civilised people will flee.

[@rich_devoto]

Dead god. Off you go then, but make sure you're welcome as a migrant 😅

[@gmailalt6928]

@@markyy3590Ironic.

[@gordonblench1194]

We are virtually a third world country now.

[@CowDaily]

I'll be straight up with you, i looked at the thumbnail and braced myself. I thought this was going to be a bit racist but you arent like that at all. I judged you before taking the time to see what you are about. I'm pleased i pressed play, you have a new subscriber and there's a lesson for me there. I'm looking forward to finding out more about your channel and seeing our area through your eyes.

[@TynesideLife]

Thank you 🙏 👊🏻👍🏻☝️

[@bonjovi7399]

Nice restaurants up Arthurs & Upper West Road. Massive plates of food for good prices. You walk out stuffed and it tastes delish. The community there does shop local. It'd probably be cheaper for them to go to LIDL, but they get most of their food from the local shops in the community. That's why you see lots of fresh food outside of the shops. British corner shops have died off.

[@Bloomazz]

You should have a look at the Lit and Phil, I assume they'd let you make a video. (Or maybe you've already done a video). It's the largest private library outside of London in the UK. A really lovely building with some great history. A teacher at college took us there and it was great

[@TynesideLife]

A very interesting and fascinating place. I’ve been in and love it. A video however is just a bit too niche for my audience unfortunately

[@SimonNeilScott]

I can highly recommend the Moulin Rouge cafe! Good people, food, prices and big portions. It's a shame the Westgate Hall wasn't mentioned, as a listed historical building. But I might be a bit biased as a member of the Church.

[@mightay6672]

Loved that quote ..know their rights but not their responsibility ❤

[@mickgarbutt3553]

"The Hill" on Westgate Road used to be a mecca for bikers from the 1970's up to the 2000's. So sad to see the state of it now. Unfortunately it's indicative of the entire country as it has been betrayed by successive self-serving politicians.

[@miwork7434]

11:00 Fantastic analysis, Eddie! While opinions may vary, it's clear that we British have grown comfortable with the current situation, often finding reasons not to pursue new opportunities with poor excuses. However, the British people have great potential and can achieve much more if they choose to. Opening shops in prime locations like the West End is entirely possible with determination and effort. It's important to remember that many people from different cultures who have come here contribute significantly to our economy through their hard work. Let's not allow negative rhetoric to influence us. Instead, let's embrace diversity and strive to make a positive impact in our community.

[@TynesideLife]

Definitely ☝️👊🏻👍🏻

[@ianwright5281]

Hope you do a follow up and continue up the west road to the A1. Class as always 👍

[@michaelhenderson5282]

HI Eddie great work however when you showed the black swan i thought you were going to show the remains of the mile castle that stood in the court yard there

[@TynesideLife]

I should have!

[@cherryade99]

I really enjoy your video's (even though im a mackem) ha! I'd like to see you make one about Princess Mary's hospital that used to be in jesmond. I was born there and i know its been converted into really posh flats. I think it would be an interesting subject. A lot of people from the North East were born there. Thanks.

[@Chieftracyhorse]

🙋🏻‍♀️ I was born there! The rest of my family are from Northumberland. I joke that I’m the only ‘real’ Geordie in the family!😉

[@freddiechambers7820]

Great video mate

[@glennmclackland1888]

Hi, great video as usual, but no mention of 190 westgate rd ? It next to the motorbike shops??

[@angelas4814]

I worked at the General in the 70's before I did my nurse training. Many family members had treatment there, it was a lovely hospital. That derelict building that was a nurses residence and yes there was a tunnel connected to the hospital.

[@TunaCrunch]

I used to live in wingrove eddie, used to have a walk down your exact tour every friday night, was very enjoyable with plenty variation

[@ValderiValdera]

One historic area you could've mentioned, Summerhill, just behind some of the bike shops on the south side of Westgate Rd. Keep up the good work trying to educate and inform 👏🏻

[@lindamcharie1264]

Yes summer hill...it's a complete contrast a couple of minutes off the west road... beautiful georgeon houses all well kept...it's a different world..

[@JoWatson-wb1hd]

Eddie, It's true there is a tunnel under Westgate Road from Angel Heights to the old General Hospital my mam used it when she was a student nurse in the 1960's

[@TynesideLife]

Amazing. Would love to go down there

[@carlmayne3519]

@@TynesideLife Its all flooded out, we used to run through it from school in the late 80's .. hospital side was buried but i think you can still get in from the old nurses home :D

[@michaelj3282]

Is Mr. Ramen's still there the zip repairer? "Beside the motorcycle shops" on Metro radio 80s/90s.

[@stevenlewis1708]

I get nostalgic to see the places i once knew growing up through the years, wish i could say the areas look better but if anything its looking really dismayal these days, still it was good viewing and Im sure many would agree we appreciate you taking the time and affort to upload the videos!

[@grandadsallotmentgarden8295]

Hi eddy I used to work out of the St John ambulance building next to the beacon it was the royal marine ta Center before St John took it over the beacon was the sister of west Road fire station and yes angel heights did have a tunnel to the general hospital as it was nurses accommodation hence the name great set of vids coming out at the moment cheers neil

[@GEORDIEASH]

If u ever get the chance, the gosforth area has lots of lovely buildings and an interesting history x ❤

[@royfontaine5526]

Do you wonder why, at all?

[@vauxbullgaming2952]

Old Assembly Rooms is now a wedding and events venue, not long been in and been working with them with there fire safety equipment and plan going forward

[@shaunbrennan5882]

Nice one Eddie I enjoyed that. Got my first tattoo at the tattooist you showed......used to bowl regularly opposite the hospital.....what happened to the General? I was born there/ patched up after accidents there aswell. Stanhope street was a dump when i was young back in the 80s. Westgate was miles better at the time

[@MichaelDJackson1958]

Hi Eddie ...it's mj big fan of your channel... Really really do love these videos that you go in depth around areas of the northeast.... Please carry on with them... I really wish I could see one of walker... I think I asked you about this in an email.... Cos you know that day demolished the flats that were down there I think they're called walker House ... The regenerating the area I think the building houses .... I still think they're in the process of taking the second tower down but I think it's going to be actually blown up like a control demolition. .. Original reason why I was commenting is the bowling alley in this video I remember going in there back when I was a little lad with school ... Memories 😢 . .😊👍🏻⚫⚪

[@TynesideLife]

Hi MJ, thank you. Walker is definitely on my list 👍🏻

[@MichaelDJackson1958]

@@TynesideLife well that's amazing to hear Eddie ... I think you'll be interested about the towers but probably by the time you get down there the other one might have been torn down. .. the dead manually take the other one down with a grabber like a big industrial machine but there's word that they are gonna blow the other one up obviously in a controlled manner. ..lol .. but yeah it's my old stomping ground as a child... I lived on chatHill terrace ... And you'll have a park down there called walker park That's been changed a lot in the years... Just had a facelift... But you're probably see as in the latest video about the West End there's a lot of rundown end in walker ... Sad to say... But I guess that's how things are in the most secluded areas away from the city centre