Newcastle clash over protests, pigeons and Christmas market stalls

Council bosses were urged this week to ensure greater protection for the war memorial on Old Eldon Square, Newcastle.

At a full council meeting, independent councillor Lawrence Hunter criticised campaigners protesting against the Iranian regime for staging a demonstration around the memorial in June.

The Chapel ward councillor, who is an Armed Forces veteran, said he agreed with their cause and their right to freedom of speech – but that surrounding the memorial with placards and flags had been “an insult to the men and women who have given their lives in the Great and Second World War, and all other conflicts since”.

Coun Hunter also criticised the placing of Christmas market attractions around the memorial, saying it showed a “lack of respect”, and said that the large number of pigeons found on Old Eldon Square were a “huge nuisance and cause a lot of damage” with their droppings.

He proposed a motion at a meeting last week, seconded by Reform UK’s Russ Lawler, to call for Newcastle City Council to refuse permission for any hoardings be placed around the memorial and from people to be banned from feeding pigeons in the square. 

However, Green councillor Andrew Gray defended people’s right to protest and said that the memorial is a reminder of the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure future generations could enjoy such freedoms.

Coun Gray, who represents Heaton, said: “It is entirely fitting that those who campaign for justice and peace or for democracy and human rights, within our own and other countries, should be able to use the memorial and its surroundings to exercise those rights. 

“Respectfully, of course, but the right to protest respectfully has been hard won by those who fought in multiple world wars.”

He added: “We agree that excess commercialisation of the space around the memorial can detract from its value, and have preserved this concern within our amendment.

“But commercial endeavour has always been at the heart of our city, and we should not attempt to forbid it in a misguided attempt to protect a memorial that commemorates those who gave their lives so that future generations could enjoy the benefits of democracy and justice.”

The war memorial in Old Eldon Square was unveiled in 1923 by Field Marshal Earl Haig and dedicated by the Bishop of Newcastle. 

Green and Lib Dem councillors voted together to approve an amended motion, resolving to “preserve and protect the memorial and the space surrounding it for public education and enjoyment” and to erect signage asking people not to feed the pigeons.

The council also voteday to support the Royal British Legion’s ‘Keep the Covenant Promise’ campaign.

The charity has called on ministers to ensure that the covenant duty, which promises fair treatment for past and present service personnel and their families, is delivered consistently, funded adequately, and thoroughly monitored.