Equal Opportunities In Gateshead

Ruby lives with her mum, dad and baby brother in the last remaining occupied home in Armstrong Street. Around three quarters of the street has been demolished and half has been grassed over by the planning experts at Gateshead Council.

Ruby's brother, despite being a young child, has been in the firing line of clouds of lime dust produced by the demolition. The only protection for Ruby, her family and other members of the public is a thin wire fence.






This photo was taken in Ruby's street. The two large skips in the background are marked "asbestos only" and "flammable". Not the sort of thing you would want some 50 metres from your front door. The demolition site is regularly raided by criminals at night looking for scrap metal and any valuables.

We found out about Ruby's worries from her friends at nursery school. Demolition and children's fears are now being discussed among the under-5s in Saltwell and Bensham.

One thing Gateshead Council can't be criticised for is it's equality policy. It demolishes the homes of the poor, old, disabled and pre-school children with equal neglect of their health and safety.