Push for the public to have a say in life after the flyover

Once the flyover is gone, it's hoped to build a neighbourhood in the centre of Gateshead

- AUSTEN SHAKESPEARE

REGENERATION plans following the demolition of Gateshead's flyover should be the subject of a public competition, say local Lib Dem councillors.

Thursday's full council meeting at Gateshead Civic Centre saw opposition Liberal Democrat councillors push for a designs contest for the space left once the doomed flyover is flattened.

The local authority has already earmarked the site, dubbed The Boulevard, for major redevelopment, including thousands of new homes.

Coun Ron Beadle said: "This is to make a virtue out of necessity, the necessity is the demolition of the flyover. The potential virtue is what that opens up for us and I think we are all agreed on this.