This promotional film produced by Jay Productions looks at how ‘City Challenge’ funding will improve both investment in business as well as the conditions of those who live in the North Tyneside area between the towns of Wallsend and North Shields. The film shows many of those who are involved and support the scheme which will regenerate the area for the future. Title: Widening Horizons – North Tyneside City Challenge The film begins with a view St Mary’s Lighthouse, just off the coast at...

This promotional film produced by Jay Productions looks at how ‘City Challenge’ funding will improve both investment in business as well as the conditions of those who live in the North Tyneside area between the towns of Wallsend and North Shields. The film shows many of those who are involved and support the scheme which will regenerate the area for the future. Title: Widening Horizons – North Tyneside City Challenge The film begins with a view St Mary’s Lighthouse, just off the coast at Whitley Bay in North Tyneside north of Newcastle, followed by a view of the ruins of Tynemouth Priory, retail developments, fishing and industrial areas. The area at the centre of the city challenge is highlighted on a map of an area north of the river Tyne, between Wallsend and North Shields with coloured sections showing town centres, housing estates, and industrial areas. Also taking note of areas of decline and those for potential growth. 36,000 residents in the area have to face difficulties living in the City Challenge area. Title: School children receiving free meals 40% Title: Property Crimes 134 Per 1000 population Title: Unemployment 40% in some areas Title: Households Without A Car 72% Title: Shorter Life Expectancy The towns west and east of the designated area Wallsend and North Shield were built on maritime industries, which now only provides a fraction of work. Howdon has poor recorded health. Meadowell has severe deprivation problems which manifested itself in the 1991 riots.A view of the A19 route which runs through the “Challenge” area shows a number of hoardings with land for sale for industrial development. This area will be the focus for investment that will generate jobs. Title: Training – Housing - Health – Environment An aerial view of a steam railway follows. This the North Tyneside Stephenson Railway a partner in the City challenge scheme. A close view of the railway platform signboard shows a sign which reads ‘Granted Aid By North Tyneside Council’. Passengers in one of the railway carriages are part of a preparation team. Title: David Clouston – Managing Director – Silverlink Properties Limited He lists the areas they will pass on the train journey which will benefit from city challenge investment which will in turn generate jobs. Another passenger also speaks about the investment. Title: John Scally – Director of Development – Tyne & Wear Development Corporation Another representative speaks off camera about partnership opportunities with businesses and local people. Title: Tony Jamieson – Chief Executive – North Tyneside Health Authority The train passes by the Freudenberg Angus LP factory and the train moves along the line. An aerial view follows of North Tyneside college. From a college computer suite vice principal Paul Harvey talks of his role in the City Challenge, in creating a closer working relationship with education and industry Title: Paul Harvey – Vice Principal – North Tyneside College Title: Melanie Robson – Trainee – North Tyneside College Melanie outlines the training opportunity she received from her employer in conjunction with the college. Outdoors conservation volunteers work on clearing a local stream in Wallsend Dene of debris and rubbish, to improve the environment for wildlife and general access, all aided by funds from City Challenge. David Mitchell briefly outlines the project Title: David Mitchell – Countryside Site Officer The commentary touches on the City challenge project forging partnerships for housing. Title: Bob Lawrence – Economic Development Officer On location he talks of improving the heart of North Shields town centre creating a link between the town and the riverside to bring prosperity to the town. Title: David Southern – North Shields Chamber of Commerce. David supports North Tyneside’s development plan for Union Square in North Shields. Title: Euan Cresswell – Regional Director – Wimpey Homes He talks from a builder’s perspective about the future of Union Square, and how it fits in with development on the Royal Quays scheme by Tyne and Wear development corporation. Aerial footage over the Meadowell estate shows houses with stripped roofs and some with fire damage, probably due to the riots of 1991.The film shows a meeting of the Meadowell Initiative. Title: Margaret Nolan – Meadowell resident Margaret explains the initiative as a meeting with residents and various agencies to revitalise the estate. Over views of a new modern apartments, the commentary outlines the achievements of the City Challenge project in its first five years. Title: Widening Horizons – North Tyneside City Challenge. Credit: North Tyneside Council and the “City Challenge” Bid Preparation Team wish to express their thanks for the support received from the Tyne and Wear Development Corporation. End credit: Jay Productions © Jay Productions 1992